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: Personal restraint systems for use in recreational utility vehicles (RUVs) are disclosed herein. A personal restraint system configured in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure includes a web configured to extend around an occupant and a locking retractor having a motorized spool. A control module is electrically coupled to the locking retractor and the motorized spool is operably coupled to the web. A sensor is electrically coupled to the control module and is configured to detect dynamic characteristics of the RUV. In one embodiment, the sensor detects acceleration events that indicate a level of ride quality and the locking retractor adjusts the tension in the web based on the level of ride quality.

Abstract: Magnetic buckle assemblies and associated methods of use with child seats and other restraint systems are disclosed herein. A restraint system configured in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a first web connector and a second web connector configured to releasably engage the first web connector. The restraint system can further include a magnet positioned on at least one of the first and second web connectors. The magnet can be configured to hold the first and second web connectors together such that they can be simultaneously inserted into a corresponding buckle.

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: A modular system that allows a child seat manufacturer to combine the installation of the crotch belt assembly and the shoulder belt adjuster assembly in one step, and which allows the child seat manufacturer to vary the type of components without having to alter the design of the child seat. This invention is a module for use with a child seat that has a shoulder harness, an interengageable combination of a tongue and seat belt buckle, and has a seat portion that has been adapted to receive the module. The module, itself, has a pan that is mountable within the seat portion of the child seat, a belt retractor fixedly attached to the bottom of the pan, and a crotch assembly that is designed to attach either to the buckle or the tongue of the seat belt harness.

Abstract: A modular system that allows a child seat manufacturer to combine the installation of the crotch belt assembly and the shoulder belt adjuster assembly in one step, and which allows the child seat manufacturer to vary the type of components without having to alter the design of the child seat. A module for use with a child seat that has a shoulder harness, an interengageable combination of a tongue and seat belt buckle, and has a seat portion that has been adapted to receive the module. The module, itself, has a pan that is mountable within the seat portion of the child seat, a belt retractor fixedly attached to the bottom of the pan, and a crotch assembly that is designed to attach either to the buckle or the tongue of the seat belt harness.

Abstract: A seat belt system for restraining a vehicle occupant includes a left webbing having a shoulder portion and a lap portion separated by a tongue assembly, a right webbing having a shoulder portion and a lap portion separated by a right tongue assembly, and a buckle for receiving each of the tongue assemblies. Each tongue assembly includes a tongue defining a latch plate and a webbing slot. In addition, the tongue assemblies include a webbing guide having a channel extending from the top of the webbing assembly to adjacent the slot, the channel maintaining the tongue in substantial alignment with the shoulder portion of the webbing.

Abstract: A child restraint system for use in a vehicle. The restraint includes a harness having a pair of webs extending over and adjacent the child's chest and through a pair of soft socks adjustable along the length of each web. The bottom of each sock includes a rigid base having a slot through which the web extends limiting twisting movement of each web. A quick disconnect connector is pivotally connected to each base allowing the webs extending through the socks to conformingly fit against the child while lateral movement of the webs is limited.

Abstract: A mounting arrangement for securing a child seat to a vehicle passenger seat. A web has opposite ends with buckles mounted thereto lockingly engageable with tongues extending from the vehicle passenger seat. The web extends into a tube rotatably mounted to the child seat preventing twisting of the web. The child seat may face forward or rearward with the webs attached to the child seat being pivotable to accommodate same. Alternate embodiments include the mounting of the web to the child seat by a plate, by pivoting brackets and by extending the web through holes provided in the child seat side walls.