Abstract: A child restraint system for use in a vehicle having improved vehicle seat belt anchoring mechanisms and an improved reclining mechanism. The vehicle seat belt anchoring mechanisms include a lap belt anchoring rod that is pivotable to facilitate the routing of the lap belt independent of the shoulder belt of the vehicle restraint system. The shoulder belt anchor member is located higher on the seat, and includes an anchor member received in a channel in the seat back. The recline mechanism of the child restraint system includes a recline plate that is connected to the rigid latch members. Reclining of the seat body results in movement of the rigid latch members to allow room between the seat body and the vehicle seat, thereby allowing adjustment of the recline angle of the seat without necessitating removal of the seat from the vehicle.

Abstract: A child safety seat includes a base, a seat body, a dampening member, and a non-planar impactor. The seat body is slidably secured to the base and is movable between a pre-collision position and a post-collision position. The dampening member is positioned between the base and the seat body. The non-planar impactor is secured to the seat body and is positioned to engage the dampening member. The non-planar impactor and the dampening member together provide a progressive dampening force against movement of the seat body from the pre-collision position to the post-collision position.

Abstract: A child safety seat includes a headrest assembly that is vertically adjustable. The headrest assembly includes a release member accessible from the front of the seat and a shoulder belt support member that is secured to the release member and movable therewith. The child safety seat also includes a base and a seat body that is movable relative to the base. A force dampening system progressively absorbs forces acting upon the child safety seat as the seat body moves relative to the base. A latch release assembly is also provided to disengage clamp members from lower attachment hooks in a vehicle, the release assembly including a release lever accessible from the front of the car seat.

Abstract: A child safety seat includes a headrest assembly that is vertically adjustable. The headrest assembly includes a release member accessible from the front of the seat and a shoulder belt support member that is secured to the release member and movable therewith. The child safety seat also includes a base and a seat body that is movable relative to the base. A force dampening system progressively absorbs forces acting upon the child safety seat as the seat body moves relative to the base. A latch release assembly is also provided to disengage clamp members from lower attachment hooks in a vehicle, the release assembly including a release lever accessible from the front of the car seat.