Abstract: Energy absorbing devices for use with child seat restraint webs, seat belt webs, and other webs are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, an energy absorbing device includes a body having first and second apertures that receive a portion of a web, such as a web of an occupant restraint system. When a load is applied to the web, such as in a vehicle crash, the body deflects under the load from a first shape to a second shape to absorb the energy transmitted by the web.

Abstract: Web adjusters for use with occupant restraint systems are described herein. In some embodiments, a web adjuster includes a cross bar operably coupled to a frame, and a release member that is pivotally coupled to the frame and configured to cooperate with the cross bar. In use, a web can be routed through the adjuster so that it passes around the cross bar and between the cross bar and a locking surface of the release member. A user can increase tension in the web by pulling a free end portion of the web through the adjuster. When the free end portion is released, the tension in the web drives the cross bar toward the locking surface to fixedly clamp the web therebetween and maintain the tension in the web. To release the tension in the web, the user can rotate the release member away from the frame, thereby moving the locking surface away from the cross bar and permitting the web to pass through the adjuster.

Abstract: Web adjusters for use with occupant restraint systems are described herein. In some embodiments, a web adjuster can include first and second cross bars that are operably coupled to a frame, and a release member that is pivotally coupled to the frame and configured to cooperate with the second cross bar. In use, a web can be routed through the web adjuster so that it passes between the first and second cross bars. A user can increase tension in the web by pulling on a free end of the web. When the free end of the web is released, it drives the first cross bar toward the second cross bar to fixedly clamp the web therebetween and maintain the tension in the web. To release the tension in the web, the user can rotate the release member away from the frame, which in turn enables the second cross bar to move away from the first cross bar, thereby enabling the web to pass between the two cross bars and through the adjuster.

Abstract: Energy absorbing devices for use with child seat restraint webs, seat belt webs, and other webs are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, an energy absorbing device includes a body having first and second apertures that receive a portion of a web, such as a web of an occupant restraint system. When a load is applied to the web, such as in a vehicle crash, the body deflects under the load from a first shape to a second shape to absorb the energy transmitted by the web.

Abstract: Buckle assemblies and associated systems and methods for use with child seats and other restraint systems are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a buckle assembly includes a housing having an opening shaped to receive a first tongue of a first web connector and a second tongue of a second web connector. The buckle assembly also includes a spring having a first ejector arm carrying a first magnet and a second ejector arm carrying a second magnet. A switch assembly is positioned within the housing, and insertion of the tongues into the housing to latch the buckle assembly moves the magnets toward the switch assembly to activate switches in the switch assembly and produce a signal confirming buckle engagement.

Abstract: Buckle assemblies and associated systems and methods for use with child seats and other restraint systems are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a buckle assembly includes a housing having an opening shaped to receive a first tongue of a first web connector and a second tongue of a second web connector. The buckle assembly also includes a spring having a first ejector arm carrying a first magnet and a second ejector arm carrying a second magnet. A switch assembly is positioned within the housing, and insertion of the tongues into the housing to latch the buckle assembly moves the magnets toward the switch assembly to activate switches in the switch assembly and produce a signal confirming buckle engagement.