US7246853B2 — Child restraint apparatus for a vehicle

Claim 1

Independent Claim 200 words

A restraint apparatus for a child, comprising: a base connectable to a vehicle, the base having a chassis with a back portion and a seat portion; a seat member connected to the seat portion of the chassis; a harness assembly comprising a torso strap having a lower end and a pair of upper ends, the lower end of the torso strap connected to the chassis and positionable between the legs of the child; a substantially U-shaped guard having a first end and a second end pivotally connected to the chassis so as to be movable between an up position and a down position, in the down position the guard forming a frontal and lateral barrier around the child, the guard having a longitudinal groove extending from a leading end toward the first end and the second end along an exterior thereof for receiving a portion of a guard of an adjacently positioned restraint apparatus; a helmet connected to the chassis, the helmet having a rigid shell shaped to extend about at least a portion the head of the child; and a latch assembly for releasably receiving the upper ends of the torso strap, the latch assembly connected to the helmet.

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 200 words

A restraint apparatus for a child, comprising: a base connectable to a vehicle, the base having a chassis with a back portion and a seat portion; a seat member connected to the seat portion of the chassis; a harness assembly comprising a torso strap having a lower end and a pair of upper ends, the lower end of the torso strap connected to the chassis and positionable between the legs of the child; a substantially U-shaped guard having a first end and a second end pivotally connected to the chassis so as to be movable between an up position and a down position, in the down position the guard forming a frontal and lateral barrier around the child, the guard having a longitudinal groove extending from a leading end toward the first end and the second end along an exterior thereof for receiving a portion of a guard of an adjacently positioned restraint apparatus; a helmet connected to the chassis, the helmet having a rigid shell shaped to extend about at least a portion the head of the child; and a latch assembly for releasably receiving the upper ends of the torso strap, the latch assembly connected to the helmet.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 66 words

The restraint apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the latch assembly comprises: a pair of latch mechanisms adapted to receive the upper ends of the torso strap to secure the torso strap about the child; and a latch release assembly operably connected to each of the latch mechanisms for releasing the upper ends of the torso strap, the latch release assembly including a single release handle.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 22 words

The restraint apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the release handle is connected to connected to an upper end of the helmet.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 120 words

The restraint apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the latch assembly comprises: a pair of latch mechanisms adapted to receive the upper ends of the torso strap to secure the torso strap about the child; and a latch release assembly operably connected to each of the latch mechanisms for releasing the upper ends of the torso strap, the latch release assembly comprising: a single release handle connected to an upper end of the helmet; a first cable having a first end connected to the release handle and a second end connected to one of the latch mechanisms; and a second cable having a first end connected to the release handle and a second end connected to the other latch mechanism.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 20 words

The restraint apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the helmet is moveable longitudinally along the back portion of the chassis.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 92 words

The restraint apparatus of claim 1 wherein the helmet is moveable longitudinally along the back portion of the chassis between an locked position wherein the helmet is secured to the chassis and an unlocked position wherein the helmet is detachable from chassis, and wherein the torso strap of the harness assembly has a length such that the upper ends of the torso strap are non-extendible to the latch assembly when the helmet is moved to the unlocked position to render the harness assembly inoperable when the helmet is in the unlocked position.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 18 words

The restraint apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the torso strap of the harness assembly is substantially Y-shaped.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 35 words

The restraint apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the harness assembly further comprises a retractor assembly connected to the chassis, and wherein the lower end of the torso strap is fixed to the retractor assembly.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 31 words

The restraint apparatus of claim 8 , wherein the retractor assembly is connected to the seat member and wherein the retractor member and the seat member are detachable from the chassis.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 16 words

The restraint apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the seat member is detachable from the chassis.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 63 words

The restraint apparatus of claim 1 , wherein in the down position the guard extending at an angle so as to be oriented substantially perpendicularly to a back of a front seat of the vehicle upon the front seat rotating backwards when the seat is connected to a rear seat of the vehicle to prevent the front seat from collapsing onto the child.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 212 words

A restraint apparatus for a child, comprising: a base connectable to a vehicle, the base having a chassis with a back portion and a seat portion; a seat member connected to the seat portion of the chassis; a harness assembly comprising a torso strap having a lower end and a pair of upper ends, the lower end of the torso strap connected to the chassis and positionable between the legs of the child; a substantially U-shaped guard having a first end and a second end pivotally connected to the chassis so as to be movable between an up position and a down position, in the down position the guard forming a frontal and lateral barrier around the child, wherein the guard has a front end and wherein the front end of the guard has a pair of side scoops to facilitate positioning of the guard between front seats of the vehicle when the chassis is secured in the center of a rear seat of the vehicle; a helmet connected to the chassis, the helmet having a rigid shell shaped to extend about at least a portion the head of the child; and a latch assembly for releasably receiving the upper ends of the torso strap, the latch assembly connected to the helmet.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 212 words

A restraint apparatus for a child, comprising: a base connectable to a vehicle, the base having a chassis with a back portion and a seat portion; a seat member connected to the seat portion of the chassis; a harness assembly comprising a torso strap having a lower end and a pair of upper ends, the lower end of the torso strap connected to the chassis and positionable between the legs of the child; a substantially U-shaped guard having a first end and a second end pivotally connected to the chassis so as to be movable between an up position and a down position, in the down position the guard forming a frontal and lateral barrier around the child, wherein the guard has a front end and wherein the front end of the guard has a pair of side scoops to facilitate positioning of the guard between front seats of the vehicle when the chassis is secured in the center of a rear seat of the vehicle; a helmet connected to the chassis, the helmet having a rigid shell shaped to extend about at least a portion the head of the child; and a latch assembly for releasably receiving the upper ends of the torso strap, the latch assembly connected to the helmet.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 253 words

A restraint apparatus for a child, comprising: a base connectable to a vehicle, the base having a chassis with a back portion and a seat portion; a seat member connected to the seat portion of the chassis; a harness assembly comprising a torso strap having a lower end and a pair of upper ends, the lower end of the torso strap connected to the chassis and positionable between the legs of the child; a substantially U-shaped guard having a first end and a second end pivotally connected to the chassis so as to be movable between an up position and a down position, in the down position the guard forming a frontal and lateral barrier around the child, wherein the guard has a latch mechanism for locking the guard in the up position and the down position, wherein the latch mechanism comprises: a hub connected to the seat; a spring-loaded pin mateable with the hub to lock the guard in the up position and the down position, the spring-loaded pin being substantially vertically oriented when the guard is in the down position to minimize inertial effects on the spring-loaded pin; and a release handle connected to the spring-loaded pin for disengaging the spring-loaded pin from the hub; a helmet connected to the chassis, the helmet having a rigid shell shaped to extend about at least a portion the head of the child; and a latch assembly for releasably receiving the upper ends of the torso strap, the latch assembly connected to the helmet.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 253 words

A restraint apparatus for a child, comprising: a base connectable to a vehicle, the base having a chassis with a back portion and a seat portion; a seat member connected to the seat portion of the chassis; a harness assembly comprising a torso strap having a lower end and a pair of upper ends, the lower end of the torso strap connected to the chassis and positionable between the legs of the child; a substantially U-shaped guard having a first end and a second end pivotally connected to the chassis so as to be movable between an up position and a down position, in the down position the guard forming a frontal and lateral barrier around the child, wherein the guard has a latch mechanism for locking the guard in the up position and the down position, wherein the latch mechanism comprises: a hub connected to the seat; a spring-loaded pin mateable with the hub to lock the guard in the up position and the down position, the spring-loaded pin being substantially vertically oriented when the guard is in the down position to minimize inertial effects on the spring-loaded pin; and a release handle connected to the spring-loaded pin for disengaging the spring-loaded pin from the hub; a helmet connected to the chassis, the helmet having a rigid shell shaped to extend about at least a portion the head of the child; and a latch assembly for releasably receiving the upper ends of the torso strap, the latch assembly connected to the helmet.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 148 words

A restraint apparatus for a child, comprising: a base connectable to a vehicle, the base having a chassis with a back portion and a seat portion; a seat member connected to the seat portion of the chassis; a harness assembly comprising a torso strap having a lower end and a pair of upper ends, the lower end of the torso strap connected to the chassis and positionable between the legs of the child; a helmet connected to the chassis, the helmet having a rigid shell shared to extend about at least a portion the head of the child; and a latch assembly for releasably receiving the upper ends of the torso strap, the latch assembly connected to the helmet, wherein the chassis has an upper end extending above the helmet so as to function as a roll bar to provide protection in the event the vehicle rolls over.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 148 words

A restraint apparatus for a child, comprising: a base connectable to a vehicle, the base having a chassis with a back portion and a seat portion; a seat member connected to the seat portion of the chassis; a harness assembly comprising a torso strap having a lower end and a pair of upper ends, the lower end of the torso strap connected to the chassis and positionable between the legs of the child; a helmet connected to the chassis, the helmet having a rigid shell shared to extend about at least a portion the head of the child; and a latch assembly for releasably receiving the upper ends of the torso strap, the latch assembly connected to the helmet, wherein the chassis has an upper end extending above the helmet so as to function as a roll bar to provide protection in the event the vehicle rolls over.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 181 words

A restraint apparatus for a child, comprising: a base connectable to a vehicle, the base having a chassis; a rear-facing seat assembly detachably connectable to the chassis; and a forward-facing seat assembly detachably connectable to the chassis, the forward-facing seat assembly comprising: a forward-facing seat member having a horn formed on an upper surface of the seat member to impede longitudinal movement of the child along the seat member, the horn having a slot; a harness assembly, the harness assembly comprising: a retractor assembly connected to the forward-facing seat member; and a torso strap having a lower end and a pair of upper ends, the lower end of the torso strap fixed to the retractor assembly, extending through the slot formed in the horn, and positionable between the legs of the child; and a latch assembly connected to the back portion of the seat, the latch assembly releasably receiving the upper ends of the torso strap to secure the torso strap about the child, wherein the rear-facing seat assembly and the forward-facing seat assembly may be used interchangeably with the chassis.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 181 words

A restraint apparatus for a child, comprising: a base connectable to a vehicle, the base having a chassis; a rear-facing seat assembly detachably connectable to the chassis; and a forward-facing seat assembly detachably connectable to the chassis, the forward-facing seat assembly comprising: a forward-facing seat member having a horn formed on an upper surface of the seat member to impede longitudinal movement of the child along the seat member, the horn having a slot; a harness assembly, the harness assembly comprising: a retractor assembly connected to the forward-facing seat member; and a torso strap having a lower end and a pair of upper ends, the lower end of the torso strap fixed to the retractor assembly, extending through the slot formed in the horn, and positionable between the legs of the child; and a latch assembly connected to the back portion of the seat, the latch assembly releasably receiving the upper ends of the torso strap to secure the torso strap about the child, wherein the rear-facing seat assembly and the forward-facing seat assembly may be used interchangeably with the chassis.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 27 words

The restraint apparatus of claim 15 , wherein the rear-facing seat assembly comprises: a rear-facing seat member; and a harness assembly connected to the rear-facing seat member.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 62 words

The restraint apparatus of claim 16 , wherein the chassis may be secured to the vehicle with a seat belt having a webbing, and wherein the rear-facing seat member has a rear end contoured to cooperate with the chassis to grip the webbing of the seat belt when the chassis is secured to the vehicle with the seat belt of the vehicle.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 24 words

The restraint apparatus of claim 17 , further comprising a web tightening assembly connected to the chassis for tightening the webbing of the vehicle.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 62 words

The restraint apparatus of claim 15 , wherein the chassis may be secured to the vehicle with a seat belt having a webbing, and wherein the forward-facing seat member has a rear end contoured to cooperate with the chassis to grip the webbing of the seat belt when the chassis is secured to the vehicle with the seat belt of the vehicle.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 24 words

The restraint apparatus of claim 19 , further comprising a web tightening assembly connected to the chassis for tightening the webbing of the vehicle.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 45 words

The restraint apparatus of claim 15 , wherein the chassis may be connected to the vehicle with a seat belt having a webbing and wherein the restraint apparatus further comprises a web tightening assembly connected to the chassis for tightening the webbing of the vehicle.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 53 words

The restraint apparatus of claim 15 further comprising: a substantially U-shaped guard having a first end and a second end pivotally connected to the chassis so as to be movable between an up position and a down position, in the down position the guard forming a frontal and lateral barrier around the child.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 63 words

The restraint apparatus of claim 22 , wherein in the down position the guard extending at an angle so as to be oriented substantially perpendicularly to a back of a front seat of the vehicle upon the front seat rotating backwards when the seat is connected to a rear seat of the vehicle to prevent the front seat from collapsing onto the child.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 136 words

A restraint apparatus for a child, comprising: a base connectable to a vehicle, the base having a chassis; a rear-facing seat assembly detachably connectable to the chassis; a forward-facing seat assembly detachably connectable to the chassis, wherein the rear-facing seat assembly and the forward-facing seat assembly may be used interchangeably with the chassis; and a substantially U-shaped guard having a first end and a second end pivotally connected to the chassis so as to be movable between an up position and a down position, in the down position the guard forming a frontal and lateral barrier around the child, wherein the guard has a longitudinal groove extending from a leading end toward the first end and the second end along an exterior thereof for receiving a portion of a guard of an adjacently positioned restraint apparatus.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 136 words

A restraint apparatus for a child, comprising: a base connectable to a vehicle, the base having a chassis; a rear-facing seat assembly detachably connectable to the chassis; a forward-facing seat assembly detachably connectable to the chassis, wherein the rear-facing seat assembly and the forward-facing seat assembly may be used interchangeably with the chassis; and a substantially U-shaped guard having a first end and a second end pivotally connected to the chassis so as to be movable between an up position and a down position, in the down position the guard forming a frontal and lateral barrier around the child, wherein the guard has a longitudinal groove extending from a leading end toward the first end and the second end along an exterior thereof for receiving a portion of a guard of an adjacently positioned restraint apparatus.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 147 words

A restraint apparatus for a child, comprising: a base connectable to a vehicle, the base having a chassis; a rear-facing seat assembly detachably connectable to the chassis; a forward-facing seat assembly detachably connectable to the chassis, wherein the rear-facing seat assembly and the forward-facing seat assembly may be used interchangeably with the chassis; and a substantially U-shaped guard having a first end and a second end pivotally connected to the chassis so as to be movable between an up position and a down position, in the down position the guard forming a frontal and lateral barrier around the child, wherein the guard has a front end and wherein the front end of the guard has a pair of side scoops to facilitate positioning of the guard between front seats of the vehicle when the chassis is secured in the center of a rear seat of the vehicle.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 147 words

A restraint apparatus for a child, comprising: a base connectable to a vehicle, the base having a chassis; a rear-facing seat assembly detachably connectable to the chassis; a forward-facing seat assembly detachably connectable to the chassis, wherein the rear-facing seat assembly and the forward-facing seat assembly may be used interchangeably with the chassis; and a substantially U-shaped guard having a first end and a second end pivotally connected to the chassis so as to be movable between an up position and a down position, in the down position the guard forming a frontal and lateral barrier around the child, wherein the guard has a front end and wherein the front end of the guard has a pair of side scoops to facilitate positioning of the guard between front seats of the vehicle when the chassis is secured in the center of a rear seat of the vehicle.

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 188 words

A restraint apparatus for a child, comprising: a base connectable to a vehicle, the base having a chassis; a rear-facing seat assembly detachably connectable to the chassis; a forward-facing seat assembly detachably connectable to the chassis, wherein the rear-facing seat assembly and the forward-facing seat assembly may be used interchangeably with the chassis; and a substantially U-shaped guard having a first end and a second end pivotally connected to the chassis so as to be movable between an up position and a down position, in the down position the guard forming a frontal and lateral barrier around the child, wherein the guard has a latch mechanism for locking the guard in the up position and the down position, wherein the latch mechanism comprises: a hub connected to the seat; a spring-loaded pin mateable with the hub to lock the guard in the up position and the down position, the spring-loaded pin being substantially vertically oriented when the guard is in the down position to minimize inertial effects on the spring-loaded pin; and a release handle connected to the spring-loaded pin for disengaging the spring-loaded pin from the hub.

Claim 34

Dependent Claim 188 words

A restraint apparatus for a child, comprising: a base connectable to a vehicle, the base having a chassis; a rear-facing seat assembly detachably connectable to the chassis; a forward-facing seat assembly detachably connectable to the chassis, wherein the rear-facing seat assembly and the forward-facing seat assembly may be used interchangeably with the chassis; and a substantially U-shaped guard having a first end and a second end pivotally connected to the chassis so as to be movable between an up position and a down position, in the down position the guard forming a frontal and lateral barrier around the child, wherein the guard has a latch mechanism for locking the guard in the up position and the down position, wherein the latch mechanism comprises: a hub connected to the seat; a spring-loaded pin mateable with the hub to lock the guard in the up position and the down position, the spring-loaded pin being substantially vertically oriented when the guard is in the down position to minimize inertial effects on the spring-loaded pin; and a release handle connected to the spring-loaded pin for disengaging the spring-loaded pin from the hub.

Claim 35

Dependent Claim 63 words

A restraint apparatus for a child, comprising: a base connectable to a vehicle, the base having a chassis; a first forward-facing seat assembly detachably connectable to the chassis; and a second forward-facing seat assembly detachably connectable to the chassis, wherein the first forward-facing seat assembly and the second forward-facing seat assembly are different in size and may be used interchangeably with the chassis.

Claim 36

Dependent Claim 63 words

A restraint apparatus for a child, comprising: a base connectable to a vehicle, the base having a chassis; a first forward-facing seat assembly detachably connectable to the chassis; and a second forward-facing seat assembly detachably connectable to the chassis, wherein the first forward-facing seat assembly and the second forward-facing seat assembly are different in size and may be used interchangeably with the chassis.

Claim 37

Dependent Claim 36 words

The restraint apparatus of claim 27 , wherein the chassis has an upper end extending above the helmet so as to function as a roll bar to provide protection in the event the vehicle rolls over.

Claim 38

Dependent Claim 105 words

The restraint apparatus of claim 27 , wherein each of the first and second forward-facing seat assemblies comprises: a forward-facing seat member; and a harness assembly, the harness assembly comprising: a retractor assembly connected to the forward-facing seat member; and a torso strap having a lower end and a pair of upper ends, the lower end of the torso strap fixed to the retractor assembly and positionable between the legs of the child; and a latch assembly connected to the back portion of the seat, the latch assembly releasably receiving the upper ends of the torso strap to secure the torso strap about the child.

Claim 39

Dependent Claim 69 words

The restraint apparatus of claim 29 , wherein the chassis may be secured to the vehicle with a seat belt having a webbing, and wherein the seat members of the first and second forward-facing seat assemblies have a rear end contoured to cooperate with the chassis to grip the webbing of the seat belt when the chassis is secured to the vehicle with the seat belt of the vehicle.

Claim 40

Dependent Claim 24 words

The restraint apparatus of claim 30 , further comprising a web tightening assembly connected to the chassis for tightening the webbing of the vehicle.

Claim 41

Dependent Claim 35 words

The restraint apparatus of claim 29 wherein the seat member of each of the first and second forward-facing seat assemblies each has a slot through which the torso strap of the harness assembly slidably extends.

Claim 42

Dependent Claim 34 words

The restraint apparatus of claim 32 , wherein the slot extends through a horn formed on an upper surface of the seat member to impede longitudinal movement of the child along the seat member.

Claim 43

Dependent Claim 45 words

The restraint apparatus of claim 27 , wherein the chassis may be connected to the vehicle with a seat belt having a webbing and wherein the restraint apparatus further comprises a web tightening assembly connected to the chassis for tightening the webbing of the vehicle.

Claim 44

Dependent Claim 53 words

The restraint apparatus of claim 27 further comprising: a substantially U-shaped guard having a first end and a second end pivotally connected to the chassis so as to be movable between an up position and a down position, in the down position the guard forming a frontal and lateral barrier around the child.

Claim 45

Dependent Claim 63 words

The restraint apparatus of claim 35 , wherein in the down position the guard extending at an angle so as to be oriented substantially perpendicularly to a back of a front seat of the vehicle upon the front seat rotating backwards when the seat is connected to a rear seat of the vehicle to prevent the front seat from collapsing onto the child.

Claim 46

Dependent Claim 44 words

The restraint apparatus of claim 35 , wherein the guard has a longitudinal groove extending from a leading end toward the first end and the second end along an exterior thereof for receiving a portion of a guard of an adjacently positioned restraint apparatus.

Claim 47

Dependent Claim 55 words

The restraint apparatus of claim 35 , wherein the guard has a front end and wherein the front end of the guard has a pair of side scoops to facilitate positioning of the guard between front seats of the vehicle when the chassis is secured in the center of a rear seat of the vehicle.

Claim 48

Dependent Claim 96 words

The restraint apparatus of claim 35 , wherein the guard has a latch mechanism for locking the guard in the up position and the down position, wherein the latch mechanism comprises: a hub connected to the seat; a spring-loaded pin mateable with the hub to lock the guard in the up position and the down position, the spring-loaded pin being substantially vertically oriented when the guard is in the down position to minimize inertial effects on the spring-loaded pin; and a release handle connected to the spring-loaded pin for disengaging the spring-loaded pin from the hub.

Claim 49

Dependent Claim 36 words

The restraint apparatus of claim 35 , wherein the chassis has an upper end extending above the helmet so as to function as a roll bar to provide protection in the event the vehicle rolls over.

Claim 50

Dependent Claim 149 words

A restraint apparatus for a child, comprising: a seat connectable to a vehicle and having a seat portion and a back portion; and a substantially U-shaped guard having a first end and a second end pivotally connected to the back portion of the seat so as to be movable between an up position and a down position, in the down position the guard extending at an angle so as to be oriented substantially perpendicularly to a back of a front seat of the vehicle upon the front seat rotating backwards when the seat is connected to a rear seat of the vehicle to prevent the front seat from collapsing onto the child, wherein the guard has a longitudinal groove extending from a leading end toward the first end and the second end along an exterior thereof for receiving a portion of a guard of an adjacently positioned restraint apparatus.

Claim 51

Dependent Claim 149 words

A restraint apparatus for a child, comprising: a seat connectable to a vehicle and having a seat portion and a back portion; and a substantially U-shaped guard having a first end and a second end pivotally connected to the back portion of the seat so as to be movable between an up position and a down position, in the down position the guard extending at an angle so as to be oriented substantially perpendicularly to a back of a front seat of the vehicle upon the front seat rotating backwards when the seat is connected to a rear seat of the vehicle to prevent the front seat from collapsing onto the child, wherein the guard has a longitudinal groove extending from a leading end toward the first end and the second end along an exterior thereof for receiving a portion of a guard of an adjacently positioned restraint apparatus.

Claim 52

Dependent Claim 160 words

A restraint apparatus for a child, comprising: a seat connectable to a vehicle and having a seat portion and a back portion; and a substantially U-shaped guard having a first end and a second end pivotally connected to the back portion of the seat so as to be movable between an up position and a down position, in the down position the guard extending at an angle so as to be oriented substantially perpendicularly to a back of a front seat of the vehicle upon the front seat rotating backwards when the seat is connected to a rear seat of the vehicle to prevent the front seat from collapsing onto the child, wherein the guard has a front end and wherein the front end of the guard has a pair of side scoops to facilitate positioning of the guard between front seats of the vehicle when the chassis is secured in the center of a rear seat of the vehicle.

Claim 53

Dependent Claim 160 words

A restraint apparatus for a child, comprising: a seat connectable to a vehicle and having a seat portion and a back portion; and a substantially U-shaped guard having a first end and a second end pivotally connected to the back portion of the seat so as to be movable between an up position and a down position, in the down position the guard extending at an angle so as to be oriented substantially perpendicularly to a back of a front seat of the vehicle upon the front seat rotating backwards when the seat is connected to a rear seat of the vehicle to prevent the front seat from collapsing onto the child, wherein the guard has a front end and wherein the front end of the guard has a pair of side scoops to facilitate positioning of the guard between front seats of the vehicle when the chassis is secured in the center of a rear seat of the vehicle.

Claim 54

Dependent Claim 201 words

A restraint apparatus for a child, comprising: a seat connectable to a vehicle and having a seat portion and a back portion; and a substantially U-shaped guard having a first end and a second end pivotally connected to the back portion of the seat so as to be movable between an up position and a down position, in the down position the guard extending at an angle so as to be oriented substantially perpendicularly to a back of a front seat of the vehicle upon the front seat rotating backwards when the seat is connected to a rear seat of the vehicle to prevent the front seat from collapsing onto the child, wherein the guard has a latch mechanism for locking the guard in the up position and the down position, wherein the latch mechanism comprises: a hub connected to the seat; a spring-loaded pin mateable with the hub to lock the guard in the up position and the down position, the spring-loaded pin being substantially vertically oriented when the guard is in the down position to minimize inertial effects on the spring-loaded pin; and a release handle connected to the spring-loaded pin for disengaging the spring-loaded pin from the hub.

Claim 55

Dependent Claim 201 words

A restraint apparatus for a child, comprising: a seat connectable to a vehicle and having a seat portion and a back portion; and a substantially U-shaped guard having a first end and a second end pivotally connected to the back portion of the seat so as to be movable between an up position and a down position, in the down position the guard extending at an angle so as to be oriented substantially perpendicularly to a back of a front seat of the vehicle upon the front seat rotating backwards when the seat is connected to a rear seat of the vehicle to prevent the front seat from collapsing onto the child, wherein the guard has a latch mechanism for locking the guard in the up position and the down position, wherein the latch mechanism comprises: a hub connected to the seat; a spring-loaded pin mateable with the hub to lock the guard in the up position and the down position, the spring-loaded pin being substantially vertically oriented when the guard is in the down position to minimize inertial effects on the spring-loaded pin; and a release handle connected to the spring-loaded pin for disengaging the spring-loaded pin from the hub.

Claim 56

Dependent Claim 204 words

A restraint apparatus for a child, comprising: a base connectable to a vehicle, the base having a chassis with a back portion and a seat portion; a substantially U-shaped guard having a first end and a second end pivotally connected to the chassis so as to be movable between an up position and a down position, in the down position the guard forming a frontal and lateral barrier around the child; a seat member detachably connected to the seat portion of the chassis; a harness assembly comprising: a retractor assembly connected to the seat member; and a torso strap having a lower end and a pair of upper ends, the lower end of the torso strap fixed to the retractor assembly and positionable between the legs of the child; a helmet connected to the chassis, the helmet having a rigid shell shaped to extend about at least a portion the head of the child; and a latch assembly for releasably receiving the upper ends of the torso strap, the latch assembly connected to the helmet, wherein the chassis has an upper end extending above the helmet so as to function as a roll bar to provide protection in the event the vehicle rolls over.

Claim 57

Dependent Claim 204 words

A restraint apparatus for a child, comprising: a base connectable to a vehicle, the base having a chassis with a back portion and a seat portion; a substantially U-shaped guard having a first end and a second end pivotally connected to the chassis so as to be movable between an up position and a down position, in the down position the guard forming a frontal and lateral barrier around the child; a seat member detachably connected to the seat portion of the chassis; a harness assembly comprising: a retractor assembly connected to the seat member; and a torso strap having a lower end and a pair of upper ends, the lower end of the torso strap fixed to the retractor assembly and positionable between the legs of the child; a helmet connected to the chassis, the helmet having a rigid shell shaped to extend about at least a portion the head of the child; and a latch assembly for releasably receiving the upper ends of the torso strap, the latch assembly connected to the helmet, wherein the chassis has an upper end extending above the helmet so as to function as a roll bar to provide protection in the event the vehicle rolls over.

Claim 58

Dependent Claim 25 words

The restraint apparatus of claim 44 wherein the upper end of the chassis is oriented substantially vertically when the base is connected to the vehicle.

Claim 59

Dependent Claim 36 words

The restraint apparatus of claim 44 further comprising a pair of latch mechanisms connected to the chassis and having a portion extendible therefrom, the latch mechanisms connectable to a bar of the seat of the vehicle.

Claim 60

Dependent Claim 45 words

The restraint apparatus of claim 44 , wherein the chassis may be connected to the vehicle with a seat belt having a webbing and wherein the restraint apparatus further comprises a web tightening assembly connected to the chassis for tightening the webbing of the vehicle.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	2010-07-23	2011-01-22	2011-07-24	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	2014-07-23	2015-01-22	2015-07-24	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	2018-07-23	2019-01-22	2019-07-24	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Child restraint apparatus for a vehicle

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