Abstract: A flow regulated quick-connect fitting has a polymeric first connector and a polymeric second connector, the first connector being either a male fitting or a female fitting, and the other of the male fitting or the female fitting being the second connector. The female fitting has a longitudinal cylindrical cavity therein, and the male fitting has a generally cylindrical body having an end opening. The cylindrical body of the male fitting is positionable within the cylindrical cavity of the female fitting forming the connection. A clip is pivotably connected to the second connector moving between a first position connecting the female fitting to the male fitting when the male fitting is positioned within the female fitting and a second position in which the male fitting is removable from the female fitting. A replaceable flow regulator in the male fitting end opening regulates flow through the quick-connect fitting.

Abstract: A quick connector assembly for quickly connecting and establishing fluid communication between a male end form having a bead and a tube. The quick connector assembly includes a housing having a stem portion for receiving the hose and a female receiving portion for receiving the male end form. The quick connector includes a locker which is moveable between a non-engaged position for allowing the male end form to be inserted into or withdrawn from the quick connector assembly and an engaged position for trapping the male end form in the quick connector assembly. The locker includes a pair of outside legs, each having a notch, and the housing includes a pair of windows for receiving the notches when the locker is in the engaged position. The locker cannot be moved back to the non-engaged position until the outside legs are pulled outwardly, thereby disengaging the notches from the windows.

Abstract: Couplings and gaskets are disclosed. Couplings may include an upper housing, a lower housing, at least one fastening device coupling the upper housing to the lower housing, and a gasket positioned within the upper and lower housings, the gasket including two primary seals and a rib protruding from an inner surface of the gasket and between the two primary seals.

Abstract: A connecting device of large-diameter compressed air conveying pipe is composed by metal outer hull and sealing device. The annular mounting slot is set within the lumen of metal outer hull with the annular slope on the both sides; the sealing device is composed by the annular frame body, two junk rings and two “O” sealing rings. Two junk rings are set on both sides of the annular frame body. The annular slope is respectively set in the shoulder part of junk ring. “O” sealing rings are respectively set at the corner of inner junk ring. Two ends of annular frame body are respectively connected with “O” sealing ring; Moreover, the annular curve or annular slope is set at the corner of the inner junk ring, or the third annular slope is set at two inner tops of the junk ring.

Abstract: A coupling for connecting one tubular member to another tubular member. The coupling includes a locking collar and coupling body with a ramp. In use, the locking collar is moved along the body until the tubular member is trapped between the locking collar and the ramp.

Abstract: An electromagnetic braking system of a power generation system includes an electrically conductive disc coupled to a rotatable shaft operatively coupled between a prime mover and a generator; a controller for receiving a status signal from the power generation system and for generating a control signal based on the status signal; and an inducting unit for applying an electromagnetic braking force on the electrically conductive disc when commanded by the control signal to regulate a rotational speed of the rotatable shaft.

Abstract: A method of operation of a thermal power plant having an air separation system with a plurality of air storage unit (ASU) compressors and a liquid oxygen/liquid air (LOX/LA) storage facility for oxyfuel firing of fossil fuel and a power plant having a control system to perform the same are described. The method is characterized by the step of controlling the net power output of the plant in response to short term variations in grid demanded net plant output by dynamically adjusting the works power of the ASU compressors preferably in conjunction with co-ordinated changes in firing demand. The method is in particular a method to produce an improved primary and secondary response to transient changes in grid demand and to provide accurate response to load dispatch ramps.

Abstract: A method for controlling a wind power plant in case of a frequency drop in a utility grid to which the wind turbines are connected is provided. The method includes combining demand response, inertial response and spinning reserve for given wind speeds in order for wind power plants to deliver fast aggregate under frequency response for a wide wind speed range with minimal recovery time and minimal production loss at each wind speed.

Abstract: According to an embodiment of the present invention, a method of operating a wind turbine including a power generator, a generator/machine side converter connected to the power generator, a grid/line side converter connected to a power grid through power components, and a DC-link connected between the machine side converter and the line side converter, comprises: Monitoring the power grid for overvoltage events; if an overvoltage event is detected disabling active operation of the machine side converter and of the line side converter, enabling an AC-load dump connected between the machine side converter and the power generator in order to dissipate active power output by the power generator into the AC-load dump, waiting for a waiting period, and enabling active operation of the line side converter and the machine side converter if the overvoltage ends within the waiting period.

Abstract: A system harnesses the wind generated by an automobile and uses it to supply a steady electrical current to either fully power the vehicle, or at least reduce its inefficiency. The system of the present invention balances efficiency and aesthetics to enable electrical power to be generated within the vehicle either to be consumed by an electric motor, or to be stored for later use. With increased development of electric vehicles, the system of the present invention may be particularly useful to extend the range of these vehicles, alleviating a considerable drawback of such vehicles.

Abstract: An energy harvester for producing useable energy from fluid motion of a fluid medium, the energy harvester comprising a support structure affixed directly or indirectly to a foundation or mounting; wherein the support structure comprises one or more legs; a morphable moving element movably supported by the support structure for oscillating movement along an axis of the support structure, wherein the axis is substantially perpendicular to a direction of the fluid motion; a biasing element or spring for biasing the morphable moving element in a first direction along the axis; and a converter for converting mechanical energy of the morphable moving element to useable energy.

Abstract: A waste-heat recovery system for a waste-heat source, made up of an ORC (Organic-Rankine Cycle) postconnected thereto. The waste-heat source is connected with the heating device of the ORC as well as an expansion machine, coupled to a generator, for steam expansion in the ORC, which has magnetic bearings with an associated control device and a power supply via a direct current intermediate circuit of a generator frequency converter. The design and safe operating behavior of a waste-heat recovery system made up of an ORC post-connected to a waste-heat source are optimized. In a power supply failure, the electric energy that a down-running generator continues to generate is used to supply the magnetic bearings with the associated control device in order to ensure a safe operation in the event of a power supply failure.

Abstract: A control system for controlling a set point of an individual power output of each wind turbine. The wind turbines are grouped into a plurality of groups of wind turbines and each group associated to a sub control unit. A main control unit is adapted to determine a set point for a total power output of each group based on a reference set point for an overall power output of the wind park and on data being indicative for current characteristics of the wind park and adapted to distribute the determined set points between the sub control units via main control signals being provided to the sub control units. Each main control signal is indicative for the set point. Each sub control unit is adapted to determine a set point for an individual power output.

Abstract: An electrical power generating apparatus is defined by a human interface that is mechanically connected to power generating components. The arrangement of structural components in the human interface is made to convert and balance an oscillatory motion from one or plural human power sources along a first axis into rotational motion in the power generating equipment. The oscillatory motion is converted to rotational motion that is output for useful work, and in particular, the generation of electrical current.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for extracting electrical and mechanical energy from stored magnetic energy. The apparatus includes an axial flow turbine defined by a body having an increased magnetic density from a first exterior edge along a surface of the body to a second exterior edge. Also included is a magnetic element rotatably operable about the body of the axial flow turbine. The magnetic element is configured to cause increasingly level of the magnetic attraction from the first exterior edge to that of the second exterior edge.

Abstract: An electromagnetic radiation collection apparatus includes an exterior including a bottom portion and first and second walls extending from the bottom portion, the exterior defining a cavity in the bottom portion, the cavity being configured to receive a thermally absorbing material; and a radiation collector. The radiation collector includes a first surface on an interior of the first wall, the first surface being at least partially reflective and positioned to reflect radiation that is incident on the first surface into the cavity; and a second surface on an interior of the second wall, the second surface being at least partially reflective and positioned to reflect radiation that is incident on the second surface into the cavity, where the first and second surfaces face each other to at least partially define an interior region of the radiation collector, and the cavity defines an opening to the interior of the radiation collector.

Abstract: The invention concerns an energy system (Sanner cycle), comprising a first energy converting plant located at a first geographical position and a second energy converting plant located at a second geographical position, wherein the first energy converting plant is configured to produce at least one energy carrying compound from at least one energy depleted compound using energy obtained from a non-fossil energy source, wherein the second energy converting plant is configured to produce power, electricity and/or heat by reacting the at least one energy carrying compound such as to form the at least one energy depleted compound, and wherein said energy system further comprises a transporting system configured to transport the at least one energy carrying compound produced in the first energy converting plant to the second energy converting plant and to transport the at least one energy depleted compound produced in the second energy converting plant to the first energy converting plant.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a starter used for starting an engine and including an actuator performing an engagement operation with a pinion gear and a motor rotating the pinion gear that are separately controllable. When starting the engine by the user's key operation, a start request signal caused by the key operation is delayed in a delay circuit to output a control signal for driving the motor. When restarting an engine after the engine is automatically stopped, a malfunction detection unit detects a malfunction in the delay circuit based on a control signal for driving the actuator and the control signal for driving the motor.

Abstract: Some embodiments relate to an example generator management system. The generator management system includes a first generator having a first set of power leads and a second generator having a second set of power leads. The generator management system further includes a bus that connects the first output and the second output. A controller selectively cuts off fuel to the second generator to add a load to the bus. It should be noted that embodiments are contemplated where the generator management system alternatively cuts off fuel to the first generator to add a load to the bus.

Abstract: A multiple-frequency inversion method and a control apparatus for an internal combustion engine driven generator includes an inverter unit that employs a multiple-frequency inversion technology, controlling the inverter unit through a low switching frequency f to obtain a 2 f modulated frequency, thus resolving the problem that a low frequency switching component generates a high frequency modulated waveform. Four switching devices in the inverter unit have the same working frequency, alleviating the controller load. In addition, a high modulated frequency reduces the device parameters of the filter unit, resulting in a smaller-sized and lighter apparatus, thus giving the generator portability. Reduction of the device parameters of the filter unit means reduction of the output internal resistance of the generator, therefore increasing the non-linear load capability of the generator.

Abstract: A vehicle door opening/closing device includes: an inside handle mounted to a vehicle door and operated from a vehicle Interior to perform a door opening/closing operation; an outside handle mounted to the door and operated from a vehicle exterior to perform the door opening/closing operation; a locking mechanism actuated to lock the door at a predetermined position; an open mechanism; a release mechanism; and a cancel mechanism. The open mechanism is actuated according to operation of the inside and outside handles to release the lock by the locking mechanism. The release mechanism includes an and a power-transmission member transmitting electric motor power to the open mechanism, and actuates the open mechanism to release the lock. Further, the cancel mechanism Is actuated in accordance with operation of the inside and outside handles to interrupt transmission of the electric motor driving force to the open mechanism by the power-transmission member.

Abstract: A door latch actuator includes a cage fixedly attached to a first surface and a torque plate coupled to the cage for rotation about a spindle axis. The torque plate includes a first engagement portion. An input member is rotatable about the spindle axis between a rest position and an actuated position. The input member has an actuator axis that is normal to the spindle axis. A spindle is coupled to the input member and includes a second engagement portion that is selectively engageable with the first engagement portion. The spindle is movable between an engaged position in which the torque plate holds the spindle and the input member in the rest position, and a disengaged position in which the spindle and the input member are movable with respect to the torque plate to change the orientation of the actuator axis when the input member is in the rest position.

Abstract: In one embodiment the present invention is a screen frame grasping and removal system comprising at least one pull tab. There is at least one lock to lock each tab. The frame defines openings to receive the tab and lock cooperation, the tab and lock openings communicating with each other to permit the lock to engage the tab. In another embodiment the above includes one side of the frame defining an opening to receive the tab and an opening to receive the lock, the tab and lock openings communicating with each other to permit the lock to engage the tab; and a second side of the frame contains therein at least one outwardly springing bias. The screen first and second side opposing each other.

Abstract: The invention relates to a motor vehicle door lock equipped with a locking mechanism (1, 2, 15), an actuation lever unit (3, 4) acting on the locking mechanism (1, 2, 15), and a catch lever (10). The catch lever (10) renders the actuation lever unit (3, 4) ineffective, at least when acceleration forces of a given magnitude occur, e.g. in case of an accident (crash). According to the invention, the catch lever (10) blocks the actuation lever unit (3, 4) during non-deflected normal operation and in the event of a crash while releasing the actuation lever unit (3, 4) only for deflected normal operation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a doorstop assembly which allows a doorstop to be conveniently installed or removed from left or right swinging doors of varying thicknesses. The assembly has a portable door clip which may be easily pulled off a left swing door, turned upside down, and then pushed into place onto a right swing door. The portable door clip can firmly embrace doors of varying thickness. A dual lock leg mounted to the front of the door clip can be stowed in an upward position regardless of which way the door clip is turned, and then lowered toward the floor surface when in use to stop the door from closing.

Abstract: An actuator mechanism for a door latch is provided. The actuator mechanism may include a first actuator and a second actuator. The first actuator can be pivotably coupled to a first support structure about a first axis. Moreover, the first actuator can include an engaging tip, a first engagement and a second engagement. The second actuator can be pivotably coupled to a second support structure about a second axis. In response to the movement of the arm of the second actuator about the second axis, the first engagement of the first actuator can rotate about the first axis to move the engaging tip to release the door latch. Alternatively, in response to the movement of the second engagement of the first actuator, the second engagement of the first actuator can rotate about the first axis to move the engaging tip to release the door latch.

Abstract: A interior door handle includes one end portion connected to a door trim to form a hinge point, and a push surface which is pushed down by a finger is formed at a position spaced apart from the hinge point. A push grip is rotated around the hinge point by a force applied to the push surface to release locking of a door latch. As a result, the door is conveniently opened by only one-touch push operation, and, in particular, occupants having a relatively weak joint or finger disability can manipulate the door open by only the one-touch push operation of pressing the push surface down.

Abstract: An operating device for a vehicle door latch comprises an inside handle, a base member fixed to a door, and inside lever connected to the inside handle, a locking lever, a housing, a motor, an output lever, a detected lever coupled to the inside handle and an inside-handle detecting switch. The motion of the inside handle is detected by the inside-handle detecting switch via the detected lever of the device to make the door open or close. Another detecting switch detects motion of a swinging member outside the housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for changing a kicking state of a window and/or a door, comprising at least one handle housing that can be connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the window and/or the door and a handle that is rotatably mounted relatice to the handle housing. The invention further comprises at least one electronic evaluation circuit for detecting the position of the handle, wherein the evaluation circuit is provided with at least one primed circuit board arranged, at least in part, inside the handle housing and/or the handle, and accommodating a first sensor. The handle is connected in a ivotably secure manner to at least one connecting device, which extends through the handle housing, by way of which the locking state of the window and/or the door can be changed, wherein the primed circuit board is connected to the connecting device and/or the handle in a pivotably secure manner.

Abstract: A bumper structure, that can mitigate impact when a collision body collides with a vehicle transverse direction end portion of an impact absorbing member, is obtained. A bumper structure has a bumper reinforcement that extends along a vehicle transverse direction at a vehicle front-rear direction end portion; an impact absorbing member that is provided at a vehicle front-rear direction outer side of this bumper reinforcement, and at which an outer side surface of a vehicle transverse direction end portion is made to be an inclined surface that is inclined toward a vehicle transverse direction outer side, from a vehicle front-rear direction outer side toward a vehicle front-rear direction inner side; and a plate-shaped member that is provided along the inclined surface, and whose rigidity is higher than the impact absorbing member.

Abstract: A shock absorbing trailer hitch attachment for vehicle protection is presented. A shock absorbing attachment is inserted into the trailer hitch receiver tube of any vehicle with an existing trailer hitch. The trailer hitch attachment contains shock absorbing capabilities and is designed to compress in order to reduce impact to the vehicle. Specifically, this attachment minimizes the amount of shock forces on a vehicle's bumper, via impact, between other vehicles, structures, and objects. The attachment does not require alteration of existing trailer hitch receivers and will add purpose to the routinely underutilized trailer hitch.

Abstract: A lifting beam for lifting a load. The lifting beam comprises: an elongated beam; a load balancing mechanism movably associated with the elongated beam and having a horizontal arm and a counterweight attachment element, from which a counterweight can be hung; a lifting ring connected to the elongated beam from which the lifting beam can be hung; and a load attachment mechanism whereby the load is attachable to the lifting beam, wherein the load balancing mechanism further comprises a counterweight movement apparatus adapted to move the counterweight along the elongated beam in order to help balance the load, and the elongated beam has a series of micro-switches along a bottom surface thereof the micro-switches arranged whereby an end of the horizontal arm will contact one of the switches in the case of undue tilting of the lifting beam.

Abstract: Several embodiments of plastic dumpsters with improved strength and durability are disclosed. In one embodiment, gussets connect pockets to bevel walls, connecting the side walls to front and rear walls of the dumpster. The bevel walls are stronger than the side walls of the dumpster. Other embodiments disclose gussets integral with front and rear walls of the dumpster for improved strength. Other embodiments disclose removable, separately formed sleeves that are secured to the sides of the dumpster to form pockets for receiving the forks of a truck.

Abstract: Disclosed is a handled appliance support for a window-mounted air conditioner unit, comprising a pair of U-shaped handles along the interior face of the appliance for providing a user with a means for obtaining improved purchase and control when handling, installing and removing an air conditioner unit. The handles comprise elongated vertical members affixed via a pair of horizontal members forming a pair of U-shape grips for which the user to grasp and support the unit from within the interior side of a window opening. The handles may be externally mounted, integrated into the interior face or alternatively be retrofitted onto an existing unit via a pair of elongated strap elements that surround the unit and support the handles in their working position.

Abstract: An elongated body to engage the underside of and upwardly and outwardly angled fishing rod and including opposited extremities formed, respectively with a cradle and a fork projecting laterally in one direction for respective engagement with a reel and the body of the rod. A handle angles downwardly and outwardly from the opposite side.

Abstract: A foldable floor assembly, including an outboard floor panel apparatus including a bottom surface and a top usable surface generally extending in a floor plane and configured to be used when the foldable floor assembly is in an unfolded state and a pivot rail having an inboard surface, the pivot rail movable in a horizontal direction substantially parallel to the floor plane, wherein movement of the inboard surface of the pivot rail in the horizontal direction toward the outboard floor panel apparatus imparts a moment onto the outboard floor panel apparatus when the bottom surface of the outboard floor panel apparatus and the inboard surface of the pivot rail are in contact with one another.

Abstract: A energy-absorbing footrest in a vehicle includes a footrest plate, a plurality of pins depending from an underside of the footrest plate, and a supporting structure defining a plurality of apertures into which the plurality of pins are received. Engagement between the plurality of pins and the supporting structure limits insertion of the plurality of pins into the apertures and thereby supports the footrest plate in an elevated position relative to the supporting structure until a predetermined force is applied to the footrest plate causing the plurality of pins to further insert into the plurality of apertures and the footrest plate to move toward the supporting structure.

Abstract: [Object] It is an object of the present invention to provide a crash reinforcing member for a vehicle capable of preventing reduction in flexural rigidity as much as possible even if deformation progresses when a load at the time of crash of the vehicle is input. [Solution] A crash reinforcing member for a vehicle (e.g., door impact beam) includes a long body 10. The body 10 has a hat-shaped opened cross-sectional shape by connecting, with one another, a pair of walls 11, a pair of curved corners 12, a center flange 13, and a pair of outer flanges 14. The body 10 is divided into three sections P1, P2 and P3. A width (C1) of the center flange in the section P1 is wider than a width (C2) of the center flange in the section P2. A cross-sectional area of the curved corner 12 in the section P1 is narrower than a cross-sectional area of the curved corner in the section P2. A cross-sectional height (H1) of the section P1 is higher than a cross-sectional height (H2) of the section P2.

Abstract: A car having a frame, which supports a pair of front wheels and a pair of rear wheels, a passenger compartment, at least one pair of doors, and an underbody which delimits the car on the lower side, faces the road surface, and has an aerodynamic diffuser, which is arranged in a rear position and is provided with a chute having a height with respect to the road surface that progressively increases when longitudinally moving from the front to the rear. The underbody can include a pair of aerodynamic channels, each of which extends longitudinally, leads to the aerodynamic diffuser, is open on the lower side towards the road surface, has a shape of an upside-down “U” in its transverse section and is open underneath towards the road surface and has, in its transverse section, an area that progressively increases when longitudinally moving from the front to the rear.

Abstract: A vehicle cabin body structure a side sill, a floor fixedly attached to the side sill, a dash wall and an inner reinforcing bracket. The dash wall is fixedly being attached to the side sill and the floor at least partially defining a passenger compartment of a vehicle. The inner reinforcing bracket has a sill attachment section attached to an inboard surface of the side sill, a dash wall attachment section attached to an interior surface of the dash wall and a floor attachment section attached to an upper surface the floor.

Abstract: Exemplary reinforced structures, e.g., panel structures, and methods of making the same are disclosed. A reinforced structure may include a panel support extending along a panel. The panel support may be relatively rigid in comparison to the panel. The structure may further include an expandable support having a body portion mounted on the panel support. The body portion may be formed of an expandable material such that the body portion is configured to engage the panel upon expansion, thereby providing an expanded support acting between the panel and the panel support after expansion.

Abstract: A vehicle instrument panel reinforcement capable of raising ease of vehicle installation is provided. The instrument panel reinforcement is formed with a cross-section profile of square shaped closed cross-section profile from an upper member and a lower member, is disposed along a vehicle width direction at the inside of a vehicle instrument panel. Plural first protruding portions are formed to one end portion of the upper member, and plural first projection portions are formed to another end portion thereof. Similarly, plural second protruding portions are formed to one end portion of the lower member and plural second projection portions are formed to another end portion thereof. The first protruding portions and the second projection portions, and the first projection portions and the second protruding portions, are projection welded together at plural points simultaneously.

Abstract: The invention provides an automated sunroof or hoodroof installed onto the hood of a vehicle. The 3 Stage Hood Roof is centrally positioned on a vehicle's hood and is connected to an internal motor that operates with a push button mechanism located within the car. Pressing the push button engages the motor to multiple positions. In the first position, the hoodroof rotates slightly from its front attachment to the hood of the vehicle and tilts upward toward the rear. The second position retracts the roof completely or partially. The third position lowers the roof so that the roof is recessed from the hood of the vehicle. The fourth stage is a closed position, covering the entire engine.

Abstract: A vehicular wheel house portion structure that can improve working efficiency when applying a sealer is obtained. In unhemmed portions, an end portion of a wheel house outer panel is cut off in alignment with an application center position of a sealer in a hemmed portion. Because of this, a sealer application center position in the hemmed portion and sealer application center positions in the unhemmed portions become substantially the same.

Abstract: A foldable artist bench includes a seat panel and first and second legs pivotally coupled to opposing ends of the seat panel so as to be pivotal between a working position and a storage position folded alongside the seat panel. A work support panel is formed integrally with the first leg at one end so as to be foldable therewith into the storage position. The second leg is spaced inwardly from the end of the seat panel such that the work support can be used in multiple operating positions including supporting the seat panel: i) horizontally with the work support upright at one end; ii) upright with the work support similarly upright; or iii) upright with the work support transversely oriented at the top end of the upright seat panel.

Abstract: An inflatable child seat for use in an airplane having a base panel having at least one inflatable air chamber is provided. The inflatable child seat also includes two side panels, each of which have at least one inflatable air chamber. Both side panels are connected to the base panel. A back panel is further provided, having at least one inflatable air chamber, and is connected to the two side panels and the base panel. The back panel is disposed at an angle relative to the base panel. The inflatable child seat also has a belt configured to restrain a child in the seat. The inflatable child seat additionally has a cavity disposed in the back panel and is configured for receiving a seat belt from an airplane or car seat for securing the child seat to the airplane or car seat. The inflatable child seat is provided with at least one port that is in communication with one or more of the air chambers and serves as the means for inflating and deflating these chambers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cup holder assembly adapted for a seat and the seat with the cup holder assembly. The cup holder assembly includes a lateral cover installed on a lateral side of the seat, a main body, and a connection portion connected to a lateral side of the main body. The connection portion hangs on the lateral cover so as to hang the main body on the lateral cover, and a cup can be disposed inside the main body of the cup holder assembly. It not only has simple structure and convenient operation but also can prevent from overturning the cup.

Abstract: A vehicular underseat storage assembly includes a rigid first side wall pivotally connected to a first stanchion. A rigid second side wall is pivotally connected to a second stanchion. A rigid front wall couples a forward end of the first side wall to a forward end of the second side wall. The first side wall, second side wall, and front wall define a storage cavity operable between a collapsed condition and a deployed condition. Substantially all of an inside surface of the first side wall is in abutting contact with an inside surface of the front wall when the storage cavity is in the collapsed condition.

Abstract: An active bolster is integrated within a seat for a transportation vehicle by covering an inner inflatable bladder with an outer cushion layer to provide a seating support surface. Seating loads are borne on the support surface from the weight of an occupant by elastic deformation of the bladder. When a vehicle crash event is detected, at least a portion of the bladder is inflated to extend a seat surface to protect the occupant. Size and weight of the seat are reduced as a result of the bladder contributing significantly to the normal cushioning of the seat in everyday usage.

Abstract: A child safety seat includes a seat base having shell body, and a support leg connected with the shell body. The support leg includes a tubular segment, a support portion, a fastener connected with the tubular segment and the support portion, and a cushioning structure disposed adjacent to the fastener, wherein the cushioning structure is configured to block displacement of the fastener so that the support portion is locked in position relative to the tubular segment, and to deform or break as a result of a displacement of the fastener into the cushioning structure when a substantial force is applied that forces the tubular segment to move relative to the support portion.