Abstract:
A child restraint system (CRS) offers a safe, compact, configuration flexible, and easy to use restraint for a small child in a vehicle or aircraft. The child is secured in a five-point harness attached to a framework. The framework is in turn attached to latches secured to the vehicle or aircraft. The CRS may be configured in forward-facing or rearward-facing orientations depending on the size and age of the child. Further, the CRS harness may be equipped with a swaddle vest for securing especially young or small children that are too small for the standard five-point harness. Finally, the CRS harness may be attached to a headrest anchor that is situated between a seat and a corresponding headrest when no other suitable latches are available.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent Ser. No. 11/636,777, entitled “Child Harness Restraint,” filed Dec. 12, 2006 and incorporated herein by reference for all that it discloses and teaches. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Manufacturers of motor vehicle components and accessories sold in the U.S.A. must conform and certify compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) issued through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). FMVSS 213 contains requirements for child restraint systems used in motor vehicles and aircraft. FMVSS 213 defines a Child Restraint System (CRS) as any device, except Type I or Type II seat belts, designed for use in a motor vehicle or aircraft (collectively hereinafter a “vehicle”) to restrain, seat, or position children who weigh 66.1 lbs. or less. Further, various state laws and regulations have been enacted that require the use of certain types of CRSs such as rear-facing infant car seats, forward-facing infant car seats, and booster seats when restraining children of certain weights and/or ages. 
         [0003]    The American Academy of Pediatrics has advised the medical profession that over thirty percent of infants are either too small or too large for a standard child car seat. As a result, these children are at increased risk for apnea, bradycarda, and oxygen desaturation when restrained in a standard child car seat while being transported in a vehicle as required by FMVSS 213 and the various state laws and regulations. 
         [0004]    Over ten million rigid child car seats have been recalled with various problems that may compromise the safety of the restrained child. Further, it takes over thirty hours of training to be qualified to install a rigid infant car seat correctly. In addition, it often takes at least one hour for even a qualified person to properly install a rigid infant car seat in a vehicle. As a result, over ninety percent of child car seats are installed incorrectly due to a lack of installation training, a lack time to correctly install the child car seat, and/or the incompatibility of numerous vehicle mounting locations and seat configurations with the present hard shell CRSs. 
         [0005]    Further, many hard shell CRSs are installed using OEM seatbelts. More specifically, a lap belt secures a bottom portion of the hard shell CRS and a shoulder belt secures an upper portion of the hard shell CRS. However, the single shoulder belt&#39;s diagonal orientation fails to prevent the back of the hard shell CRS from shifting with respect to the vehicle seat when the vehicle comes to an abrupt stop. 
         [0006]    Additional concerns with the present hard shell CRSs include the weight and portability of the child car seats. These child car seats are often bulky and may weigh up to 18 lbs. Further, such child car seats may be difficult to carry and install due to their size and/or weight. Still further, individuals such as the elderly and other persons with limited physical strength may be unable to lift and carry bulky and/or heavy child car seats. 
         [0007]    The average weight of a hard seat CRS is approximately 18 lbs. Therefore, taking into account the weight of the CRS, the maximum weight of a restrained child is reduced significantly. In the event of an accident, a lighter CRS allows standard automotive child restraint latches to survive faster crash speeds and/or a heavier restrained child. Further, the presence of a heavy hard shell seat creates an increased possibility that in the event of an accident, the seat may break loose and become airborne, potentially causing injuries. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0008]    A vehicle child restraint system (CRS) for forward and/or rear facing installations is presently disclosed. The CRS may include various features to restrict the movement of the restrained child and adjust the orientation of the CRS, for example, a swaddle vest, a booster seat, body containment bumper, head guard, and a vehicle headrest anchor. The CRS may also utilize the vehicle manufacturer installed tether latches, if available, for installation. 
         [0009]    The CRS described herein avoids the use of a hard shell seat and provides safe and effective restraint for children of various sizes and ages. The CRS may encompass forward and/or rear facing configurations that allow children of various sizes and ages to be comfortably protected without jeopardizing their safety. One implementation of the CRS is quickly and easily installed by a user without technical training. Another implementation of the CRS weighs less than a standard child car seat, thus allowing the CRS to restrain a heavier child without exceeding the capacity of the manufacturer installed child restraint latches. Yet another implementation of the CRS meets all applicable requirements of the NHTSA 49 CFR 571 standards. 
         [0010]    This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Other features, details, utilities, and advantages of the claimed subject matter will be apparent from the following more particular written Detailed Description of various implementations as further illustrated in the accompanying drawings and defined in the appended claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]      FIG. 1A  is a front view of an example CRS incorporating an auxiliary strap in a front-facing configuration. 
           [0012]      FIG. 1B  is a front view of an example CRS with a detachable auxiliary strap in a front-facing configuration. 
           [0013]      FIG. 1C  is a front view of an example CRS with an integrated harness in a front-facing configuration. 
           [0014]      FIG. 2A  is an isometric view of an example CRS attached to a seatback of a vehicle. 
           [0015]      FIG. 2B  is an isometric view of an example framework attached to a seatback of a vehicle. 
           [0016]      FIG. 2C  is an isometric view of an example framework and back support attached to a seatback of a vehicle. 
           [0017]      FIG. 2D  is an isometric view of an example five-point harness to be used in conjunction with a framework to make up a CRS. 
           [0018]      FIG. 2E  is an isometric view of an example longitudinal strap, shoulder strap and hip strap configured as one continuous strap to be used with a CRS. 
           [0019]      FIG. 2F  is a partial front view of an example five-point harness to be used with a CRS. 
           [0020]      FIG. 3A  is an elevation view of an example front-facing CRS incorporating a booster seat positioned on top of a vehicle seat. 
           [0021]      FIG. 3B  is an isometric view of an example booster seat to be used in conjunction with a front-facing CRS. 
           [0022]      FIG. 4A  is a top view of an example CRS incorporating an auxiliary strap in a rear-facing configuration. 
           [0023]      FIG. 4B  is a top view of an example CRS without an auxiliary strap in a rear-facing configuration. 
           [0024]      FIG. 5A  is an isometric view of a first example rear-facing CRS adapted to attach to front and rear seats of a vehicle. 
           [0025]      FIG. 5B  is an elevation view of a second example rear-facing CRS adapted to attach to front and rear seats of a vehicle. 
           [0026]      FIG. 5C  is a front view of an auxiliary strap for attaching a CRS to a floorboard anchor point on a vehicle. 
           [0027]      FIG. 6A  is a left side elevation view of an example front-facing swaddle vest to be used in conjunction with a CRS. 
           [0028]      FIG. 6B  is a left side elevation view of an example rear-facing swaddle vest to be used in conjunction with a CRS. 
           [0029]      FIG. 6C  is a front elevation view of an example swaddle vest to be used in conjunction with a CRS. 
           [0030]      FIG. 6D  is a front elevation view of an example swaddle vest with attached shoulder straps to be used in conjunction with a CRS. 
           [0031]      FIG. 7  is an isometric view of an example headrest anchor to be used in conjunction with a CRS. 
           [0032]      FIG. 8A  is an isometric view of an example body containment bumper to be used in conjunction with a CRS. 
           [0033]      FIG. 8B  is an isometric view of a first example head guard to be used in conjunction with a CRS. 
           [0034]      FIG. 9  is an isometric view of a second example head guard to be used in conjunction with a CRS. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0035]    A child restraint system (CRS) used to safely secure a child in a motor vehicle or aircraft (collectively hereinafter a “vehicle”) is disclosed herein. The CRS may be forward-facing, rear-facing, or both depending on the user&#39;s configuration of the CRS and applicable laws and regulations. The CRS may include a framework of straps and/or belts configured to secure a harness containing a child to a vehicle seat. Further, the CRS may include reinforced mesh, foam, and/or padding that spans a distance between the straps and/or belts of the framework to enhance the support and restraint of a child secured in the harness. 
         [0036]    One implementation of the harness utilizes five-points of contact (e.g. left shoulder, right shoulder, left waist or hip, right waist or hip, and groin) to secure the child in either a forward-facing or rear-facing configuration. Another implementation of the harness utilizes two or three of the five-points of contact to secure the child. The CRS may include a secondary fabric harness or swaddle vest designed to adapt the CRS to restrain a smaller child. The swaddle vest may be configured to encompass a portion of the child&#39;s body and, when not attached to the CRS, the swaddle vest may be equipped with adjustable shoulder straps that a care provider can use to transport the child to and from the vehicle. 
         [0037]    Another implementation of the CRS incorporates a padded back support configured to provide an additional comfort level and help the child to maintain a desired position. Further, a forward-facing implementation of the CRS may incorporate a booster seat formed from an upholstered, foam cushion. The booster seat can adapt the forward-facing CRS to properly fit a smaller child by increasing a height of the smaller child relative to the CRS. The booster seat can be used in conjunction with the CRS until the child is large enough to utilize the CRS safely and comfortably without the booster seat. As a result, the CRS is suitable for use with children of all ages, including infants and toddlers. 
         [0038]    A CRS may also incorporate a headrest anchor. The headrest anchor can be secured between a top of a vehicle seat and a corresponding seat headrest. The head rest posts extend through holes in the headrest anchor and into head rest apertures. Alternatively, the headrest anchor may be strapped to the vehicle&#39;s front seat or headrest. The CRS restraint hardware, adjusters, hooks, buckles, harness clips, rings, strapping, belting, and any other components used in the fabrication, assembly, and/or use of the CRS may meet various domestic and international safety standards for CRSs used in vehicles. 
         [0039]      FIG. 1A  is a front view of an example CRS  100  with an auxiliary strap  104  in a front-facing configuration. The CRS  100  includes at least two longitudinal straps  108  configured to attach the CRS  100  to a vehicle seat. The longitudinal straps  108  run generally vertically, but may gradually come closer together at one end of the CRS  100  depending upon the location of the attachment points on the vehicle seat. The CRS  100  depicted in  FIG. 1A  also includes an optional auxiliary strap  104  to further attach the CRS  100  to the vehicle seat. Depending upon the number and configuration of the attachment points on or near the vehicle seat, auxiliary straps  104  may be used. 
         [0040]    Further, the lengths of the auxiliary strap  104  and longitudinal straps  108  can be varied through the use of adjustors  112 . Rings  116 , hooks  120 , clips, and/or other attachment devices are utilized at the ends of the auxiliary strap  104  and longitudinal straps  108  to attach the CRS  100  to attachment points on the vehicle, hereinafter latches. While, two lateral support straps  124  are shown connecting the auxiliary strap  104  and longitudinal straps  108  together, additional lateral support straps  124  may be used. In combination, the auxiliary strap  104 , longitudinal straps  108 , and lateral support straps  124  form a framework  146  to which a back support  128  may be attached. 
         [0041]    The back support  128  may include padding (e.g., foam, batting, and gel), covering (e.g., vinyl-coated polyester, nylon mesh, cotton fabric, and rubber), and/or reinforcement (e.g. vertical and/or horizontal ribbing, paperboard, and reinforced fabric). In the implementation of  FIG. 1A , the back support  128  extends horizontally across the entire width of the CRS  100  and vertically from the top horizontal support strap  124  to the bottom horizontal support strap  124 . Alternate implementations of the CRS  100  include various number and arrangements of the longitudinal straps  108 , lateral support straps  124 , and auxiliary strap  104 . Further, in alternative implementations the back support  128  spans only a portion of the framework  146 . 
         [0042]    The CRS  100  of  FIG. 1A  also includes a harness  132  attached to framework  146  for securing a child in the CRS  100 . The harness  132  shown in  FIG. 1A  is a five-point harness, however, other implementations of a harness  132  attached to the framework  146  are contemplated (e.g., three point and two point harnesses). The five-point harness  132  of  FIG. 1A  has two shoulder straps  136 , a hip strap  140 , and a groin strap  144 . The hip strap  140  extends from the framework  146  behind the child&#39;s hips and the two ends of the hip strap  140  are configured to wrap around the child&#39;s hips and come together in front and at the center of the child&#39;s waist or groin. The shoulder straps  136  extend from the framework  146  behind the child&#39;s shoulder blades and are configured to wrap over the top of the child&#39;s shoulders and come together in the same location as the ends of the hip strap  140 . The groin strap  144  extends from the framework  146  behind the child&#39;s buttocks, between the child&#39;s legs, and in front of the child&#39;s pelvic region ending at the same location as the ends of the hip strap  140  and the shoulder straps  136 . A buckle  148 , or other engagement structure, is attached to the end of the groin strap  144  and is configured to selectively attach the ends of the hip strap  140 , shoulder straps  136 , and groin strap  144  together in front and at the center of the child&#39;s waist or groin. The size of the five-point harness  132  may be adjustable depending upon the size of the framework  146  and the child contained within the five-point harness  132 . 
         [0043]    The CRS  100  of  FIG. 1A  may have example dimensions as follows. In various implementations, the overall length (a) of CRS  100  is approximately 22 inches. Further, the distance (e) the longitudinal straps  108  extend above the back support  128  is approximately 12 inches and the distance (b) the longitudinal straps  108  extend below the back support  128  is approximately 5 inches. The distance (d) the auxiliary strap  104  extends above the back support  128  is approximately 8 inches. The dimensions of the longitudinal straps  108  and/or auxiliary strap  104  may vary considerably due to the adjustor  112  varying the length of the longitudinal straps  108  and/or auxiliary strap  104 . The height (c) of back support  128  is approximately 9 inches while the width of the back support  128  may narrow along with the longitudinal straps  108 . The width at the bottom (g) of the back support  128  is approximately 10 inches while the width at the top (f) is approximately 8 inches. These example dimensions are for purposes of illustration only and other dimensions may also be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the CRS  100  disclosed herein. 
         [0044]      FIG. 1B  illustrates an alternate implementation of a CRS  100  in a front-facing configuration with a detachable auxiliary strap  104 . Similar to the CRS  100  shown in  FIG. 1A , the CRS  100  in  FIG. 1B  is equipped with a framework  146 , a back support  128 , and a five-point harness  132 . Dissimilar to the CRS  100  in  FIG. 1A , the longitudinal straps  108  of the framework  146  in  FIG. 1B  run completely vertically and do not come closer together at one end of the CRS  100 . Further, the CRS  100  depicted in  FIG. 1B  utilizes hooks  120  or clips rather than rings  116  at both ends of the two longitudinal straps  108 . 
         [0045]    The detachable auxiliary strap  104  in  FIG. 1B  may be equipped with hooks  120 , clips, and/or other attachment devices at the ends and an adjustor  112  integrated into the body of the auxiliary strap  104  to vary its length. The auxiliary strap  104  may be attached in a variety of locations on the CRS  100  depending upon the location of the corresponding latches in the vehicle. 
         [0046]      FIG. 1C  is a front view of an example CRS  100  with an integrated harness in a front-facing configuration. Similar to the CRS  100  shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , the CRS  100  in  FIG. 1C  is equipped with a five-point harness as described with respect to  FIG. 1A  including longitudinal straps  108 , shoulder straps  136 , a hip strap  140 , and a groin strap  144 . However, in the implementation of  FIG. 1C , the shoulder straps  136 , hip strap  140 , and groin strap  144  extend from the longitudinal straps  108  rather than merely being attached to a framework which includes longitudinal straps  108 . Thus, in the configuration of  FIG. 1C , the harness is integrated into the framework to form the CRS  100  rather than being merely attached to the framework to form the CRS  100 . 
         [0047]    More specifically, the CRS  100  includes at least three longitudinal straps  108  configured to attach the CRS  100  to a vehicle seat and restrain a child. The longitudinal straps  108  run generally vertically, but may gradually come closer together at one end of the CRS  100  depending upon the location of latches on the vehicle. The outer two longitudinal straps  108  extend along a length of the CRS  100  behind a restrained child&#39;s back and wrap around a lateral support strap  124  located near the top of the CRS  100 . 
         [0048]    Once each longitudinal strap  108  wraps around the lateral support strap  124 , the longitudinal straps  108  either become shoulder straps  136  or shoulder straps  136  are attached to the ends of each longitudinal strap  108 . While not shown in  FIG. 1C , the shoulder straps  136  wrap over and around the child&#39;s shoulders and are attached to a buckle located near the child&#39;s groin (see  FIG. 2E ). 
         [0049]    Also not shown in  FIG. 1C , hip straps  140  extend out of the buckle located near the child&#39;s groin toward hooks  120  configured to secure the CRS  100  to a vehicle latches. In one implementation, the hip straps  140  are connected to the buckle separately from the shoulder straps  136 . In another implementation, the hip straps  140  are attached to the ends of each shoulder strap  136 . In yet another implementation, the hip straps extend seamlessly from each shoulder strap  136  (see  FIG. 2F ). 
         [0050]    In the implementation shown in  FIG. 1C , the hip straps  140  extend through slots in hooks  120  and then continue seamlessly as longitudinal straps  108 . In other implementations, the hip straps  140  are connected to the hooks  120  separately from the longitudinal straps  108 . In a still further implementation, the hip straps  140  are attached to the ends of each longitudinal strap  108 . Therefore, in some implementations, the combination of each outer longitudinal strap  108 , shoulder strap  136 , and groin strap  140  forms a continuous loop of strapping (see  FIG. 2E ). 
         [0051]    Further, the middle longitudinal strap  108  attaches to a vehicle latch via a ring  116 , hook  120 , clip, and/or other attachment device. The middle longitudinal strap  108  then extends along the length of the CRS  100  behind the child&#39;s back. As the middle longitudinal strap  108  emerges from a bottom of the CRS  100 , the middle longitudinal strap  108  becomes groin strap  144  that extends between the child&#39;s legs and in front of the child&#39;s groin. While not shown in  FIG. 1C , the groin strap may end with a buckle adapted to attach the shoulder straps  136 , hip straps  140 , and the groin strap  144  together in front of the child&#39;s groin. 
         [0052]    The CRS  100  depicted in  FIG. 1C  also includes optional auxiliary straps  104  to further strengthen the CRS  100 . Two auxiliary straps  104  immediately adjacent one another are shown running longitudinally on top of the middle longitudinal strap  108  in  FIG. 1C . Further, two additional auxiliary straps  104  are shown oriented at an angle connecting the outer longitudinal straps  108  to the middle longitudinal strap  108 . The auxiliary straps  104  reinforce the strength of the CRS  100 . In other implementations, a greater or fewer quantity of auxiliary straps  104  may be used in various configurations to strengthen the CRS  100 . 
         [0053]    Further, length of the longitudinal straps  108 , lateral support strap  124 , shoulder straps  136 , hip straps  140 , and/or groin strap  144  can be varied through the use of adjustors (not shown). Rings, hooks, clips, and/or other attachment devices are utilized at the ends of the longitudinal straps  108  to attach the CRS  100  to the vehicle latches. 
         [0054]    In combination, the auxiliary straps  104 , longitudinal straps  108 , and lateral support strap  124  form a framework to which a back support (not shown) as described above in  FIG. 1A  may be attached. In the implementation of  FIG. 1C , the back support extends horizontally across the entire width of the CRS  100  and vertically from the top horizontal support strap  124  to the bottom of the CRS  100 . Alternate implementations of the CRS  100  include various number and arrangements of the longitudinal straps  108 , lateral support straps  124 , and auxiliary straps  104 . Further, in alternative implementations the back support  128  spans only a portion of the framework. 
         [0055]    The CRS  100  of  FIG. 1C  may have example dimensions as follows. In various implementations, the height (c) of back support is approximately 14 inches and the distance (e) the back support extends above the lateral support strap  124  is approximately 2 inches. The width at the top (f) of the back support is approximately 7 inches while the width may progressively widen toward the bottom of the CRS  100 . The width at the bottom (g) of the back support is approximately 10 inches. These example dimensions are for purposes of illustration only and other dimensions may also be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the CRS  100  disclosed herein. 
         [0056]      FIG. 2A  is an isometric view of an example CRS  100  attached to a seatback  252  of a vehicle. Similar to the CRS  100  depicted in  FIGS. 1A-1C , the CRS  200  of  FIG. 2A  includes a framework  246 , a back support  228 , and a five-point harness  232 . Further, the CRS  200  is configured to rest against the vehicle seatback  252  and free ends of the framework  246  are configured to selectively attach to latches  250  fixed to the vehicle, thereby securing the CRS  200  to the vehicle seatback  252 . The latches  250  may be located anywhere in the vehicle accessible from the seatback  252  (e.g., top of the seatback  252 , vehicle floorboard, vehicle roof, and seat frame). 
         [0057]      FIG. 2B  is an isometric view of an example framework  246  attached to a seatback  252  of a vehicle. As discussed above with respect to  FIGS. 1A-1C , the framework  246  includes at least two longitudinal straps  208  and one or more lateral support straps  224 . The degree of adjustability of an associated five-point harness is dependant upon the number and location of the longitudinal support straps  208  and the lateral support straps  224 . In the implementation depicted in  FIG. 2B , there are three lateral support straps  224 . The ends of the longitudinal straps  208  have attachment devices (e.g., rings, hooks, and clips) that are configured to selectively attach to latches  250  fixed to the vehicle. 
         [0058]      FIG. 2C  is an isometric view of an example framework  246  and back support  228  attached to a seatback  252  of a vehicle. As discussed above with respect to  FIG. 1A , the back support  228  may be attached to the framework  246  and extends horizontally across the entire width of the CRS  100  and vertically from the top horizontal support strap  224  to the bottom horizontal support strap  224  in some implementations. 
         [0059]      FIG. 2D  is an isometric view of an example five-point harness  232  to be used in conjunction with a framework to make up a CRS. As discussed above, the five-point harness  232  includes two shoulder straps  236 , a hip strap  240 , and a groin strap  244  that are affixed together except in front and at the center of the child&#39;s waist or groin, where they meet and are selectively attached together with a buckle  248 . 
         [0060]      FIG. 2E  is an isometric view of an example longitudinal strap  208 , shoulder strap  236  and hip strap  240  configured as one continuous strap  259  to be used with a CRS. Similar to the implementation shown in  FIG. 1C , the straps shown in  FIG. 2E  are configured as a continuous strap  259 , however, other implementations may have separate longitudinal straps  208 , shoulder straps  236 , and/or hip straps  240  attached to the ends of one another to form the strap shown in  FIG. 2E . 
         [0061]    One end of the shoulder strap  236  begins with an adjustor  212  that is adapted to receive an opposite free end of the continuous strap  259  and adjust the size of a loop formed by the continuous strap  259  fed into the adjustor  212 . The shoulder strap  236  proceeds upward along a restrained child&#39;s abdomen and chest and wraps over the child&#39;s shoulders. Then the shoulder strap  236  becomes the longitudinal strap  208  and extends behind the child&#39;s back downward toward the bottom of the CRS. As the longitudinal strap  208  extends from the bottom of the CRS, it is fed through a hook  220  that is adapted to attach the CRS to a vehicle latch. When the longitudinal strap emerges from the hook  220 , it becomes the hip strap  240  that then wraps around the front of the child&#39;s hips and the free end is adapted to be fed into the adjustor  212  so that the size of the loop formed by the continuous strap  259  may be adjusted for the child&#39;s size and orientation of an associated vehicle latch. 
         [0062]    Further, while not shown in  FIG. 2E , a male portion of a buckle is located on the continuous strap  259  between the hip strap  240  and shoulder strap  236  and the male portion of the buckle is adapted to attach to a female portion of the buckle attached to a groin strap (see e.g.,  FIG. 2F ). In some implementations, the buckle is fixed to one location on the continuous strap  259 . In other implementations, the buckle is slideably attached to the continuous strap  259  and may be moved to a desired location on the continuous strap  259 . Further, the adjustor  212  may be located in various positions on the continuous strap  259  as desired. Finally, an optional chest buckle  257  is adapted to selectively secure the shoulder strap  236  to another shoulder strap  236  across the child&#39;s chest. 
         [0063]      FIG. 2F  is a partial front view of an example five-point harness  232  to be used with a CRS. In this implementation, shoulder straps  236  extending over a restrained child&#39;s shoulders and chest continue through separate male portions of a buckle  248  and emerge from the buckle as hip straps  240  that wrap around the child&#39;s hips or waist. Groin strap  244  extends between the child&#39;s legs in front of his/her groin and ends with a female portion of the buckle  248 . The male portions of the buckle  248  are adapted to selectively attach to the female portion of the buckle  248 . Further, adjustors  212  located on the shoulder straps  236 , hip straps  240 , and/or groin strap  244  are adapted to adjust the length of the shoulder straps  236 , hip straps  240 , and/or groin strap  244  to securely fit the restrained child. 
         [0064]      FIG. 3A  is an elevation view of an example front-facing CRS  300  incorporating a booster seat  364  positioned on top of a vehicle seat. The CRS  300  is equipped with an optional booster  364 , mounted on top of a seat bottom  358  and adjacent to a seatback  352 , to elevate a smaller child to a height appropriate for safe use of the CRS  300 . A front seatback  360  is shown to illustrate the position of the CRS  300  when installed on a rear vehicle seat. 
         [0065]      FIG. 3B  is an isometric view of an example booster seat  364  to be used in conjunction with a front-facing CRS  300 . The booster seat  362  is positioned on top of a seat bottom and in some implementations is equipped with a positioning strap  355  that is attached to the sides of the booster seat  362  and wraps around the rear of the booster seat  362 . Longitudinal straps  308  extend from hooks  320  that are attached to latches on the vehicle (not shown in  FIG. 3 ) through a seat crevasse  354  between a seatback and the seat bottom. The longitudinal straps  308  further extend between the positioning strap  355  and a rear of the booster seat  362  and are attached to a framework of the CRS  300 . Further, the CRS  300  is secured by extending a longitudinal strap  308  from the top of the framework to another vehicle latch. 
         [0066]    The positioning strap  355  prevents the booster seat  364  from substantial lateral movement thus ensuring that the booster seat  364  remains in front of the CRS  300  during use. Further, the positioning strap  355  may allow the booster seat  364  to slide vertically so that the booster seat  364  remains positioned directly adjacent a top of the seat bottom while the CRS  300  is adjusted vertically through the use of one or more adjustors. 
         [0067]      FIG. 4A  is a top view of an example CRS  400  incorporating an auxiliary strap  404  in a rear-facing configuration. The CRS  400  includes two longitudinal straps  408  with attachment devices configured to attach the CRS  400  to vehicle latches. The longitudinal straps  408  run generally parallel from one end of the CRS  400  to the other end of the CRS  400 . The CRS  400  also includes an optional auxiliary strap  404  to further attach the CRS  400  to the latches. Anchor points  465  are also utilized to attach the CRS  400  to the latches. Depending upon the number and configuration of the latches, or other attachment points on the vehicle, one or more auxiliary straps  404  may be used. Further, hooks  420  and/or other attachment devices are utilized at the ends of the auxiliary strap  404  and longitudinal straps  408  to attach the CRS  400  to the latches. Lateral support straps  424  connect the auxiliary strap  404  and longitudinal straps  408  together. 
         [0068]    In combination, the auxiliary strap  404 , longitudinal straps  408 , and lateral support straps  424  form a framework  446  to which a back support  428  may be attached. The back support  428  may include padding (e.g., foam, batting, and gel), covering (e.g., nylon mesh, cotton fabric, and rubber), and/or reinforcement (e.g. vertical and/or horizontal ribbing, paperboard, and reinforced fabric). In the implementation of  FIG. 4A , the back support  428  extends horizontally across the entire width of the CRS  400  and vertically from the top lateral support strap  424  to the bottom lateral support strap  424 . In other implementations, the back support  428  spans only a portion of the framework  446 . 
         [0069]    The CRS  400  also includes a five-point harness  432  made up of shoulder straps  436  with adjustors  412 , a hip strap  440 , and a groin strap  444  with a buckle  448 . The harness  432  is attached to the auxiliary strap  404 , longitudinal straps  408 , and/or lateral support straps  424  for securing the child in the CRS  400 . An example five-point harness  432  is described in detail with respect to  FIG. 1A . 
         [0070]      FIG. 4B  is a top view of an example CRS  400  in a rear-facing configuration. Similar to the implementation of  FIG. 4A , the CRS  400  of  FIG. 4B , includes a framework  446  made up of longitudinal straps  408 , lateral support straps  424 , and auxiliary straps  404 . A back support may be attached to the framework. Further, the CRS  400  of  FIG. 4B  includes two outer longitudinal straps  408  adapted to attach to a front vehicle seat, front vehicle seat frame, or to latches near a front vehicle seat. The outer longitudinal straps  408  extend into the framework of the CRS  400  and unlike the implementation of  FIG. 4A , the outer longitudinal straps  408  of CRS  400  of  FIG. 4B  terminate within the framework at one end of auxiliary straps  404 . The auxiliary straps  404  carry the load of the outer longitudinal straps  408  to a central longitudinal strap  408  that extends from a lateral support strap  124  out of the framework and is selectively attached to a vehicle latch located on or behind a rear seat back. One or more additional lateral support straps  124  may be utilized to laterally strengthen the CRS  400 . In the CRS  400  shown in  FIG. 4B , there are four lateral support straps  424 . 
         [0071]    The CRS  400  of  FIG. 4B  also includes a five-point harness  432  made up of shoulder straps  436 , a hip strap  440 , and a groin strap  444 . The harness  432  is attached to longitudinal straps  408  and/or lateral support straps  424  for securing a child in the CRS  400 . An example five-point harness  432  is described in detail with respect to  FIG. 1A . 
         [0072]    The CRS  400  of  FIG. 4B  may have example dimensions as follows. In various implementations, the height (c) of the back support is approximately 34 inches. The width at the top (f) of the back support is approximately 13 inches while the width may progressively widen, narrow, or remain the same toward the bottom of the CRS  400 . These example dimensions are for purposes of illustration only and other dimensions may also be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the CRS  400  disclosed herein. 
         [0073]      FIG. 5A  is an isometric view of a first example rear-facing CRS  500  adapted to attach to front and rear seats of a vehicle. Similar to the implementation depicted in  FIGS. 4A and 4B , the CRS harness  500  in  FIG. 5  includes a framework  546 , a back support  528 , and a five-point harness  532 . In a rear facing configuration, the framework  546  utilizes a set of longitudinal straps  508  and a set of crevice straps  570  to attach the CRS  500  to the vehicle. The first ends of the crevice straps  570  are attached to points along the length of the longitudinal straps  508 , i.e. anchor points  566 . The second set of free ends of the crevice straps  570  are selectively attached to latches or other attachment points in a crevice  554  between a rear seatback  552  and the rear seat bottom of the vehicle. The first set of free ends of the longitudinal straps  508  are selectively attached to latches fixed to the front seatback  560 , the front seatback frame, and/or latches installed near the front seatback. The second set of free ends of the longitudinal straps  508  are selectively attached to latches fixed on or behind the rear seat back  556  of the vehicle. 
         [0074]    The resulting fully supported five-point harness  532  is positioned so that the child is safely suspended between the front seatback  560  and rear seatback  552  of the vehicle, in a partially reclining position, facing rearward. Additionally, the position of the crevice straps  570  is adjustable by selecting one of a variety of available anchor points  566 . Further, the size of the five-point harness  532  is adjustable by selecting one of a variety of available groin strap slots  567 . The size selection of the five-point harness  532  and orientation selection of the anchor points  566  depends on the size of the child to be restrained and the size and orientation of the front and rear seats of the vehicle. 
         [0075]      FIG. 5B  is an elevation view of a second example CRS  500  adapted to attach to front and rear seats of a vehicle. A framework  546  of CRS  500  is suspended between a front seat and a rear seat of a vehicle by at least three points of contact with the vehicle; a point of contact near a front seatback  508 , a point of contact behind a rear seatback  552 , and a point of contact in the crevice between the rear seatback  552  and a rear seat bottom  558 . 
         [0076]    Longitudinal straps  508  extend between a front seatback  508  and a rear seatback  552 . First ends of the longitudinal straps  508  connect to the front seatback, front seat frame, and/or latches near the front seat via hooks  520  to create the first point of contact. In the implementation shown in  FIG. 5B , the longitudinal straps  508  wrap over the top and extend down the front of the front seatback  508 . The longitudinal straps  508  continue through a crevice between the front seatback  508  and the front seat bottom and end in hooks  520  that may connect to the seat frame or latches in the vehicle floorboard, for example. 
         [0077]    Hooks  520  on second ends of the longitudinal straps  508  connect to latches behind the rear seatback  552  to create the second point of contact. The latches behind the rear seatback  552  may be located on the floorboard or ceiling, for example. Crevice straps  570  extend from a middle of the longitudinal straps  508 , pulling the longitudinal straps  508  downward toward the rear vehicle seat. The crevice straps  570  are attached to latches located in a crevice between the rear seatback  552  and the rear seat bottom  558  via hooks  520  resulting in the third point of contact. 
         [0078]    Adjustors  512  may be located on one or more of the longitudinal straps  508  and/or crevice straps  570  to adjust the size and/or orientation of the framework  512 . One criterion may be that the angle of the longitudinal straps  508  where the child&#39;s back is located may not exceed 70 degrees of angle with respect to the horizontal. 
         [0079]      FIG. 5C  is a front view of an auxiliary strap  504  for attaching a CRS to a floorboard anchor point on a vehicle. In one implementation, a CRS harness having two or more longitudinal straps  508  needs to be connected to a single latch located on the vehicle. Here, the auxiliary strap  504  for reducing two longitudinal straps  508  to one attachment point for a vehicle latch is shown. Further, the auxiliary strap  504  may be equipped with one or more adjustors  512  for adjusting the length of the auxiliary strap  504  to fit the vehicle. Also, the auxiliary strap  504  may be used to attach the CRS to a front vehicle seat frame by wrapping around the frame (sometimes referred to as a Swedish connection). 
         [0080]      FIG. 6A  is a left side elevation view of an example front-facing swaddle vest  600  to be used in conjunction with a CRS. The swaddle vest  600  is a separate harness that is attachable to a framework of the CRS when required for use by a smaller child. The swaddle vest  600  includes a front half  668  and a rear half  672  that in combination encompasses a lower portion of the child&#39;s body. The front half  668  and the rear half  672  are merged together at the base of the swaddle vest  600  and are selectively attached together near the middle of the swaddle vest  600  via a buckle  676 . The child&#39;s legs extend though openings between the front half  668  and the rear half  672 . The front half  668  of the swaddle vest  600  may extend upwardly to support the child&#39;s chest. Any unwanted upward extension of the swaddle vest  600  may be folded over in front of the child&#39;s chest. The swaddle vest  600  is equipped with belt loops  680  around the middle of the swaddle vest  600  and at the top of the swaddle vest  600  and a ring  684  at the base of the swaddle vest  600  to secure the swaddle vest  600  to the framework. 
         [0081]      FIG. 6B  is a left side elevation view of an example rear-facing swaddle vest  600  to be used in conjunction with a CRS. When utilized in a rear-facing configuration, the child is turned around to face the opposite direction in the swaddle vest  600 . Accordingly, the front half  668  of the swaddle vest  600  may be unfolded and extended upwardly to support the child&#39;s back, neck, and/or head rather than the child&#39;s chest as in the front-facing configuration of  FIG. 6A . 
         [0082]      FIG. 6C  is a front elevation view of an example swaddle vest  600  to be used in conjunction with a CRS. The front half  668  of the swaddle vest  600  is equipped with belt loops  680  running horizontally across a width of the swaddle vest  600  generally in the middle and near the top of the swaddle vest  600 . The belt loops  680  are configured for attaching the swaddle vest  600  to a framework of the CRS and optionally for attaching shoulder straps  686  (shown in  FIG. 6D ). 
         [0083]      FIG. 6D  is a front elevation view of an example swaddle vest  600  with attached shoulder straps  686  to be used in conjunction with a CRS. The swaddle vest  600  may be used as a child carrier when equipped with shoulder straps  686 . The shoulder straps  686  are equipped with hooks  620  that are selectively attached to a ring  684  at the base of the swaddle vest  600 . The shoulder straps  686  extend upwardly through belt loops  680  in the middle and near the top of the swaddle vest  600  as depicted in  FIG. 6C . The shoulder straps  686  then wrap around the shoulders of a child care provider carrying the child in the swaddle vest  600  and continue to extend downwardly in front of the child care provider&#39;s chest where they end with hooks  620  that may be selectively attached to the swaddle vest  600 , thus securing the swaddle vest  600  to the child care provider. The shoulder straps  686  may be equipped with adjustors  612  to vary the length of the shoulder straps  686  in accordance with the size of the child care provider. 
         [0084]      FIG. 7  is an isometric view of an example headrest anchor  700  to be used in conjunction with a CRS. The headrest anchor  700  comprises a plate, generally made of metal or other structural material, fitted between a top surface of a vehicle seat and a bottom surface of a corresponding seat headrest  788 . The headrest anchor  700  is secured by inserting headrest posts  790 , typically protruding from the bottom surface of the headrest  788 , through bracket apertures  792  in the headrest anchor  700 . The headrest posts  790  are then fully inserted in apertures typically found in the top of the corresponding vehicle seat. Consequently, the headrest anchor  700  is prohibited from substantial lateral movement by the bracket apertures  792  and the clamping effect of positioning the headrest anchor  700  directly between the top surface of the vehicle seat and the bottom surface of the seat headrest  788  prevents substantial vertical movement. The position and number of the bracket apertures  792  may vary according to the specific model of vehicle seat. Further, the headrest anchor  700  may include multiple sets of bracket apertures  792  designed for multiple models of vehicle seats. The headrest anchor  700  also includes a CRS aperture  794  for attaching the CRS to the headrest anchor  700 . 
         [0085]    While discussion of attaching a CRS to a vehicle typically references use of manufacturer installed vehicle latches designed to secure CRSs, other modes of attaching the CRS to the vehicle are contemplated herein. When a vehicle is fairly old, from a foreign country, or not designed for on-road use, the vehicle may not be equipped with manufacturer installed latches. In that case, a user may secure the CRS to user installed latches on the vehicle&#39;s interior floorboard, ceiling, or body panels. Further, the user may secure the CRS to vehicle seats and/or seat frames. Still further, the user may utilize the headrest anchor  700  shown in  FIG. 7 . Any and all of these methods of attachment may be used in place of the latches referenced throughout this disclosure. 
         [0086]      FIG. 8A  is an isometric view of an example body containment bumper  800  to be used in conjunction with a CRS. The bumper  800  is configured to be permanently or selectively attached to a back support and/or framework of a CRS. Various implementations of a selective attachment include, but are not limited to hook-and-loop, buttons, clasps, snaps, and buckles. The bumper  800  extends above the framework to partially surround a restrained child. This configuration helps prevent the child from shifting within the CRS and cushions any shifting that the child experiences caused by an abrupt change in motion of the vehicle. The bumper  800  may be constructed of padding (e.g., foam, batting, and gel), covering (e.g., nylon mesh, cotton fabric, and rubber), and/or reinforcement (e.g. vertical and/or horizontal ribbing, paperboard, and reinforced fabric) as long as the bumper  800  is soft enough to cushion the child&#39;s movements and rigid enough to prevent excessive child movements. 
         [0087]    While the size and shape of the bumper  800  may vary considerably in various implementations, the bumper  800  of  FIG. 8A  is horseshoe shaped with a rectangular cross-section. The bumper  800  is approximately 19 inches long and 13 inches wide. The rectangular cross section is approximately 1.5 inches wide by 3 inches tall. 
         [0088]      FIG. 8B  is an isometric view of a first example head guard  810  to be used in conjunction with a CRS. In addition to or in lieu of a body containment bumper  800 , the CRS may utilize a head guard  810 . The head guard  810  is smaller than the bumper  800  and is designed to cushion and prevent excessive movement of the restrained child&#39;s head rather than the child&#39;s entire body. In some implementations, the head guard  810  is designed to fit inside the bumper  800  so that both the bumper  800  and the head guard  810  may be used simultaneously in a CRS. In other implementations, the bumper  800  or head guard  810  may be used alone in a CRS. 
         [0089]    Similar to the bumper  800 , the head guard  810  is configured to be permanently or selectively attached to a back support and/or framework of the CRS. Various implementations of a selective attachment include, but are not limited to hook-and-loop, buttons, clasps, snaps, and buckles. Further, the head guard  810  may be constructed of padding (e.g., foam, batting, and gel), covering (e.g., nylon mesh, cotton fabric, and rubber), and/or reinforcement (e.g. vertical and/or horizontal ribbing, paperboard, and reinforced fabric) as long as the head guard  810  is soft enough to cushion the child&#39;s head movements and rigid enough to prevent excessive head movements. 
         [0090]    While the size and shape of the head guard  810  may vary considerably in various implementations, the head guard  810  of  FIG. 8B  is horseshoe shaped with a rectangular cross-section and adapted to fit inside the bumper  800  of  FIG. 8A . Consequently, the bumper  800  is approximately 10 inches wide and may be any length less than the 19 inch length of the bumper  800 . The rectangular cross section of the head guard  810  is also approximately 1.5 inches wide by 3 inches tall. 
         [0091]      FIG. 9  is an isometric view of a second example head guard  900  to be used in conjunction with a CRS. In the implementation of  FIG. 9 , the head guard  900  includes a flat cushion  968  with curved bolsters  970  on each side. The flat cushion  968  is adapted to rest on a framework and/or back support of the CRS where a restrained child&#39;s head is placed. The bolsters  970  extend on each side of the child&#39;s head to prevent excessive movement of the child&#39;s head and/or cushion movement of the child&#39;s head. 
         [0092]    Similar to the bumper  800  and head guard  810 , head guard  900  is configured to be permanently or selectively attached to a back support and/or framework of the CRS. Various implementations of a selective attachment include, but are not limited to hook-and-loop, buttons, clasps, snaps, and buckles. Further, the head guard  900  may be constructed of padding (e.g., foam, batting, and gel), covering (e.g., nylon mesh, cotton fabric, and rubber), and/or reinforcement (e.g. vertical and/or horizontal ribbing, paperboard, and reinforced fabric) as long as the head guard  900  is soft enough to cushion the child&#39;s head movements and rigid enough to prevent excessive head movements. 
         [0093]    In the implementation shown in  FIG. 9 , the head guard  900  utilizes a sleeve  972  adapted to receive a head guard strap  974  attached to the CRS framework and/or back support. The head guard strap  974  may also be a longitudinal strap. This configuration allows the head guard  974  to be easily repositioned longitudinally to a desired eight appropriate to guard the restrained child&#39;s head. 
         [0094]    The above specification, examples, and data provide a complete description of the structure and use of example implementations of the invention. Although various implementations of the invention have been described above with a certain degree of particularity, or with reference to one or more individual implementations, those skilled in the art could make numerous alterations to the disclosed implementations without departing from the spirit or scope of this invention. Other implementations are therefore contemplated. It is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only of particular implementations and not limiting. Changes in detail or structure may be made without departing from the basic elements of the invention as defined in the following claims.