Abstract: A snap hook configured to secure a car seat within a vehicle. The restraint system includes a hook body that has a hook at one end and a handle portion at an opposing end. The snap hook further includes a clip insert with a gate. The clip insert is configured to snap fit into an opening defined by the handle portion. The snap hook is configured to attach to the car seat by a belt and/or other suitable attachment device received within a belt opening. The gate extends from the clip insert so that an end of the gate is biased to contact the hook of the hook body. As should be appreciated, the gate is rotatable away from contact with the hook to form a gap. The gap enables a user to secure the snap hook to an anchor point within the vehicle.

Abstract: A belt adjuster configured to secure a belt of a child car seat. The belt is squeezed and/or compressed between a belt bar and a frame to prevent movement of the belt. The belt adjuster includes a trigger configured to function as a lever. In one example, the lever extends from a belt bar to the trigger, such that force applied to the trigger actuates the belt bar. The lever is configured to multiply a force applied to the trigger to reduce the force needed to release the belt. In one embodiment, a force vector applied to the trigger is in a parallel and opposite direction from a force vector of the belt bar. In another embodiment, a force vector applied to the trigger is in a parallel and/or transverse direction from a force vector of the belt bar.

Abstract: A harness adjuster configured to secure webbing of a child car seat. The adjuster includes a frame, a lever assembly, and a shaft configured to secure the lever assembly within the frame. The lever assembly further includes a lever portion and a web engagement portion. The web engagement portion is configured to secure a toothed insert via a tongue and groove connection. In one embodiment, the lever portion and the toothed insert are made from different materials. For example, the lever portion is made from a plastic and/or polymeric material and the toothed insert is made from a metallic material.

Abstract: A buckle has a buckle mechanism with a lock pawl and a latch pin. The latch pin is designed to travel only in a longitudinal or horizontal direction relative to the buckle mechanism. When a latch plate assembly is secured, the latch pin holds the lock pawl in a latched position and prevents accidental release of the latch plate assembly. A release button is coupled to the latch plate retention bar so that all of the effective actuation and other motions are in the longitudinal direction of the buckle mechanism. The buckle mechanism has an ejector mechanism with an ejection spring for ejecting the latch plate assembly.

Abstract: A seat monitoring system including one or more shoulder belt tension sensors and one or more buckle belt tension seniors configured to monitor the tension in a harness of a child safety seat. The seat monitoring system further includes a headrest position sensor for monitoring the position of a headrest. The seat monitoring system includes a motor for automatic tensioning of the shoulder belts and buckle belt. The seat monitoring system includes an I/O device for inputting child specifications. The I/O device includes a step-by-step guide for properly securing the child within the child safety seat.

Abstract: A buckle has a buckle mechanism with a lock pawl and a latch pin. The latch pin is designed to travel only in a longitudinal or horizontal direction relative to the buckle mechanism. When a latch plate assembly is secured, the latch pin holds the lock pawl in a latched position and prevents accidental release of the latch plate assembly. A release button is coupled to the latch plate retention bar so that all of the effective actuation and other motions are in the longitudinal direction of the buckle mechanism. The buckle mechanism has an ejector mechanism with an ejection spring for ejecting the latch plate assembly.