Abstract: The convertible child safety seat of the present invention provides improved occupant protection in all vehicles, in both the front and rear seats, and especially in vehicles equipped with a passenger-side airbag. The child safety seat includes an air bag deflector, including a shock absorbent canopy to deflect an expanding air bag away from the infant and dampen the shock of airbag deployment and an impact. The child safety seat is convertible from a rearward facing position to a forward facing position. The cradle of the safety seat is removable utilizing a single-handed release mechanism to unlock the cradle from the frame. A handle with ergonomically designed grips aids removal of the cradle and allows carrying the cradle to put less strain on the carrier.

Abstract: The invention provides a payment folder having a signal device for communicating to a server a patron's readiness and urgency to pay a service establishment's bill. In one embodiment, the signal device includes at least one battery powered light, such as a light emitting diode, mounted on the payment folder so as to be visible to an observer. The light(s) are illuminated in one or more colors and may be caused to blink in response to appropriate positioning of a control switch that can include a control circuit. In other embodiments, the signal device is a manually positionable colored surface, such as a flag, attached to the payment folder. Signaling is accomplished by withdrawing the colored surface from within the payment folder or by positioning the colored surface so that it is visible through an opening in or a transparent portion of the payment folder.

Abstract: An inflatable restraint system for providing protection to an occupant in a moving vehicle including a module disposed adjacent to the chest area of the vehicle occupant, the module having an airbag and an explosive device for exerting a controlled force against the occupant in a direction opposite the direction of motion of the occupant caused by rapid deceleration of the vehicle while simultaneously inflating the airbag adjacent to the occupant. A second embodiment is also disclosed, including an ancillary module disposed adjacent to the rear base of the occupant's neck, providing an airbag for inflation behind the occupant's head while simultaneously exerting a force opposite the direction of motion of the occupant's head, as caused by the backlash forces acting against the occupant following initial impact of the occupant with a forward airbag.