Why must a lock-off be used with free sliding latch plate (Combi Coccoro)?

[LC2003]

See this in my Coccoro manual:

"Pull out on latch plate. If belt slides freely through latch plate, a belt lock-off MUST be used."

"Some combination lap/shoulder belts with free sliding latch plates may be converted into an "automatic locking mode." Always use a belt lock-off with these systems."

Why? Is this just for the Coccoro or for any car seat installed with a seat belt with sliding plate? I feel like all new cars have sliding latch plates. Should we be using lock-offs for every car seat, or is this just Coccoro?

 

[Dillipop]

I take that to mean that you need to lock the belt in some way. A free sliding latch plate needs to either use a locking clip, lock off, or be able to be pulled all the way out and ratchet back in, thereby locking the belt.

 

[Cnidaria]

There was some wording in older Evenflo manuals that seemed to imply that you needed a locking clip even if you have a switchable retractor. Evenflo confirmed that's not what they meant.

Maybe this is a remnant of the same thing, some previously required language that's been made obsolete by widespread switchable retractors but persists in manuals?

 

[Cnidaria]

For example: http://www.car-seat.org/showthread.php?t=242201


Hmmm, but yeah, that's a different variation. I agree with Dillipop

 

[Cnidaria]

Disregard what I was saying above. I was thinking about locking clips.

The wording in your manual is just applicable to the Coccoro, since it has belt lockoffs. When you use a seat's built-in lockoff you don't lock the seatbelt at the retractor. It sounds like Combi wants you to use the lockoff, instead of switching the retractor.


From http://carseatblog.com/1750/combi-coccoro-review/ "There are lock-offs for both rear and forward facing. The rear facing lock-off is for lap/shoulder belts only. It is a separate piece that snaps onto the seatbelt. There are integrated lock-offs for forward facing. They are slot style with a hinged tab."

 

[LC2003]

Re: Why must a lock-off be used with free sliding latch plate?

I still don't understand. I am using it RFing with the seatbelt, routed Euro-style. It comes with a blue clip that is separate and attaches to the shoulder portion of the belt above the strap. I can lock the seatbelt by pulling it out all the way and then it ratchets back. If I do this, I get no movement at the belt path, period. I suppose I could force the clip on there, too, but I don't see what it would add.

 

[Cnidaria]

From what I understand, Combi wants you to use their seatbelt lockoff and NOT lock your seatbelt at the retractor. But hopefully a tech or experienced Coccoro-owner will chime in to confirm.

And/or you could call Combi on Monday.

 

[LC2003]

From what I understand, Combi wants you to use their seatbelt lockoff and NOT lock your seatbelt at the retractor. But hopefully a tech or experienced Coccoro-owner will chime in to confirm.

I edited the title to hopefully get more bites.

 

[LISmama810]

That is what the manual says, and if you call Combi customer service, they'll probably tell you the same thing.

Combi's former CPST-I rep confirmed to me that you do NOT need to use a lockoff if the belt locks another way (or, RF, if the belt guide holds it right), but she's no longer there.

That manual is rife with issues, IMO.

 

[LC2003]

That is what the manual says, and if you call Combi customer service, they'll probably tell you the same thing.

Combi'a former CPST-I rep confirmed to me that you do NOT need to use a lockoff if the belt locks another way (or, RF, if the belt guide holds it right), but she's no longer there.

That manual is rife with issues, IMO.

It is one of the most confusing I have read in 11 years and five kids' worth of car seats.

So I'm going to leave the locking clip in the storage pouch and leave it the way it is locked with the seatbelt.

Now - is there a suitable RFing tether point for my 2013 Toyota Sienna? It is in the center of the 2nd row, so I imagine using the seat frame is more than 20 degrees off center.