WO2020168131A1

WO2020168131A1 - Universal child seat base for isofix installation

Info

Publication number: WO2020168131A1
Application number: PCT/US2020/018191
Authority: WO
Inventors: Said Nakhla
Original assignee: Said Nakhla
Priority date: 2019-02-17
Filing date: 2020-02-13
Publication date: 2020-08-20

Abstract

A child safety apparatus or car seat for ISOFIX anchors may have a chassis structure and a support leg. The apparatus may provide an indication of successful latching only if both connectors successfully latch onto ISOFIX anchors. A support leg may have variable length during normal driving but may inertially lock during a crash or deceleration event. Abutment of a bumper against a seat back may free the support leg to vary its length. The chassis structure may have variable length. Lengthening of the chassis structure may be possible only when the support leg has been swung away from the chassis structure. Stowing of the support leg may be possible only if the support leg length is minimized. These various interlocks greatly improve the likelihood of correct installation and usage of the apparatus.

Description

UNIVERSAL CHILD SEAT BASE FOR ISOFIX INSTALLATION

Cross-reference to related application

[0001] This patent application claims the benefit of US Provisional patent application Serial

Number 62/806,818, filed February 17, 2019, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Field of the invention

[0002] Embodiments of the invention pertain to a vehicle child safety apparatus.

Background of the invention

[0003] Various forms of child safety apparatus are available for protection of infants or children who are not adequately protected by adult seat belts and shoulder straps. A standardized configuration called ISOFIX is widely used for the purpose of interfacing such apparatus with the permanently installed structures of the vehicle. Nevertheless, improvements are still desirable in areas such as ease of use and elimination of possibilities for incorrect installation. In particular, the installation of the child seat can in some cases be cumbersome and many of the child seats are equipped with indicators that are not always used correctly. Also, it is desirable that it be impossible to install the apparatus incorrectly or use an incorrect sequence of steps.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] In an embodiment of the invention, there may be provided a safety apparatus for a vehicle that comprises a floor and comprises a vehicle seat having left and right anchors, the safety apparatus comprising: a chassis structure, the chassis structure having: a left connector, the left connector having a left connector gripping configuration in which the left connector is capable of gripping the left anchor and a left connector released configuration in which the left connector is not capable of gripping the left anchor, and a right connector the right connector having a right connector gripping configuration in which the right connector is capable of gripping the right anchor and a right connector released configuration in which the right connector is not capable of gripping the right anchor; wherein the safety apparatus comprises a visual indicator indicating either installation success or lack thereof, wherein the visual indicator indicates the installation success only if the left connector grips the left anchor and the right connector grips the right anchor.

[0005] In an embodiment of the invention, there may be provided a safety apparatus for a vehicle that comprises a floor and comprises a vehicle seat having left and right anchors and a vehicle seat back, the safety apparatus comprising: a chassis structure, the chassis structure being connectable to the anchors; a support leg hingedly connected to the chassis structure, the support leg being able to extend from the chassis structure to the floor of the vehicle, wherein, in the absence of a deceleration greater than a defined amount, the support leg is able to vary its length, wherein, in the presence of a deceleration greater than the defined amount, the support leg locks its length.

[0006] In an embodiment of the invention, there may be provided a safety apparatus for a vehicle that comprises a floor and comprises a vehicle seat having a left anchor and a right anchor and a vehicle seat back, the safety apparatus comprising: a chassis structure, the chassis structure having connectors that are connectable to the anchors; a support leg hingedly connected to the chassis structure, the support leg being able to change its length suitably to reach the floor of the vehicle; and an elongated member, capable of contacting the vehicle seat back and also interacting with the support leg, wherein the support leg is able to change its length only if the elongated member contacts the vehicle seat back.

Brief Description of the Illustrations

[0007] Embodiments of the invention are further described but are in no way limited by the following illustrations.

[0008] Figure 1 is an illustration of the standardized features of an ISOFIX configuration.

[0009] Figure 2 is an illustration of a generic child safety apparatus for use with ISOFIX, including a support leg.

[0010] Figure 3 A shows an overview of the system of an embodiment of the invention, with the system being in the stowed configuration, with the illustration showing a three-dimensional view. Figure 3B shows the same configuration in a side view. Figure 3C shows the same configuration in a top view. Figure 3D shows the same configuration in a front view. Figure 3E shows the same configuration in a rear view.

[0011] Figure 4 A shows an overview of the system of an embodiment of the invention, with the system being in the configuration that is ready for installation onto a vehicle seat, with the illustration showing a three-dimensional view. Figure 4B shows the same configuration in a side view. Figure 4C shows the same configuration in a top view. Figure 4D shows the same configuration in a front view. Figure 4E shows the same configuration in a rear view.

[0012] Figure 5 A shows an overview of the system of an embodiment of the invention, with the system being in the configuration installed onto the ISOFIX anchors, with the illustration showing a three-dimensional view. Figure 5B shows the same configuration in a side view. Figure 5C shows the same configuration in a top view. Figure 5D shows the same configuration in a front view. Figure 5E shows the same configuration in a rear view.

[0013] Figure 6 A shows an overview of the system of an embodiment of the invention, with the system being in the configuration installed onto the ISOFIX anchors and the system being locked due to a crash or deceleration event, with the illustration showing a three-dimensional view. Figure 6B shows the same configuration in a side view. Figure 6C shows the same configuration in a top view. Figure 6D shows the same configuration in a front view. Figure 6E shows the same configuration in a rear view.

[0014] Figure 7A illustrates the chassis structure in its retracted configuration. Figure 7B illustrates the chassis structure in its extended configuration. Figure 7C illustrates the major parts of the chassis structure, separated from each other.

[0015] Figure 8 A illustrates a hook in its position in which it does not grip an anchor. Figure 8B is a sectional view illustrating the same hook in relation to a slider bar. Figure 8C is a sectional view illustrating the same hook in relation to additional nearby components.

[0016] Figure 9A illustrates, a hook in its position in which it does grip an anchor. Figure 9B is a sectional view illustrating the same hook in relation to a slider bar. Figure 9C is a sectional view illustrating the same hook in relation to additional nearby components.

[0017] Figure 10A is a three-dimensional view of a slider bar and associated parts. Figure 10B is a three-dimensional view of a rotatable shaft and associated parts. Figure IOC is a three- dimensional view of a rotatable shaft and associated connectors and other parts. Figure 10D is similar to Figure IOC, but with housings omitted. Figure 10E is a section of Figure 10D.

[0018] Figure 11A is a three-dimensional view of the front part of the chassis, with the support leg in the stowed position, showing the curved interlock. Figure 11B is similar to Figure 11A but with a component omitted for clarity of illustration. Figure 11C is a section of Figure 11B. Figure 1 ID is a similar sectional view in which the support leg is deployed. [0019] Figure 12A is a three-dimensional view of the housing of the non-extendible portion of the support leg. Figure 12B is a three-dimensional view of the non-extendible portion of the support leg additionally showing the activation release. Figure 12C is a sectional view of the non-extendible portion, with the sectioning plane being a vertical plane extending in the front- rear direction. Figure 12D is a sectional view of the non-extendible portion, with the sectioning plane being a vertical plane extending in the left-right direction. Figure 12E is a sectional view similar to Figure 12C. Figure 12F is a sectional view similar to Figuyre 12D. Figure 12G is a close-up of Figure 12C, illustrating the pinions and nearby components. Figure 12H is a view of the non-extendible portion, with a sectioning plane being a horizontal plane. Figure 121 is an exploded view of the region near the pinions.

[0020] Figure 13 A is a three-dimensional view of the extendible portion of the support leg also showing the activation release. Figure 13B is similar to Figure 13 A but without showing the activation release. Figure 13C is a sectional view of the extendible portion, with the sectioning plane being a vertical plane extending in the front-rear direction. Figure 13D is a sectional view of the extendible portion, with the sectioning plane being a vertical plane extending in the left- right direction. Figure 13E is a sectional view of the extendible portion, with the sectioning plane being a horizontal plane. Figure 13F is similar to Figure 13D.

[0021] Figure 14A is a three-dimensional view of the support leg including both the non extendible portion and the extendible portion. Figure 14B shows a cross-section through Figure 14A, at an elevation fairly close to the chassis structure. Figure 14C shows a similar cross- section at an elevation approxmating the pinions. Figure 14D shows a cross-section looking sideways. Figure 14E shows a cross-section looking rearward.

[0022] Figure 15 shows the activation release in isolation.

[0023] Figure 16A shows the elongated member and the activation release in a configuraation in which the apparatus is ready to be installed in a vehicle seat. Figure 16B shows the same components after the apparatus is installed in a vehicle seat and the elongated member has made contact with the vehicle seat. Figure 16C shows the same components during a crash or deceleration event.

[0024] Figure 17A shows the inertial mass and nearby components in a normal driving condition. Figure 17B shows the inertial mass and nearby components in a condition of a crash or deceleration event.

[0025] Figure 18 illustrates a geometric incompatibility if an attempt is made to stow the support leg into the chassis structure while the support leg is not retracted. Detailed Description

Generic geometric relation of child safety seat and vehicle

[0026] Reference is now made to Figures 1-2. Figure 1 shows a standard configuration of ISOFIX anchors 10 as they are installed in the vehicle seat 20 of many vehicles. ISOFIX anchors are made according to an industry-standard specification and configuration, which defines the relative location of the paired ISOFIX anchors, along with the shape of the anchors 10 and the diameter of the rods that are bent to make the anchors 10.

[0027] Figure 2 shows general concepts of a generic child safety apparatus. The ISOFIX concept starts with paired ISOFIX anchors 10 that are installed in the vehicle seat 20 and are suitable to be grasped by the appropriate connectors of the child safety apparatus. A child safety apparatus typically comprises two connectors, one to grasp each ISOFIX anchor 10.

[0028] Many child safety apparatuses further comprise a support leg. The connectors that grip the ISOFIX anchors 10 effectively prevent translation of the child safety apparatus in most directions, but typically the connectors do allow rotation of the child safety apparatus around the axis that extends between the two ISOFIX anchors 10. In this regard, the support leg may transmit load to the floor of the vehicle. Thereby, the support leg may serve as an anti-rotation or rotation-limiting device during a crash or deceleration event. In general, the use of a support leg may provide better defmtion and control of the position of the child safety apparatus during a crash or deceleration event. However, it is also possible that during normal driving, the support leg may transmit vibration from the vehicle floor to the child safety apparatus and its occupant, which may be uncomfortable and undesirable.

Embodiment of invention

[0029] A child safety apparatus 100 of an embodiment of the invention is further illustrated in Figures 3A-7C. Illustrations herein may use directional indications as described here and as labeled in Figure 2. Front, rear, left and right are described with respect to the body of a vehicle passenger who is forward-facing. The child safety apparatus 100 is illustrated herein as comprising a chassis structure 200. Although it is not illustrated herein, connected to the chassis structure 200 may be a child safety seat. The child safety seat may be joined to the illustrated chassis structure 200 by some form of connector (also not illustrated herein), which may be disconnectable or rotatable or both if desired. Alternatively, there may be a child safety seat that is integral with the illustrated chassis structure 200. Any such child safety seat can be forward facing, rear facing, side facing, or facing in any other direction, either with or without harness, as desired.

[0030] Figure 3A shows an overview of the system of an embodiment of the invention, in the stowed configuration, with the illustration showing a three-dimensional view. Figure 3B shows the same configuration in a side view. Figure 3C shows the same configuration in a top view. Figure 3D shows the same configuration in a front view. Figure 3E shows the same configuration in a rear view.

[0031] Figure 4 A shows an overview of the system of an embodiment of the invention, with the system being in the configuration that is ready for installation onto a vehicle seat, with the illustration showing a three-dimensional view. Figure 4B shows the same configuration in a side view. Figure 4C shows the same configuration in a top view. Figure 4D shows the same configuration in a front view. Figure 4E shows the same configuration in a rear view.

[0032] Figure 5A shows an overview of the system of an embodiment of the invention, with the system being in the configuration installed onto the ISOFIX anchors, with the illustration showing a three-dimensional view. Figure 5B shows the same configuration in a side view. Figure 5C shows the same configuration in a top view. Figure 5D shows the same configuration in a front view. Figure 5E shows the same configuration in a rear view.

[0033] Figure 6 A shows an overview of the system of an embodiment of the invention, with the system being in the configuration installed onto the ISOFIX anchors and the system being locked due to a deceleration event, with the illustration showing a three-dimensional view. Figure 6B shows the same configuration in a side view. Figure 6C shows the same configuration in a top view. Figure 6D shows the same configuration in a front view. Figure 6E shows the same configuration in a rear view.

Chassis structure

[0034] Chassis structure 200 may extend generally in a forward-rear direction. Connected to chassis structure 200 may be a support leg 600, which may be rotatable between two defined positions, stowed and deployed. A stowed position of support leg 600 is illustrated in Figures 3 A-3E. A deployed position of support leg 600 is illustrated in Figures 4A-6E.

[0035] The chassis structure 200 is illustrated in Figures 7A, 7B and 7C, with some parts omitted for clarity of illustration. The chassis structure 200 may have an adjustable length in the forward-rear direction. Such length adjustment may allow the child safety apparatus 100 to occupy a reduced space when the child safety apparatus 100 is not in use and is being stored, and to have a longer front-rear dimension during use in a vehicle. Such adjustability may allow the child safety apparatus 100 to accommodate vehicle seats 20 of various dimensions. Depending on design intent, such adjustment may provide for the length of chassis structure 200 to be set at only either a minimum value or a maximum value. Alternatively, such adjustment might also allow its length to be set at intermediate values. Figure 7A illustrates a minimum length of chassis structure 200. Figure 7B illustrates a maximum length of chassis structure 200. Such adjustment may be governed by latches, detents, interlocks and/or releases as desired. Such adjustment could be either mechanical or electromechanical, as desired, and indicators or feedback could be provided as desired.

[0036] With continued reference to Figures 7A and 7B and also to Figure 7C, in an embodiment the chassis structure 200 may comprise a plurality of pairs of front bars and rear bars, such that within each pair of bars, one of the pair of bars has a telescoping relationship with the other bar of the pair of bars. As illustrated, the chassis structure 200 comprises four pairs of bars copmrising front bars 210A, 210B, 2 IOC, 210D and corresponding rear bars 220A, 220B, 220C, 220D. In the region where a telescoping relationship exists between front bars 210A, 210B, 2 IOC, 210D and rear bars 220A, 220B, 220C, 220D, a portion of one of the bar pairs may be straight and parallel to a portion of the other one of the bar pair for a sufficient distance to allow the desired range of telescoping. Also, the exterior of rear bars 220A, 220B, 220C, 220D may slidably fit into the interior of front bar 210A, 210B, 2 IOC, 210D (or the reverse relationship may exist). The telescoping relateionship between front bars 210A, 210B, 2 IOC, 210D and rear bars 220 A, 220B, 220C, 220D allows their combination to have an adjustable length, within limits.

[0037] Bars 210A, 210B, 210C and 210D and bars 220A, 220B, 220C and 220D may be approximately symmetrically located with respect to a centerline of child safety apparatus 100. Between two of bars 210B, 2 IOC there may be provided space for stowing of support leg 600 when support leg 600 is in its folded or stowed configuration. As illustrated, with respect to the side-to-side direction, some of the four front bars 210A, 210B, 2 IOC, 210D are closer together (with respect to the left-right direction) toward the front of the chassis structure 200, and are more spread-out toward the rear of the chassis structure 200. As illustrated, the two more centrally-located bar pairs 210B and 220C are generally straight, while the two more exterior bar pairs 210A and 210D contain bends. As illustrated, among the rear bars 220A, 220B, 220C, 220D, the two more centrally located rear bars 220B, 220C are longer than the two more exteriorly located rear bars 220 A, 220B. These two more centrally located rear bars 220B, 220C may be involved in an interlock function as described elsewhere herein. However, other designs are also possible.

[0038] There may further be a crossbar 230 connecting rear bars 220A, 220B, 220C, 220D.

Rearward of crossbar 230 there may be rear connector leg 242 and 244. Rear connector legs 242, 244 may be approximately symmetrically located with respect to a centerline of child safety apparatus 100. Rear connector leg 242 may be substantially in line with rear bar 220 A and rear connector leg 244 may be substantially in line with rear bar 220D, although other designs are also possible. Rear connector leg 242 and rear connector leg 244 may be spaced apart with respect to each other with a center-to-center distance that may approximate the center-to-center spacing of the paired ISOFIX anchors 10 that are present in the vehicle seat. (The distance between the paired ISOFIX anchors 10 is a dimension that is specified in various industry standards.)

[0039] Rear connector legs 242, 244 may be partially surrounded or covered by housings 246, 248. Housings 246, 248 may protect various internal components and may be fixed to rear connector legs 242, 244. At their rearward-most ends, housings 246, 248 may have appropriate openings or cutouts to provide access so that ISOFIX anchors 10 can be grasped by connectors 300, in particular hooks 400.

Connectors for gripping ISOFIX anchors

[0040] Connectors 300 and related components are illustrated in Figures 8A-10E. In some instances, the connectors 300 and related components are illustrated with certain components not shown, for clarity of illustration, to better show internal components.

Hook

[0041] Chassis structure 200 may comprise a connector 300 suitable to grasp ISOFIX anchor 10 under certain circumstances. The connector 300 may be such that when the child safety apparatus 100 is in its installed configuration, the connector 300 surrounds a sufficient part of the ISOFIX anchor 10 to form a robust mechanical connection with the ISOFIX anchor 10. During a crash or deceleration event, forces are transmitted from the child safety apparatus 100 to the vehicle through the paired connectors 300 that grasp the ISOFIX anchors 10, and also optionally forces can be transmitted through a support leg 600. Aspects of the connector 300 are illustrated in Figures 8A, 8B, 8C for a non-latched condition. Aspects of the connector 300 are illustrated in Figures 9A, 9B, 9C for a latched condition. In an embodiment of the invention, two of the rear connector legs 242, 244 may comprise connectors 300 that are suitable to grasp ISOFIX anchors 10.

[0042] Such a connector 300 may, first of all, comprise a hook 400. Hook 400 may be rotatable about a hook rotational axis 410 between two limiting positions, which are a disengaged limiting position (Figure 8A) and an engaged limiting position (Figure 9A). In the disengaged position, hook 400 may be oriented so that it is not possible to form a load-transmitting connection between hook 400 and ISOFIX anchor 10. In the engaged limiting position, as shown in Figure 9 A, the hook 400 may surround ISOFIX anchor 10 suitably to transmit forces from connector 300 to ISOFIX anchor 10. It is also possible that in the engaged configuration a portion of the connector 300 may slide under a portion of the ISOFIX anchor 10.

[0043] In an embodiment of the invention, hook 400 may be engaged with a spring such as a hook rotational spring 420 that biases hook 400 to its disengaged position. Hook rotational spring 420 may engage at one of its ends with hook 400 and may engage at the other of its ends with an appropriate portion of chassis structure 200. As a result of such spring bias, it may be that the act of pushing chassis structure 200 rearward toward the ISOFIX connector 10 and its engaged position around the ISOFIX connector 10 may require application of some force to chassis structure 200 in a generally rearward direction, acting against the bias of rotational spring 420.

[0044] Hook 400 may further comprise a hook forward-facing protrusion 430 along with a hook recessed region 440 underneath hook forward-facing protrusion 430.

Slider bars

[0045] In an embodiment of the invention, rear connector legs 242, 244 of chassis structure 200 may have a hollow interiors that define channels 290. Chassis structure 200 may comprise a left side channel 290 inside rear connector leg 242 and a right side channel 290 inside rear connector leg 244. Channels 290 are illustrated as having a U-shaped cross-sectional shape in a sectioning plane that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of channels 290. Channels 290 may be generally surrounded, by respective housings 246, 248.

[0046] There may further be provided slider bars 500, which may have a generally longitudinal direction and may be located within a channel 290 inside one of the rear connector legs 242, 244. Slider bar 500 may be capable of sliding within channel 290 along slider bar longitudinal direction in a generally forward-rearward direction of the chassis structure 200. A rearward position of slider bars 500 is associated with hooks 400 being in their engaged position and with a portion of slider bar 500 residing within hook recessed region 440 of hook 400. A forward position of slider bars 500 is associated with hooks 400 being in their disengaged position and with the position of hook forward-facing protrusion 430 of hooks 400 occupying a position that is not consistent with rearward advancement of slider bar 500. Slider bar 500 is illustrated individually in Figure 10 A.

[0047] As described herein, in an embodiment of the invention, hook 400 may have a recessed region 440 on a more forward portion of hook 400. The shape and locaation of recessed region 440 may be such that when hook 400 is rotated into its position of engagement with ISOFIX anchors 10, the hook forward protrusion 430 of hook 400 is elevated sufficiently so that slider bar 500 can slide underneath hook forward protrusion 430. This configuration can maintain hook 400 in that position and prevent rotation of hook 400 into a disengaged position.

[0048] With reference to Figures 8A-10A, slider bar 500 may further comprise a bottom slot 522 therethrough. Rear connector legs 242, 244 may comprise a spring mounting post 256 that passes through bottom slot 522 in slider bar 500. The dimensions of bottom slot 522 and of spring mounting post 256 may be such that spring mounting post 256 can pass through bottom slot 522 for all intended positions of slider bar 500. Spring mounting post 256 may engage one end of a slider return spring 510. The other end of slider return spring 510 may urge slider bar 500 forward. Slider return spring 510 is illustrated as being a helical spring mounted in compression. Other designs of springs and mountings are also possible to achieve similar results. It is also illustrated that slider bar 500 may comprise button 568 at a location that may be contacted by hook 400 in certain configurations. Button 568 may have wear-resistant properties.

[0049] In an embodiment, the chassis structure 200 may further comprise a rotatable shaft 270 that may have a rotational axis that extends in a generally left-right direction of chassis structure 200. Rotatable shaft 270 may have a left cam 276 and a right cam 276 that are aligned with each other. Rotatable shaft 270 may interact with a shaft rotational spring that may bias the rotatable shaft 270 in a particular direction of rotation. Left cam 276 may interact with left slider bar 500 and right cam 276 may interact with right slider bar 500. In an embodiment, the rotational bias of rotatable shaft 270 may be such as to urge left cam 276 and right cam 276 into contact with respective slider bars 500. The interaction of left cam 276 and right cam 276 furthermore may urge slider bars 500 rearward and into contact with hook 400. More specifically, a shaft rotational spring acting through cams 276 may urge slider bars 500 rearward into hook recessed region 440 in hook 400, if the angular position of hook 400 is such as to make space available for such rearward sliding and positioning of slider bars 500.

[0050] Rotatable shaft 270 may also comprise tab-lever 280 which may extend away from rotatable shaft 270 in a particular direction. The angular position of tab-lever 280 may be an indicator of correct installation of a child safety apparatus 100 in a vehicle. Tab-lever 280 provides such indication only if latching is correctly and successfully achieved onto each of the two ISOFIX anchors 10. Tab-lever 280 further can be used in removing a child safety apparatus 100 from a vehicle, as described elsewhere herein.

Interaction of springs, cams etc.

[0051] Slider return spring 510 may be sufficiently strong that so that when tab-lever 280 is rotated appropriately and cams 276 are no longer in contact with slider bars 500, slider return spring 510 can overcome sliding or static friction between rear surface of hook 400 and a corresponding contact surface of slider bar 500 (or its button 568) resulting from hook rotational spring 420 that is associated with hook 400. Shaft rotational spring associated with rotatable shaft 270 may be sufficiently strong so that the action of cams 276 urging slider bars 500 rearward overcomes the action of slider return springs 510 urging slider bars 500 forward.

Support leg, its rotation, and curved interlock

[0052] The child safety apparatus 100 of an embodiment of the invention is further illustrated as comprising a support leg 600, which is hingedly connected to the chassis structure 200. In an embodiment, the support leg 600 is rotatable between a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration. The underside of child safety apparatus 100 may have a appropriate space in which support leg 600 may fit when in its stowed position. For example, the spacing between front bars 210B and 2 IOC may be such that support leg 600 can be stowed between them. The shape of elongated member 2900 may also be appropriate as discussed elsewhere herein.

[0053] Rotation of the support leg 600 may occur around a support leg rotational axis 610A, which may be a hinged connection. The hinged connection may comprise a hinge pin 610 that engages both the support leg 600 and a portion of the chassis structure 200. The support leg 600 may be capable of occupying two different positions with resepct to the chassis structure 200 of the child safety apparatus 100. There may be a stowed position of the support leg 600 and a deployed position of the support leg 600. In the stowed position, the support leg 600 may occupy a position that is generally parallel to the bars 21 OB, 2 IOC of the child safety apparatus 100 such that the child safety apparatus 100 is generally compact and easy to handle and store. In the deployed postion, the support leg 600 may form an angle with respect to the underside of the child safety apparatus 100. Such angle may be in the range of 80 to 90 degrees.

[0054] In an embodiment, support leg 600 may be be provided with a curved interlock 1120.

Curved interlock 1120 may extend generally in an arc that is centered around support leg rotational axis 610A. One of the front bars 210B, 2 IOC may be provided with an access feature such as a slot 216 or open path therewithin. The slot 216 may be such that curved interlock 1120 may freely move within slot 216 as support leg 600 passes through its permitted range of rotational motion about support leg rotational axis 610A. The geometric relationship between curved interlock 1120 and chassis structure 200 may be such that when support leg 600 is in its stowed position (as illustrated in Figures 3A-3E and 11C), curved interlock 1120 extends through slots 216 in front bars 210B, 2 IOC of chassis structure 200.

[0055] Further in an embodiment of the invention, rear bars 220B and 220C may be provided with receiving features such as slots 228 that are located and dimensioned such that when rear bars 220B, 220C are in their forward position, curved interlock 1120 can engage the receiving features such as by passing through slots 228. This can provide an interlock such that rear bars 220B, 220C cannot be extended from front bars 210B, 2 IOC if support leg 600 is in its stowed position and curved interlock 1120 passes through receiving features such as slots 228 in rear bars 220B, 220C. In this situation, in order to extend the rear bars 220B, 220C from the front bars 210B, 210C, it is necessary to first unfold support leg 600 so that curved interlock 1120 does not engage the receiving features such as slots 228 in rear bars 220B, 220C, thereby freeing rear bars 220B, 220C to extend. When the child safety apparatus 100 is in its stowed configuration, the interaction of curved interlock 1120 with receiving features such as slots 228 acts to keep the rear bars 220B, 220C in the compact or retracted position, and acts to keep child safety apparatus 100 in its stowed configuration. The mechanical interlock may be such that if the support leg 600 is not in its deployed position, it is impossible to extend rear bars 220B, 220C from front bars 210B, 2 IOC.

[0056] Figure 1 ID is a secgtional view illustrating the configuration in which support leg 600 is in its deployed position, and rear bars 220A, 220B, 220C, 220D are extended from front bars 210A, 210B, 2 IOC, 210D. Support leg and its ability to extend

[0057] In an embodiment, the support leg 600 is extendible to a variable length. This may allow adaptation of the child safety apparatus 100 to different vehicle seats 20 in different vehicles. In an embodiment, the support leg 600 may be spring-loaded so that a lower portion of the support leg 600 automatically makes contact with the vehicle floor. This may also allow the support leg 600 to change its length during normal driving as a function of road conditions or dynamics.

[0058] In an embodiment, the ability of support leg 600 to self-adjust its length may have the effect that during normal driving the support leg 600 carries little or no load. Such translational relative motion, i.e., changing the length of support leg 600, can happen during normal driving such as due to vibration and bouncing of the vehicle. Allowing this translational relative motion can prevent or reduce transmitting vibration to the child safety apparatus 100, such as might occur with a fixed-length support leg resting on the vehicle floor.

[0059] On the other hand, during a crash or a deceleration event, the support leg 600 may lock its length and may be able to carry a significant amount of load as may be required. It is possible that the load carried by the support leg 600 during a crash or a deceleration event is primarily compressive load along the overall longitudinal direction of the support leg 600.

[0060] In an embodiment, the support leg 600 may comprise a non-extendible portion 700 and an extendible portion 800. Among non-extendible portion 700 and extendible portion 800, one of the portions 700, 800 may be telescopically or slidably disposed with respect to the other portion 800, 700. Extendible portion 800 may be able to extend to various positions with respect non-extendible portion 700. Non-extendible portion 700 may contain appropriate tracks or guides in which extendible portion 800 may slide, in order to change the overall length of support leg 600. Of course, it would also be possible that tracks or guides could exist in extendible portion 800 rather than non-extendible portion 700, or that tracks or guides could exist in both extendible portion 800 and non-extendible portion 700.

[0061] Non-extendible portion 700 may be hingedly connected to chassis structure 200.

Extendible portion 800 may extend from non-extendible portion 700 by a variable distance.

[0062] As illustrated, non-extendible portion 700 and extendible portion 800 have cross- sectional shapes (taken in a sectioning plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of support leg 600) that is racetrack-shaped (or, more generally, non-circular). Such shape can help to constrain against the ability of extendible portion 800 to rotate with respect to non-extendible portion 700 around the longitudinal axis of support leg 600. Extendible portion 800 may have, at its lowest end, a footpad 810 having shape and material composition suitable to rest on the vehicle floor.

[0063] The telescopic or sliding interaction of non-extendible portion 700 and extendible portion

800 may include a rack and pinion interaction. In such embodiment, relative translation of extendible portion 800 and non-extendible portion 700 is directly coupled with rotation of pinions. As such, locking of translation can be achieved by locking of rotation of the pinions. Such locking of pinion rotation may be achieved with a gear-complementary member 2740 as described elsewhere herein.

Non-extendible portion

[0064] Non-extendible portion 700 is illustrated in Figures 12A-12I, sometimes with certain components omitted for clarity of illustration.

[0065] Non-extendible portion 700 is illustrated as having a casing 710 that extends generally contiuously around the external circumference or surface of non-extendible portion 700. Casing 710 is illustrated as having a racetrack shape in a cross-section that is taken perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of non-extendible portion 700. Casing 710 may have internal ribs 730, illustrated as a pair of internal ribs 730 at the front and another pair of internal ribs 730 at the rear. Such internal ribs 730 may interact with portions of extendible portion 800 so serve as a track or guide.

[0066] Non-extendible portion 700 may contain within it a pinion or pinions 750A, 750B that engage with racks 850A, 850B. Casing 710 may be able to support the axle 740, extending in a front-rear direction, that supports pinions 750A, 750B and defines their rotational axis. Within non-extendible portion 700 there may also be provided a clockspring 760. Between pinions 750A, 750B may further be a hub 770, which may generally surround and contain clockspring 760. One end of clockspring 760 may be mechanically connected to one of the pinions 750A, 750B. The other end of clockspring 760 may be connected to the other pinion 750B or 750A or it may be connected to another component which may be connected to the other pinion 750B, 750A.

[0067] Clockspring 760 may bias the rotation of pinions 750A, 750B so as to position pinions

750A, 750B in or toward a preferred angular orientation. The biasing of pinions 750A, 750B in turn may urge extendible portion 800 downward or may or extend extendible portion 800 to a preferred position. Such position may be a fully extended position of extendible portion 800 with respect to non-extendible portion 700.

Extendible portion

[0068] Figure 13 A illustrates extendible portion 800 in isolation from the rest of child safety apparatus 100, except that activation release 2700 is also illustrated. Extendible portion 800 may have, at its lowest end, a footpad 810 having shape and material composition suitable to rest on the vehicle floor. Figures 13B-13F illustrate other views.

[0069] Extendible portion 800 may be dimensioned to fit slidably within non-extendible portion 700. The outer components of extendible portion 800 may be described as two semi -racetrack shapes separated by a small gap or longitudinal slot. There may be a left semi -racetrack member 822 and a right semi -racetrack member 824. There may be a gap 828 between left semi racetrack member 822 and right semi -racetrack member 824, and the gap 828 may extend along a substantial portion of the length of extendible portion 800. The gap 828 may be suitable for passage of cross-member or axle 740 which may extend in a front-back direction from the front of non-extendible portion 700 to the rear of non-extendible portion 700. The gap 828 may allow translation of extendible portion 800 with respect to non-extendible portion 700.

[0070] Extendible portion 800 may contain at least one rack exending generally along the length of extendible portion 800. As illustrated, extendible portion 800 contains two racks 850A, 850B, one on the left side and one on the right side. Racks 850A and 850B may be identical to each other and may be aligned with each other as far as the placement of their teeth along the longitudinal direction of support leg 600. As illustrated, rack 850A is connected with sidepiece 860A and engages with pinion 750A, while rack 850B is connected with sidepiece 860B and engages with pinion 750B One of those racks may be a left side rack and the other may be a right side rack. One of racks may be located closer to the front of support leg 600 and the other rack may be located closer to the rear of support leg 600. One of pinions 750A, 750B may be located closer to the front of support leg 600 and the other pinion 750B, 750A may be located closer to the rear of support leg 600. Sidepieces 860A, 860B may be joined to respective semi racetrack structure 822, 824.

[0071] When support leg 600 changes its length due to translational motion of extendible portion 800 with respect to non-extendible portion 700, such motion of racks 850A, 850B may cause pinions 750A, 750B to rotate in opposite directions. [0072] During ordinary driving of the vehicle, pinions 750A, 750B may be free to rotate. At other times, such as a crash or deceleration event, a brake action may be imposed on pinions 750A, 750B. Due to the coupling between pinions 750A, 750B and racks 850A, 850B a brake action imposed on pinions 750A, 750B may also result in locking of the length of support leg 600.

[0073] In an embodiment, there may be spring-loading or biasing within non-extendible portion 700 so that there is force urging extendible portion 800 to extend its length and establish or maintain contact with the vehicle floor. Such spring biasing may take the form of rottionally biasing the pinions 750A, 750B such as by a clockspring 760. The magnitude of such force exerted by extendible portion 800 on the vehicle floor during normal driving may, for example, be in the range of 100 N. The force needed to compress support leg 600 to its minimum length may be as small as 20 N. During a crash or deceleration event, the force exerted on the vehicle floor by extendible portion 800 of support leg 600 may be in the range of 1500 N.

[0074] Because of the couping of the racks 850A, 850B and pinions 750A, 750B with each other, locking of the translational position of extendible portion 800 with respect to non-extendible portion 700 can be achieved by locking the rotation of pinions 750A, 750B. In an embodiment of the invention, such locking is achieved by a movable wedge or gear-complementary shape or member 2740 that in one of its permitted positions can engage with the gear teeth of pinions 750A, 750B. When gear-complementary shape or member 2740 engages with the gear teeth of pinions 750A, 750B, it stops the rotation of pinions 750A, 750B and thereby stops the translation of extendible portion 800 with respect to non-extendible portion 700, thereby locking the length of support leg 600. When gear-complementary shape or member 2740 is not engaged with pinions 750A, 750B, pinions 750A, 750B are free to rotate and it is possible to have translational relative motion of extendible portion 800 with respect to non-extendible portion 700.

[0075] It can be understood that gear-complementary shape or member 2740 need not strictly be a wedge but could alternatively have other shapes consistent with the described function or could be a brake of any sort. Other designs of inertial locking device are also possible. It is possible either that the inertial locking mechanism could release after the crash or deceleration event is finished, or it is possible that the inertial locking mechanism could remain locked after the crash or deceleration event is finished.

[0076] Referring now to Figure 14A, there is shown the support leg including both the non extendible portion 700 nd the extendible portion 800. Figure 14B shows a cross-section through both non-extendible portion 700 and extendible portion 800, showing that the exterior of extendible portion 800 fits closely within the interior of non-extendible portion 700. It also shows that internal ribs 730, which may interact with components of extendible portion 800 in the manner of a track or guide. Figure 14C is a similar cross-section through both non extendible portion 700 and extendible portion 800, except that the sectioning plane is at a lower elevation and passes through pinions 750A, 750B. Figure 14D shows a cross-section looking sideways. Figure 14E shows a cross-section looking rearward.

Activation release

[0077] Referring now to Figure 15, in an embodiment of the invention, there may be provided an activation release 2700. Activation release 2700 may be an elongate member extending generally along the long direction of support leg 600. Activation release 2700 may be slidable, within limits, within support leg 600. At its lower end, activation release 2700 may have a gear complementary member 2740 that is suitable to engage with teeth in pinions 750A, 750B. When activation release 2700 is in its descended position, it may engage the teeth of pinions 750A, 750B and prevent pinions 750A, 750B from rotating. When activation release 2700 is in its ascended position, it may allow pinions 750A, 750B to rotate.

[0078] Activation release 2700 may have, near its upper end, a pass-through hole 2710, which may be elongate. Pass-through hole 2710 may be dimensioned such as to allow passage therethrough of hinge pin 610, which is the pin that forms the hinge by which support leg 600 rotates with respect to chassis structure 200. Pass-through hole 2710 may be elongated in a direction along the longitudinal direction of support leg 600, so as to allow interference-free movement of activation release 2700 among any of the positions that activation release 2700 is intended to be able to occupy.

[0079] Activation release 2700 may have, also near its upper end, a wedge-interacting hole 2720.

Wedge-interacting hole 2720 may be dimensioned (such as elongated in a left-right direction) appropriately to receive elongated member 2900 during certain configurations of child safety apparatus 100. Wedge-interacting hole 2720 may be located above the pass-through hole 2710.

[0080] Activation release 2700 may be biased by activation release bias spring 2750, which may urge activation release 2700 so as to cause activation release 2700 to engage pinions 750A, 750B and thereby lock pinions 750A, 750B agasinst rotation. Such urging of activation release 2700 may be downward in the illustrated orientation. Activation release bias spring 2750 may be a helical spring in compression and it may be mounted on a small post within pass-through hole 2710, and one end of it may act against hinge pin 610. Elongated member

[0081] Referring now to Figures 16A-16C, there is illustrated elongated member 2900.

Elongated member 2900 may be guided by a track or guide in chassis structure 200 so that elongated member 2900 is able to translate in a forward-rear direction but does not have significant freedom of movement in other translational directions or in rotation.

[0082] Elongated member 2900 may have a rear end 2910, a central region 2930 that may have a jog or dog-leg shape, and a front end 2950. Elongated member 2900 may function to transmit an indication of contact with the seat back portion of vehicle seat 20, to certain components in the forward region of the child safety apparatus 100.

[0083] Rear end 2910 may comprise a bumper or pad 2920 suitable to press against the seat back portion of the vehicle seat 20 when the child safety apparatus 100 is in its installed position with respect to the vehicle seat 20.

[0084] In its central region 2930, elongated member 2900 may comprise a dog-leg or jog shape 2932 suitable to pass underneath several components such as crossbar 230, while still transmitting force generally along the longitudinal direction of elongated member 2900. The dimensioning of dog-leg or jog shape 2932 of elongated member 2900, in relation to the dimensioning of support leg 600, may be such that support leg 600 can only be successfully stowed in that space if support leg 600 is at its minimum length. This minimization of the length of support leg 600 may place receiving features such as slots 228 in proper position for curved interlock 1120 to engage with them.

[0085] At its front end 2950, elongated member 2900 may have an upwardly-facing taper 2960 located at the front end of elongated member 2900. Such taper may be suitable to engage wedge-interacting hole 2720 of activation release 2700 suitably to cause activation release 2700 to ascend or descend as a function of the translational position of elongated member 2900.

[0086] The action of the vehicle seat 20 upon the bumper 2920 may urge elongated member

2900 appropriately to cause wedge tip 2960 to interact with wedge-interacting hole 2720 of activation release 2700, thereby raising activation release 2700.

[0087] The front end of elongated member 2900 may have a bending stiffness, for bending around a left-right axis, such that the front end of elongated member 2900 is able to deflect downward upon action of an inertial locking mechanism as described herein. [0088] Figure 16A shows elongated member 2900 in relation to activation release 2700, when the child safety apparatus 100 is not yet installed onto a vehicle seat. In this configuration, the wedge tip 2960 of elongated member 2900 and the activation release 2700 are separated by some distance, and the pinions 750A, 750B are locked as the result of the action of a spring (not illustrated in this Figure). In this configuration, the activation release 2700 engages and locks the pinions 750A, 750B.

[0089] Figure 16B shows elongated member 2900 in relation to activation release 2700, when the child safety apparatus 100 is already installed onto a vehicle seat. In this configuration, wedge tip 2960 of elongated member 2900 is engaged with the activation release 2700 lifting it upward, and therefore the activation release 2700 is disengaged from pinions 750A, 750B, so the pinions 750A, 750B are unocked and free to rotate.

[0090] Finally, Figure 16C shows elongated member 2900 in relation to activation release 2700 during a crash or deceleration event, such that elongated member 2900 is deflected downward by the action of inertial mass 3200. In this configuration, the activation release 2700 is urged downward engages and locks the pinions 750A, 750B.

[0091] Figure 16A, 16B and 16C are similar to Figures 4B, 5B and 6B, respectively, with the latter three Figures having more complete illustration of adjacent components.

Inertial lock mechanism

[0092] Reference is now made to Figures 17A and 17B. Figurel7A is similar to Figure 5A, except that it shows the various nearby components in close-up and from a different perspective. Figure 17B is similar to Figure 6 A, except that it shows the various nearby components in close- up and from a different perspective. In an embodiment of the invention, the child safety apparatus 100 may comprise an inertial locking mechanism that governs the locked/unlocked condition of the extendible portion 800 of support leg 600, in response to deceleration conditions experienced by the vehicle at any particular time. As illustrated, the inertial locking mechanism may be mounted on chassis structure 200 and may comprise an inertial mass 3200. Inertial mass 3200 may be mounted so as to have an inertial mass rotational axis 3210 such that inertial mass 3200 is mounted off-axis with respect to inertial mass rotational axis 3210 and is able to rotate or swing around inertial mass rotational axis 3210 in response to vehicle deceleration. Inertial mass 3200 is illustrated as being mounted on inertial mass support structure 3220, wherein a portion of inertial mass support structure 3220 is disposed to contact the upper portion of the activation release 2700 if deceleration conditions are appropriate. During a crash or deceleration event, inertial mass 3200 may tend to move forward causing inertial mass support structure 3220 to rotate so that inertial mass support structure 3220 may urge the top of wedge-interacting hole 2720 downward, thereby causing activation release 2700 to descend so that its gear complementary member 2740 engages pinions 750A, 750B, thereby locking the length of support leg 600. As an alternative design, it is possible that the inertial mass 3200 could contact the elongated member 2900, which in turn would urge the activation release 2700 downward.

Method of installation and removal of child safety apparatus

[0093] An embodiment of the invention can comprise a method of installing a child safety apparatus 100 into a vehicle. As a result of the described apparatus, various interlocks are described herein.

[0094] Starting from a stowed condition as illustrated in Figures 3A-3E, a first step may be to unfold support leg 600 away from chassis structure 200. Support leg 600 may snap into or may have a detent or preferred unfolded orientation such as being perpendicular to chassis structure 200. When support leg 600 is rotated away from chassis structure 200, curved interlock 1120 may move out of engagement with receiving feature such as slot 228 in rear leg 220B, 220C, thereby freeing rear legs 220B, 220C and their associated connectors 300 to extend rearward.

[0095] The next step in installation may be to position child safety apparatus 100 near ISOFIX anchors 10, and to urge chassis structure 200 rearward until hooks 400 contact ISOFIX anchors 10. At that point the user may push the entire chassis structure 200 rearward against the preload of the hooks 400 that resists rotation of the hooks 400. Doing this may require exerting force in a rearward direction that causes hooks 400 to rotate against the rotational bias force created by hook rotational springs 420. Pushing the chassis structure 200 further rearward may cause the hook 400 to rotate from its unconnected position to its connected position.

[0096] When the hooks 400 are sufficiently rotated, cams 276 may urge slider bars 500 rearward to occupy the hook recess region 440 of hooks 400. Having the slider bars 500 occupy the hook recess regions 440 of hooks 400 may lock hooks 400 into their gripping position that securely grasps ISOFIX anchors 10 and remains locked around ISOFIX anchors 10 as long as slider bars 500 are in the appropriate position. Motion of slider bars 500 rearward also may free rotatable shaft 270 and tab-lever 280 to fully rotate to the position in which they give an indication that both connectors 300 are properly engaged with their respective ISOFIX anchors 10. [0097] Approximately simultaneously with pushing child safety apparatus 100 backward to cause the hooks 400 to engage ISOFIX anchors 10, that same rearward motion may cause bumper or pad 2920 to touch a seat back of vehicle seat 20 and thereby cause elongated member 2900 to move with respect to chassis structure 200. This motion may cause the front wedge tip 2960 of elongated member 2900 to move into engagement with wedge-interacting hole 2720. This may raise activation release 2700 so as to free pinions 750A, 750B to rotate, therefore allowing racks 850A, 850B to translate. This may result in extendible portion 800 of support leg 600 extending itself so as to contact the vehicle floor and generally maintain contact with the vehicle floor. Thus, through a series of events, pushing the chassis structure 200 so as to successfully connect with the ISOFIX anchors 10 may result in the support leg 600 being free to extend to the vehicle floor. The support leg 600 touching the floor may be sufficient to indicate that the child safety apparatus 100 is installed correctly. This may eliminate the need for various other indicators except as required by law.

[0098] In case of a frontal crash or deceleration event, the inertial mass 3200 together with inertial mass support structure 3220 may swing forward, which may push down on the activation release 2700 and cause the activation release 2700 to move downward, which may cause activation release 2700 to descend so that its gear-complementary member 2740 engages pinions 750A, 750B, thereby pinions 750A, 750B against rotation and locking the length of support leg 600.

[0099] An embodiment of the invention can comprise a method of removing a child safety apparatus 100 from a vehicle seat 20. In an embodiment, the method of removing the child safety apparatus 100 can include the steps of:

• Lift the footpad 810 toward the chassis structure 200 and hold it in its compressed position.

• Rotate the tab-lever 280 by pulling the tab-lever 280 upward. This may cause cams 276 to rotate such that they no longer urge slider bars 500 rearward toward hooks 400. As a result, slider return spring 510 may urge slider bars 500 forward away from hooks 400, with the result that the hook recessed region 440 in hooks 400 is no longer occupied, and hooks 400 are returned to their natural position by the action of hook rotational spring 420, which disengages the hooks 400 from ISOFIX anchors 10.

• Move the child safety apparatus 100 generally away from the vehicle seat 20. Shorten the chassis structure 200 by sliding the telescoping front bars 2120A, 210B, 210C, 210D and rear bars 220A, 220B, 220C, 220D together to their shortest length. • Rotate the support leg 600 into its stowed position. This may engage the curved interlock 1120 with the receiving features such as slots 228 in bars 220B, 220C.

Further Remarks

[00100] Embodiments of the invention can ensure that the installation of the child safety apparatus 100 is performed in the proper sequence. For example, it may be recommended that as a first step of installation, the support leg 600 be unfolded away from the rest of the child safety apparatus 100 so that support leg 600 is approximately perpendicular to chassis structure 200. Doing this frees the rear bars 220B, 220C to extend and lengthen the chassis structure 200.

[00101] In embodiments of the invention, a further assurance of correct installation is provided by the position of tab-lever 280 so as to indicate successful engagement of both connectors 300 with respective ISOFIX anchors 10. Engagement of only one of the connectors 300 to an ISOFIX anchor is not sufficient to cause tab-lever 280 to move and indicate good attachment.

[00102] Although embodiments show two pinions and two racks, it would be possible to design a device with only one rack and only one pinion, or other numbers of racks or pinions. The braking element is shown as a wedge, but other gear-complementary shapes or other forms of braking are possible. A receiving feature in rear bars 220B, 220C is shown as slot 228, but other geometries are also possible. Saimilarly, access in front bars 210B, 2 IOC is shown as slot 216, but other access geometries are also possible. In various embodiments, parts that are capable of moving relative to other parts may be provided with guides, tracks, limits, stops, detents, latches or locks as may be desired, whether or not such are illustrated herein. A detent is considered to be a device that at a particular place provides some resistance to motion but can be overcome by a force of sufficient magnitude. Also, bearings may be provided as needed whether or not such are illustrated herein.

[00103] Embodiments of the invention may provide a sequence of the installation steps so as to make the subsequent step available only if the current step has been correctly executed. This may result in an easier installation process and an assurance that the seat is correctly installed.

[00104] Embodiments of the invention may provide a structural foundation on which any desired kind of child seat can be mounted.

[00105] In general, any combination of disclosed features, components and methods described herein is possible. Steps of a method can be performed in any order that is physically possible. [00106] Although embodiments have been disclosed that are directed toward child safety apparatus, it is also possible for similar constructs or elements disclosed herein to be used for other applications.

[00107] All cited references are incorporated by reference herein.

[00108] Although embodiments have been disclosed, it is not desired to be limited thereby.

Rather, the scope should be determined only by the appended claims.

[00109] What is claimed is:

Claims

Claims:

1. A safety apparatus for a vehicle that comprises a floor and comprises a vehicle seat having left and right anchors, said safety apparatus comprising:

a chassis structure, said chassis structure having:

a left connector, said left connector having a left connector gripping configuration in which said left connector is capable of gripping said left anchor and a left connector released configuration in which said left connector is not capable of gripping said left anchor, and

a right connector said right connector having a right connector gripping configuration in which said right connector is capable of gripping said right anchor and a right connector released configuration in which said right connector is not capable of gripping said right anchor;

wherein said safety apparatus comprises a visual indicator indicating either installation success or lack thereof, wherein said visual indicator indicates said installation success only if said left connector grips said left anchor and said right connector grips said right anchor.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said apparatus comprises a rotatable shaft that mechanically interacts with a part of said left connector and with a part of said right connector, and wherein said visual indicator comprises a designated rotational position of said rotatable shaft.

3. The apparatus of claim 1,

wherein said left connector comprises a left hook rotatable around a left hook rotational axis, and a left slider bar interacting with said left hook,

wherein said right connector comprises a right hook rotatable around a right hook rotational axis, and a right slider bar interacting with said right hook, and wherein said visual indicator is responsive to a position of said left slider bar and to a position of said right slider bar.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein said left hook is biased by a left hook bias spring toward a left hook released position and said right hook is biased by a right hook bias spring toward a right hook released position, and wherein when said connectors are in said respective gripping configurations, said connectors are maintained in said respective gripping configurations by said respective slider bars occupying respective recessed regions in said respective hooks when said hooks are in said respective gripping positions.

5. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein said left slider bar is urged toward said left hook by a left slider cam, and said right slider bar is urged toward said right hook by a right slider cam, and wherein said left slider cam and said right slider cam both are connected to a rotatable shaft that is biased by a rotatable shaft bias spring.

6. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein said left slider bar is biased way from said left hook by a left slider return spring, and wherein said right slider bar is biased away from said right hook by a right slider return spring.

7. A safety apparatus for a vehicle that comprises a floor and comprises a vehicle seat having left and right anchors and a vehicle seat back, said safety apparatus comprising:

a chassis structure, said chassis structure being connectable to said anchors;

a support leg hingedly connected to said chassis structure, said support leg being able to extend from said chassis structure to said floor of said vehicle,

wherein, in the absence of a deceleration greater than a defined amount, said support leg is able to vary its length,

wherein, in the presence of a deceleration greater than said defined amount, said support leg locks its length.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said support leg comprises at least one rack and at least one pinion engaged with said rack, wherein said apparatus further comprises a brake element that can occupy a non-engaging position in which said brake element does not interact with said pinion, and can occupy an engaging position in which said brake element interacts with said pinion so as to prevent rotation of said pinion, wherein an inertial mass determines a position of said brake element.

9. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said support leg comprises a non-extendible portion and an extendible portion that is extendible from said non-extendible portion, wherein said non extendible portion comprises a cross-member extending from a front to a rear of said non-extendible portion and said extendible portion has a lengthwise-extending slot therethrough in which said cross-member can move as said support leg changes its length.

10. The apparatus of claim 7,

wherein said chassis structure comprises a bar set having a front bar, said support leg being hingedly connected to said forward bar, and comprises a rear bar extendible from said forward bar,

wherein said support leg comprises a curved interlock,

wherein said rear bar has a receiving feature therein suitable to receive said curved interlock, wherein, when said support leg is in a stowed position with respect to said chassis structure, said curved interlock is able to engage with said receiving feature in said rear bar so as to limit or prevent said rear bar from extending from said front bar.

11. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said support leg is able to change its length only if a movable elongate member contacts a surface of said vehicle seat.

12. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said presence of said deceleration is detected by an inertial mass mounted with respect to an inertial mass rotational axis so that said inertial mass is able to swing, wherein said swinging of said inertial mass causes said support leg to lock its length.

13. A safety apparatus for a vehicle that comprises a floor and comprises a vehicle seat having a left anchor and a right anchor and a vehicle seat back, said safety apparatus comprising:

a chassis structure, said chassis structure having connectors that are connectable to said anchors;

a support leg hingedly connected to said chassis structure, said support leg being able to change its length suitably to reach said floor of said vehicle; and

an elongated member, capable of contacting said vehicle seat back and also interacting with said support leg,

wherein said support leg is able to change its length only if said elongated member contacts said vehicle seat back.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein said support leg comprises an activation release and wherein said elongated member translates, upon contact with said vehicle seat back, so as to move said activation release to a released position.

15. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein said elongated member has a shape such that if said support leg is in a contracted position then said support leg can be rotated to be substantially parallel to said chassis structure without contacting said elongated member, but if said support leg is in its extended position, said support leg contacts said elongated member so as to prevent said support leg from rotating as far toward said chassis structure as occurs with said support leg in said contracted position.