Abstract: A method of writing a waveguide using an ultrashort laser beam is disclosed. The laser beam is directed to a substrate in transverse relation to a waveguide propagation axis to generate an ultrashort laser pulse focus in the substrate. A refractive index is modified in an affected region in the substrate along the waveguide propagation axis via the ultrashort laser pulse focus, and the ultrashort laser pulse focus is moved in a direction other than the waveguide propagation axis to generate a widened affected region along the waveguide propagation axis. The widened affected region has a cross-sectional profile capable of supporting a fundamental mode of a signal having a telecommunications infrared (TIR) wavelength, while the affected region has a cross-sectional profile incapable of supporting the fundamental mode of the signal having the TIR wavelength.

Abstract: An adjustable child seat includes a backrest and a seat base and may be used with or without the backrest. The child seat includes adjustable arm rests. The height of the backrest and the depth of the seat base are also adjustable. The connection between the backrest and the seat base is configured to prevent unintentional separation but allows simple and intuitive separation when desired. A belt guide operating in either a seat belt locking mode or a seat belt free mode is also provided.

Abstract: A child restraint assembly for a child vehicle seat includes a buckle assembly including a buckle and a pair of latches, a harness coupled to the buckle assembly, and a harness adjuster to adjust the harness. The buckle includes a buckle actuator slidably between a first position and a second position relative to a front surface of the buckle to unlock the buckle assembly. The harness adjuster includes a housing and a harness adjuster actuator movable between a first position and a second position relative to a front surface of the housing to unlock the harness adjuster. Movement of the buckle actuator from the first position to the second position is in the same direction as movement of the harness adjuster actuator from the first position to the second position. The buckle can include a grip surface of sufficient thickness to enable a user to brace a finger against the buckle grip surface when actuating the buckle actuator.

Abstract: A reclinable child seat assembly includes a base, a seat movably and detachably coupled to the base, and a recline mechanism to enable the seat to be positioned in different recline positions relative to the base. The recline mechanism includes a recline positioner mounted to the seat, the recline positioner having slots corresponding to the different recline positions, a recline lock movably mounted to the base to releasably engage a desired one of the slots of the recline positioner to position the seat in the corresponding one of the recline positions, and a recline adjustment handle movably mounted to the seat to disengage the recline lock from the desired slot to allow repositioning of the seat relative to the base.

Abstract: A swing seat configured to be supported by a swing frame includes a seat bottom frame, a seat back frame movably coupled to the seat bottom frame, and a recline mechanism to recline the seat back frame relative to the seat bottom frame. The recline mechanism includes first and second mounts on opposite sides of the seat back frame to movably mount the seat back frame to the seat bottom frame, at least one recline lock associated with at least one of the first and second mounts and configured to lock the seat back frame in at least two recline positions relative to the seat bottom frame, and a recline actuator having a grip intermediate the first and second mounts and movable between an un-actuated position and an actuated position. The at least one recline lock is movable between a locked position to set the recline position of the seat back frame relative to the seat bottom frame and an unlocked position to allow adjustment of the recline position of the seat back frame relative to the seat bottom frame.

Abstract: An infant carrier includes a carrier shell including a seating area for a child; and a harness system adapted to connect to the carrier shell and adapted to be adjusted between a first configuration for a smaller child and a second configuration for a larger child. The harness system includes first and second straps, each of the first and second straps having a shoulder strap end and a lap strap end, a shoulder strap adjuster associated with the shoulder strap ends of each of the first and second straps to enable adjustment of the shoulder strap ends between the first configuration and the second configuration, and a lap strap adjuster associated with the lap strap ends of each of the first and second straps to enable adjustment of the lap strap ends between the first configuration and the second configuration.

Abstract: A stroller having a novel frame geometry that provides a more direct structural tie between the front and the rear wheels. The two rear legs (bottom members) of the frame are disposed at a relatively small angle to the horizontal and remain close to that shallow angle as the stroller is folded, with all four wheels on the ground. The rear leg assembly is pivotally linked to the front leg assembly, so that the front leg assembly collapses onto the rear leg assembly when the stroller is folded. The front legs and the rear legs preferably have a similar profile so that they generally nest when folded. The front legs and the rear legs preferably have oval or oblong cross-sections, which enhances their vertical load strength.

Abstract: A foldable stroller with a basket, the basket having a frame with left and right side legs pivotally mounted to the stroller frame for movement between an upper position and a lower position. The legs of the basket frame are supported on side members of the stroller frame that pivot as the stroller frame moves between its folded and open positions, so that folding or unfolding of the stroller frame effects pivotal movement of the basket frame between its lower and upper positions. In another form, a stroller with a basket has handle-operated support members for the side legs of the basket frame that selectively support the basket frame in an upper position, and allow the basket frame to drop to a lower position for easier access to basket interior through the upper opening of the basket.

Abstract: A buckle assembly is described. The buckle assembly includes a buckle body, a fastener and a key. The buckle body includes a recess and a lock tumbler. The fastener is configured to slide within the recess. The key is configured to fit within a key hole of the lock tumbler. When the key is in a locked rotational orientation within the key hole and the fastener is engaged in the recess, the tumbler is in a locked orientation and the fastener may not be slid from the recess. When the key is in an unlocked rotational orientation within the key hole and the fastener is engaged in the recess, the tumbler is in an unlocked orientation and the fastener may be slid from the recess. A key removal prevention mechanism prevents the key from being removed from the key hole when the key is in the unlocked rotational orientation whether or not the fastener is engaged in the recess.