Fastener with sliding hook for restraint system, and method of using fastener

(19)

(11)

EP 1 459 641 A3

(12)	EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION

(88)	Date of publication A3:
	10.01.2007 Bulletin 2007/02

(43)	Date of publication A2:
	22.09.2004 Bulletin 2004/39

(21)	Application number: 04290565.3

(22)	Date of filing: 02.03.2004

(51)

International Patent Classification (IPC):

A44B 11/25^(2006.01)

A44B 11/00^(2006.01)

(84)	Designated Contracting States:
	AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IT LI LU MC NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR
	Designated Extension States:
	AL LT LV MK

(30)

Priority:

10.03.2003 US 384884

(71)	Applicant: Amsafe Commercial Products, Inc.
	Phoenix, AZ 85043 (US)

(72)	Inventors:
	The, Agus Suryana Mesa AZ 85207 (US) Walton, Michael James Phoenix AZ 85044 (US) Holmberg, Erin Edward Gilbert, AZ 85233 (US) Swann, Timothy Andrew Mesa, AZ 85205 (US)

(74)	Representative: Loisel, Bertrand
	Cabinet Plasseraud 52 rue de la Victoire 75440 Paris Cedex 09 75440 Paris Cedex 09 (FR)

(54)	Fastener with sliding hook for restraint system, and method of using fastener

(57) A fastener for a restraint system. The restraint system is preferably intended to be used in a vehicle with a lower anchor. The fastener includes a clip having longitudinal axis, with a hook end and a strap attachment end, the hook end having a curved portion defining a hook and an opening to the hook for receiving the lower anchor. A cover is slidably secured to the clip, the cover slidable relative to the clip along the longitudinal axis, between a closed position and an open position, wherein with the cover in the open position, the hook opening is exposed, and with the cover in the closed position the hook opening is closed by the cover. With the cover in the open position the fastener may hooked or unhooked to the lower anchor, and with the cover. in the closed position, a lower anchor located in the hook will be locked within the hook. The fastener may also include a lock for locking the cover in the closed posinon and the open position. The present invention also contemplates providing a lower anchor belt system to be used to secure a child restraint seat to a vehicle equipped with at least one pair of lower anchors which includes a rigid, round rod or bar typically located at the seat bight. The system includes a strap having a first end and a second end, a strap adjuster coupled to the strap and two of the lower anchor fasteners.

Search report