Abstract: A quick acting belt tensioning mechanism for securing a child safety seat into a vehicle having a tensioning member with a hook-like engagement structure rotatably mounted on the safety seat adjacent to a belt path for a vehicle seat belt. Engaging the seat belt in the engagement structure and rotating the tensioning member by movement of the lever tensions the seat belt by wrapping the seat belt around the tensioning member. The lever is slideably disposed on the tensioning member to close the opening of the hook-like structure and prevent disengagement of the seat belt therefrom and to inhibit rotation of the tensioning member to the tensioned position unless the lever is properly positioned. A latching mechanism is provided to restrain the tensioning member and lever in the tensioned and closed position. The seat shell and lever may include structures to further constrain seat belt tensioning unless the lever is properly positioned.

Abstract: A child safety seat for use in a vehicle, the safety seat having a base including a rotating mechanism and a seat shell for a child that is detachably connectable to the base. The base is anchorable in the vehicle using either conventional safety belts or LATCH anchoring provisions. The base is configured to allow a conventional three-point occupant restraint to secure the base to the vehicle and to prevent interaction between the seat shell and the restraint belt. The seat shell, when connected to the base, may be rotated about a generally upstanding axis into forward-facing, rearward-facing, or side-facing configurations. The base includes a moveable wedge that allows the base to optimally fit a variety of vehicle seat having different seat cushion inclinations. The seat shell also includes a height-adjustable backrest portion that allows the seat configuration to be optimized for the occupant, even as the occupant child grows.

Abstract: A connector for joining two parts has a base with a post and a latch part with a receptacle for receiving the post. The post includes a magnetic element. A magnetic slide having two magnetic elements of opposite polarity is moveably disposed on the latch part and includes a mechanical latching slide disposed thereon. Movement of the magnetic slide aligns the magnetic elements in either an attractive or repulsive alignment with the post magnetic element. Magnetic slide movement into the repulsive alignment also moves the latching slide to release engagement with the base part and allow magnetic repulsion to urge the post out of engagement with the receptacle.

Abstract: A buckle for a child safety seat harness having a base part and a latch part, the latch part having a releasable latching mechanism that includes a plurality of magnetic elements arranged to urge the base and latch parts into engagement during a connection operation and to urge the base and latch parts apart during a disconnection operation that also releases the latch.

Abstract: A quick acting belt tensioning mechanism for securing a child safety seat into a vehicle having a tensioning member with a hook-like engagement structure rotatably mounted on the safety seat adjacent to a belt path for a vehicle seat belt. Engaging the seat belt in the engagement structure and rotating the tensioning member by movement of the lever tensions the seat belt by wrapping the seat belt around the tensioning member. The lever is slideably disposed on the tensioning member to close the opening of the hook-like structure and prevent disengagement of the seat belt therefrom and to inhibit rotation of the tensioning member to the tensioned position unless the lever is properly positioned. A latching mechanism is provided to restrain the tensioning member and lever in the tensioned and closed position. The seat shell and lever may include structures to further constrain seat belt tensioning unless the lever is properly positioned.

Abstract: A buckle for a child safety seat harness having a base part and a latch part, the latch part having a releasable latching mechanism that includes a plurality of magnetic elements arranged to urge the base and latch parts into engagement during a connection operation and to urge the base and latch parts apart during a disconnection operation that also releases the latch.

Abstract: A child safety seat for use in a vehicle, the safety seat having a base including a rotating mechanism and a seat shell for a child that is detachably connectable to the base. The base is anchorable in the vehicle using either conventional safety belts or LATCH anchoring provisions. The base is configured to allow a conventional three-point occupant restraint to secure the base to the vehicle and to prevent interaction between the seat shell and the restraint belt. The seat shell, when connected to the base, may be rotated about a generally upstanding axis into forward-facing, rearward-facing, or side-facing configurations. The base includes a moveable wedge that allows the base to optimally fit a variety of vehicle seat having different seat cushion inclinations. The seat shell also includes a height-adjustable backrest portion that allows the seat configuration to be optimized for the occupant, even as the occupant child grows.

Abstract: A child safety seat for use in a vehicle, the safety seat having a base including a rotating mechanism and a seat shell for a child that is detachably connectable to the base. The base is anchorable in the vehicle using either conventional safety belts or LATCH anchoring provisions. The base is configured to allow a conventional three-point occupant restraint to secure the base to the vehicle and to prevent interaction between the seat shell and the restraint belt. The seat shell, when connected to the base, may be rotated about a generally upstanding axis into forward-facing, rearward-facing, or side-facing configurations. The base includes a moveable wedge that allows the base to optimally fit a variety of vehicle seat having different seat cushion inclinations. The seat shell also includes a height-adjustable backrest portion that allows the seat configuration to be optimized for the occupant, even as the occupant child grows.

Abstract: A convertible bassinet including a mobile support enabling selective movement about a supporting surface and a braking apparatus providing the ability to secure the mobile support in a laterally fixed position on the surface. The mobile support also includes a vertical adjustment mechanism enabling the height of the bassinet to be altered by a user. The bassinet further includes a top perimeter frame with a position actuator for varying the height of the top perimeter frame above a child supporting surface. When in an uppermost position the perimeter frame defines a bassinet. A changing table surface is defined when the perimeter frame is repositioned to a lowermost position. Resilient connectors between the position actuator and the perimeter frame members allow the top perimeter frame to move from the uppermost position to the lowermost position independent of movement of the position actuator.

Abstract: A child safety seat for use in a vehicle, the safety seat having a base including a rotating mechanism and a seat shell for a child that is detachably connectable to the base. The base is anchorable in the vehicle using either conventional safety belts or LATCH anchoring provisions. The base is configured to allow a conventional three-point occupant restraint to secure the base to the vehicle and to prevent interaction between the seat shell and the restraint belt. The seat shell, when connected to the base, may be rotated about a generally upstanding axis into forward-facing, rearward-facing, or side-facing configurations. The base includes a moveable wedge that allows the base to optimally fit a variety of vehicle seat having different seat cushion inclinations. The seat shell also includes a height-adjustable backrest portion that allows the seat configuration to be optimized for the occupant, even as the occupant child grows.

Abstract: A convertible bassinet including a mobile support enabling selective movement about a supporting surface and a braking apparatus providing the ability to secure the mobile support in a laterally fixed position on the surface. The mobile support also includes a vertical adjustment mechanism enabling the height of the bassinet to be altered by a user. The bassinet further includes a top perimeter frame with a position actuator for varying the height of the top perimeter frame above a child supporting surface. When in an uppermost position the perimeter frame defines a bassinet. A changing table surface is defined when the perimeter frame is repositioned to a lowermost position. Resilient connectors between the position actuator and the perimeter frame members allow the top perimeter frame to move from the uppermost position to the lowermost position independent of movement of the position actuator.

Abstract: A stroller frame having forwardly extending right and left side front supports, rearwardly extending right and left side rear supports, and upwardly extending right and left side handle supports moveable connected to permit movement of the frame between deployed and collapsed orientations, and a downwardly folding seat frame connected to the front and rear supports having right and left side fold mechanisms which are configured to lock the frame in the deployed configuration, apply a biasing force to fully deploy the seat frame during the unfolding movement, and isolate the biasing force while applying a folding force to the seat frame during the folding operation, actuation of the fold mechanisms based on frame orientation and position of a release handle.

Abstract: A stroller frame having forwardly extending right and left side front supports, rearwardly extending right and left side rear supports, and upwardly extending right and left side handle supports moveable connected to permit movement of the frame between deployed and collapsed orientations, and a downwardly folding seat frame connected to the front and rear supports having right and left side fold mechanisms which are configured to lock the frame in the deployed configuration, apply a biasing force to fully deploy the seat frame during the unfolding movement, and isolate the biasing force while applying a folding force to the seat frame during the folding operation, actuation of the fold mechanisms based on frame orientation and position of a release handle.

Abstract: A stroller frame having forwardly extending right and left side front supports, rearwardly extending right and left side rear supports, and upwardly extending right and left side handle supports moveable connected to permit movement of the frame between deployed and collapsed orientations, and a folding seat frame connected to the front and rear supports having right and left side fold mechanisms which are configured to lock the frame in the deployed or collapsed configurations and to selectively bias frame members toward movement towards the deployed or collapsed configurations based on frame orientation and operation of a release handle.

Abstract: A stroller frame having forwardly extending right and left side front supports, rearwardly extending right and left side rear supports, and upwardly extending right and left side handle supports moveable connected to permit movement of the frame between deployed and collapsed orientations, and a folding seat frame connected to the front and rear supports having right and left side fold mechanisms which are configured to lock the frame in the deployed or collapsed configurations and to selectively bias frame members toward movement towards the deployed or collapsed configurations based on frame orientation and operation of a release handle.

Abstract: A foldable stroller frame having right and left front, right and left rear legs, and right and left handle supports joined at a right and left folding joints in a manner permitting folding movement about a folding axis between deployed and folded positions. A seat panel connects the front legs and includes a movable portion being movable between first and second positions. A seat back frame is connected to the movable portion at a seat back pivot. Spacing between the seat back pivot and the folding axis is dependent upon the position of the movable portion. When in the first position, the spacing is greatest and precludes frame folding due to interference between the seat back frame and a transverse element between the handle supports. When in the second position, spacing is minimized and frame folding is permissible without interference between the seat back frame and the transverse element.

Abstract: A foldable napper accessory for a child's playard positions an infant to minimize the risk of falls. The napper frame is foldable from a generally planar deplyed orientation about one or more generally longitudinally extending frame folding axes. The ends of an elongate support leg are pivotally connected to opposing side rail members of the napper frame and configured to be foldable about a leg folding axis generally transverse to the frame. Pivoting about the leg folding axis angles the support leg from the plane of the deployed napper frame or aligns the leg with the plane of the napper frame for stowage. An intermediate folding joint is provided in the support leg which includes intermediate axis generally perpendicular to the leg folding axis that allows folding of the leg only when the leg is folded into a specific orientation.

Abstract: A foldable frame for supporting a bassinet for fitment on a child's playard comprising a pair of longitudinally extending upper frame rails connected at each end to a one of pair of transversely extending end members for pivotal movement about the transverse axis. A longitudinally extending lower frame rail is connected at each end to the respective end members and spaced apart from the upper frame rails. The length of the lower frame may be adjusted enabling the end members to pivot inwardly from an unfolded position toward a folded position and reduce the spacing between the upper and lower frame rails. The upper frame rails further include a wing pivot at each end member connection which are aligned to allow the upper frame rails to pivot about a longitudinal axis and reduce the frame width when the frame is folded, but do not allow pivoting when the frame is unfolded.

Abstract: A foldable frame for a stroller having front and rear legs with wheels disposed at the ends thereof and a handle support joined at a folding mechanism. The folding mechanism synchronizes motion of the front leg and handle to collapse them adjacent to the rear leg. The mechanism also actuates a swivel mechanism on a front wheel that swivels the front wheel to a predetermined position optimized to allow the stroller to be supported by the wheels when folded.

Abstract: A foldable frame for a stroller having front and rear legs with wheels disposed at the ends thereof and a handle support joined at a folding mechanism. The folding mechanism synchronizes motion of the front leg and handle to collapse them adjacent to the rear leg. The mechanism also actuates a swivel mechanism on a front wheel that swivels the front wheel to a pre-determined position optimized to allow the stroller to be supported by the wheels when folded.