Quick action belt tensioner for child safety seat

Abstract

A quick-acting belt tensioning mechanism for securing a child safety seat in a vehicle has a tensioning member with a hook-like engagement structure rotatably mounted on the safety seat adjacent a belt path for a vehicle seat belt. The seat belt is engaged in the engagement structure and the tensioning member is rotated by movement of a lever to tension the seat belt by wrapping the seat belt around the tensioning member. The lever is slidably disposed on the tensioning member to close an opening of the hook-like structure and prevent the seat belt from disengaging therefrom and to prevent the tensioning member from rotating to a tensioning position unless the lever is properly positioned. A latching mechanism is provided to restrain the tensioning member and the lever in the tensioning and closed positions. The seat shell and the lever can include structure to further limit tensioning of the seat belt unless the lever is properly positioned.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Application No. 63 / 321,382, filed March 18, 2022, entitled “QUICK-ACTING BELT TENSIONER FORACHILD SAFETY SEAT”, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure generally relates to the field of child safety seats for use in vehicles, and more particularly to fast-acting tensioning mechanisms that tension vehicle seat belts to properly anchor the safety seat in the vehicle. Background Technology

[0004] Child safety seats installed in vehicles make car travel significantly safer for children. These safety benefits depend on the proper installation and tensioning of the vehicle seat belts to securely anchor the safety seat in the vehicle. Many parents find the process of properly installing a child safety seat difficult and frequent. Vehicle seat belts typically consist of lap and shoulder straps, with an arrangement optimized to restrain adults or older children seated in the vehicle. The belt arrangement suitable for securing the safety seat in the vehicle generally complicates the installation and tensioning process.

[0005] What is needed is a fast-acting belt tensioning mechanism for child safety that simplifies the process of anchoring the seat to the vehicle while providing a simple and reliable mechanism to properly tension the vehicle seat belt and secure the child safety seat in the vehicle. Other features and advantages will become apparent from this specification. The disclosed teachings extend to those embodiments that fall within the scope of the claims, regardless of whether they achieve one or more of the foregoing requirements. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Thus, in any of the embodiments described herein, the present invention can provide one or more of the following advantages: It is an object of the present invention to provide a quick-acting belt tensioning mechanism for securing a child safety seat in a vehicle, comprising: a tensioning member having a hook-like engagement structure rotatably disposed on a shell of the safety seat and rotatable between generally opposite tensioning and release positions; and a lever slidably disposed on the engagement structure between generally opposite open and closed positions and operably connected to the engagement structure to effect rotational movement thereof. Securing the safety seat in the vehicle requires guiding a vehicle seat belt through an opening in the safety seat shell to allow the vehicle seat belt to be guided through the seat shell adjacent the tensioning member and to be engaged in the hook-like engagement structure of the tensioning member when the tensioning member is released and the lever is open. Once the vehicle seat belt is attached to a latch connector in the vehicle, the tensioning mechanism is operated by sliding the lever to the closed position and then by moving the lever to rotate the tensioning member from the release position to the tensioning position. Because the seat belt wraps around the engagement structure as the tensioning member is rotated, slack in the vehicle seat belt is reduced.

[0007] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a quick-acting belt tensioning mechanism for securing a child safety seat in a vehicle, having a rotatable tensioning member having a hook-like engagement structure and a lever slidably disposed for axial movement on the tensioning member. The engagement structure includes a belt engagement path substantially enclosed by the structure and an engagement opening created by an open mouth of the hook. The lever is movable such that the engagement opening is unobstructed to allow a vehicle safety belt to be inserted through the engagement opening or obstructed to prevent the vehicle safety belt from being removed from the engagement path depending on the axial position of the lever. The lever, when in the closed position, obstructs the engagement opening of the engagement structure to retain the belt of the vehicle within the engagement structure.

[0008] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a quick-acting belt tensioning mechanism for securing a child safety seat in a vehicle, having a rotatable tensioning member rotated by a lever and further comprising a latch mechanism having a movable latch member engageable with a fixed latch plate to retain the tensioning member in the tensioning position when the lever tensioning member is rotated to the tensioning position while the lever is in the closed position.

[0009] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a quick-acting belt tensioning mechanism for securing a child safety seat into a vehicle having a detent structure configured to receive a lever only when the lever is in a closed position as the tensioning member is rotated toward a tensioning position. The detent structure can take the form of a recessed portion in the shell of the safety seat into which the tensioning member and lever are partially disposed. A blocking structure can also be provided on the lever to limit movement of the lever to a desired sequence for tensioning the vehicle seat belt. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a quick-acting belt tensioning mechanism for securing a child safety seat into a vehicle having a latching mechanism to hold the tensioning member and lever in at least one preferred position. The at least one preferred position holds the tensioning mechanism in a tensioning configuration to prevent inadvertent release and subsequent unfastening of the seat to the vehicle.

[0010] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a quick-acting belt tensioning mechanism for securing a child safety seat into a vehicle that is durable in construction, inexpensive to manufacture, maintenance free, easy to assemble and simple and effective to use.

[0011] In accordance with the present invention, these and other objects are achieved by providing a quick-acting belt tensioning mechanism for securing a child safety seat into a vehicle having a tensioning member with a hook-like engagement structure rotatably mounted on the safety seat adjacent to a belt path for a vehicle seat belt. The engagement structure includes a belt engagement path substantially enclosed by the structure and an engagement opening created by the open mouth of the hook. The seat belt is engaged in the engagement structure and the tensioning member is rotated by movement of a lever to tension the seat belt by wrapping the seat belt around the tensioning member. A lever is slidably disposed on the tensioning member to close the engagement opening of the hook-like structure and trap the belt within the engagement path to prevent the seat belt from disengaging therefrom and to prevent the tensioning member from rotating to a tensioning position unless the lever is properly positioned. A latching mechanism is provided to restrain the tensioning member and lever in the tensioning and closed positions. The seat shell and lever can include structures to further limit tensioning of the seat belt unless the lever is properly positioned. Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following more detailed description of the preferred embodiment, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0012] The advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0013] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a child safety seat of the type in which the present invention is useful;

[0014] Figure 2 is Figure 1is a front elevational view of a safety seat showing one embodiment of a quick-acting belt tensioning mechanism as it would be positioned in use to secure the safety seat into a vehicle;

[0015] Figure 3 is Figure 2 is a partial view of the quick-acting belt tensioning mechanism showing the latching mechanism in preparation for repositioning the belt tensioning mechanism to a release position in a release configuration;

[0016] Figure 4 is Figure 2 is a front elevational view of the interior of the quick-acting belt tensioning mechanism showing the mechanism in a release position;

[0017] Figure 5 is Figure 2 is a front elevational view of the interior of the quick-acting belt tensioning mechanism showing the mechanism in a release position and the operating lever in an open position to allow the vehicle seat belt to disengage from the tensioning mechanism;

[0018] Figure 6 is Figure 5 is a front elevational view of the interior of the quick-acting belt tensioning mechanism showing the arrangement of the vehicle seat belt in engagement with the tensioning mechanism;

[0019] Figure 7 is an exploded partial view of the belt tensioning mechanism as shown in Figure 5

[0020] Figure 8 is a partial view of the belt tensioning mechanism shown as viewed from above and in a detension position; and

[0021] Figure 9 is a partial view of the belt tensioning mechanism shown as viewed from above and in a tension position.

[0022] Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used in the various drawings to represent the same parts. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] ​Many of the fastenings, connections, processes, and other means and components used in this invention are widely known and used in the field of the described invention, and their exact nature or type is not essential to the invention as understood and used by those skilled in the art, and therefore they will not be discussed in great detail. Also, any reference herein to the terms "upper" or "lower" or "top" or "bottom" is used for convenience only and is determined in accordance with how the seat would normally be positioned in a vehicle for use by a child. Also, the various components shown or described herein for any particular application of the invention can be varied or changed as contemplated by the invention, and the particular application of any element can have been widely known or used in the art by those skilled in the art, and therefore each will not be discussed in great detail as well.

[0024] Referring to the drawings, an exemplary child safety seat 10 incorporating the principles of the present invention is shown to include a shell structure 12 configured to contain a child occupant therein and a base structure 11 adapted to rest on a vehicle seat and support the shell structure. The shell structure includes a seating portion 13 and a backrest portion 15 angled with respect to the seating portion and extending generally upwardly therefrom. The shell structure 12 can be movable with respect to the base structure 11 to allow the recline angle of the shell structure and backrest portion to be adjusted for optimal orientation of the child occupant with respect to the vehicle seat when the safety seat 10 is installed in the vehicle. The shell structure 12 can also be selectively detachable from the base structure 11 to allow the shell structure to be used to carry the child occupant, typically a young child. A carry handle can be provided connected to the shell structure for this purpose.

[0025] Safety seats of the type shown are typically secured to a vehicle seat by routing a vehicle seat belt 20 through a belt passage 14 formed in and defined by the shell structure. The vehicle seat belt is routed through the belt passage and connected to seat belt anchor connectors provided in the vehicle on opposite sides of the safety seat to anchor the safety seat to the vehicle. The vehicle seat belt 20 can include a knee portion and a shoulder portion, or can include only a knee portion, and have a first end anchored to the vehicle and a second free end selectively anchorable to the vehicle by a belt connector at a location distal from the first end belt anchor location, such that the belt extends across the knee and / or torso of the seat occupant. Some safety seats include a more robust base structure anchored by the vehicle seat belt in the vehicle. The seat shell is then connected to the base assembly. The connection of the shell structure to the base structure is more robust in such embodiments as it must withstand crash forces and keep the seat shell securely connected to the base structure and thus to the vehicle. The present invention can also be of utility in securing such base structures to the vehicle.

[0026] The quick-acting belt tensioner 100 includes a tensioning member 110 having a hook-like belt engagement structure 112 disposed on the shell of the safety seat and rotatable about a rotational axis 119. The hook-like arrangement of the belt engagement structure 112 defines a belt engagement path 113 through which the vehicle seat belt 20 can be operatively engaged and an engagement opening 114 that allows the belt 20 to be easily moved laterally (in a direction parallel to the rotational axis 119) into an operatively engaged position in which the vehicle seat belt 20 is threaded through the belt engagement path 113 of the engagement structure 112. In the illustrated embodiment, the rotational axis 119 is aligned generally parallel to the slope of the backrest portion and is rotatable between generally opposite tensioning positions Figures 1-3 ) and release or slack positions Figures 4-6 ).

[0027] The belt tensioner 100 also includes a lever 120 movably disposed on the engagement structure 112 and bi-directionally movable in a direction parallel to the rotational axis between generally opposite open Figure 5 ) and closed Figure 4 ) positions. When the lever is in the open position, access of the belt to the engagement opening 114 is not obstructed by the lever 120. Sliding the lever 120 (as shown upwardly) to the closed position blocks the engagement opening 114 and prevents the belt from disengaging from the belt engagement path 113 as it passes through the belt engagement path 113. The shell structure includes a recessed portion 17 into which the belt tensioner is positioned so that the covering of the backrest portion provides a smooth surface for the child occupant. The recessed portion preferably includes a lever recess 18 configured to prevent movement of the lever toward the tensioning and latching orientation Figure 2 ) unless the lever is first moved to the closed position Figure 4 ). A lever stop 126 can be provided on the lever to help limit rotational movement of the lever when it is not in the fully closed position.

[0028] The lever 120 includes a sleeve 122 that engages the tensioning member 110 in a manner that enables bi-directional movement of the lever 120 in line with the rotational axis 119 of the tensioning member 110. The sleeve 122 is configured to engage the tensioning member 110 in a manner that enables rotational torque to be applied to the tensioning member so that the tensioning member 110 is rotatable between the tensioning and slack positions. The sleeve 122 also allows bi-directional displacement of the lever in the direction of the rotational axis 119 between the open and closed positions. When shifted to the closed position, the sleeve partially encircles the engagement opening 114 of the tensioning member engagement structure 112 Figure 4 ) to close the opening and trap the engaged vehicle seat belt therein.

[0029] Movement of the lever 120 is controlled through interaction with the seat shell structure 12. The lever 120 rotates about a fixed axis of rotation, while the blocking member 126 attached to the lever 120 for movement therewith interacts with the blocking structure 172 to limit the axial position of the lever 120 rotatable along the tension member 110. The blocking structure 172 is configured to prevent rotation of the lever 120 toward the tensioned position unless the lever 120 is moved upward into the closed position. Once so positioned, interference between the blocking member 126 and the blocking structure 172 no longer occurs to permit rotation of the lever. Similarly, downward axial movement of the lever 120 is prevented when in the tensioned position by interaction between the lever and / or blocking member and the blocking structure 172 and / or the boundary of the lever recess 18 defined by the peripheral end 182.

[0030] Movement of the lever 20 from an orientation pointing to the left ( Figure 4 ) to an orientation pointing to the right ( Figure 3 ) moves the tension member 110 from the released position to the tensioned position, the tension member rotating approximately one-half of a full rotation. The configuration of the recessed portion 17 of the backrest and the lever recess 18 can limit rotation of the lever 120 to slightly less than one-half of a full rotation (180 degree reversal) of the orientation of the lever. In the illustrated embodiment, the lever and tension member are limited to approximately 170 degrees of rotation between the tensioned position and the released position due to the relationship between the lever and the recess space. For the purposes of this disclosure, rotating approximately one-half is defined as rotation of the tension member in a range between 160 degrees and 200 degrees.

[0031] The latching mechanism 130 is provided to at least maintain the lever 120 in the tensioned position. The latching mechanism 130 can include a movable latching member 132 that can engage a fixed latching member 134 when the lever 120 is oriented in the tensioned position. The movable latching member can be movable between generally opposite latched and unlatched positions. The movable latching member can include a resilient member that biases the latching member toward the latched position and an actuator 136 that allows selective movement of the latching member toward the unlatched position. When the lever and tension member are rotated to the tensioned position with the lever in the closed position, the latching mechanism engages, the latching member is restrained by the fixed latching member to prevent rotation of the tension member and lever reversely out of the tensioned position. The movable latching member 132 can be selectively moved to allow the movable latching member 132 to disengage from the fixed latching member 134 and the lever and tension member to move from the tensioned position. The movable latching member can be provided on the lever and the fixed plate on the shell structure, or the relative positions can be reversed. The latching members can be augmented to withstand the expected forces and / or to improve the durability of operation of the latching mechanism.

[0032] The engagement structure has a width 116 transverse to the axis of rotation. As the tensioning member is rotated from the release position to the tensioning position, the vehicle seat belt wraps around the tensioning member, reducing the effective belt length to effectively tension the seat belt. The width of the tensioning member can be varied during production to optimize the belt tension applied to the seat belt by the belt tensioning mechanism.

[0033] The process of securing a safety seat into a vehicle requires positioning the seat in the desired location in the vehicle, preferably in a rear seat. The knee and shoulder portions of the vehicle seat belt 20 are guided through the belt passage and connected to the seat belt latch on opposite portions of the safety seat. When so installed, the vehicle seat belt passes adjacent to the belt tensioning mechanism 100. When the mechanism 100 is positioned as shown in Figure 5 The seat belt can be guided through the engagement structure. The vehicle seat belt is strained tight. As shown in Figure 5 and Figure 4 The tensioning mechanism is operated by sliding the lever upward to the closed position. The lever is then moved to the opposite side, which rotates the tensioning member from the release position to the tensioning position. The lever is moved fully to the tensioning position, engaging the latch mechanism to prevent reverse movement of the lever and the tensioning member.

[0034] While the exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings and described herein are presently preferred, it is to be understood that the application is not limited to the specific embodiments. Thus, the application is extended to various modifications and equivalents thereof. The order or sequence of any process or method steps can be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments.

[0035] It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the various exemplary embodiments are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review the present disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited in the claims. For example, elements shown as integrally formed can be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements can be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions can be altered or varied. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present application. The order or sequence of any process or method steps can be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. In the claims, any means-plus-function clause is intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and also cover structures not specifically described but equivalent in function to the structures described. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions can be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A belt tensioning mechanism for securing a child safety seat to a vehicle seat, the safety seat having a seat shell with a belt passage through which a vehicle seat belt can be routed to anchor the safety seat to the vehicle seat, the belt tensioning mechanism comprising: a tensioning member movably connected to the seat shell and partially disposed in the belt passage, the tensioning member rotatable between generally opposite tensioned and slackened positions, and further having a belt engagement structure into which a portion of the vehicle seat belt can be received; and a lever operably connected to the tensioning member and configured to rotate the tensioning member from the slackened position to the tensioned position, thereby wrapping the vehicle seat belt engaged in the belt engagement structure around the tensioning member; the lever being axially slidable along the tensioning member between generally opposite open and closed positions, the lever preventing the vehicle seat belt from disengaging from the belt engagement structure when in the closed position.

2. The belt tensioning mechanism of claim 1, wherein, the tensioning member further comprising a belt path and an engagement opening configured to enable the portion of the vehicle seat belt to be received in the belt path when the lever is in the open position.

3. The belt tensioning mechanism of claim 2, wherein, the tensioning member rotates approximately one-half of a full revolution when moving between the slackened and tensioned positions.

4. The belt tensioning mechanism of claim 2, further comprising a detent configured to prevent the lever and tensioning member from rotating into the tensioned position unless the lever is in the closed position.

5. The belt tensioning mechanism of claim 4, wherein, the detent further configured to prevent the lever from moving from the closed position toward the open position unless the lever and tensioning member are in the tensioned position, and to allow the lever to move toward the open position as the lever and tensioning member move toward the slackened position.

6. The belt tensioning mechanism of claim 5, wherein, the detent comprising a blocking member disposed on the lever and a blocking structure disposed on the seat shell, contact between the blocking structure and the blocking member limiting movement of the lever.

7. The belt tensioning mechanism of claim 1, further comprising a latching mechanism configured to at least constrain the tensioning mechanism in the tensioned position.

8. The belt tensioning mechanism of claim 7, wherein, the latching mechanism comprising a selectively movable latch member engageable with a fixed latch member, engagement of the movable latch member with the fixed latch member at least constraining the lever in the tensioned position.

9. A belt tensioning mechanism for securing a child safety seat to a vehicle seat, the safety seat having a seat shell defining a belt passage through which a vehicle seat belt can be routed to anchor the safety seat to the vehicle seat, the belt tensioning mechanism comprising: a tensioning member connected to the seat shell and partially disposed in the belt passage, the tensioning member rotatable about an axis between generally opposite tensioned and slackened positions, the tensioning member having a hooked belt engagement structure into which a portion of the vehicle seat belt can be received; and a lever operably connected to the tensioning member and configured to rotate the tensioning member from the slackened position to the tensioned position, thereby wrapping the vehicle seat belt engaged in the belt engagement structure around the tensioning member. a lever operably connected to the tensioning member and configured to rotate the tensioning member about the axis between the tensioned position and the relaxed position, the lever being bidirectionally displaceable along the axis between generally opposite open and closed positions; wherein the vehicle seat belt is receivable into the belt engagement structure through an opening, the belt engagement structure being accessible by the seat belt only when the lever is in the open position, and upon engagement, sliding the lever to the closed position and rotating the lever to the tensioned position, wrapping the vehicle seat belt path around the tensioning member to remove slack in the seat belt.

10. The belt tensioning mechanism of claim 9, further comprising a stop configured to prevent the lever and tensioning member from rotating into the tensioned position unless the lever is in the closed position.

11. The belt tensioning mechanism of claim 10, wherein, The stop is further configured to prevent the lever from moving from the closed position toward the open position when the belt tensioning member is in the tensioned position, and to allow the lever to move toward the open position as the belt tensioning member moves toward the relaxed position.

12. The belt tensioning mechanism of claim 11, wherein, The stop includes a blocking member disposed on the lever and a blocking structure configured in the seat shell, contact between the blocking structure and the blocking member limiting movement of the lever.

13. The belt tensioning mechanism of claim 9, further comprising a latching mechanism configured to at least constrain the tensioning mechanism in the tensioned position.

14. The belt tensioning mechanism of claim 13, wherein, The latching mechanism includes a selectively movable latching member that is engageable with a fixed latching member, engagement of the movable latching member with the fixed latching member at least constraining the lever in the tensioned position.

15. A method of securing a child safety seat to a vehicle seat, the method comprising the steps of: providing a belt tensioning mechanism including a rotatable tensioning member having a belt engagement structure, and a lever operably connected to the tensioning member; positioning the safety seat onto the vehicle seat, extending a vehicle seat belt through a belt passage defined by the safety seat, and securing a free end of the vehicle seat belt to a vehicle seat belt anchor; positioning the belt tensioning mechanism in a relaxed position; engaging the vehicle seat belt in an opening in the belt engagement structure, the opening being accessible only when the lever is in an open position, and upon engagement, sliding the lever to a closed position and rotating the lever to a tensioned position, wrapping the vehicle seat belt to remove slack in the seat belt.

10. The belt tensioning mechanism of claim 9, further comprising a stop configured to prevent the lever and tensioning member from rotating into the tensioned position unless the lever is in the closed position. The stop is further configured to prevent the lever from moving from the closed position toward the open position when the belt tensioning member is in the tensioned position, and to allow the lever to move toward the open position as the belt tensioning member moves toward the relaxed position. The stop includes a blocking member disposed on the lever and a blocking structure configured in the seat shell, contact between the blocking structure and the blocking member limiting movement of the lever.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein, 13. The belt tensioning mechanism of claim 9, further comprising a latching mechanism configured to at least constrain the tensioning mechanism in the tensioned position.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein, The latching mechanism includes a selectively movable latching member that is engageable with a fixed latching member, engagement of the movable latching member with the fixed latching member at least constraining the lever in the tensioned position.

15. A method of securing a child safety seat to a vehicle seat, the method comprising the steps of: providing a belt tensioning mechanism including a rotatable tensioning member having a belt engagement structure, and a lever operably connected to the tensioning member; positioning the safety seat onto the vehicle seat, extending a vehicle seat belt through a belt passage defined by the safety seat, and securing a free end of the vehicle seat belt to a vehicle seat belt anchor; positioning the belt tensioning mechanism in a relaxed position; engaging the vehicle seat belt in an opening in the belt engagement structure, the opening being accessible only when the lever is in an open position, and upon engagement, sliding the lever to a closed position and rotating the lever to a tensioned position, wrapping the vehicle seat belt to remove slack in the seat belt.

10. The belt tensioning mechanism of claim 9, further comprising a stop configured to prevent the lever and tensioning member from rotating into the tensioned position unless the lever is in the closed position. The stop is further configured to prevent the lever from moving from the closed position toward the open position when the belt tensioning member is in the tensioned position, and to allow the lever to move toward the open position as the belt tensioning member moves toward the relaxed position. The stop includes a blocking member disposed on the lever and a blocking structure configured in the seat shell, contact between the blocking structure and the blocking member limiting movement of the lever.

13. The belt tensioning mechanism of claim 9, further comprising a latching mechanism configured to at least constrain the tensioning mechanism in the tensioned position. The latching mechanism includes a selectively movable latching member that is engageable with a fixed latching member, engagement of the movable latching member with the fixed latching member at least constraining the lever in the tensioned position.

15. A method of securing a child safety seat to a vehicle seat, the method comprising the steps of: providing a belt tensioning mechanism including a rotatable tensioning member having a belt engagement structure, and a lever operably connected to the tensioning member; positioning the safety seat onto the vehicle seat, extending a vehicle seat belt through a belt passage defined by the safety seat, and securing a free end of the vehicle seat belt to a vehicle seat belt anchor; positioning the belt tensioning mechanism in a relaxed position; engaging the vehicle seat belt in an opening in the belt engagement structure, the opening being accessible only when the lever is in an open position, and upon engagement, sliding the lever to a closed position and rotating the lever to a tensioned position, wrapping the vehicle seat belt to remove slack in the seat belt.

10. The belt tensioning mechanism of claim 9, further comprising a stop configured to prevent the lever and tensioning member from rotating into the tensioned position unless the lever is in the closed position. The stop is further configured to prevent the lever from moving from the closed position toward the open position when the belt tensioning member is in the tensioned position, and to allow the lever to move toward the open position as the belt tensioning member moves toward the relaxed position. The stop includes a blocking member disposed on the lever and a blocking structure configured in the seat shell, contact between the blocking structure and the blocking member limiting movement of the lever.

13. The belt tensioning mechanism of claim 9, further comprising a latching mechanism configured to at least constrain the tensioning mechanism in the tensioned position. The latching mechanism includes a selectively movable latching member that is engageable with a fixed latching member, engagement of the movable latching member with the fixed latching member at least constraining the lever in the tensioned position.

15. A method of securing a child safety seat to a vehicle seat, the method comprising the steps of: providing a belt tensioning mechanism including a rotatable tensioning member having a belt engagement structure, and a lever operably connected to the tensioning member; positioning the safety seat onto the vehicle seat, extending a vehicle seat belt through a belt passage defined by the safety seat, and securing a free end of the vehicle seat belt to a vehicle seat belt anchor; positioning the belt tensioning mechanism in a relaxed position; engaging the vehicle seat belt in an opening in the belt engagement structure, the opening being accessible only when the lever is in an open position, and upon engagement, sliding the lever to a closed position and rotating the lever to a tensioned position, wrapping the vehicle seat belt to remove slack in the seat belt.

10. The belt tensioning mechanism of claim 9, further comprising a stop configured to prevent the lever and tensioning member from rotating into the tensioned position unless the lever is in the closed position. The stop is further configured to prevent the lever from moving from the closed position toward the open position when the belt tensioning member is in the tensioned position, and to allow the lever to move toward the open position as the belt tensioning member moves toward the relaxed position. The stop includes a blocking member disposed on the lever and a blocking structure configured in the seat shell, contact between the blocking structure and the blocking member limiting movement of the lever.

13. The belt tensioning mechanism of claim 9, further comprising a latching mechanism configured to at least constrain the tensioning mechanism in the tensioned position. The latching mechanism includes a selectively movable latching member that is engageable with a fixed latching member, engagement of the movable latching member with the fixed latching member at least constraining the lever in the tensioned position.

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