Sunshine Kids Builds a Better LATCH Connector
A new, radically redesigned lower connector system, called SuperLATCH (SL), is a major improvement to Sunshine Kids’ Radian line of CRs. This innovation marks an important step in how CRs are designed and may even represent a crossroads regarding LATCH use.
SuperLATCH Design
It is easy to see that the SuperLATCH is an entirely new take on lower connectors. The hook itself has four pawls (or teeth)rather than one, as in typical connectors today. (See comparison photo in ABC article, p. 7). These four pawls are made of a stronger metal, and their combined width connects to a wider area of the vehicle LATCH anchor bar. The company states that this spreads the load more evenly across the lower anchor bar. This, in combination with stronger webbing material, keeps force levels within FMVSS 225 minimum anchor strength requirements.
SuperLATCH Development
Sunshine Kids developed SuperLATCH so that its Radian line of CRs (65, 80, and XT) could all be installed using lower anchors to the full weight limit allowed by the CR. An important precursor occurred on September 1, 2005, when improvements to FMVSS 225 regarding static strength requirements of vehicle lower anchors became mandatory. Given these vehicle improvements, Sunshine Kids reviewed internal and external test data and found that the weight limits imposed by vehicle manufacturers for these newer cars reflected concern about possible weakness limitations of the CR connectors, not the vehicle anchors. Engineers determined that a stronger lower connector system could greatly improve performance.
Radian Performance and Use
Since developing SuperLATCH, Sunshine Kids reports that it has conducted extensive testing of the Radian CRs when installed with lower anchors, including simulations of the most extreme New Car Assessment Program testing. The forces in these tests are twice those required by FMVSS 213.
Based on these results, “SL” versions of Radian car seats will come with instructions allowing them to be installed forward facing with the lower anchors to the upper weight limits of the CR, if the vehicle was made on or after September 1, 2005 – regardless of stated vehicle weight limits. In addition, this performance is guaranteed without the use of a tether. (The company still defers to the stated vehicle anchor limits for tether use.)
In the rear-facing mode, the upper weight limit of the SuperLATCH versions of the Radian 80 and XT have been increased to 45 pounds, while the Radian 65 SL remains at a 40-pound rear-facing limit. (Don’t confuse this with the recent change to a 40-pound rear-facing limit for non-SL Radians made after September 2008. See table below.)
The same rear- and foward-facing upper weight limits also apply when Radian SLs are installed with the vehicle seat belts.
Test Results Available
These technology improvements, coupled with the company’s unprecedented and potentially controversial guarantee for LATCH use without regard for stated vehicle limits, suggest many angles for further exploration and questioning. SRN will cover these in future issues.
Sunshine Kids has been very clear that it welcomes and even urges such inquiries. In another unprecedented move, the company is preparing detailed testing summaries for anyone interested in examining the Radian CRs’ test performance. (Most manufacturers keep such test data secret.) To have these summaries sent to you, send an e-mail to administrator@skjp.com and type the word “testing” in the subject line.
Summary of Differences Among Sunshine Kids Radian Models
The Radian line of CRs has recently had a rapid succession of updates. After 9/09, only Radian versions with SuperLATCH will be made. Always read the manual.
|
Radian Model
|
RF Limit (pounds)
|
FF Limit (pounds)
|
SK LATCH Advice, Cars pre-9/05
|
SK LATCH Advice, *Cars Since 9/05
|
|
Radians pre-9/08
|
|
|
|
|
|
65
|
35
|
65
|
follow vehicle limit
|
follow vehicle limit
|
|
80
|
35
|
80
|
follow vehicle limit
|
follow vehicle limit
|
|
XT
|
35
|
80
|
follow vehicle limit
|
follow vehicle limit
|
|
Radians, post-9/08
|
|
|
|
|
|
65
|
40
|
65
|
follow vehicle limit
|
follow vehicle limit
|
|
80
|
40
|
80
|
follow vehicle limit
|
follow vehicle limit
|
|
XT
|
40
|
80
|
follow vehicle limit
|
follow vehicle limit
|
|
Radian SLs
|
|
|
|
|
|
65 SL
|
40
|
65
|
follow vehicle limit
|
OK to 65 lbs.*
|
|
80 SL
|
45
|
80
|
follow vehicle limit
|
OK to 80 lbs.*
|
|
XT SL
|
45
|
80
|
follow vehicle limit
|
OK to 80 lbs.*
|
©Safe Ride News Sep/Oct 2009