Abstract: Devices that can be releasably attached to seat belts and other restraint system webs to adjust the operational tension in the webs are described herein. In one embodiment, a seat belt web passes through a clamping device that includes a button movably coupled to a housing. In this embodiment, manual operation of the button in a first direction causes the device to clamp onto the adjacent portion of the seat belt web, thereby preventing the portion of web from being pulled through a web guide by a retractor. Manual operation of the button in a second direction causes the device to release the web.

Abstract: Personal restraint systems with buckle assemblies for use in vehicles are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a personal restraint system includes a connector configured to be coupled to a web. The restraint system also includes a buckle assembly configured to releasably retain the connector. In this embodiment, the buckle assembly includes a frame having a locking feature configured to engage a tongue of the connector. The buckle assembly also includes a locking member movably positioned adjacent to the frame that retains the tongue in a locked position. The buckle assembly further includes an actuator that can be actuated by a user to move the tongue out of the locked position.

Abstract: Buckle assemblies for use with child seats and other personal restraint systems in vehicles are disclosed herein. A buckle assembly configured in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure includes a housing assembly that receives at least a portion of a web connector. The housing assembly includes a coating having a generally soft or tactile surface finish. For example, the coating can be at least partially elastically compressible.

Abstract: Multi pivot latch assemblies for releasably engaging anchors and other attach points in vehicles are disclosed herein. A latch assembly configured in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure includes a latch and an actuator, each of which is movably coupled to a frame. In operation, movement of the actuator from a locked position toward an unlocked position causes the latch to rotate from a first position to a second position about a first pivot point, and from the second position toward the third position about a second pivot point to open the latch assembly and release the anchor.

Abstract: Retractor systems for securing child safety seats in vehicles are described herein. In one embodiment, a child safety seat includes a web operably coupled to a spool of a web retractor movably positioned under the safety seat. The web can include a first end portion that carries a first anchor connector and a second end portion that carries a second anchor connector. Rotation of the spool in a first direction retracts the first and second end portions of the web toward the retractor. Rotation of the spool in a second direction, opposite to the first direction, allows the first and second end portions to be drawn away from the retractor.

Abstract: Latch assemblies for releasably engaging anchor members and other attachment points in vehicles are disclosed herein. A latch assembly configured in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure includes a latch and an ejector movably coupled to a frame. In some embodiments, a biasing member urges the ejector toward a position that holds the latch in a first or open position prior to attachment to an anchor member. When the anchor member presses against the ejector, the biasing member causes the ejector to rotate latch from the first or open position to a second position about a first pivot point, and then from the second position to a third or fully closed position about a second pivot point.

Abstract: Latch assemblies for releasably engaging anchor members and other attachment points in vehicles are disclosed herein. A multi-pivot latch assembly configured in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure includes a latch and an ejector movably coupled to a frame. In some embodiments, a biasing member holds the latch in a first or open position prior to attachment to an anchor member. When the anchor member presses against the ejector, the latch pivots from the first or open position to a second position about a first pivot point, and then from the second position to a third or fully closed position about a second pivot point.

Abstract: Multi pivot latch assemblies for releasably engaging anchors and other attach points in vehicles are disclosed herein. A latch assembly configured in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure includes a latch and an actuator, each of which is movably coupled to a frame. In operation, movement of the actuator from a locked position toward an unlocked position causes the latch to rotate from a first position to a second position about a first pivot point, and from the second position toward the third position about a second pivot point to open the latch assembly and release the anchor.

Abstract: Multi-pivot latch assemblies for releasably engaging anchors and other attachment points in vehicles are disclosed herein. A latch assembly configured in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure includes a latch and a release actuator movably coupled to a frame. In operation, movement of the release actuator causes the latch to rotate from a first position to a second position about a first pivot point, and from the second position to a third position about a second pivot point to open the latch. In some embodiments, a blocker holds the latch in the open position prior to attachment to an anchor member. In other embodiments, a biasing member holds the latch in the open position.

Abstract: Buckle assemblies and associated connectors for use with child seats and other personal restraint systems are disclosed herein. A restraint system configured in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes shoulder/lap webs which are slideably received in corresponding web connectors. Each of the web connectors includes a tongue portion that is configured to releasably interlock with the other tongue portion before the interlocking tongue portions are simultaneously inserted into the buckle assembly as a unit. The buckle assembly is configured to receive and engage the interlocking tongue portions only when the tongue portions have been properly mated together prior to insertion into the buckle assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides a buckle and tongue combination for restraining an occupant in a seat, the buckle and tongue combination.

Abstract: The invention relates, generally, to a child restraint system and, more particularly, to an adjuster and harness for securing a child in a child restraint seat.

Abstract: The present invention provides a buckle and frame for a restraint system resisting to a harsh environment. The buckle comprising a frame having a base wall, the base wall includes a debris exit opening; and a cover which encloses the frame and forms at least one vent opening and at least one passage which couples the debris exit opening to the vent opening. Debris, dust and other foreign objects which find there way into the buckle are not necessarily trapped but rather are presented with a means of exiting the buckle via the vent opening.