Web adjuster and coupling

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

P-0001[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending application Ser. No. 10/206,660, filed Jul. 26, 2002, which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 09/472,258 filed, Dec. 27, 1999, which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,425,632 to Anthony et al. on Jul. 30, 2002, and which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 09/135,908, filed Aug. 18, 1998, which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,017,087 to Anthony et al. on Jan. 25, 2000, and which claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Patent Applications No. 60/307,899, filed Jul. 26, 2001, and No. 60/394,099, filed Jul. 5, 2002, all of the above disclosures of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates to a combination coupling and web adjuster used to adjust the operative length of a belt or webbing.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] This invention relates to the field of web adjusters used to adjust a length of a web or belt. One known pertinent prior art is commonly owned U.S. Pat. No. 4,876,770. It is desirable to provide a connector in combination with a web adjuster configured to engage a length of web at some point along its length. In one aspect an illustrative embodiment comprises a web adjuster portion and a connector portion. The combination web adjuster and connector portions may be combined in a monolithic structure, which may be made of plastic. The combination may also comprise individual adjuster and connector portions that are coupled together by suitable means such as by the use of rivets, melting, adhesives and the like. In addition, all or portions of the illustrative web adjuster device may be manufactured out of any suitable metallic, non-metallic, or composite material by any method of manufacture appropriate for such material.

[0004] The connector portion illustratively may comprise a snap hook portion which opens upwardly relative-to the bottom surface of the combination web adjuster device. The snap hook portion may alternatively open downwardly relative to the bottom surface of the combination web adjuster device. In either event, the snap hook portion illustratively may, but need not, comprise a spring or keeper that covers the opening.

[0005] The web adjuster portion or assembly may comprise any conventional web adjuster. Illustratively, the web adjuster portion comprises a frame including a web stop and a gripping assembly configured to provide a gripping portion having a gripping surface substantially parallel to the web stop. The web adjuster further includes one or more biasing members acting between the frame and the gripping assembly to capture a web.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

P-0006[0006]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a passenger seat and a rearwardly facing child seat incorporating one embodiment of the present invention.

P-0007[0007]FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a passenger seat and a rearwardly facing child seat incorporating another embodiment of the present invention.

P-0008[0008]FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of a rotary coupling attached to a fixedly mounted rigid member according to one embodiment of the present invention.

P-0009[0009]FIG. 3 is a plan view of a fixedly mountable rigid member.

P-0010[0010]FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a rotary coupling according to one embodiment of the present invention.

P-0011[0011]FIG. 5 is a side view of the distal end of a rotary coupling according to one embodiment of the present invention.

P-0012[0012]FIG. 6 is an end view of the distal end of a rotary coupling according to one embodiment of the present invention.

P-0013[0013]FIG. 7 is an end view of the distal end of a rotary coupling according to one embodiment of the present invention.

P-0014[0014]FIGS. 8, 9, <b>10</b>, and <b>11</b> are plan views alternative embodiments of a cylinder that may be used in a rotary coupling according to the present invention.

P-0015[0015]FIGS. 12, 13, and <b>14</b> are respectively end, side, and top view of one embodiment of the present invention.

P-0016[0016]FIGS. 15, 16, and <b>17</b> are plan views of alternative embodiments of a piston that may be used in a rotary coupling according to the present invention.

P-0017[0017]FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a passenger seat and a rearwardly facing child seat incorporating one embodiment of the present invention.

P-0018[0018]FIG. 19 is a plan view of a rigid plate according to one embodiment of the present invention.

P-0019[0019] FIGS. <b>20</b>-<b>22</b> are respectively top, side, and cross-sectional views of a web adjuster according to one embodiment of the present invention.

P-0020[0020]FIG. 23 is an exploded view of a web adjuster according to one embodiment of the present invention.

P-0021[0021] FIGS. <b>24</b>-<b>28</b> are respectively bottom, back, top, cross-sectional, and perspective views of a web gripping bar according to one embodiment of the present invention.

P-0022[0022] FIGS. <b>29</b>-<b>32</b> are respectively perspective, top, side, and end views of a connector according to one embodiment of the present invention.

P-0023[0023]FIG. 33 is an exploded view of a connector according to one embodiment of the present invention.

P-0024[0024]FIG. 34 is a side cross-sectional view of a connector in a closed position according to one embodiment of the present invention.

P-0025[0025]FIG. 35 is a side cross-sectional view of a connector in an open position according to one embodiment of the present invention.

P-0026[0026]FIG. 36 is a top cross-sectional view of a connector according to one embodiment of the present invention.

P-0027[0027]FIG. 37 is a top view of a rotary coupling incorporating a web adjuster according to one embodiment of the present invention.

P-0028[0028]FIG. 38 is an exploded view of an adjuster showing the unitary release and bar according to one embodiment of the present invention.

P-0029[0029]FIG. 39 is an end view of an adjuster according to one embodiment of the present invention.

P-0030[0030]FIG. 40 is a top view of an adjuster showing the gripping pattern according to one embodiment of the present invention.

P-0031[0031]FIG. 41 is a side view of an adjuster according to one embodiment of the present invention.

P-0032[0032]FIG. 42 is a partial side sectional view of an adjuster with the release button in the relaxed position according to one embodiment of the present invention.

P-0033[0033]FIG. 43 is a partial side sectional view of an adjuster with the release button in the depressed position according to one embodiment of the present invention.

P-0034[0034]FIG. 44 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention.

P-0035[0035]FIG. 45 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention with a reduced profile.

P-0036[0036]FIG. 46 is a side view of a reduced-profile adjuster according to one embodiment of the present invention.

P-0037[0037]FIG. 47 is a top view of a reduced-profile adjuster showing the gripping pattern according to one embodiment of the present invention.

P-0038[0038]FIG. 48 is a partial side sectional view of a reduced-profile adjuster with the release button in the depressed position according to one embodiment of the present invention.

P-0039[0039]FIG. 49 is a perspective view of a combination snap hook and web adjuster according to one embodiment of the present invention.

P-0040[0040]FIG. 50 is a top view of a combination snap hook and web adjuster showing the gripping pattern according to one embodiment of the present invention.

P-0041[0041]FIG. 51 is a side view of a combination snap hook and web adjuster according to one embodiment of the present invention.

P-0042[0042]FIG. 52 is a partial side sectional view of a combination snap-hook and adjuster with the release button in the depressed position according to one embodiment of the present invention.

P-0043[0043]FIG. 53 is an end view of a combination snap hook and web adjuster according to one embodiment of the present invention.

P-0044[0044]FIG. 54 is a top view of a gripping assembly according to one embodiment of the invention.

P-0045[0045]FIG. 55 is an end view of a gripping assembly according to one embodiment of the invention.

P-0046[0046]FIG. 56 is a partial end view of an illustrative web adjuster housing assembly and plate according to one embodiment of the invention.

P-0047[0047]FIG. 57 is a bottom view of the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 50.

P-0048[0048]FIG. 58 is a top view of an illustrative embodiment of a web adjuster coupled to a snaphook and showing a web threaded through the adjuster.

P-0049[0049]FIG. 59 is a top view of an illustrative embodiment of a web adjuster coupled to a snaphook by web and showing another web threaded through the adjuster.

P-0050[0050]FIG. 60 is a perspective view of another illustrative combination snap hook and web adjuster.

P-0051[0051]FIG. 61 is a top view of another illustrative combination snap hook and web adjuster.

P-0052[0052]FIG. 62 is a side view of another illustrative combination snap hook and web adjuster.

P-0053[0053]FIG. 63 is a partial side sectional view of another illustrative combination snap hook and web adjuster showing a web threaded through the adjuster.

P-0054[0054]FIG. 64 is an end view of another illustrative combination snap hook and web adjuster.

P-0055[0055]FIG. 65 depicts the illustrative embodiments of FIGS. <b>60</b>-<b>64</b> in an operational configuration.

DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

P-0056[0056] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of this invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated device, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein are contemplated as would normally occur to one of average skill in the art to which the invention relates.

P-0057[0057] Referring to FIG. 1, child's infant seat <b>20</b> is shown placed on top of automobile seat <b>26</b>. Seat <b>20</b> includes a plastic main body <b>21</b> that is molded to receive a child in the sitting position the seat portion is generally concave in configuration and is integrally joined to back portion <b>25</b>. For the child's comfort, a flexible and washable cushion preferably resides over both the seat and back portions.

P-0058[0058] Seat <b>20</b> is coupled by one, or alternatively at least two, rotary coupling(s) <b>27</b> to passenger seat <b>26</b> with a separate web or belt <b>30</b> tying or securing each coupling to seat <b>20</b>. For clarity, only one rotary coupling <b>27</b> is shown in FIG. 1. However, a second coupling, similar to the one that is shown, can be mounted on the other side of seat <b>20</b>. the proximal end of web <b>30</b> includes a conventional web adjuster <b>31</b> that is mounted, optionally with a pivot, to seat <b>20</b>. An example of such a web adjuster is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,660,889 to Anthony et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,031,962 to Lee, or U.S. Pat. No. 4,876,770 to Bougher, the disclosures of which are specifically incorporated into the specification by reference. The distal end of web or belt <b>30</b> is then attached to the proximal end of rotary coupling <b>27</b> in any conventional manner, such as with pins, rivets, stitching <b>738</b>, or another web adjuster <b>32</b>. If web adjuster <b>32</b> is used, one may omit web adjuster <b>31</b> and mount the proximal end of web <b>30</b> directly to seat <b>20</b>. Upon attachment to seat <b>20</b>. web adjuster <b>31</b> may then be used to adjust the tension or tightness of web <b>30</b> when seat <b>20</b> is attached to passenger seat <b>26</b>.

P-0059[0059] A closer view of rotary coupling <b>27</b> engaged to a fixedly mountable rigid member <b>35</b> is shown in FIG. 2. Referring back to FIG. 1, fixedly mountable rigid member <b>35</b> (not shown) can be mounted in most any conventional manner to passenger seat <b>26</b> in bite <b>38</b> between back support <b>36</b> and seat support <b>37</b>. In general, at least one rigid member <b>35</b> is mounted in seat bite <b>38</b> for every rotary coupling <b>27</b> that is used to attach infant seat <b>20</b> to passenger seat <b>26</b>, generally one on each side of seat <b>20</b>. And referring to FIG. 3, rigid member <b>35</b> is typically round in cross-section of which one example is an Anchorage World Universal 6-millimeter bar.

P-0060[0060] An exploded view of rotary coupling <b>27</b> is presented in FIG. 4. Rotary coupling <b>27</b> generally includes rigid hollow cylinder <b>41</b>, piston <b>42</b> spring <b>43</b>, end <b>44</b>, and pin <b>45</b>. Rotary coupling <b>27</b> is assembled by sliding piston <b>42</b>, external end <b>47</b> first, inside rigid hollow cylinder <b>41</b>. Once inside, piston <b>42</b> has sufficient clearance to allow it to reciprocally slide inside rigid hollow cylinder <b>41</b>, between distal end <b>49</b> and proximal end <b>50</b>. Piston <b>42</b> further includes a finger groove <b>51</b>, which is aligned with access opening <b>54</b> and which is adapted to receive a human finger. Finger groove <b>51</b> is then maintained in alignment with access opening <b>54</b> by pin <b>45</b> that extends through hole <b>55</b> and into guide groove <b>56</b>. A spring <b>43</b> or other biasing means is then placed behind piston <b>42</b> to urge piston <b>42</b> toward the distal end <b>49</b>. Thereafter, end <b>44</b> is placed behind spring <b>43</b> to hold both spring <b>43</b> and piston <b>42</b> in position. End <b>44</b> can be attached to rigid hollow cylinder <b>41</b> in most any conventional fashion, for example, as by welding end <b>44</b> to cylinder <b>41</b>.

P-0061[0061] Optionally and once the rotary coupling is assembled, a raised button (not shown) adapted to receive a human finger can be attached to piston <b>42</b> through access opening <b>54</b>, over finger groove <b>51</b>. The raised button can then be used to both manually slide piston <b>42</b> inside cylinder <b>41</b> and maintain piston <b>42</b> in alignment with rigid cylinder <b>42</b> by sliding against the sides of access opening <b>54</b>. Accordingly if the raised button is present, one may omit pin <b>45</b> and alignment groove <b>56</b> from the rotary coupling shown in FIG. 4.

P-0062[0062] A side view of distal end <b>49</b> on rigid hollow cylinder <b>41</b> is presented in FIG. 5 and an end view of distal end <b>49</b> is presented in FIG. 6. Simultaneously viewing these figures and FIG. 4, two fingers, <b>59</b> and <b>60</b>, are laterally attached by their opposite proximal ends, <b>64</b> and <b>65</b>, across the open end <b>61</b> of cylinder <b>41</b>. Fingers <b>59</b> and <b>60</b> are attached slightly spaced from open end <b>61</b>, which forms notches, <b>66</b> and <b>67</b>, between the proximal edge of each finger, <b>68</b> and <b>69</b>, and open end <b>61</b>. Notches <b>66</b> and <b>67</b> are mutually opposed and include respectively slots <b>100</b> and <b>101</b> extending in the direction of the longitudinal axis of cylinder <b>41</b>. Slots <b>100</b> and <b>101</b> open respectively into slots <b>102</b> and <b>103</b> extending around the cylinder's longitudinal axis. As presented below, fingers <b>59</b> and <b>60</b> and notches <b>66</b> and <b>67</b>, are generally used to attach the rotary coupling to fixedly mounted member <b>35</b>. However, if fingers <b>59</b> and <b>60</b> are optionally mounted over open end <b>61</b> as shown, fingers <b>59</b> or <b>60</b> can also serve to hold piston <b>42</b> inside a the rotary coupling when the coupling is not engaged to a fixedly mounted member <b>35</b> since the wall thickness <b>104</b> of fingers <b>59</b> and <b>60</b> is greater than the wall thickness of cylinder <b>41</b>.

P-0063[0063]FIG. 7 presents an alternative embodiment of rigid hollow cylinder <b>41</b>. Besides the circular cross-section shown in FIG. 6, cylinder <b>41</b> and piston <b>42</b> may also be generally square, as shown, as well as have other non-circular cross-sections such as hexagonal, octagonal, or even oval. And should the practitioner choose a non-circular cross-section, the practitioner may again remove pin <b>45</b> and groove <b>56</b> from coupling <b>27</b>. Being non-circular, the mating sides of cylinder <b>41</b> and a complementarily shaped piston <b>42</b> may be used to maintain cylinder <b>41</b> and piston <b>42</b> in proper alignment.

P-0064[0064]FIG. 8 presents a plan view of rigid hollow cylinder <b>41</b>-as shown in previous figures with notches <b>66</b> and <b>67</b> that are generally perpendicular to longitudinal axis <b>72</b>. However besides perpendicular, the notches may also take other forms. For example and referring to FIG. 9, notches <b>66</b> and <b>67</b> may also include a seat <b>73</b> that is adapted to receive rigid member <b>35</b>, when rotary coupling <b>27</b> is engaged to rigid member <b>35</b>. Or referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, the proximal edges, <b>68</b> and <b>69</b>, of fingers <b>59</b> and <b>60</b> may also be oriented at an oblique angle to longitudinal axis <b>72</b>, which similarly offers a seat <b>73</b> against which rigid member <b>35</b> may reside.

P-0065[0065] Referring now to FIGS. 12, 13, and <b>14</b> there is shown an alternative embodiment to attaching fingers <b>59</b> and <b>60</b> to rigid hollow cylinder <b>41</b>. In previous figures, fingers <b>59</b> and <b>60</b> were presented contiguous to rigid hollow cylinder <b>41</b>; that is, fingers <b>59</b> and <b>60</b> were shown cut or molded into the same piece of material as cylinder <b>41</b>. Alternatively, fingers <b>59</b> and <b>60</b> may start as separate pieces and then be attached to rigid hollow cylinder <b>41</b> in any conventional manner such as welding legs <b>77</b> and <b>78</b>, which are attached to fingers <b>59</b> and <b>60</b>, to opposite sides of cylinder <b>41</b>.

P-0066[0066] A plan view of piston <b>42</b> is presented in FIG. 15. Piston <b>42</b> optionally includes an indicator to inform the user when the piston is either proximally or distally displaced within rigid hollow cylinder <b>41</b>. The indicator is provided by colored portions <b>81</b> and <b>82</b> located on piston <b>42</b>. When proximally displaced, colored portion <b>81</b> is readily visible through access opening <b>54</b> and colored portion <b>82</b> is hidden under rigid hollow cylinder <b>41</b>. Then when piston <b>42</b> is distally displaced, colored portion <b>82</b> becomes readily visible, and colored portion <b>81</b> becomes hidden. In this regard, it is contemplated that colored portions <b>81</b> and <b>52</b> have different colors to allow the user to know at a glance what position piston <b>42</b> resides.

P-0067[0067] Still referring to FIG. 15, piston <b>42</b> optionally includes two pawl blocks, <b>55</b> and <b>86</b>. Pawl blocks <b>85</b> and <b>86</b> are extensions of piston <b>42</b> forming a groove to contact rigid member <b>35</b>. When coupling <b>27</b> is rotated, as described more fully below, member <b>35</b> is positioned within slots <b>102</b> and <b>103</b>, and the groove contacts rigid member <b>35</b>. With rotary coupling <b>27</b> and rigid member <b>35</b> thusly engaged, pawl blocks <b>55</b> and <b>86</b> reside on either side of member <b>35</b> and prevent member <b>35</b> from sliding out of either notch <b>66</b> or <b>67</b>. FIG. 16 shows an alternative embodiment of the piston <b>42</b> that omits the pawl blocks, and FIG. 17 presents yet another alternative embodiment where only one pawl block, <b>86</b>, is present.

P-0068[0068] Rotary coupling <b>27</b> is engaged to rigid member <b>35</b> by first placing rigid member <b>35</b> between fingers <b>59</b> and <b>60</b> and then pushing rotary coupling <b>27</b> against rigid member <b>35</b> until rigid member <b>35</b> becomes aligned with slots <b>102</b> and <b>103</b> of notches <b>66</b> and <b>67</b>. This movement pushes piston <b>42</b> to a proximal position inside cylinder <b>41</b> and compresses spring <b>43</b>. Once rigid member <b>35</b> is aligned with slots <b>102</b> and <b>103</b> of notches <b>66</b> and <b>67</b>, the rotary coupling is twisted about its axis to place fixedly mounted rigid member <b>35</b> within slots <b>102</b> and <b>103</b> and then the coupling is released. With the coupling released, spring <b>43</b> decompresses and presses piston <b>42</b> against rigid member <b>35</b>, which holds rigid member <b>35</b> within rotary coupling <b>27</b>.

P-0069[0069] Rotary coupling <b>27</b> is then released from rigid member <b>35</b> by first accessing piston <b>42</b> through access opening <b>54</b> with a human finger. Once the human finger is located at groove <b>51</b>, piston <b>42</b> can be pulled back to a proximal position within cylinder <b>41</b>. With piston <b>42</b> located in a proximal position, spring <b>43</b> is recompressed and the spring's force against rigid member <b>35</b> is released. With the force released, rotary coupling <b>27</b> is then twisted around its longitudinal axis in a direction that is opposite of that which was previously used to engage coupling <b>27</b> and member <b>35</b>. Rotary coupling <b>27</b> is then twisted until rigid member <b>35</b> exits slots <b>102</b> and <b>103</b> and is aligned with slots <b>100</b> and <b>101</b>. Rigid member <b>35</b> is then slid past fingers <b>59</b> and <b>60</b>, and out of out of rotary coupling <b>27</b>.

P-0070[0070] Referring to FIG. 19, another embodiment of this invention is presented with infant seat <b>20</b> mounted in most any conventional manner atop rigid platform <b>88</b>. The platform, rather than the seat, is then attached to passenger seat <b>26</b> by rotary couplings <b>27</b>. Referring to FIG. 19, rigid platform <b>88</b> has two shafts, <b>89</b> and <b>90</b>, which are rotatably attached through bearings <b>91</b> to platform <b>88</b>. Shafts <b>89</b> and <b>90</b> each include a pulley or gear <b>92</b> that are mutually connected by a belt or chain <b>93</b>. A rotary coupling, <b>27</b>, is then mounted to the distal end of each shaft. Arranged in this fashion, both couplings can then be simultaneously twisted around their longitudinal axis by turning knob <b>94</b>.

P-0071[0071] This latter embodiment is operated by aligning each rotary coupling <b>27</b> with a rigid member <b>35</b> that was previously mounted in the bite of a passenger seat. Each rigid member is then pushed between the fingers in each rotary coupling, which simultaneously pushes each piston <b>42</b> to a proximal position inside the coupling. The rigid members are pushed past the fingers until each rigid member aligns with the notches in its rotary coupling. Then once aligned, both rotary couplings are simultaneously twisted around each rigid member <b>35</b> by turning knob <b>94</b>. Piston <b>42</b> and spring <b>43</b> in each rotary coupling then hold each rigid member <b>35</b> within notches <b>66</b> and <b>67</b>, which in turn, securely holds the infant seat in the passenger seat of a vehicle. Optionally, belt <b>93</b> and pulleys <b>92</b> can be omitted from this embodiment and each shaft can be operated by a separate knob.

P-0072[0072] In addition to the conventional web adjusters, <b>31</b> and <b>32</b>, shown in FIG. 1, one may also utilize web adjuster <b>101</b>, shown in FIGS. <b>20</b>-<b>22</b> in this invention. Referring now more particularly to FIG. 23, there is shown an exploded view of web adjuster <b>101</b>. Web adjuster <b>101</b> includes a bar <b>105</b>, two springs <b>106</b> &amp; <b>107</b>, a button <b>108</b>, a frame <b>102</b>; which may be conceptually subdivided into housing <b>103</b> and plate <b>104</b>; and a web <b>141</b>, previously depicted in FIGS. <b>20</b>-<b>22</b>.

P-0073[0073] Details of bar <b>105</b> are shown in FIGS. <b>24</b>-<b>28</b>. Bar <b>105</b> may be characterized as having a generally cylindrical body <b>119</b> with a longitudinal axis <b>120</b>, a front face <b>121</b>, a back face <b>122</b>, and a frontal plane <b>123</b> (FIG. 28). Frontal plane <b>123</b> is important to convey the preferred placement of serrated portions <b>124</b> and <b>125</b>. Referring to FIG. 28, each of these serrated portions is formed by cutting or molding grooves <b>126</b> in the top <b>127</b> or bottom <b>128</b> of cylindrical body <b>119</b>. But notably, these grooves are preferably placed on top <b>127</b> or bottom <b>128</b> in planes <b>130</b> that are parallel with frontal plane <b>123</b> (or perpendicular to median plane <b>129</b>). instead of placing the grooves in planes that share longitudinal axis <b>120</b>. Wear on the web is generally reduced when grooves <b>126</b> are placed parallel with frontal plane <b>123</b>. The front face <b>121</b> of cylindrical body <b>119</b> also preferably includes a longitudinal notch <b>131</b>. Longitudinal notch <b>131</b> is placed in front face <b>121</b> so as to butt against web stop <b>109</b> on plate <b>104</b>, and preferably includes bevel <b>132</b> to assist bar <b>105</b> in seating against web <b>141</b> and web stop <b>109</b>. In this most preferred embodiment, web <b>141</b> is held between point <b>132</b><i>a </i>on bevel <b>132</b> and the top edge of web stop <b>109</b> on plate <b>104</b>. Still further, front face <b>121</b> is preferably slightly thinner in cross-section than back face <b>122</b>. For example, shortened radii <b>133</b> and <b>134</b> are preferably continued around front face <b>121</b> until they are parallel with median plane <b>129</b> to give central body <b>119</b> a generally elliptical cross-section. The longitudinal axis <b>120</b> is contained in frontal plane <b>123</b>, which contains the max uppermost point on the top <b>127</b> and the maximum lowermost point on the bottom <b>128</b>. As viewed in FIG. 28, all radii defining the back face <b>122</b> intersect longitudinal axis <b>120</b>, and are greater than or equal to all radii defining front face <b>121</b>.

P-0074[0074] Bar <b>105</b> also includes ears <b>116</b> &amp; <b>117</b>, which are mounted near each end of cylindrical body <b>119</b>. As shown, these projections are preferably rectangular in shape, and extend away from the longitudinal axis of bar <b>105</b>, from back face <b>122</b>. Nonetheless, it is also contemplated that ears <b>116</b> &amp; <b>117</b> may have other shapes and laterally extend from other sides of cylindrical body <b>119</b>, such as from front face <b>121</b>. Ears <b>116</b> &amp; <b>117</b> provide torsional rigidity to bar <b>105</b> such that bar <b>105</b> will neither turn nor deform as force is applied to end <b>150</b> of web <b>141</b>. Ears <b>116</b> &amp; <b>117</b> preferably include tabs <b>135</b> &amp; <b>136</b>, as well as slots <b>137</b> &amp; <b>138</b>. Tabs <b>135</b> &amp; <b>136</b> are sized to accept an end of springs <b>106</b> &amp; <b>107</b>, and slots <b>137</b> &amp; <b>138</b> are sized to accept interlocking tabs <b>139</b> &amp; <b>140</b> on button <b>108</b> (FIG. 23).

P-0075[0075] Housing <b>103</b> is generally concave in shape, the bottom/opening of which is shown in FIG. 23. Housing <b>103</b> contains two channels <b>111</b> &amp; <b>112</b>, which are largely defined by walls <b>118</b><i>a </i>&amp; <b>118</b><i>b </i>and ear guides <b>142</b>, which are included along the inside of housing <b>103</b>. A backstop <b>143</b> is then preferably included inside housing <b>103</b> between the ends <b>114</b> &amp; <b>115</b> of channels <b>111</b> &amp; <b>112</b>. Backstop <b>143</b> is preferably-supported by walls <b>149</b><i>a</i>-<i>e</i>. Beyond the foregoing structures, housing <b>103</b> preferably also includes access opening <b>144</b>, which exposes the top of bar <b>105</b> and button opening <b>145</b> to provide access to front face <b>121</b> of bar <b>105</b>.

P-0076[0076] With housing <b>103</b> formed in this fashion, web adjuster <b>101</b> is initially assembled by placing button <b>108</b> inside button opening <b>145</b>. Bar <b>105</b> then rests inside housing <b>105</b> with ears <b>116</b> &amp; <b>117</b> sliding in channels <b>111</b> &amp; <b>112</b>, between ear guides <b>142</b> (one ear guide each side of bar <b>105</b>). As shown, bar <b>105</b> is oriented in these channels such that a on tabs <b>135</b> &amp; <b>136</b> face channel ends <b>114</b> &amp; <b>115</b>, such that the longitudinal notch <b>131</b> faces plate <b>104</b> (discussed below), and such that slots <b>137</b> &amp; <b>138</b> engage interlocking tabs <b>139</b> &amp; <b>140</b> on button <b>108</b>. Helical springs <b>106</b> &amp; <b>107</b> are then inserted inside channels <b>111</b> &amp; <b>112</b> between channel ends <b>114</b>&amp; <b>115</b> and tabs <b>135</b> &amp; <b>136</b>.

P-0077[0077] The assembly of web adjuster <b>101</b> may then be completed by wrapping web <b>141</b> around bar <b>105</b> as shown in FIG. 22 and by covering the bottom of housing <b>103</b> with plate <b>104</b>. Plate <b>104</b> is preferably made of metal and shaped to fit inside the edges <b>113</b> of the walls <b>118</b><i>a </i>&amp; <i>b </i>of housing <b>103</b>. Plate <b>104</b> has a web stop <b>109</b> (FIGS. 22 &amp; 23), which mates against web <b>141</b> and longitudinal notch <b>131</b> on bar <b>105</b>. Housing guide <b>110</b> then helps to insure that plate <b>104</b> remains in this position by receiving guide tabs <b>148</b> on walls <b>149</b><i>b</i>-<i>d</i>. Web adjuster <b>101</b> is then operated by pressing button <b>108</b>, which releases the grip of bar <b>105</b> on web <b>141</b>. With the grip released, end <b>150</b> of web <b>141</b> can be extended by pulling end <b>150</b> away from adjuster <b>101</b>. End <b>151</b> can be extended whether button <b>108</b> is pushed or not by pulling end <b>151</b> away from adjuster <b>101</b>.

P-0078[0078] Referring to FIG. 1A, in yet another alternative embodiment of the present invention, connector <b>160</b> shown in FIG. 29 may be substituted for rotary coupling <b>27</b>. Top, side, and front views of this device are respectively shown in FIGS. <b>31</b>-<b>33</b>. Referring now more particularly to FIG. 33, there is shown an exploded view of part of connector <b>160</b>. Connector <b>160</b> includes housing <b>161</b>, a plate <b>162</b>, a lever <b>163</b>, a plate <b>164</b>, button <b>165</b>, spring <b>186</b> (FIGS. 34 &amp; 35) and pins <b>166</b> &amp; <b>167</b>.

P-0079[0079] Housing <b>161</b> is preferably injection molded from plastic into a generally concave shape that is largely defined on each side by walls <b>168</b>. Housing <b>161</b> has plugs <b>169</b> &amp; <b>170</b> and guides <b>192</b>, which mate with complementary structures on the other half of housing <b>161</b>, which has been omitted from FIG. 33 for clarity. Both halves of housing <b>161</b> have retaining walls <b>172</b> to hold plates <b>162</b> or <b>164</b> inside housing <b>161</b>, against the top of plugs <b>169</b> &amp; <b>170</b>. Finally, housing <b>161</b> has a notch <b>171</b>, which is sized to allow a fixedly mounted rigid member (not shown) to be placed inside the mouth <b>173</b> of plates <b>162</b> &amp; <b>163</b>.

P-0080[0080] The plate <b>162</b> is preferably made of metal and is sized to fit inside the walls <b>168</b> and beneath retaining walls <b>172</b> of housing <b>161</b>. As shown, first plate <b>162</b> is also preferably formed at <b>190</b> to fit around plugs <b>169</b> &amp; <b>170</b>. The intermediate portion <b>193</b> of first plate <b>162</b> has two holes <b>174</b> &amp; <b>175</b>, which upon assembly, receive the tapered ends <b>176</b> &amp; <b>177</b> of preferably metal pins <b>166</b> &amp; <b>167</b>. The distal end <b>191</b> of first plate <b>162</b> has a mouth <b>173</b> that is sized to receive a fixedly mountable rigid member (not shown). But in this regard, mouth <b>173</b> is preferably formed wider toward its distal end than its proximal end to allow the user to more easily place a fixedly mounted rigid member into the bottom of mouth <b>173</b>.

P-0081[0081] Lever <b>163</b> is preferably made of metal and is sized to move inside the housing of connector <b>160</b>, between plates <b>162</b> &amp; <b>164</b>. Lever <b>163</b> contains a hole <b>178</b> to pivot on pin <b>167</b>. In contrast, pin <b>166</b> only supports the body <b>179</b> of lever <b>163</b> when connector <b>160</b> is left in the normally closed position. The distal end <b>180</b> of lever <b>163</b> has a downward projecting finger or tooth <b>181</b>. Tooth <b>181</b> is preferably of a length to cover the distal opening of mouth <b>173</b> when connector <b>160</b> is resting in a normally closed position. The proximal end <b>182</b> of lever <b>163</b> has a button engagement surface <b>183</b> to ride against the bottom of button <b>165</b>, button <b>165</b> being located in opening <b>184</b> of housing <b>161</b>, directly above button engagement surface <b>183</b>. Finally, lever <b>163</b> also has a projection <b>185</b>, which upon assembly is sized to accept the end of spring <b>186</b> (FIGS. 34 and 35) to hold spring <b>186</b> in position against lever <b>163</b>.

P-0082[0082] Plate <b>164</b> is also preferably made of metal and resides next to lever <b>163</b>. Complementary to the profile of plate <b>162</b>, plate <b>164</b> also contains holes <b>187</b> &amp; <b>188</b> that are sized to receive the opposite tapered ends (omitted for clarity) of pin <b>166</b> and <b>167</b>, and a mouth <b>173</b> that is sized to receive a fixedly mountable rigid member. Plate <b>164</b> is sized to fit inside housing <b>161</b>, and again similar to plate <b>162</b> is also formed at <b>195</b> to fit around the plugs that attach to <b>169</b> &amp; <b>170</b>. The proximal end <b>194</b> of plate <b>164</b> is discussed below.

P-0083[0083] Assembled in this fashion, connector <b>160</b> has a normally closed position shown in FIG. 34 and an open position shown in FIG. 35. In the closed position, spring <b>186</b> pushes against housing <b>161</b> and lever <b>163</b> at projection <b>185</b>. at a location that is proximal to pivot point <b>189</b>. Thusly extended, spring <b>186</b> urges button <b>165</b> up against housing <b>161</b> and simultaneously holds finger <b>181</b> on lever <b>163</b> in mouth <b>172</b> between plates <b>162</b> &amp; <b>164</b> to cover mouth <b>172</b> and close connector <b>160</b>. Connector <b>160</b> is opened by pushing downward on button <b>165</b> and compressing spring <b>186</b>, which in turn, lifts distal end <b>180</b> and pulls finger <b>181</b> out of mouth <b>172</b>. With lever <b>163</b> relocated in this manner, mouth <b>172</b> is ready to receive a fixedly mountable rigid member.

P-0084[0084] Like previously discussed rotary coupling <b>27</b>, the distal end of web <b>196</b> (FIG. 31) can be attached to the proximal end of connector <b>160</b> in any conventional manner, such as with pins, rivets, stitching <b>738</b>, or a conventional web adjuster. But in this regard, it is also contemplated that both rotary coupling <b>27</b> and connector <b>160</b> may incorporate web adjuster <b>101</b> as an integral part of the connector. Similarly, coupling <b>360</b> and <b>460</b> disclosed in commonly owned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/206,603 of Anthony, et al. filed Jul. 26, 2002, incorporated herein by reference could incorporate adjuster <b>101</b> as an integral part of the connector. Likewise, couplings <b>27</b> and connector <b>160</b>, <b>360</b>, <b>460</b> could incorporate as an integral part, or using a web connection, any of the web adjusters <b>501</b>, <b>601</b>, <b>701</b> described below and, conversely, web adjusters <b>101</b>, <b>501</b>, <b>601</b>, and <b>701</b> could be used with any sort of connector, whether integral thereto, or used with an intervening web, examples of both of which are shown in FIGS. 58 and 59 below. These web adjusters are generally employed in a mid-belt configuration, wherein they attach at one end to some type of connector or coupling, or directly to some other devise, such as a seat, as noted, and then they operatively receive a length of web at the other end and thereafter allow a user to size and maintain the length of the web as desired by paying web in or out of the adjuster in a conventional manner. The method to attach web adjusters <b>101</b>, <b>501</b>, <b>601</b>, <b>701</b>, <b>801</b> to either coupling <b>27</b> or connector <b>160</b>, is well within the average skill of this art. Be that as it may, FIGS. <b>29</b>-<b>36</b> illustratively depict such an integration and the following description is provided for the convenience of the reader.

P-0085[0085] Referring again to FIGS. <b>33</b>-<b>35</b>, there is shown an exploded view of web adjuster <b>201</b> that is integrated or attached to connector <b>160</b>. Like web adjuster <b>101</b>, web adjuster <b>201</b> includes a bar <b>205</b>, two springs <b>206</b> &amp; <b>207</b> (FIG. 35), a button <b>208</b>, a frame <b>202</b>; which may be conceptually subdivided into housing <b>203</b> and plate <b>204</b>; and a web <b>196</b> (FIG. 36). Bar <b>205</b>, and springs <b>206</b> &amp; <b>207</b> are preferably identical to the previously described bar <b>105</b> and springs <b>106</b> &amp; <b>107</b>, and web <b>196</b> is wound around bar <b>205</b> similarly as web <b>141</b> is wound around bar <b>105</b>. Housing <b>203</b> is largely identical to previously described housing <b>103</b> except that it is now an integral part or a continuation of housing <b>161</b> and includes a cover <b>197</b> to cover access opening <b>144</b>. Finally, plate <b>204</b> is largely similar to previously described plate <b>104</b> with a web stop <b>209</b> to grip web <b>196</b> just as web stop <b>109</b> gripped web <b>141</b>. But by also being a continuous part of plate <b>164</b>, plate <b>204</b>/plate <b>164</b> provides a mechanical connection between a fixedly mountable rigid member (not shown) and web <b>196</b>. Connector <b>160</b> or the rotary coupling of FIG. 37 may be integrally connected to a web adjuster such as web adjuster <b>101</b>.

P-0086[0086] Referring to FIGS. <b>38</b>-<b>44</b> and <b>54</b>-<b>56</b>, another illustrative web adjuster <b>501</b> is depicted. The web adjuster <b>501</b> comprises a gripping assembly <b>502</b>, a housing or frame <b>503</b>, a plate <b>504</b> and first and second biasing members or springs <b>506</b> and <b>507</b>. As best seen in FIGS. 38 and 54, gripping assembly <b>502</b> comprises a gripping portion or bar <b>505</b>, a manipulation portion or button <b>508</b>, and a pair of spaced apart ears <b>535</b>, <b>536</b>. Gripping assembly is illustratively of monolithic construction and may be made for example from injection molded plastic or die cast from zinc. Gripping assembly illustratively has a generally rectangular profile and includes generally at its core the longitudinally extending gripping portion <b>505</b> which has a generally elliptical to rectangular cross section having a longitudinal axis <b>520</b>, a front face or gripping surface <b>521</b>, a back face <b>522</b>, a top face <b>527</b>, and a bottom face <b>528</b>.

P-0087[0087] As with bar <b>105</b>, bar <b>505</b> may have alternative cross-sections known to those skilled in the art. For example, it may have any one of a generally, cylindrical, ovate, or rectangular shape. Referring to FIGS. 38 and 40, top face <b>527</b> includes a first pair of generally parallel protrusions or ridges <b>510</b> and a second pair of generally parallel ridges <b>511</b>. The first pair of ridges <b>510</b> extends generally obliquely and longitudinally away from ear <b>517</b> and back face <b>522</b> toward front face <b>521</b> and generally toward the center of bar <b>505</b>. Similarly, the second pair of ridges <b>511</b> extends generally obliquely and longitudinally away from ear <b>516</b> and back face <b>522</b> toward front face <b>521</b> and generally toward the center of bar <b>505</b>. Therefore, first and second pair of ridges <b>510</b> and <b>511</b> angle toward each other as they extend generally toward the center of front face <b>521</b>. Referring to FIG. 54, bottom face <b>528</b> illustratively includes a longitudinal notch <b>531</b> adjacent to front face <b>521</b>. Notch <b>531</b> is substantially similar to notch <b>131</b> depicted in FIG. 28 and includes bevel <b>532</b> to assist bar <b>505</b> in seating against a web, such as <b>141</b>, and the web stop <b>509</b>. Illustratively, web <b>141</b> is held between point <b>532</b><i>a </i>on bevel <b>532</b> and the top edge of web stop <b>509</b> on plate <b>504</b>. Referring to FIGS. 54 and 55, bottom face <b>528</b> and back face <b>522</b> illustratively include portions of a generally V-shaped protrusion or ridge <b>512</b> having a vertex <b>513</b> oriented towards and positioned on back face <b>522</b> with opposite sides of V-shaped ridge <b>512</b> extending obliquely and laterally away from the vertex <b>513</b> in opposing fashion toward notch <b>531</b>.

P-0088[0088] The protrusions <b>510</b>, <b>511</b>, <b>512</b> facilitate the gripping of a web by the gripping portion <b>505</b> and further cooperate with notch <b>531</b> and stop <b>509</b> to grip a web, as for example, web <b>141</b> depicted in FIGS. <b>20</b>-<b>22</b>, and allow the gripping to take place in almost any linear orientation. One skilled in the art will appreciate that a fewer or greater number of ridges on the top or bottom faces, or even on the front or back face, fall within the scope of the invention. Similarly, alternative patterns and locations of ridges or protrusions may be used. For example, the a W-shaped ridge, an S-shaped ridge, a zigzag patterned ridge, a series of three or more parallel ridges, and the like could be used. Such ridges could be at the periphery of the bar, in the center of the bar, or span the length of the bar, for example.

P-0089[0089] The manipulation portion or button <b>508</b> is generally parallel to bar <b>505</b> and is spaced apart therefrom. Button <b>508</b> illustratively is generally rectangular in cross section and has a curvate front face <b>523</b>, a back face <b>524</b>, a curvate top face <b>525</b>, and a bottom face <b>526</b>. It will be appreciated that front and top faces <b>523</b>, <b>525</b> need not be curvate. Bottom face <b>526</b> may be of solid construction as shown in FIG. 54, or may be hollowed out as shown in FIGS. 42 and 43. Parallel and elongated ears <b>516</b> and <b>517</b> are perpendicular to button <b>508</b> and extend away therefrom, toward and beyond gripping bar <b>505</b> ending respectively at spring mounting tabs <b>535</b> and <b>536</b>. The gripping bar <b>505</b> is generally parallel to button <b>508</b> and is perpendicular to, and extends transversely between the ears <b>516</b> and <b>517</b>. Ears <b>516</b>, <b>517</b>, button <b>508</b> and bar <b>505</b> define aperture <b>529</b>. Ears <b>516</b> and <b>517</b> illustratively have generally rectangular cross sections, although they may have any suitable shape, such as for example, elliptical or cylindrical. Illustratively, the mounting tabs <b>535</b>, <b>536</b> have a generally cylindrical cross section and are configured to receive an end of springs <b>507</b> and <b>506</b>, respectively, as best seen in FIG. 38.

P-0090[0090] As noted, the gripping assembly <b>508</b> is plastic and is of monolithic construction, formed by injection molding. It will be appreciated, however, that it may be made of any suitable metallic, non-metallic, or composite material. For example, gripping assembly <b>508</b> may be made of molded plastic, as noted, or graphite; although, other materials and methods of manufacture, such as die-cast zinc or titanium and the like, may be used. Moreover, the gripping assembly need not be of monolithic construction, but may be a unitary construction comprising discrete button, bar, and ear components coupled together similar to the corresponding components of web adjuster <b>101</b>.

P-0091[0091] Referring to FIG. 38, plate <b>504</b> illustratively is of generally monolithic construction and of generally metallic composition, as, for example, stamped or die-cast steel, zinc or the like. It will be appreciated that alternative materials and methods of manufacture, such as non-metallic materials, including injection molded plastic or graphite, or composite materials may be used as well. Plate <b>504</b> has a generally rectangular portion <b>518</b> and a generally triangular tab portion <b>537</b>. Tab portion <b>537</b> includes coupling aperture <b>538</b> and anchor or mounting aperture <b>539</b>. Coupling aperture <b>538</b> is configured to receive a coupler, such as for example rivet <b>514</b>, as will be explained. The rectangular portion <b>518</b> includes a web gripping aperture <b>540</b>. Gripping aperture <b>540</b> includes a web stop <b>509</b>. Plate <b>504</b> further includes, illustratively, an indentation <b>541</b>. Indentation <b>541</b> may be, for example, embossed or stamped into plate <b>504</b>, and may add rigidity to the plate <b>504</b>. Plate <b>504</b> is sized to fit inside housing <b>503</b>. The apertures <b>538</b>, <b>539</b>, <b>540</b> and stop <b>509</b> will be further explained below. It will be appreciated that plate <b>504</b> could be modified or even eliminated by those skilled in the art. For example, the plate could comprise merely the web stop portion <b>509</b>. Moreover, such web stop portion <b>509</b> could be integral to the frame <b>503</b>, thereby eliminating the need for a separate plate <b>504</b>, as for example depicted and described below with respect to adjuster <b>802</b>.

P-0092[0092] Illustratively, housing <b>503</b> is injection molded from plastic and is of monolithic construction; although it will be appreciated that alternative metallic, non-metallic, or composite materials, such as, for example, zinc, aluminum, titanium, graphite, kevlar and the like may be used. Similarly, alternative methods of manufacture suitable to the chosen material, such as die-casting, extruding, stamping, and the like may be used. Housing <b>503</b> comprises a generally rectangular portion <b>546</b> (FIGS. 39, 40) and a generally triangular tab portion <b>545</b> (FIGS. 38, 40). Rectangular portion <b>546</b> includes a top surface <b>547</b> defining an aperture <b>544</b>, as shown best in FIG. 38, a bottom surface <b>548</b> defining an aperture <b>542</b>, as shown best in FIG. 38, opposite side surfaces <b>550</b> and <b>551</b>, and front surface or backstop <b>543</b>, which together define open-ended cavity <b>552</b> best seen in FIG. 56. Bottom surface <b>548</b> includes appendage <b>553</b> defining a web guide aperture <b>554</b>. Tab portion <b>545</b> includes a top surface <b>555</b> defining web anchor or mounting aperture <b>557</b>, and bottom surface <b>556</b> defining web anchor aperture <b>558</b>. Top and bottom surfaces <b>555</b> and <b>556</b> also define respective coupling apertures <b>559</b> and <b>560</b>. Top and bottom surfaces may also define plate aperture <b>561</b>. Apertures <b>544</b>, <b>540</b> and <b>542</b> provide access to the bar <b>505</b>, and any web passing through the adjuster.

P-0093[0093] Cavity <b>552</b> also includes channels <b>533</b> and <b>534</b> formed along the periphery of the housing <b>503</b> and terminating at channel ends <b>563</b> and <b>564</b>. Channel ends <b>563</b> and <b>564</b> generally proceed past the backstop <b>543</b> in the vicinity of spaced apart walls <b>549</b><i>a </i>and <b>549</b><i>b</i>. The springs <b>506</b> and <b>507</b> and their respective ears <b>517</b>, <b>516</b> are disposed within the channels <b>533</b>, <b>534</b>, with the springs ends adjacent to the channel ends <b>563</b>, <b>564</b> and the mounting tabs <b>536</b> and <b>535</b>. The gripping assembly translates in a generally linear manner as the ears move in the channels <b>533</b>, <b>534</b> and the springs <b>506</b>, <b>507</b> compress and decompress.

P-0094[0094] Cavity <b>552</b> is configured to receive plate <b>504</b> as seen in FIGS. 38 and 56 as follows. Plate <b>504</b> rests on bottom surface <b>548</b> and nestles under front surface <b>543</b> and generally within plate aperture <b>561</b>. It will be appreciated, however, that the plate <b>504</b> could nestle between top and bottom surfaces <b>555</b>, <b>556</b> without the need of aperture <b>561</b>. When plate <b>504</b> is received within cavity <b>552</b>, the coupling apertures <b>538</b>, <b>559</b> and <b>560</b>, the anchor apertures <b>539</b>, <b>557</b>, and <b>558</b>, and the access apertures <b>540</b>, <b>544</b> and <b>542</b> are in respective alignment with each other. Rivet <b>514</b> is received in sequence through coupling apertures <b>559</b>, <b>538</b> and <b>560</b> to couple together the plate <b>504</b> and the housing <b>503</b>. It will be appreciated that other couplers, such as a press fit, a screw, a nail, a weld and the like, may be used. It will also be appreciated that more than one coupler, for example two rivets and corresponding coupling apertures, may be used. Cavity <b>552</b> is further configured to receive gripping assembly <b>502</b>, which lies on top of plate <b>504</b> as shown in FIGS. 38 and 39.

P-0095[0095] Illustratively, the web adjuster <b>501</b> is initially assembled by mounting the springs <b>506</b>, <b>507</b> to their respective mounting tabs <b>536</b>, <b>535</b>; placing the gripping assembly <b>502</b> on top of the plate <b>504</b>, and sliding the assembly <b>502</b> and plate <b>504</b> into housing <b>503</b>. Coupler <b>514</b> secures the components inside housing <b>503</b> by passing through apertures <b>559</b>, <b>538</b>, <b>560</b>.

P-0096[0096] The gripping assembly <b>502</b> moves within the channels <b>533</b>, <b>534</b> of cavity <b>552</b> as described with springs <b>506</b> and <b>507</b> biasing the assembly <b>502</b> in its normal position such that notch <b>531</b> abuts web stop <b>509</b>. Substantially as shown in FIG. 22, with the exception that bar <b>505</b> differs from bar <b>105</b>, a web <b>141</b> is threaded through aperture <b>545</b>, around bar <b>505</b>, back through aperture <b>545</b> and out through aperture <b>554</b> as is known by those skilled in the art. In the normal position, then, bar <b>505</b> is urged against stop <b>509</b>, thereby gripping web <b>141</b> therebetween as shown in FIGS. 42 and 52. Adjuster <b>505</b> is operated by apply pressure to button <b>508</b>, as by pressing, which compresses springs <b>506</b> and <b>507</b> and releases the grip of bar <b>505</b>, as shown in FIGS. 43 and 48. With the grip released, end <b>150</b> of web <b>141</b> in FIGS. 22, 58 and <b>59</b> can be extended by pulling end <b>150</b> away from adjuster <b>501</b>. End <b>151</b> can be extended whether button <b>508</b> is pushed or not by pulling end <b>151</b> away from adjuster <b>501</b>.

P-0097[0097] Anchor apertures <b>539</b>, <b>557</b>, <b>558</b> are configured to receive web belts coupled as by stitching <b>738</b>, snaps, or hook and piles and the like. Apertures <b>539</b>, <b>557</b>, <b>558</b> may also receive a belt attached to a snap hook, a mini-connector, as disclosed in the aforementioned provisional application No. 60/307,899, or other conventional connectors for attachment to some type of anchor member. Such connectors or anchor members may be integrated directly into the adjuster <b>501</b> at the location of the apertures <b>539</b>, <b>557</b>, <b>558</b> as well. It will be appreciated, therefore, that adjuster <b>501</b> is not only configured to be a mid-belt adjuster, but may also be used as an adjuster connected directly to, or integrated with a coupling device, a connector or an anchor member, the method of connecting or integrating falling well within the scope of one skilled in this art as seen in, for example, FIGS. 49 and 58-<b>59</b>.

P-0098[0098] The illustrative embodiments depicted in FIGS. 45 through 53, and <b>57</b> through <b>59</b> are structurally similar and functionally identical to the illustrative embodiments described and depicted in FIGS. <b>38</b>-<b>44</b> and <b>54</b>-<b>56</b>. Accordingly, like reference numerals are used for like features and similar numerals, increased by 100 for each subsequent embodiment, <b>601</b>, <b>701</b>, <b>801</b> are used for similar features and the foregoing description of the function of such features is equally applicable for these features and reference should be made to said foregoing description. Similarly, as already noted with adjuster <b>501</b>, each of the components of each of these illustrative embodiments may be of any suitable metallic, nonmetallic, or composite material, or combination thereof, and fashioned in any method suitable to such chosen material, such as, for example, injection molded plastic, or die cast zinc. Illustratively, then, the entire web adjuster <b>501</b>, <b>601</b>, <b>701</b>, <b>801</b> may be injection molded from plastic, or, alternatively, for example, the housing <b>503</b>, <b>603</b>, <b>703</b>, may be of injection molded plastic, the gripping assembly <b>502</b>, <b>602</b>, <b>702</b> may be of die-cast zinc, and the plate <b>503</b>, <b>603</b>, <b>703</b> may be of stamped or die-cast steel.

P-0099[0099] Illustrative web adjuster <b>601</b>, depicted in FIGS. <b>45</b>-<b>48</b> is functionally identical to adjuster <b>501</b>, and is substantially similar structurally with slight differences in profile. More specifically, web adjuster <b>601</b> has a reduced profile in that tab portion <b>645</b> is shorter than tab portion <b>545</b>. Similarly, then, plate <b>604</b> has a somewhat smaller tab portion <b>637</b> and anchor aperture <b>657</b>. Illustratively, plate tab portion <b>637</b> overlays housing tab portion <b>645</b> rather than being disposed between the housing tab portion <b>645</b>, which also has a smaller anchor aperture <b>658</b>. Of course, tab portion <b>637</b> could also lie underneath housing tab portion <b>645</b>, as in adjuster <b>101</b> (FIGS. 22 and 23), or, as in adjuster <b>501</b> (FIG. 42), tab portion <b>637</b> could be sandwiched inside the tab portion <b>645</b>. Indeed, any of these configurations are adaptable by one skilled in the art to any of the illustrative embodiments <b>101</b>, <b>201</b>, <b>501</b>, <b>601</b>, <b>701</b>, <b>801</b> described herein.

P-0100[0100] Illustrative web adjuster <b>701</b>, depicted in FIGS. <b>49</b>-<b>53</b> and <b>57</b>, is functionally identical to adjuster <b>501</b>, and is substantially similar structurally. Web adjuster <b>701</b> includes gripping assembly <b>502</b>, housing <b>703</b>, springs <b>506</b> and <b>507</b> and connector <b>770</b>. Gripping assembly <b>502</b> and springs <b>506</b> and <b>507</b> are made and function substantially as described above in all respects, including, as noted, alternative materials, manufacture and size. Referring to FIGS. 52 and 57, housing <b>703</b> is generally concave in shape, with its bottom surface <b>748</b> defining a bottom opening or aperture <b>742</b>, which is generally coextensive with aperture <b>740</b> defined by frame <b>704</b>. Illustratively, then, the web stop <b>509</b>, would be carried directly on the frame <b>704</b> as would be apparent to those skilled in the art, not only with respect to this embodiment, but to the other illustrative web adjusters <b>501</b>, <b>601</b>, <b>801</b> just as is the case with adjuster <b>101</b>. It will be appreciated, too, that bottom surface <b>748</b> and frame <b>704</b> could also be generally closed as in bottom surface <b>548</b> and plate <b>504</b>.

P-0101[0101] Adjuster <b>701</b> includes a connector or snap hook portion <b>770</b> having a hook portion <b>771</b> and a spring or keeper <b>772</b> attached by coupling <b>714</b>, which may, for example, be a rivet, a screw, a bolt, or other conventional coupling. Hook portion <b>771</b> and keeper <b>772</b> are configured to cooperatively and releasably engage an anchor member, such as a round bar or D-ring, in a conventional manner well known to those skilled in the art. For example, such a web adjuster <b>701</b> might be used in conjunction with a child seat to attach an upper tether to a car mounting member.

P-0102[0102] The connector portion <b>770</b> illustratively has a frame <b>704</b> integrated into the housing <b>703</b>. Alternatively, the connector <b>770</b> could be coupled to housing <b>703</b> using anchor apertures <b>539</b>, <b>557</b>, <b>558</b> as has been described and as is depicted in FIGS. 58 and 59. Referring to FIG. 58, the connector <b>770</b> of adjuster <b>801</b> is attached to the anchor apertures <b>539</b>, <b>557</b>, <b>558</b> using coupling <b>714</b>, which may be any suitable conventional coupling such as a bolt, or screw, or rivet, and the like. In addition, a plurality of couplings <b>714</b> could be used. Referring to FIG. 59, the connector <b>770</b> of web adjuster <b>901</b> is attached to the anchor apertures <b>539</b>, <b>557</b>, <b>558</b> using a length of web <b>741</b>, which is threaded through the anchor apertures <b>539</b>, <b>557</b>, <b>558</b> in a conventional manner, then wrapped back upon itself and through the mounting aperture on connector <b>770</b> and secured, illustratively, by stitching <b>738</b>, although the web <b>741</b> could be secured using other suitable methods such as heat press, glue, hook and pile, snaps, tape and the like.

P-0103[0103] Illustrative web adjuster device <b>802</b>, depicted in FIGS. <b>60</b>-<b>65</b>, generally comprises a housing or body <b>803</b> which comprises a web adjuster portion <b>501</b> and a connector portion <b>870</b>. Web adjuster portion <b>501</b> comprises gripping assembly <b>502</b> and biasing members or springs <b>506</b> and <b>507</b> received within channels defined by the housing <b>803</b> as described above. Web adjuster <b>802</b> is functionally and structurally similar to adjuster <b>701</b>. Gripping assembly <b>502</b> and springs <b>506</b> and <b>507</b> are made and function substantially as described above in conjunction with web adjuster <b>501</b> in most respects, including, as noted, alternative materials, manufacture and sizes, the major difference to being the absence of a reinforcing plate <b>504</b>. It will be recognized, however, that such a plate <b>504</b>, or in the alternative, <b>704</b>, fall within the scope of the invention. It should further be recognized that the use of any conventional web adjuster also falls within the scope of the invention.

P-0104[0104] Housing <b>803</b> has a generally pear shape and is illustratively of monolithic construction extending from the web adjuster portion <b>501</b> to the connector portion <b>870</b>. It may be manufactured out of injection molded plastic, or other suitable metallic, non-metallic or composite materials as described herein. Housing <b>803</b> comprises a top surface <b>547</b> defining therethrough aperture <b>544</b> and a bottom surface <b>748</b> defining a bottom opening or aperture <b>742</b>, which in turn defines a web stop portion <b>809</b> as was mentioned could be the case with web adjusters <b>501</b>, <b>601</b>, <b>701</b>, <b>801</b>. It will be appreciated that bottom surface <b>748</b>, which is spaced apart from tip surface <b>547</b>, could also be generally closed as in bottom surface <b>548</b> described above, and/or that spaced-apart top surface <b>547</b> may be generally closed, thereby eliminating aperture <b>742</b> and/or aperture <b>544</b>. The web adjuster portion <b>501</b> is configured to receive and vary or adjust the operable length of a flexible member <b>141</b> such as for example, a rope, a strap, or a web. Web <b>141</b> is slidingly received through aperture <b>554</b>, between housing portion <b>804</b> and housing appendage <b>553</b>, wrapping partially around gripping portion <b>505</b>, and proceeding between gripping portion or bar <b>505</b> and stop portion <b>809</b>. The operation of the web adjuster portion <b>501</b> is substantially the same as described above, such that applying a force in the direction of arrow <b>172</b> (FIG. 63) allows the slack in web <b>141</b> to be taken up, thereby decreasing the operative length of web <b>141</b>. Applying a force in the direction of arrow <b>174</b>, urges the gripping portion <b>505</b> against the stop portion <b>809</b> thereby trapping the web <b>141</b> therebetween. Pressing on manipulation portion <b>508</b> separates the gripping portion or bar <b>505</b> from the stop portion <b>809</b> allowing the web <b>141</b> to be paid out in the direction of arrow <b>174</b>. As noted, any conventional adjuster may be used, however.

P-0105[0105] The connector or snap hook portion <b>870</b> illustratively comprises a hook portion <b>871</b> and a spring or keeper <b>872</b> as depicted in FIGS. 60 and 62. Keeper <b>872</b> may be attached to housing <b>803</b> by any conventional matter such as, for example, by a rivet, a screw, a bolt, or other conventional coupling. However, referring to FIGS. 61, 63, and <b>64</b>, it can be seen that the snap hook portion <b>870</b> need not have a keeper <b>872</b> at all. The hook portion <b>871</b> curves generally upwardly away from bottom surface <b>748</b> of the web adjuster portion <b>501</b>. In contrast, hook portion <b>771</b> of adjuster <b>701</b> curves generally downwardly away from bottom surface <b>748</b>.

P-0106[0106] Referring to FIGS. 60 and 63, hook portion <b>871</b> comprises a channel <b>815</b> formed into the top rounded portion of the hook, the channel <b>815</b> ending in an aperture <b>816</b> defined in the bottom surface <b>748</b> of the hook portion. On the other side of the aperture or cut-out <b>816</b>, a second channel <b>817</b> is formed in the bottom surface <b>748</b>. It will be appreciated that the channels <b>815</b> and <b>817</b> help provide rigidity to the hook portion <b>871</b>, and in conjunction with the cut-out <b>816</b>, help reduce the overall weight of the adjuster device <b>802</b>. The hook portion also comprises a pair of spaced apart rounded sides or rises <b>818</b>, <b>819</b> projecting upwardly away from and sandwiching therebetween the cut-out <b>816</b>. Hook portion <b>871</b> alone or in cooperation with keeper <b>872</b> is/are configured to releasably engage an anchor member, such as for example a round bar or D-ring <b>35</b>, in a conventional manner well known to those skilled in the art. The rounded rises <b>818</b>, <b>819</b> define a seat <b>820</b> between the rises <b>818</b>, <b>819</b> and the inner curve of the hook portion and help to nestle the anchor member <b>35</b> adjacent to the seat <b>820</b> and thereby resist inadvertent disengagement of the anchor member <b>35</b> and the hook portion <b>871</b>. This allows the keeper <b>872</b> to be eliminated as noted above.

P-0107[0107] For example, as shown in FIG. 65, such a web adjuster <b>802</b> might be used to connect a web <b>141</b> to a lower anchor member <b>35</b> in a car as will now be described. Illustratively, the web <b>141</b> comprises opposing ends <b>151</b>, <b>152</b>. First opposing end <b>151</b> is slideably received about gripping portion or bar <b>505</b> and second opposing end <b>152</b> is illustratively connected to, for example, a clamp member <b>15</b> or other coupling device, which may be configured to couple the web <b>141</b> with the shoulder, chest or torso portion <b>12</b> of a conventional seat belt system, which may further comprise a lap portion <b>13</b>. The web adjuster is conventionally engaged with the anchor member <b>35</b> by inserting the hook portion <b>871</b> therethrough with the hook portion's opening facing downwardly toward the automobile's seat portion <b>37</b>. By pulling on opposing end <b>151</b>, in the direction of arrow <b>172</b>, the operable length of web <b>141</b> is shortened and the tension increased thereby pulling shoulder/chest/torso portion <b>12</b> downwardly away from the neck of an occupant, such as a child <b>10</b>, about which the shoulder belt <b>12</b> extends. Therefore, the bottom surface <b>748</b> is adjacent to the seat back <b>36</b> of the automobile seat <b>26</b>. Because the hook portion <b>871</b> opens upwardly relative to the bottom surface <b>748</b>, the adjuster assembly <b>502</b> and first opposing end <b>151</b> are left accessible for adjusting the operable length and thereby the tension of web <b>141</b>. Another example can be seen in using the adjuster <b>802</b> to secure cargo in a vehicle. In such an example, the opposite end <b>152</b> may be connected to another web adjuster <b>802</b>, or other suitable connector, and the web <b>141</b> passed about the cargo with each end <b>151</b>, <b>152</b> secured to anchor members attached to the vehicle. Such cargo could be boxes, parcels, luggage, athletic equipment, tires, and the like.

P-0108[0108] In contrast to the above examples, if adjuster <b>802</b> were used to attach a child seat, for example as shown in FIG. 1A, to the anchor member <b>35</b>, then the top surface would be adjacent to the automobile seat portion <b>37</b>, making the adjuster assembly generally inaccessible when the slack is taken out of web <b>141</b>. Conversely, the downwardly opening hook portion <b>771</b> of adjuster <b>701</b> would leave the adjuster portion accessible when used to attach a child seat (FIG. 1A) to the anchor member <b>35</b>, and inaccessible when used to attach, for example, a clamp <b>15</b> (FIG. 65) to shoulder belt <b>12</b>, or to any other anchor point that places bottom portion <b>748</b> adjacent to seat back portion <b>36</b>.

P-0109[0109] It is within the teaching of the invention that the connector portion <b>870</b>, rather than being integral to the monolithic housing <b>803</b>, could be coupled to housing <b>803</b>, as for example by a rivet <b>714</b> or by coupling using anchor apertures <b>539</b>, <b>557</b>, <b>558</b> as has been described above and depicted in FIGS. 58 and 59. Those skilled in the art will know that other forms of connectors and couplings could similarly be attached to each of the web adjusters <b>101</b>, <b>501</b>, <b>601</b>, <b>701</b>, <b>801</b>, <b>901</b> using the anchor apertures <b>539</b>, <b>557</b>, <b>558</b>, as just described, or through direct integration as described with respect to adjusters <b>201</b>, <b>701</b> and <b>802</b>.

P-0110[0110] It will be appreciated that each of the web adjusters described herein are configurable for use with different size belts, for example one inch (25 mm) or one-and-a-half inch (38 mm) belts depending on the desired use of the adjuster. For example, a 25 mm adjuster might be desirable for use in infant or backpack situations, whereas a 38 mm adjuster might be desirable for use in child or marine tie-down situations. Those skilled in the art will recognize how to change the dimensions of the devices <b>101</b>, <b>501</b>, <b>601</b>, <b>701</b>, <b>801</b> accordingly. Those skilled in the art will also comprehend, as has been noted throughout, that each of components may be made from any suitable metallic, non-metallic, or composite material, alone or in combination, such as plastic, steel, zinc, aluminum, titanium, graphite, and the like, depending on the desired weight and strength characteristics, and according to any suitable manufacturing process to include die casting, pressing, molding, and the like.

P-0111[0111] While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that one skilled in the art will recognize, and that it is desired to protect, all aspects, changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the invention.