Patent Abstract:
A multi-mode belt retractor including an interlocked attachment mechanism. The belt retractor and attachment mechanism are physically integrated in a single unit. In one embodiment, the retractor is shifted between modes by the operation by the attachment mechanism such that securing the attachment mechanism to an anchor point shifts the belt retractor into a locked mode. Releasing the attachment mechanism from the anchor point shifts the belt retractor into a free-wheel mode. In one embodiment, only a single user-operable button is provided, thus minimizing the opportunity for improper operation. One embodiment of the attachment mechanism is symmetrical, making it operable by a user&#39;s left or right hand.

Full Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/967,676, filed Sep. 6, 2007, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to the field of child restraints for motor vehicles and to the field of devices used to attach child restraints to motor vehicles. More particularly, the present invention relates to devices for attaching child restraints to lower and upper anchors provided in motor vehicles specifically provided for the purpose of securing child restraints. 
     Child restraints for motor vehicles are widely used by operators of motor vehicles when traveling with children. Child restraints generally are formed from a plastic shell and may include padding and/or a harness. Child restraints are typically attached to a vehicle&#39;s seats using either the seatbelts provided on the vehicle&#39;s seats or by using an anchoring system provided specifically for use with child restraints. In the United States, most vehicles manufactured after Sep. 1, 2002, are required to include LATCH (“lower anchors and tethers for children”) attachments which provide two lower anchors, one on each side of the seating position, and a tether anchor above and behind the seatback. 
     Many child restraints incorporating the LATCH system provide an attachment means consisting of segment of webbing that extends through a portion of the child restraint and extends beyond the seat on each side. Each end of the segment of webbing includes a clip designed to be connected to the respective lower LATCH anchor. Typically the segment of webbing also includes a buckle for shortening the overall length of the segment such that the child restraint is held tightly on the vehicle seat. While this method of attaching the child restraint may provide some advantages over securing the child restraint with the vehicle&#39;s seatbelts, it is sometimes inconvenient and difficult for the caregiver to tighten the webbing. Additionally, after the webbing is tightened, there may be a substantial tag end which may become inconvenient for other occupants of the vehicle. 
     Other child restraints incorporate retractor mechanisms designed to provide proper tension and to retract excess webbing between the child restraint and the LATCH anchors. See, e.g., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2006/0082129. While these child restraints address some of the disadvantages of other LATCH attachment mechanisms, other disadvantages remain. For example, when attaching the child restraint to a vehicle, the caregiver must depress one or more buttons on the child restraint in order to extend the web and connect the webbing to the LATCH anchors. 
     SUMMARY 
     According to the present invention, an attachment mechanism with an integrated belt retractor is provided. 
     In a first aspect, a connection assembly for a child restraint may include a connector, the connector being adapted to releasably couple to an attachment point; a retractor attached to the connector and including a spool; and a length of webbing, the length of webbing extending from the child restraint to the retractor and around the spool; wherein the attachment point is provided within a passenger compartment of a vehicle and is adapted for securing a child restraint within the vehicle. 
     In a detailed embodiment of the first aspect, the connector may be rigidly coupled to the retractor. The retractor and the connector may form an integrated unit. The retractor and the connector may be encased within a shell and the length of webbing may extend from the child restraint, through an opening in the shell, and to the retractor. 
     In another detailed embodiment of the first aspect, the connection assembly may further include a ratchet mechanism, the ratchet mechanism being operatively coupled to the retractor. The ratchet mechanism may include a pawl selectively engageable with a ratchet wheel such that the ratchet mechanism permits extension of the length of webbing from the retractor only when the pawl is disengaged from the ratchet wheel, the pawl disengaging from the at least one ratchet wheel when the length of webbing is fully retracted into the retractor and the pawl engaging the ratchet wheel after the length of webbing partially retracts into the retractor after being at least partially extended from the retractor. The connection assembly may further include a pawl paddle and a clutch plate having a cam, the pawl paddle being mounted adjacent to the spool such that the pawl paddle is moved to an open position by webbing accumulating on the spool when substantially all of the length of webbing is retracted onto the spool, the cam being operable to hold the pawl paddle in the open position while a portion of the length of webbing is withdrawn from the retractor and the cam disengaging from the pawl paddle and allowing the pawl paddle to shift to a locked position when the length of webbing is partially retracted onto the retractor. The pawl paddle may be connected to the pawl and the pawl may be disengaged from the ratchet wheel when the pawl paddle is in the open position and the pawl may be engaged with the ratchet wheel when the pawl paddle is in the locked position. 
     In another detailed embodiment of the first aspect, the connector may be articulable relative to the retractor about a joint located between the connector and the retractor. A centerline of the connector may be between 0 and 45 degrees offset from a centerline of the webbing. 
     In yet another detailed embodiment of the first aspect, the retractor may further include a first pin and a second pin, the first pin and the second pin being located such that the length of webbing extends from the spool, between the first pin and the second pin, and out of the retractor, wherein a distance between the first pin and the second pin is equal to a minimum spacing required to permit a single thickness of the webbing to slide freely between the first pin and the second pin. 
     In a second aspect, a connection assembly for a child restraint seat may include a length of webbing extending from a child restraint seat and terminating at a first end; a connection device including a retractor including a spool adapted to receive at least a portion of the length of webbing including the first end, and a first connector, the first connector being adapted to releasably couple the connection device to a first attachment point within a passenger compartment of a vehicle. 
     In a detailed embodiment of the second aspect, the retractor may be operable in a plurality of modes of operation, the modes of operation including a free-wheel mode and a lock mode, wherein in the free-wheel mode the retractor permits the portion of the length of webbing to be readily extended from the spool and in the lock mode the retractor prevents webbing from being extended from the spool. The connection assembly may further include an interlock operative to change the mode of operation of the retractor from the free-wheel mode to the lock mode when the first connector is coupled to the first attachment point. The connection assembly may further include a release button operative to change the mode of operation of the retractor from the lock mode to the free-wheel mode and adapted to release the first connector from the first attachment point. The length of webbing may have a first surface, a second surface, a first edge, and a second edge, and the first connector may be generally symmetric about a line extending from the first edge of the length of webbing to the second edge of the length of webbing. The retractor may further include a first pin and a second pin, the first pin and the second pin being located such that the length of webbing extends from the spool, between the first pin and the second pin, and out of the retractor, wherein a distance between the first pin and the second pin is equal to a minimum spacing required to permit a single thickness of the webbing to slide freely between the first pin and the second pin. The first connector may be articulable relative to the retractor about a joint located between the first connector and the retractor. A centerline of the connector may be between 0 and 45 degrees offset from a centerline of the length of webbing. The connection device may further include a second connector. The length of webbing may have a first end and a second end and the spool may be adapted to receive a portion of the length of webbing including the first end. The second connector may be adapted to releasably couple the second end of the length of webbing to a second attachment point. The attachment point and the second attachment point may be located within a vehicle proximate to both a seat portion and a seatback portion of a seat. The length of webbing between the retractor and the second connector may pass through a portion of a child restraint. The retractor may further include a first pin and a second pin, the first pin and the second pin being located such that the length of webbing extends from the spool, between the first pin and the second pin, and out of the retractor, wherein a distance between the first pin and the second pin is equal to a minimum spacing required to permit a single thickness of the webbing to slide freely between the first pin and the second pin. 
     In a third aspect, a connection device may include a retractor including a spool adapted to receive a length of webbing, the webbing having a centerline oriented in a direction along which webbing is withdrawn from the retractor; and a connector adapted to releasably couple the connection device to an attachment point and the connector having a centerline extending from a location where the connector is joined to the retractor towards the portion of the connector that couples with the attachment point; wherein the centerline of the connector is between 0 and 45 degrees offset from the centerline of the webbing. 
     In a detailed embodiment of the third aspect, the centerline of the connector may be between 20 and 30 degrees offset from the centerline of the webbing. 
     In a fourth aspect, a connection device may include a retractor including a spool adapted to receive a length of webbing; a connector adapted to releasably couple the connection device to an attachment point; and a cable release mechanism adapted to release the connector from the attachment point, the cable release mechanism including a handle, a length of cable, a fixed attachment point, and a slidable attachment point. 
     In a detailed embodiment of the fourth aspect, the handle may be located adjacent to the retractor. 
     In a fifth aspect, a connection device may include a frame; a spool mounted on the frame, the spool being adapted to receive a length of webbing; a first gear wheel coupled to the spool; a first pawl selectively engageable with the first gear wheel; a second gear wheel coupled to the spool; a second pawl selectively engageable with the second gear wheel; and a button, the button operatively connected to the first pawl and the second pawl such that in a first position the first pawl is engaged and the second pawl is disengaged and in a second position the first pawl is disengaged and a second pawl is engaged; wherein the first gear wheel and the second gear wheel are oriented in opposite directions such that engagement of the first pawl with the first gear wheel prevents rotation of the spool in a first direction and engagement of the second pawl with the second gear wheel prevents rotation of the spool in a second direction. 
     In a detailed embodiment of the fifth aspect, the retractor may further include an engagement element rotatable in relation to the frame and including the first pawl, wherein in the first position a tab on the button holds the engagement element in a disengaged position and in the second position the button allows a spring to rotate the engagement element such that the first pawl engages the second gear wheel. 
     These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description of preferred embodiments exemplifying the best mode of carrying out the invention as presently perceived. The drawings are only to serve for reference and illustrative purposes, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The detailed description particularly refers to the accompanying figures in which: 
         FIG. 1  is an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention connection device with the top cover and connector frame removed; 
         FIG. 2  is an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention connection device with the top cover removed; 
         FIG. 3  is a plan view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention showing the angular offset of the webbing and the connector; 
         FIG. 4  is a plan view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention including a pivot joint and a cable release; 
         FIG. 5  is an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention including two release buttons; 
         FIG. 6  is an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention including two release buttons with the cover removed; 
         FIG. 7  is a plan view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention including two release buttons; 
         FIG. 8  is a plan view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention including two release buttons with the cover removed; 
         FIG. 9  is a detailed isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a retractor having a park mode; 
         FIG. 10  is an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention including an alternative retractor pawl actuation method; 
         FIG. 11  is an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention including an alternative pawl actuation method; and 
         FIG. 12  is an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention including an automatic locking retractor. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , an exemplary embodiment of the present invention connection device  10  is comprised of a cover  20  containing a webbing retractor  40  and a connector  60 . The cover  20  is preferably comprised of two portions that join together to form a shell. 
     The retractor  40  preferably includes a center shaft  50  adapted to function as a spool for receiving a length of webbing. The center shaft  50  is preferably coupled to a torsion spring such that the torsion spring opposes rotation of the center shaft  50  in the unwinding direction. The torsion spring exerts a torque on the main shaft in the wind direction such that any slack webbing is pulled into the retractor and is wound around the center shaft  50 . The center shaft is mechanically coupled to gear wheels  44 ,  48 . 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the retractor  40  has two modes: “free-wheel” mode and “lock” mode. In lock mode, pawl  42  engages gear wheel  44  and pawl  46  engages gear wheel  48 . In the exemplary embodiment, pawls  42  and  46  are integrally connected via bar  54 ; thus, pawls  42  and  46  together may be referred to as a single pawl. However, for purposes of clarity, pawls  42  and  46  are each mentioned throughout the description of the invention herein. When engaged, the pawls  42 ,  46  and gear wheels  44 ,  48  prevent the center shaft  50  from rotating in the unwind direction, thus preventing additional webbing from being extended from the retractor  40 . Even when engaged, the pawls  42 ,  46  and the gear wheels  44 ,  48  permit the center shaft to rotate in the wind direction, thus allowing slack webbing to be wound onto the center shaft by the force of the torsion spring. As such, the retractor  40  operates as a ratchet while in lock mode: slack webbing is wound onto the center shaft  50  due to the action of the torsion spring because the pawls  42 ,  46  and gear wheels  44 ,  48  allow the center shaft  50  to rotate in the wind direction, but webbing cannot be unwound from the center shaft  50  because the pawls  42 ,  46  and gear wheels  44 ,  48  prevent it from rotating in the unwind direction. In other words, lock mode allows tightening of the webbing but does not allow loosening of the webbing. Stated another way, lock mode on the retractor does not allow webbing to pay out while at the same time allowing webbing to ratchet back into the retractor to get tighter. 
     In the free-wheel mode, pawls  42 ,  46  are disengaged from gear wheels  44 ,  48 , thereby allowing the center shaft to rotate in both the unwind and wind directions. Webbing may be extended from the retractor by pulling with sufficient force to overcome the torsion spring and webbing can be returned to the retractor by allowing the torsion spring to wind it onto the center shaft  50 . 
     In the exemplary embodiment, the webbing runs from the center shaft  50 , between pins  41 ,  43 , and out of the retractor  40 . The pins  41 ,  43  are preferably spaced apart by the minimum distance that permits the webbing to slide freely between them. By locating the pins  41 ,  43  as such, the pins  41 ,  43  prevent any twists in the webbing to enter the retractor. To allow this close spacing, the exemplary embodiment is assembled by first installing one of the pins  41 , then placing the webbing over the first pin  41 , and finally the second of the two pins  43  is installed. 
     In the exemplary embodiment, pawls  42 ,  46  are mounted to bar  54 , which also includes a tab  52 . Spring  56  biases bar  54  such that pawls  42 ,  46  are engaged with the gear wheels  44 ,  48  when no external forces are applied. If tab  52  is pressed towards the center shaft  50 , bar  54  pivots and thereby disengages the pawls  42 ,  44  from the gear wheels  44 ,  48 . 
     In the exemplary embodiment, connector  60  is rotatable about stud  62 . Connector  60  preferably includes an opening  64  with a locking surface  66 . When the connector  60  is unlocked, the opening  64  is generally aligned with the triangular opening  26  in shell  20 . The connector  60  also includes a spring  68  adapted to bias connector  60  towards its unlocked position. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, retractor  40  and connector  60  are interlocked by segment  100 . Segment  100  includes release button  110 , interface  120 , and roller  130 . Segment  100  is spring-biased towards the connector  60  by a helical compression spring located on nub  102  on segment  100  and nub  104  attached to the frame  22 . Interface  120  is adapted to press against tab  52  when the release button  110  is depressed. Roller  130  is adapted to roll along the edge of connector  60 . When connector  60  rotates into the locked position, the roller rolls into an indentation on the edge of connector  60 , thereby preventing further rotation of connector  60 . 
     An exemplary embodiment of the connection device  10  is operated as follows. A user places the opening  64  of connector  60  over an attachment point. As the user slides the connector  60  over the attachment point, the attachment point pushes on locking surface  66 , causing connector  60  to rotate about stud  62 . The rotation of the connector captures the attachment point between opening  64  and slot  24  in frame  22 . (See  FIG. 2 .) Additionally, the rotation of connector  60  causes roller  130  to roll into an indentation in connector  60 . Once roller  130  is in the indentation, the attachment point is locked into the connector  60  because the connector  60  cannot freely rotate to allow the attachment point to leave the opening  64 . 
     As the roller  130  rolls into the indentation in the connector  60 , the helical compression spring mounted to nubs  102 ,  104  moves segment  100  towards the connector  60 . As segment  100  moves towards the connector  60 , the interface  120  moves away from tab  52 , thereby allowing spring  56  to rotate bar  54  to engage the pawls  42 ,  46  with the gear wheels  44 ,  48 . Engaging the pawls  42 ,  46  with the gear wheels  44 ,  48  places the retractor in lock mode. Additionally, the release button  110  moves toward the connector  60 . At this point, the connection device  10  is in lock mode: the attachment point is locked into the connector  60  and the retractor  40  is in lock mode. 
     To release the connection device  10 , the user depresses the release button  110 . Depressing the release button  110  causes segment  100  to slide away from the connector  60 , thereby moving roller  130  out of the indentation in connector  60 . This permits spring  68  to rotate connector  60  to the unlocked position in which the attachment point can freely move out of the opening  64 . Additionally, moving segment  100  away from the connector  60  causes interface  120  to press on tab  52 , thereby rotating bar  54  such that pawls  42 ,  46  are disengaged from gear wheels  44 ,  48 . Therefore, the retractor is in placed in free-wheel mode. 
     An exemplary embodiment of the connection device  10  is generally symmetrical across a plane extending from the center shaft  50  to the connector  60 . The release button  110  is approximately bisected by this plane. As such, the connection device  10  is “non-handed,” meaning that it can be operated by a user&#39;s right hand or left hand. 
     The connection device  10  may be used to attach a child restraint to a vehicle. In one application, the connection device  10  may be attached to one end of a length of webbing that passes through a portion of the child restraint. The other end of the webbing may be attached to a clip adapted to couple with an attachment point. To attach the child restraint to the vehicle, the user first attaches the clip to the attachment point on the vehicle adjacent to one side of the child restraint. Then the user couples the connection device  10  to the attachment point on the vehicle adjacent to the other side of the child restraint. The connection device  10  provides appropriate tension in the webbing and winds any excess webbing onto the center shaft  50  due to the action of the torsion spring. 
     Alternatively, the other end of the webbing may be attached to a second connection device  10 . In this application, the user attaches one of the connection devices  10  to an attachment point and then attaches the other connection device  10  to another attachment point. Utilizing two connection devices  10 , one on each end of a length of webbing that passes through a portion of the child restraint, is advantageous because the order of attachment of the connection devices does not matter. In another application, the connection device  10  is attached to a length of webbing, the other end of which is rigidly affixed to the child restraint. 
     Once the child restraint is attached to the vehicle using one or more connection devices  10 , the ratcheting operation of the retractor  40  while in lock mode permits the webbing to be tightened simply by pressing the child restraint into the vehicle&#39;s seat cushion. Pressing the child restraint into the seat cushion creates slack in the webbing which is automatically wound onto the center shaft  50  of the retractor  40  by the action of the torsion spring. As discussed above, in lock mode the retractor  40  allows the webbing to wind onto the center shaft  50  but does not allow the webbing to unwind off of the center shaft  50  due to the ratcheting operation of the pawls  42 ,  46  and gear wheels  44 ,  48 . 
     The various detailed embodiments described below are to be understood in the general context of the embodiment described above. Unless otherwise specified with respect to the detailed embodiments described below, the connection devices described below are constructed and operate in the manner described above. 
       FIG. 3  depicts a connection device  10  with covers  20  installed. The angular offset  204  of the centerline of the webbing  202  relative to the centerline of the connector  200  is apparent. The angular offset  204  is designed to optimize vehicle fit and webbing retraction. Preferred embodiments have angular offsets  204  within the range of 20-30 degrees; however, other embodiments may utilize angular offsets  204  as small as approximately 0 degrees and as large as approximately 45 degrees. In this exemplary embodiment, the angular offset  204  lies in a plane generally parallel to the plane of the surface of the webbing at the point at which it exits the retractor. It is within the scope of the invention to offset the connector and retractor in other directions. For example, the angular offset between the connector and the webbing could be in a direction generally perpendicular to the plane of  FIG. 3 . In addition, the angular offset may be such that the webbing and connector are offset in two directions, such as shown in  FIG. 3  as well as in the direction perpendicular to the plan of  FIG. 3 . 
       FIG. 4  depicts an alternative embodiment of the present invention connection device  210  incorporating a pivot joint  212  between the frame  223  and the retractor  240 . In this exemplary embodiment, pivot joint  212  allows the connection device  210  to articulate in a plane generally parallel with the flat surfaces of the webbing at the point where the webbing leaves the retractor  240 . This is also generally the same plane in which connector  260  rotates about stud  262 . The pivot joint  212  may allow relatively free articulation or, alternatively, may impose significant frictional forces opposing articulation. Although the exemplary embodiment incorporates a pin joint, other means of allowing articulation are within the scope of the invention. It is also within the scope of the invention to allow articulation in an alternative or additional direction. 
       FIG. 4  also depicts an alternative release mechanism embodiment of the present invention employing a cable release. Although  FIG. 4  depicts an embodiment including both the pivot joint  212  and cable release features, it is within the scope of the invention to utilize the pivot joint  212 , the cable release, or both on the same connection device  210 . The cable release includes a handle  222 , a length of cable  224 , a slidable connection  226 , and a fixed connection  228 . The fixed connection  228  is rigidly attached to roller  230  via a linkage, which is slidable in relation to the connector  260  and frame  223 . The cable  224  is rigidly attached to the fixed connection  228  and can slide through slidable connection  226 . Slidable connection  226  is fixed in position relative to frame  223 . It is within the scope of the invention to locate the various components of the cable release mechanism on different portions of the connection device. It is also within the scope of the invention to utilize a cable release mechanism for shifting the mode of the retractor. 
     In this exemplary embodiment, connector  260  interacts with roller  230  in generally the same way as described above with regard to connection device  10  with the exceptions that segment  110  is replaced with cable  224  and the button  110  is replaced with handle  222 . In essence, a user can release the connection device  210  from an attachment point by pulling on handle  222 . The handle  222  pulls on cable  224  which pulls on fixed connection  228 . Fixed connection  228  moves against the force of spring  227  to withdraw roller  230  from an indentation in connector  260 , thus allowing a spring attached to a nub (as described above) to rotate the connector  260  to the unlocked position about stud  262 . As the connection device  210  is coupled to an attachment point, connector  260  pivots into the locked position as depicted in  FIG. 4 . This allows roller  230  to slide into the indentation, thus locking the connector  260  in the locked position as shown in  FIG. 4 . In the locked position, the connector  260  and the slot  225  retain a portion of the attachment point, thus coupling the connection device  210  to the attachment point. In this embodiment, the retractor  240  may include a button  229  for switching the mode of the retractor  240  between free wheel mode and lock mode. 
       FIGS. 5 and 6  depict an exemplary embodiment of the present invention connection device  310  including separate release buttons  320 ,  330  for the retractor  340  and the connector, respectively. As shown in  FIG. 6 , connection device  310  is constructed and operates generally similarly to connection device  10  described above with the exception that two releases buttons are utilized. In this embodiment, depressing the retractor release button  330  causes the retractor to shift from lock mode to free wheel mode as described above. Depressing connector release button  320  causes the connector to release from the attachment point. Connector release button  320  is located adjacent to and slidable in relation to the frame  322 , which includes a slot  324  corresponding to the slot  24  described above with regard to connection device  10 . 
       FIGS. 7 and 8  depict another exemplary embodiment of the present invention connection device  410  including separate release buttons  420 ,  430  for the retractor  440  and connector  460 . As shown in  FIG. 8 , connection device  410  is constructed and operates generally similarly to connection device  10  described above with the exceptions that two release buttons are utilized and the device includes an alternative retractor  440  as described below. In this embodiment, connector release button  420  is elongated and pivots about point  421 . The connector release button also includes a slot  420 A in which roller  431  is slidable. Roller  431  is also slidable in slot  422 A in frame  422 . As is apparent from  FIG. 8 , the relative angle of connector release button  420  and frame  422  determines the position of roller  431  in slot  422 A because slot  420 A decreases in radius relative to pivot  421  as the connector release button  420  is depressed. Thus, depressing the connector release button  420  causes roller  431  to move in slot  422 A in frame  422  towards the retractor  440 . This movement withdraws roller  431  from an indentation in connector  460  in a manner similar to that described above with regard to connection device  10 . Accordingly, connector  460  pivots about stud  462 , thereby releasing the attachment point. 
       FIG. 9  shows a detailed view of an alternative exemplary embodiment of a retractor  440 . A retractor including one or more of these features may be used on other connection devices described herein, although it is depicted as included in the connection device  410  shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 . The retractor includes a center shaft  450  which acts as a spool for winding webbing. Gear wheel  444  and pawl  442  cooperate to provide a ratcheting mode which allows webbing to retract onto the center shaft  450  due to the action of a torsion spring while not allowing webbing to be withdrawn from the retractor  440 . This ratcheting mode is generally equivalent to the lock mode described above with regard to connection device  10 . Pawl  442  may be rotated out of engagement with gear wheel  444  by the action of button  430 . The button  430  is spring biased in the direction away from the retractor and generally towards the connector  460 . A user may disengage the pawl  442  from the gear wheel  444  by pressing button  430  towards the center shaft  450 . 
     Depressing button  430  also actuates park mode of the retractor. In the park mode, spring finger  468  causes park element  462  to rotate, thereby engaging pawl  464  with reverse toothwheel  460 . When the pawl  464  is engaged with the reverse toothwheel  460 , webbing can be withdrawn from the retractor but will not be automatically retracted by the action of the torsion spring. Pawl  464  and reverse toothwheel  460  act as a ratchet, allowing rotation in the unwind direction only when pawl  464  is engaged. When the user releases button  430 , tab  466  on button  430  rotates the park element such that pawl  464  is taken out of engagement with reverse toothwheel  460  and the retractor is free to rotate in the wind direction. 
       FIGS. 10 and 11  depict an alternative retractor pawl actuation mechanism. Actuator  515  is slidably connected to frame  522  and includes an interface  520 . The interface acts on tab  552  which is attached to pawls  544  and  546  in a manner similar to that described above with regard to connection device  10 . The actuator  515  is spring biased in the direction towards the connector end of the connection device  510 . Actuator  515  includes a notch  516  that interfaces with the portion of the attachment point which is retained in slot  524  when the connection device  510  is coupled to the attachment device As the connection device  510  is coupled with the attachment point, the attachment point slides into slot  524 . As it does so, the attachment point presses on notch  516  and pushes actuator  515  towards the retractor  540 . This movement causes interface  520  to press on tab  552  and engage the pawls  542 ,  546  with the gear wheels  544 ,  548 , thus placing the retractor in the lock mode. The lock mode allows webbing  505  to be retracted onto the center shaft  550  but does not permit webbing to be withdrawn from the retractor. This embodiment employs a connector release button  525  that releases the attachment point from the connector when the button  525  is pressed in the direction away from the retractor  540  and towards the connector. 
       FIG. 12  depicts another exemplary embodiment  610  of the invention including an automatic locking retractor (ALR). This embodiment includes two gear wheels  644 ,  648  that may engaged by pawls  610 ,  612 . Pawls  610 ,  612  are disengaged from gear wheels  644 ,  648  when substantially all of the webbing is wound around spool  650 , which lifts pawl paddle  602 . Once pawl paddle  602  is lifted by the webbing on spool  650 , the pawls  610 ,  612  are disengaged from gear wheels  644 ,  648  and webbing may be freely withdrawn from the retractor. 
     Clutch plate  604  including cams  606  and  608  is coupled to spool  650  via a spring. As the webbing is withdrawn, clutch plate  604  rotates such that cam  606  engages pawl  610 , thereby preventing pawls  610 ,  612  from engaging gear wheels  644 ,  648 . If a small amount of webbing is permitted to be retracted onto spool  650 , clutch plate  604  rotates. This action disengages cam  606  from pawl  610 , thus allowing pawls  610 ,  612  to engage gear wheels  644 ,  648 . When pawls  610 ,  612  are engaged with gear wheels  644 ,  648 , withdrawal of additional webbing from the retractor is inhibited. Cam  608  is optionally included on clutch plate  604  to prevent a clicking sound as the ratchet operates. 
     While each of the embodiments described above employs a particular combination of novel features, it is within the scope of the invention to provide a connection device incorporating any one or more of the above-described features, including combinations of said features not specifically described herein. While preferred embodiments of the invention have been set forth above for the purpose of disclosure, modifications of the disclosed embodiments of the invention as well as other embodiments thereof may occur to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to cover all embodiments which do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Technology Classification (CPC): 1