US7021710B2 — Juvenile vehicle seat with movable headrest

Claim 1

Independent Claim 197 words

A juvenile seat comprising a base including a bottom seat portion, a lower back section coupled to the base and positioned to lie at an angle relative to the bottom seat portion, the lower back section including a body including a body planar front surface and an outer rim extending around the body planar front surface, the outer rim including oppositely facing side rails arranged to lie in spaced-apart relation to one another to define a width of the lower back section, and a headrest coupled to the oppositely facing side rails included in the outer rim of the lower back section to extend across the entire width of the lower back section for up-and-down movement relative to the base and the lower back section, the headrest including a headrest planar front surface, wherein the headrest is positioned forward of the body planar front surface of the lower back section, and further wherein an offset distance between the body planar front surface of the lower back section and the headrest planar front surface is less than approximately 0.375 inch (9.53 mm) in order to provide a smooth and continuous back rest surface for the juvenile seated therein.

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 197 words

A juvenile seat comprising a base including a bottom seat portion, a lower back section coupled to the base and positioned to lie at an angle relative to the bottom seat portion, the lower back section including a body including a body planar front surface and an outer rim extending around the body planar front surface, the outer rim including oppositely facing side rails arranged to lie in spaced-apart relation to one another to define a width of the lower back section, and a headrest coupled to the oppositely facing side rails included in the outer rim of the lower back section to extend across the entire width of the lower back section for up-and-down movement relative to the base and the lower back section, the headrest including a headrest planar front surface, wherein the headrest is positioned forward of the body planar front surface of the lower back section, and further wherein an offset distance between the body planar front surface of the lower back section and the headrest planar front surface is less than approximately 0.375 inch (9.53 mm) in order to provide a smooth and continuous back rest surface for the juvenile seated therein.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 17 words

The juvenile seat of claim 1 , wherein the offset distance is approximately 0.120 inch (3.05 mm).

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 36 words

The juvenile seat of claim 1 , further comprising alignment means for maintaining alignment between the headrest and the lower back section as the headrest is moved upwardly and downwardly relative to the lower back section.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 28 words

The juvenile seat of claim 1 , wherein the headrest further includes a planar rear surface engaged with the body planar front surface of the lower back section.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 36 words

The juvenile seat of claim 4 , wherein the headrest planar front surface and the body planar front surface cooperate to define a seat back of the juvenile seat adapted to support a juvenile's back thereon.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 86 words

The juvenile seat of claim 4 , wherein the headrest further includes a back plate formed to define the headrest planar front surface, a top wall coupled to the back plate, and first and second side walls each coupled to the back plate and the top wall, and wherein a rear planar surface of the back plate, the top wall, and the first and second side walls of the headrest cooperate to define an area formed to receive a portion of the lower back section therein.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 87 words

The juvenile seat of claim 6 , wherein the lower back section includes a planar wall formed to define the body planar front surface, and a top wall included in the outer rim and coupled to the planar wall, wherein each of the first and second side rails are coupled to the top wall and the planar wall, and wherein the first and second side rails of the outer rim of the lower back section are positioned between the first and second side walls of the headrest.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 89 words

The juvenile seat of claim 6 , further comprising a height-adjustment mechanism formed to adjust a height of the headrest above the bottom seat portion of the base relative to the lower back section and including an actuator movable between a locked position to prevent the headrest from moving relative to the lower back section and an unlocked position to permit the headrest to move relative to the lower back section, and wherein the actuator is coupled to one of the first and second side walls of the headrest.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 90 words

The juvenile seat of claim 1 , wherein the headrest includes a first side wall and a second side wall spaced-apart from the first side wall and the lower back section includes a first side rail and a second side rail, and wherein the first side wall of the headrest and the first side rail of the lower back section are slidably engaged with each other and the second side wall of the headrest and the second side rail of the lower back section are slidably engaged with each other.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 59 words

The juvenile seat of claim 9 , further comprising a height-adjustment mechanism for adjusting a height of the headrest above the bottom seat portion including a first actuator coupled to the first side wall of the headrest and a second actuator coupled to the second side wall of the headrest to provide for side operation of the height-adjustment mechanism.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 97 words

The juvenile seat of claim 10 , wherein the height-adjustment mechanism further includes a plurality of vertically-spaced slots provided in the first and second side rails of the lower back section and a height-adjustment bar coupled to each of the first and second actuators and biased to be received within one or more of the vertically-spaced slots, and wherein the first and second actuators are each coupled to one of the height-adjustment bars to move the respective height-adjustment bar from a locked position received within the vertically-spaced slots to an unlocked position disengaged from the vertically-spaced slots.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 31 words

The juvenile seat of claim 1 , further comprising an anti-backout mechanism coupled to the headrest to limit a height of the headrest above the bottom seat portion of the base.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 39 words

The juvenile seat of claim 12 , further including a height-adjustment mechanism arranged to adjust a height of the headrest above the bottom seat portion of the base and wherein the anti-backout mechanism is positioned above the height-adjustment mechanism.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 32 words

The juvenile seat of claim 12 , wherein the anti-backout mechanism includes a stopper coupled to a side wall of the headrest to engage a top wall of the lower back section.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 54 words

The juvenile seat of claim 14 , wherein the stopper of the anti-blackout mechanism is a first stopper coupled to a first side wall of the headrest and the anti-backout mechanism includes a second stopper coupled to a second side wall of the headrest to engage the top wall of the lower back section.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 278 words

A juvenile seat comprising a base including a bottom seat portion, a lower back section coupled to the base and positioned to lie at an angle relative to the bottom seat portion, the lower back section including a body planar front surface, a headrest coupled to the lower back section for up and down movement relative to the base and the lower back section, the headrest including a headrest planar front surface, wherein the headrest is positioned forward of the body planar front surface of the lower back section, and further wherein an offset distance between the planar front surface of the lower back section and the headrest planar front surface is less than approximately 0.375 inch (9.53 mm) in order to provide a smooth and continuous back rest surface for the juvenile seated therein, and alignment means for maintaining alignment between the headrest and the lower back section as the headrest is moved upwardly and downwardly relative to the lower back section, wherein the headrest further includes a back plate formed to define the headrest planar front surface and first and second side walls each coupled to the back plate and the lower back section includes a planar wall formed to define the body planar front surface and first and second side rails each coupled the planar wall, and wherein the alignment means includes a flange coupled to one of the first and second side walls of the headrest to provide a slot between the one of the first and second side walls and the flange such that one of the respective first and second side rails of the lower back section is received within the slot.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 278 words

A juvenile seat comprising a base including a bottom seat portion, a lower back section coupled to the base and positioned to lie at an angle relative to the bottom seat portion, the lower back section including a body planar front surface, a headrest coupled to the lower back section for up and down movement relative to the base and the lower back section, the headrest including a headrest planar front surface, wherein the headrest is positioned forward of the body planar front surface of the lower back section, and further wherein an offset distance between the planar front surface of the lower back section and the headrest planar front surface is less than approximately 0.375 inch (9.53 mm) in order to provide a smooth and continuous back rest surface for the juvenile seated therein, and alignment means for maintaining alignment between the headrest and the lower back section as the headrest is moved upwardly and downwardly relative to the lower back section, wherein the headrest further includes a back plate formed to define the headrest planar front surface and first and second side walls each coupled to the back plate and the lower back section includes a planar wall formed to define the body planar front surface and first and second side rails each coupled the planar wall, and wherein the alignment means includes a flange coupled to one of the first and second side walls of the headrest to provide a slot between the one of the first and second side walls and the flange such that one of the respective first and second side rails of the lower back section is received within the slot.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 69 words

The juvenile seat of claim 16 , wherein the flange is a first flange coupled to the first side wall of the headrest and the alignment means includes a second flange coupled to the second side wall of the headrest to provide a second slot between the second side wall and the second flange to receive a portion of the second side rail of the lower back section therein.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 78 words

The juvenile seat of claim 16 , wherein the flange is a first flange coupled to the first side wall of the headrest and the alignment means includes a second flange coupled to the first side wall of the headrest and position in spaced-apart relation to the first flange to provide a second slot between the first side wall and the second flange to receive a portion of the first side rail of the lower back section therein.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 310 words

A juvenile seat comprising a base including a bottom seat portion, a lower back section coupled to the base and positioned to lie at an angle relative to the bottom seat portion, the lower back section including a body planar front surface, a headrest coupled to the lower back section for up and down movement relative to the base and the lower back section, the headrest including a headrest planar front surface, wherein the headrest is positioned forward of the body planar front surface of the lower back section, and further wherein an offset distance between the body planar front surface of the lower back section and the headrest planar front surface is less than approximately 0.375 inch (9.53 mm) in order to provide a smooth and continuous back rest surface for the juvenile seated therein, and alignment means for maintaining alignment between the headrest and the lower back section as the headrest is moved upwardly and downwardly relative to the lower back section, wherein the alignment means includes a first flange coupled to the first side wall of the headrest to define a first slot between the first flange and the first side wall, a second flange coupled to the first side wall of the headrest to define a second slot between the second flange and the first side wall, a third flange coupled to the second side wall of the headrest to define a third slot between the third flange and the second side wall, and a fourth flange coupled to the second side wall of the headrest to define a fourth slot between the fourth flange and the second side wall, and wherein the first side rail of the lower back section is received within the first and second slots and the second side rail of the lower back section is received within third and fourth slots.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 310 words

A juvenile seat comprising a base including a bottom seat portion, a lower back section coupled to the base and positioned to lie at an angle relative to the bottom seat portion, the lower back section including a body planar front surface, a headrest coupled to the lower back section for up and down movement relative to the base and the lower back section, the headrest including a headrest planar front surface, wherein the headrest is positioned forward of the body planar front surface of the lower back section, and further wherein an offset distance between the body planar front surface of the lower back section and the headrest planar front surface is less than approximately 0.375 inch (9.53 mm) in order to provide a smooth and continuous back rest surface for the juvenile seated therein, and alignment means for maintaining alignment between the headrest and the lower back section as the headrest is moved upwardly and downwardly relative to the lower back section, wherein the alignment means includes a first flange coupled to the first side wall of the headrest to define a first slot between the first flange and the first side wall, a second flange coupled to the first side wall of the headrest to define a second slot between the second flange and the first side wall, a third flange coupled to the second side wall of the headrest to define a third slot between the third flange and the second side wall, and a fourth flange coupled to the second side wall of the headrest to define a fourth slot between the fourth flange and the second side wall, and wherein the first side rail of the lower back section is received within the first and second slots and the second side rail of the lower back section is received within third and fourth slots.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 249 words

A juvenile seat comprising a base including a bottom seat portion, a lower back section coupled to the base and positioned to lie at an angle relative to the bottom seat portion, the lower back section including a body planar front surface, a headrest coupled to the lower back section for up and down movement relative to the base and the lower back section, the headrest including a headrest planar front surface, wherein the headrest is positioned forward of the body planar front surface of the lower back section, and further wherein an offset distance between the body planar front surface of the lower back section and the headrest planar front surface is less than approximately 0.375 inch (9.53 mm) in order to provide a smooth and continuous back rest surface for the juvenile seated therein, and an anti-backout mechanism coupled to the headrest to limit a height of the headrest above the bottom seat portion of the base, wherein the anti-backout mechanism includes a stopper coupled to a side wall of the headrest to engage a top wall of the lower back section and wherein the stopper is a tab positioned at an angle relative to a vertical axis along the side wall, and wherein the tab is movable between an opened, angled position engageable with the top wall of the lower back section and a closed, vertical position adjacent with the side wall of the headrest to pass through a notch formed in the lower back section.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 249 words

A juvenile seat comprising a base including a bottom seat portion, a lower back section coupled to the base and positioned to lie at an angle relative to the bottom seat portion, the lower back section including a body planar front surface, a headrest coupled to the lower back section for up and down movement relative to the base and the lower back section, the headrest including a headrest planar front surface, wherein the headrest is positioned forward of the body planar front surface of the lower back section, and further wherein an offset distance between the body planar front surface of the lower back section and the headrest planar front surface is less than approximately 0.375 inch (9.53 mm) in order to provide a smooth and continuous back rest surface for the juvenile seated therein, and an anti-backout mechanism coupled to the headrest to limit a height of the headrest above the bottom seat portion of the base, wherein the anti-backout mechanism includes a stopper coupled to a side wall of the headrest to engage a top wall of the lower back section and wherein the stopper is a tab positioned at an angle relative to a vertical axis along the side wall, and wherein the tab is movable between an opened, angled position engageable with the top wall of the lower back section and a closed, vertical position adjacent with the side wall of the headrest to pass through a notch formed in the lower back section.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 56 words

The juvenile seat of claim 20 , wherein the anti-backout mechanism further includes a flange coupled to the side wall of the headrest, and wherein the flange is formed to define a channel for receiving a portion of a side rail of the lower back section therein, and wherein the stopper is coupled to the flange.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 200 words

A juvenile seat comprising a base including a bottom seat portion, a lower back section coupled to the base and positioned to lie at an angle relative to the bottom seat portion, the lower back section including a body planar front surface, and a headrest coupled to the lower back section for up and down movement relative to the base and the lower back section, the headrest including a headrest planar front surface, wherein the headrest is positioned forward of the body planar front surface of the lower back section, and further wherein an offset distance between the body planar front surface of the lower back section and the headrest planar front surface is less than approximately 0.375 inch (9.53 mm) in order to provide a smooth and continuous back rest surface for the juvenile seated therein, wherein the base includes first and second armrest mounts, the lower back section includes first and second armrest shells each formed to define a cavity therein, and wherein the cavity of each of the first and second armrest shells receives one of the first and second armrest mounts of the base therein in order to couple the lower back section to the base.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 200 words

A juvenile seat comprising a base including a bottom seat portion, a lower back section coupled to the base and positioned to lie at an angle relative to the bottom seat portion, the lower back section including a body planar front surface, and a headrest coupled to the lower back section for up and down movement relative to the base and the lower back section, the headrest including a headrest planar front surface, wherein the headrest is positioned forward of the body planar front surface of the lower back section, and further wherein an offset distance between the body planar front surface of the lower back section and the headrest planar front surface is less than approximately 0.375 inch (9.53 mm) in order to provide a smooth and continuous back rest surface for the juvenile seated therein, wherein the base includes first and second armrest mounts, the lower back section includes first and second armrest shells each formed to define a cavity therein, and wherein the cavity of each of the first and second armrest shells receives one of the first and second armrest mounts of the base therein in order to couple the lower back section to the base.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 33 words

The juvenile seat of claim 22 , wherein each armrest mount of the base and each corresponding armrest shell of the lower back section cooperate to define an armrest of the juvenile seat.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 78 words

The juvenile seat of claim 22 , wherein the base includes at least one aperture located between the armrest mounts and the lower back section includes at least one aperture located between the armrest shells to be aligned with the at least one aperture of the base, and wherein the at least one aperture of the base and the lower back section are formed to receive a fastener therein to couple the lower back section to the base.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 94 words

The juvenile seat of claim 22 , wherein the first and second armrest shells each include a top wall, a first side wall coupled to the top wall, a second side wall coupled to the top wall and spaced-apart from the first side wall, and an end wall coupled to the top wall and the first and second side walls, and the top wall, end wall, and first and second side walls cooperate to define the cavity formed to receive the portion of the respective first and second side walls of the base therein.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 62 words

The juvenile seat of claim 22 , wherein the base includes first and second side walls each forming one of the armrest mounts and each forming a notch therein adapted to receive a portion of a vehicle seat belt therethrough, and wherein each notch is formed between a front portion of each side wall and the armrest mount of each side wall.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 28 words

The juvenile seat of claim 26 , wherein each armrest mount of the base is coupled to a rearward portion of the bottom seat portion of the base.

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 57 words

The juvenile seat of claim 22 , wherein the lower back section further includes first and second side rails coupled to the planar body and wherein the first armrest shell is coupled to the first side rail of the planar body and the second armrest shell is coupled to the second side rail of the planar body.

Claim 34

Dependent Claim 99 words

The juvenile seat of claim 28 , further including a height-adjustment mechanism for raising and lowering a height of the headrest above the bottom seat portion including vertically-spaced slots provided in the first and second side rails of the lower back section and a height-adjustment bar movable between a locked position received within at least one of the vertically-spaced slots to prevent movement of the headrest relative to the base and the lower back section and an unlocked position disengaged from the vertically-spaced slots to permit movement of the headrest relative to the base and the lower back section.

Claim 35

Dependent Claim 130 words

A juvenile seat comprising a base including a bottom seat portion, a lower back section coupled to the base and positioned to lie at an angle relative to the bottom seat portion, a headrest coupled to the lower back section for up-and-down movement relative to the base and the lower back section to adjust a height of the headrest above the bottom seat portion of the base, and an anti-backout tab coupled to the headrest and movable about an axis between a first position arranged to engage a portion of the lower back section to block removal of the headrest from the lower back section and a second position arranged to disengage the portion of the lower back section to allow removal of the headrest from the lower back section.

Claim 36

Dependent Claim 130 words

A juvenile seat comprising a base including a bottom seat portion, a lower back section coupled to the base and positioned to lie at an angle relative to the bottom seat portion, a headrest coupled to the lower back section for up-and-down movement relative to the base and the lower back section to adjust a height of the headrest above the bottom seat portion of the base, and an anti-backout tab coupled to the headrest and movable about an axis between a first position arranged to engage a portion of the lower back section to block removal of the headrest from the lower back section and a second position arranged to disengage the portion of the lower back section to allow removal of the headrest from the lower back section.

Claim 37

Dependent Claim 36 words

The juvenile seat of claim 30 , further comprising a height-adjustment mechanism arranged to adjust a height of the headrest above the bottom seat portion and wherein the anti-backout mechanism is positioned above the height-adjustment mechanism.

Claim 38

Dependent Claim 32 words

The juvenile seat of claim 30 , wherein the anti-backout mechanism includes a stopper coupled to a side wall of the headrest to engage a top wall of the lower back section.

Claim 39

Dependent Claim 26 words

The juvenile seat of claim 32 , wherein the stopper is a tab positioned at an angle relative to a vertical axis along the side wall.

Claim 40

Dependent Claim 181 words

A juvenile seat comprising a base including a bottom seat portion, a lower back section coupled to the base and positioned to lie at an angle relative to the bottom seat portion, a headrest coupled to the lower back section for up-and-down movement relative to the base and the lower back section to adjust a height of the headrest above the bottom seat portion of the base, and an anti-backout mechanism coupled to the headrest to limit the height of the headrest above the bottom seat portion of the base, wherein the anti-backout mechanism includes a stopper coupled to a side wall of the headrest to engage a top wall of the lower back section, wherein the stopper is a tab positioned at an angle relative to a vertical axis along the side wall, and wherein the tab is arranged to move between an opened, angled position engageable with the top wall of the lower back section and a closed, vertical position adjacent with the side wall of the headrest to pass through a notch formed in the lower back section.

Claim 41

Dependent Claim 181 words

A juvenile seat comprising a base including a bottom seat portion, a lower back section coupled to the base and positioned to lie at an angle relative to the bottom seat portion, a headrest coupled to the lower back section for up-and-down movement relative to the base and the lower back section to adjust a height of the headrest above the bottom seat portion of the base, and an anti-backout mechanism coupled to the headrest to limit the height of the headrest above the bottom seat portion of the base, wherein the anti-backout mechanism includes a stopper coupled to a side wall of the headrest to engage a top wall of the lower back section, wherein the stopper is a tab positioned at an angle relative to a vertical axis along the side wall, and wherein the tab is arranged to move between an opened, angled position engageable with the top wall of the lower back section and a closed, vertical position adjacent with the side wall of the headrest to pass through a notch formed in the lower back section.

Claim 42

Dependent Claim 181 words

A juvenile seat comprising a base including a bottom seat portion, a lower back section coupled to the base and positioned to lie at an angle relative to the bottom seat portion, a headrest coupled to the lower back section for up-and-down movement relative to the base and the lower back section to adjust a height of the headrest above the bottom seat portion of the base, and an anti-backout mechanism coupled to the headrest to limit the height of the headrest above the bottom seat portion of the base, wherein the anti-backout mechanism includes a stopper coupled to a side wall of the headrest to engage a top wall of the lower back section, wherein the stopper is a tab positioned at an angle relative to a vertical axis along the side wall, and wherein the anti-backout mechanism further includes a flange coupled to the side wall of the headrest, the flange is formed to define a channel for receiving a portion of a side rail of the lower back section therein, and the stopper is coupled to the flange.

Claim 43

Dependent Claim 181 words

A juvenile seat comprising a base including a bottom seat portion, a lower back section coupled to the base and positioned to lie at an angle relative to the bottom seat portion, a headrest coupled to the lower back section for up-and-down movement relative to the base and the lower back section to adjust a height of the headrest above the bottom seat portion of the base, and an anti-backout mechanism coupled to the headrest to limit the height of the headrest above the bottom seat portion of the base, wherein the anti-backout mechanism includes a stopper coupled to a side wall of the headrest to engage a top wall of the lower back section, wherein the stopper is a tab positioned at an angle relative to a vertical axis along the side wall, and wherein the anti-backout mechanism further includes a flange coupled to the side wall of the headrest, the flange is formed to define a channel for receiving a portion of a side rail of the lower back section therein, and the stopper is coupled to the flange.

Claim 44

Dependent Claim 219 words

A juvenile seat comprising a base including a bottom seat portion and first and second side walls coupled to the bottom seat portion and positioned in spaced-apart relation to each other and a lower back section coupled to the base and positioned to lie at an angle relative to the bottom seat portion, the lower back section including a planar body and first and second armrest shells coupled to the planar body and positioned in spaced-apart relation to each other, each of the first and second armrest shells being formed to define a cavity formed to receive an armrest mount of a respective first and second side wall of the base therein, wherein the first and second side walls of the base each include a notch adapted to receive a portion of a vehicle seat belt therethrough, each notch is arranged to define a front portion and a rear portion of each side wall, and the rear portion of each side wall is the armrest mount of each side wall such that the rear portion of the first side wall is received within the cavity of the first armrest shell of the lower back section and the rear portion of the second side wall is received within the cavity of the second armrest shell of the lower back section.

Claim 45

Dependent Claim 219 words

A juvenile seat comprising a base including a bottom seat portion and first and second side walls coupled to the bottom seat portion and positioned in spaced-apart relation to each other and a lower back section coupled to the base and positioned to lie at an angle relative to the bottom seat portion, the lower back section including a planar body and first and second armrest shells coupled to the planar body and positioned in spaced-apart relation to each other, each of the first and second armrest shells being formed to define a cavity formed to receive an armrest mount of a respective first and second side wall of the base therein, wherein the first and second side walls of the base each include a notch adapted to receive a portion of a vehicle seat belt therethrough, each notch is arranged to define a front portion and a rear portion of each side wall, and the rear portion of each side wall is the armrest mount of each side wall such that the rear portion of the first side wall is received within the cavity of the first armrest shell of the lower back section and the rear portion of the second side wall is received within the cavity of the second armrest shell of the lower back section.

Claim 46

Dependent Claim 61 words

The juvenile seat of claim 36 , wherein the armrest of the first side wall of the base and the first armrest shell cooperate to define a first armrest of the juvenile seat and wherein the armrest mount of the second side wall of the base and the second armrest shell cooperate to define a second armrest of the juvenile seat.

Claim 47

Dependent Claim 199 words

A juvenile seat comprising a base including a bottom seat portion and first and second side walls coupled to the bottom seat portion and positioned in spaced-apart relation to each other and a lower back section coupled to the base and positioned to lie at an angle relative to the bottom seat portion, the lower back section including a planar body and first and second armrest shells coupled to the planar body and positioned in spaced-apart relation to each other, each of the first and second armrest shells being formed to define a cavity formed to receive an armrest mount of a respective first and second side wall of the base therein, wherein the first and second armrest shells each include a top wall, a first side wall coupled to the top wall, a second side wall coupled to the top wall and spaced-apart from the first side wall, and an end wall coupled to the top wall and the first and second side walls, the top wall, end wall, and first and second side walls cooperating to define the cavity formed to receive the armrest mount of the respective first and second side walls of the base therein.

Claim 48

Dependent Claim 199 words

A juvenile seat comprising a base including a bottom seat portion and first and second side walls coupled to the bottom seat portion and positioned in spaced-apart relation to each other and a lower back section coupled to the base and positioned to lie at an angle relative to the bottom seat portion, the lower back section including a planar body and first and second armrest shells coupled to the planar body and positioned in spaced-apart relation to each other, each of the first and second armrest shells being formed to define a cavity formed to receive an armrest mount of a respective first and second side wall of the base therein, wherein the first and second armrest shells each include a top wall, a first side wall coupled to the top wall, a second side wall coupled to the top wall and spaced-apart from the first side wall, and an end wall coupled to the top wall and the first and second side walls, the top wall, end wall, and first and second side walls cooperating to define the cavity formed to receive the armrest mount of the respective first and second side walls of the base therein.

Claim 49

Dependent Claim 169 words

A juvenile seat comprising a base including a bottom seat portion and first and second side walls coupled to the bottom seat portion and positioned in spaced-apart relation to each other and a lower back section removably coupled to the base and positioned to lie at an angle relative to the bottom seat portion, the lower back section including a planar body and first and second armrest shells coupled to the planar body and positioned in spaced-apart relation to each other, each of the first and second armrest shells being formed to define a nesting cavity formed to receive an armrest support of a respective first and second side wall of the base in nesting relation therein wherein the lower back section further includes first and second side rails coupled to the planar body and wherein the first armrest shell is coupled to the first side rail of the lower back section and the second armrest shell is coupled to the second side rail of the lower back section.

Claim 50

Dependent Claim 169 words

A juvenile seat comprising a base including a bottom seat portion and first and second side walls coupled to the bottom seat portion and positioned in spaced-apart relation to each other and a lower back section removably coupled to the base and positioned to lie at an angle relative to the bottom seat portion, the lower back section including a planar body and first and second armrest shells coupled to the planar body and positioned in spaced-apart relation to each other, each of the first and second armrest shells being formed to define a nesting cavity formed to receive an armrest support of a respective first and second side wall of the base in nesting relation therein wherein the lower back section further includes first and second side rails coupled to the planar body and wherein the first armrest shell is coupled to the first side rail of the lower back section and the second armrest shell is coupled to the second side rail of the lower back section.

Claim 51

Dependent Claim 266 words

A juvenile seat comprising a base including a bottom seat portion and first and second side walls coupled to the bottom seat portion and positioned in spaced-apart relation to each other and a lower back section coupled to the base and positioned to lie at an angle relative to the bottom seat portion, the lower back section including a planar body and first and second armrest shells coupled to the planar body and positioned in spaced-apart relation to each other, each of the first and second armrest shells being formed to define a cavity formed to receive an armrest mount of a respective first and second side wall of the base therein, wherein the lower back section further includes first and second side rails coupled to the planar body and wherein the first armrest shell is coupled to the first side rail of the lower back section and the second armrest shell is coupled to the second side rail of the lower back section, further comprising a height-adjustment mechanism to adjust a height of the headrest above the bottom seat portion of the base and wherein the height-adjustment mechanism includes a first actuator coupled to the first side rail of the lower back section and a second actuator coupled to the second side rail of the lower back section, and the first and second actuators are movable between a locked position to prevent the headrest from moving up and down relative to the base and the lower back section and an unlocked position to permit the headrest to move up and down relative to the base.

Claim 52

Dependent Claim 266 words

A juvenile seat comprising a base including a bottom seat portion and first and second side walls coupled to the bottom seat portion and positioned in spaced-apart relation to each other and a lower back section coupled to the base and positioned to lie at an angle relative to the bottom seat portion, the lower back section including a planar body and first and second armrest shells coupled to the planar body and positioned in spaced-apart relation to each other, each of the first and second armrest shells being formed to define a cavity formed to receive an armrest mount of a respective first and second side wall of the base therein, wherein the lower back section further includes first and second side rails coupled to the planar body and wherein the first armrest shell is coupled to the first side rail of the lower back section and the second armrest shell is coupled to the second side rail of the lower back section, further comprising a height-adjustment mechanism to adjust a height of the headrest above the bottom seat portion of the base and wherein the height-adjustment mechanism includes a first actuator coupled to the first side rail of the lower back section and a second actuator coupled to the second side rail of the lower back section, and the first and second actuators are movable between a locked position to prevent the headrest from moving up and down relative to the base and the lower back section and an unlocked position to permit the headrest to move up and down relative to the base.

Claim 53

Dependent Claim 184 words

A juvenile seat comprising a base including a bottom seat portion and first and second side walls coupled to the bottom seat portion and positioned in spaced-apart relation to each other and a lower back section coupled to the base and positioned to lie at an angle relative to the bottom seat portion, the lower back section including a planar body and first and second armrest shells coupled to the planar body and positioned in spaced-apart relation to each other, each of the first and second armrest shells being formed to define a cavity formed to receive an am-west mount of a respective first and second side wall of the base therein, wherein the base includes an aperture formed in the bottom seat portion and positioned between the first and second side walls of the base and the lower back section includes an aperture formed in the planar body, and wherein the aperture of the planar body is aligned with the aperture of the base and each aperture is adapted to receive a fastener therein to couple the lower back section to the base.

Claim 54

Dependent Claim 184 words

A juvenile seat comprising a base including a bottom seat portion and first and second side walls coupled to the bottom seat portion and positioned in spaced-apart relation to each other and a lower back section coupled to the base and positioned to lie at an angle relative to the bottom seat portion, the lower back section including a planar body and first and second armrest shells coupled to the planar body and positioned in spaced-apart relation to each other, each of the first and second armrest shells being formed to define a cavity formed to receive an am-west mount of a respective first and second side wall of the base therein, wherein the base includes an aperture formed in the bottom seat portion and positioned between the first and second side walls of the base and the lower back section includes an aperture formed in the planar body, and wherein the aperture of the planar body is aligned with the aperture of the base and each aperture is adapted to receive a fastener therein to couple the lower back section to the base.

Claim 55

Dependent Claim 143 words

A juvenile seat comprising a base including a bottom seat portion, a seat back including an outer rim defining a top edge of the seat back and a forwardly facing surface extending downwardly from the top edge toward the bottom seat portion, a headrest including a rearwardly facing surface lying in opposing relation to the forwardly facing surface of the seat back, the headrest being mounted for up-and-down movement on the seat back toward and away from the bottom seat portion, and a height-adjustment mechanism located outside of a space provided between the forwardly facing surface of the seat back and the rearwardly facing surface of the headrest and arranged to move between a locked position to prevent movement of the headrest relative to the seat back and an unlocked position to permit up-and-down movement of the headrest relative to the seat back.

Claim 56

Dependent Claim 143 words

A juvenile seat comprising a base including a bottom seat portion, a seat back including an outer rim defining a top edge of the seat back and a forwardly facing surface extending downwardly from the top edge toward the bottom seat portion, a headrest including a rearwardly facing surface lying in opposing relation to the forwardly facing surface of the seat back, the headrest being mounted for up-and-down movement on the seat back toward and away from the bottom seat portion, and a height-adjustment mechanism located outside of a space provided between the forwardly facing surface of the seat back and the rearwardly facing surface of the headrest and arranged to move between a locked position to prevent movement of the headrest relative to the seat back and an unlocked position to permit up-and-down movement of the headrest relative to the seat back.

Claim 57

Dependent Claim 52 words

The juvenile seat of claim 42 , further comprising an anti-backout mechanism coupled to the headrest to block removal of the headrest from the seat back and arranged to lie outside of the space provided between the forwardly facing surface of the seat back and the rearwardly facing surface of the headrest.

Claim 58

Dependent Claim 61 words

The juvenile seat of claim 42 , wherein the rearwardly facing surface of the headrest faces in a first direction, the headrest further includes a forwardly facing surface facing in a second direction opposite to the first direction, and an offset distance between the forwardly facing surfaces of the seat back and headrest is less than approximately 0.375 inch (9.53 mm).

Claim 59

Dependent Claim 17 words

The juvenile seat of claim 44 , wherein the offset distance is approximately 0.120 inch (3.05 mm).

Claim 60

Dependent Claim 43 words

The juvenile seat of claim 42 , the forwardly facing surface of the seat back has a width and the rearwardly facing surface of the headrest is configured to extend across the entire width of the forwardly facing surface of the seat back.

Claim 61

Dependent Claim 61 words

The juvenile seat of claim 46 , wherein the rearwardly facing surface of the headrest faces in a first direction, the headrest further includes a forwardly facing surface facing in a second direction opposite to the first direction, and an offset distance between the forwardly facing surfaces of the seat back and headrest is less than approximately 0.375 inch (9.53 mm).

Claim 62

Dependent Claim 208 words

A juvenile seat comprising a base including a bottom seat portion and a seat back extending upwardly from the base, the seat back including a lower back section coupled to the base and an upper back section mounted for up-and-down movement on the lower back section toward and away from the bottom seat portion, the lower back section including an upwardly extending first side rail facing in a first direction, an upwardly extending second side rail facing in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction, and an upwardly extending front wall extending from the first side rail to the second side rail to define a width of the lower back section, the upper back section including an upwardly extending front wall extending across the entire width of the lower back section, the front wall of the upper back section having a rearwardly facing surface lying in opposing relation to a forwardly facing surface of the front wall of the lower back section and a forwardly facing surface facing away from the lower back section and lying in a position to cause an offset distance between the forwardly facing surfaces of the upper and lower back sections to be less than approximately 0.375 inch (0.53 mm).

Claim 63

Dependent Claim 208 words

A juvenile seat comprising a base including a bottom seat portion and a seat back extending upwardly from the base, the seat back including a lower back section coupled to the base and an upper back section mounted for up-and-down movement on the lower back section toward and away from the bottom seat portion, the lower back section including an upwardly extending first side rail facing in a first direction, an upwardly extending second side rail facing in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction, and an upwardly extending front wall extending from the first side rail to the second side rail to define a width of the lower back section, the upper back section including an upwardly extending front wall extending across the entire width of the lower back section, the front wall of the upper back section having a rearwardly facing surface lying in opposing relation to a forwardly facing surface of the front wall of the lower back section and a forwardly facing surface facing away from the lower back section and lying in a position to cause an offset distance between the forwardly facing surfaces of the upper and lower back sections to be less than approximately 0.375 inch (0.53 mm).

Claim 64

Dependent Claim 111 words

The juvenile seat of claim 48 , wherein the base further includes first and second armrest shell supports arranged to lie in spaced-apart relation to one another to locate the bottom seat portion therebetween, the lower back section further includes a first armrest shell arranged to extend forwardly away from the front wall of the lower back section and formed to define a second nesting cavity receiving a portion of the second armrest shell support therein, the first armrest shell mates with the underlying first armrest shell support to define a first armrest, and the second armrest shell mates with the underlying second armrest shell support to define a second armrest.

Claim 65

Dependent Claim 31 words

The juvenile seat of claim 49 , wherein the first armrest shell is coupled to the first side rail and the second armrest shell is coupled to the second side rail.

Claim 66

Dependent Claim 25 words

The juvenile seat of claim 48 , further comprising anti-backout means for selectively blocking removal of the upper back section from the lower back section.

Claim 67

Dependent Claim 190 words

The juvenile seat of claim 51 , wherein the anti-blackout means includes a first tab support coupled to the first side wall of the upper back section and formed to include a channel receiving a portion of the first side rail therein during up-and-down movement of the upper back section relative to the lower back section to mate and align the lower back section to the upper back section during relative movement of the upper and lower back sections to provide for the offset distance and the anti-backout means further includes a first tab coupled to the first tab support for movement between a removal-allowing position located a first distance from the first side wall of the upper back section and arranged to pass through a notch formed in a retention flange included in the lower back section to allow removal of the upper back section from the lower back section and a removal-blocking position located a greater second distance from the first side wall of the upper back section and arranged to engage the retention flange to block removal of the upper back section from the lower back section.

Claim 68

Dependent Claim 73 words

The juvenile seat of claim 48 , wherein the upper back section further includes upwardly extending first and second side walls coupled to the upwardly extending front wall of the upper back section and arranged to lie in spaced-apart relation to one another to locate the upwardly extending front wall of the upper back section therebetween and to locate the upwardly extending first and second side walls of the lower back section therebetween.

Claim 69

Dependent Claim 88 words

The juvenile seat of claim 53 , wherein the upper back section further includes a rearwardly extending top wall that cooperates with rearwardly extending portions of the first and second side walls to define a rearwardly facing cavity defining a lower back section receiving area receiving an upper mating portion of the lower back section therein such that the first and second side rails of the lower back section are positioned between and lie adjacent to the respective first and second side walls of the upper back section.

Claim 70

Dependent Claim 111 words

The juvenile seat of claim 53 , further comprising a height-adjustment mechanism comprising a series of notches formed in the first and second side rails of the lower back section, a height-adjustment bar arranged to extend laterally across the width of the lower back section and to fit into the notches formed in the first and second side rails, and actuator means for moving the height-adjustment bar toward the front wall of the lower back section to mate with one notch formed in each of the first and second side rails to establish a selected elevated height of the upper back section relative to the bottom seat portion of the base.

Claim 71

Dependent Claim 51 words

The juvenile seat of claim 55 , wherein the actuator means includes a first actuator coupled to the first side wall of the upper back section and to the height-adjustment bar and a second actuator coupled to the second side wall of the upper back section and to the height-adjustment bar.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	2009-04-03	2009-10-03	2010-04-04	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	2013-04-03	2013-10-03	2014-04-04	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	2017-04-03	2017-10-03	2018-04-04	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Juvenile vehicle seat with movable headrest

Abstract

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