Child seat installation inspection device

Abstract

A child seat installation inspection device includes an attachment portion and an anchor portion. The attachment portion engages a portion of the child seat. The anchor portion is movable relative to and separated from the attachment portion. The anchor engages a portion of the vehicle seat. A shaft extends from the attachment portion to and through a portion of the anchor portion. A tension applicator mechanism is formed in the anchor. The shaft extends through the tension applicator mechanism and is movably retained within the tension applicator mechanism. The handle is disposed on an end of the shaft opposite the attachment portion. A displacement indicator displays an amount of movement of the shaft relative to the anchor. When the handle is pulled away from the anchor, axial tension applied to the shaft causes the displacement indicator to display displacement of the shaft.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to child car seats and how to secure such car seats in vehicles. More specifically, the present disclosure provides a device for measuring the tightness of a child car seat secured to a vehicle seat, thereby ensuring that the child seat is securely fastened to the vehicle. Background Art

[0002] The use of child car seats is legally required in many jurisdictions because experience has shown that they significantly improve the safety of children traveling in vehicles. Child car seats are often manufactured to include belt receptacles or other similar features that accommodate standard vehicle seat belts, thereby providing a safety belt that secures the child car seat in place on the vehicle seat. However, many children are still injured because the safety belts that secure the child car seat in place are not properly secured around the child car seat, or because the safety belts are inadvertently loosened or left unfastened.

[0003] Therefore, while current child car seats and their securing mechanisms are capable of performing their intended purpose when properly secured, a new and improved system and method is needed to check the installation of a child car seat to ensure that the child car seat is properly and securely attached to the vehicle seat via the seat belt, without interfering with the child car seat installation mechanism and procedure, while reducing the complexity and confusion of child car seat installation and reducing the likelihood of inadvertently leaving the child car seat unsecured or improperly secured in the vehicle. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to several aspects, a child seat installation inspection device includes an attachment portion and an anchor portion. The attachment portion engages and contacts a portion of the child seat. The anchor portion is movable relative to and detachable from the attachment portion. The anchor portion engages and contacts a portion of the vehicle seat. A shaft extends from the attachment portion to a portion of the anchor portion and passes through a portion of the anchor portion. A tension applicator mechanism is formed in the anchor portion. The shaft extends through the tension applicator mechanism and is movably retained within the tension applicator mechanism. A handle is provided on the end of the shaft opposite to the attachment portion. A displacement indicator displays the amount of movement of the shaft relative to the anchor portion. The handle is suitable for being grasped by a human hand or a machine, and when the handle is pulled away from the anchor portion so that the attachment portion is pulled toward the anchor portion, axial tension applied to the shaft causes the displacement indicator to display displacement of the shaft.

[0005] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the attachment portion is formed as a child seat attachment that engages and is rigidly supported against a structural component of the child seat.

[0006] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the attachment portion is shaped as one or more of an L-shaped bracket, a hook, a T-bar, a latch, or a threaded fitting.

[0007] In another aspect of the present disclosure, an anchor portion extends from the vehicle contact portion to the tensioner mechanism.The vehicle contact portion is rigidly supported against a structural portion of the vehicle seat or against a structural component of the vehicle in which the vehicle seat is disposed.

[0008] In another aspect of the present disclosure, each of the anchor portion, the shaft, and the attachment portion is formed of a substantially rigid material.

[0009] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the tension applicator mechanism further comprises one or more of a ratchet, a latch, a spring, a plurality of pawls and detents, or a threaded receiver for the shaft; and the tension applicator is capable of applying or maintaining axial tension along the shaft.

[0010] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the handle further comprises one or more of a knob, a T-handle, or a rotatable wheel secured to the shaft, and the handle is graspable by a human hand or a machine. The knob is manipulated by one or more of pulling, pushing, or twisting to apply axial tension to the shaft by pulling the shaft toward and through the tension applicator mechanism.

[0011] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the displacement indicator further includes one or more of a visual indicator and an audio indicator. The visual indicator includes at least one of a gauge, a ruler, a light source, and a color gradient, and the audio indicator includes at least one of a click and a tone. The displacement indicator depicts the axial displacement of the shaft relative to the tensioner mechanism.

[0012] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the tension applicator mechanism further includes a tension yield point. The tension yield point is a predetermined amount of tension applied to the shaft and the child seat before the device measures displacement of the child seat via the displacement indicator. The tension applicator mechanism further includes an ultimate tension yield point. The ultimate tension yield point defines the maximum allowable test force that can be applied by the child seat installation inspection device before the device applies tension to the shaft via the handle and the tension applicator mechanism, causing the child seat to move, twist, lift, or otherwise displace from the vehicle seat.

[0013] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a system for inspecting the installation of a child seat having a child seat installation inspection device includes a vehicle seat, a child seat disposed on the vehicle seat, a vehicle seat belt extending from the vehicle seat and at least partially capturing and securing the child seat to the vehicle seat, and a child seat installation inspection device. The child seat installation inspection device also includes an attachment portion and an anchor portion. The attachment portion engages with and contacts a portion of the child seat. The anchor portion is movable relative to the attachment portion and detachable from the attachment portion. The anchor portion engages with and contacts a portion of the vehicle seat. A shaft extends from the attachment portion to a portion of the anchor portion and passes through a portion of the anchor portion. A tension applicator mechanism is formed in the anchor portion. The shaft extends through the tension applicator mechanism and is movably retained within the tension applicator mechanism. A handle is provided on the end of the shaft opposite to the attachment portion. A displacement indicator provided on the anchor portion or on the tension applicator mechanism displays the amount of movement of the shaft relative to the anchor portion. The handle is adapted to be grasped by a human hand or a machine, and when the handle is pulled away from the anchor portion such that the attachment portion is pulled toward the anchor portion, axial tension applied to the shaft causes the displacement indicator to display displacement of the shaft.

[0014] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the attachment portion is formed as a child seat attachment that engages and is rigidly supported against a structural component of the child seat.

[0015] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the attachment portion is shaped as one or more of an L-shaped bracket, a hook, a T-bar, a latch, or a threaded fitting.

[0016] In another aspect of the present disclosure, an anchor portion extends from the vehicle contact portion to the tensioner mechanism.The vehicle contact portion is rigidly supported against a structural portion of the vehicle seat or against a structural component of the vehicle in which the vehicle seat is disposed.

[0017] In another aspect of the present disclosure, each of the anchor portion, the shaft, and the attachment portion is formed of a substantially rigid material.

[0018] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the tension applicator mechanism further includes one or more of a ratchet, a latch, a spring, a plurality of pawls and detents, or a threaded receiver for the shaft, and the tension applicator is capable of applying or maintaining axial tension along the shaft.

[0019] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the handle further comprises one or more of a knob, a T-handle, or a rotatable wheel secured to the shaft, and the handle is graspable by a human hand or a machine. The knob is manipulated by one or more of pulling, pushing, or twisting to apply axial tension to the shaft by pulling the shaft toward and through the tension applicator mechanism.

[0020] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the displacement indicator further includes one or more of a visual indicator and an audio indicator. The visual indicator includes at least one of a gauge, a ruler, a light source, and a color gradient, and the audio indicator includes at least one of a click and a tone. The displacement indicator depicts the axial displacement of the shaft relative to the tensioner mechanism.

[0021] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the tension applicator mechanism further comprises a tension yield point. The tension yield point is a predetermined amount of tension applied to the shaft and the child seat before the device measures displacement of the child seat via the displacement indicator.

[0022] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the tension applicator mechanism further includes an ultimate tension yield point. The ultimate tension yield point defines a maximum allowable test force that can be applied by the child seat installation inspection device before the child seat installation inspection device applies tension to the shaft via the handle and the tension applicator mechanism, causing the child seat to move, twist, lift, or dislodge from contact with the vehicle seat.

[0023] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for inspecting the installation of a child seat using a child seat inspection device includes installing the child seat on a vehicle seat having a vehicle seat belt. The method also includes temporarily installing the child seat installation inspection device, including placing an attachment portion of the child seat installation inspection device in contact with a portion of the child seat and placing an anchor portion in contact with a portion of the vehicle seat. The anchor portion is movable relative to and detachable from the attachment portion. The method also includes applying tension via a handle disposed at an end of a shaft extending from the attachment portion to and through a portion of the anchor portion. The handle is disposed at an end of the shaft opposite the anchor portion. Tension is applied via a tensioner mechanism formed in the anchor portion. The shaft extends through the tensioner mechanism and is movably retained within the tensioner mechanism. The method also includes measuring movement of the shaft relative to the anchor portion using a displacement indicator disposed on the anchor portion, such that axial tension applied to the shaft when the handle is moved away from the anchor portion causes the displacement indicator to indicate displacement of the shaft relative to the tensioner mechanism. The method also includes selectively adjusting the child seat installation based on the measured amount of movement of the shaft relative to the anchor portion such that an amount of force applied by the seat belt to the child seat is altered.

[0024] Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided in the present disclosure.It should be understood that these descriptions and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The drawings described in this disclosure are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way.

[0026] Figure 1is a perspective side view of a child seat installation on a vehicle seat according to an exemplary embodiment, wherein the child seat installation can be inspected by a child seat installation inspection device;

[0027] Figure 2 is a partial perspective side view of a child seat installation inspection device according to an exemplary embodiment, the child seat installation inspection device being installed in position on a portion of a child seat on a vehicle seat;

[0028] Figure 3 is a partial perspective side view of a second embodiment of a child seat installation check device according to an exemplary embodiment, the child seat installation check device being installed in position on a portion of a child seat installed on a vehicle seat; and

[0029] Figure 4 is a flowchart depicting a method for verifying whether a child seat is correctly installed on a vehicle seat using a child seat installation check device according to an exemplary embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses.

[0031] refer to Figure 1 、 Figure 2 and Figure 3 , a child seat installation inspection device or measuring device 10 for inspecting the installation of a child seat 12 to a vehicle seat 14 is shown. In several aspects, the measuring device 10 operates to detect the tension of a seat belt 16 securing the child seat 12 to the vehicle seat 14. The child seat 12 can be any of a variety of different types of child seats 12 without departing from the scope or intent of the present disclosure. In some examples, the child seat 12 can be a rear-facing car seat, a front-facing car seat, a convertible seat, an integrated seat, a booster seat, etc. without departing from the scope or intent of the present disclosure. Furthermore, while the vehicle seat 14 shown is generally formed as a bench seat, other seat configurations are also intended to fall within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the vehicle seat 14 can also be a bench seat, a bucket seat, a captain's seat, a sport seat, a canopy seat, etc. without departing from the scope or intent of the present disclosure.

[0032] As is generally understood, the safety belt 16 is operable to secure a vehicle occupant to the vehicle seat 14 and can similarly be used to secure the child seat 12 to the vehicle seat 14. In several aspects, the safety belt 16 includes at least a lap belt 18 that extends from a point near the junction 20 of the backrest 22 and the seat cushion 24 of the vehicle seat 14. The lap belt 18 extends transversely through the vehicle seat 14 to a seat belt tongue (not specifically shown), and the tongue is secured by a seat belt buckle or anchor (not specifically shown) that is secured to the seat cushion 24 or to a structure of the vehicle near the seat cushion 24. When the lap belt 18 is secured by the seat belt buckle, a tension reel, retractor, or other similar spring-loaded or ratcheting reel automatically provides a predetermined amount of tension to the lap belt 18. The lateral distance between the tension reel and the seat belt buckle is approximately the width of an average adult's hips. It should be understood that although the safety belt 16 is generally described as including a lap belt 18, additional belts may be connected to or extend from the safety belt buckle. In some specific examples, the additional belts may include one or more shoulder straps, shoulder harnesses, or other such multi-point harnesses or straps without departing from the scope or intent of the present disclosure.

[0033] In several aspects, the child seat 12 is secured to the vehicle seat by at least the lap belt 18. However, the child seat 12 may have additional attachment points through which shoulder belts or other straps of the seat belt 16 may extend to secure the child seat 12 to the vehicle seat 14. The seat belt 16 extends through an aperture 26 formed through a structural component of the child seat 12. Figure 1 In the specific but non-limiting example shown, the lap belt 18 of the safety belt 16 extends through an aperture 26 formed in a structural side wall 28 of the child seat 12. It should be understood that although Figure 1 Only one side of the child seat 12 is shown, but there is a matching aperture 26 formed through an opposing side wall 28' of the child seat 12, wherein the lap belt 18 extends through the child seat 12 and is ultimately secured by attachment to a seat belt buckle or anchor.

[0034] To fully and properly secure the child seat 12 to the vehicle seat 14, the installer (manually or otherwise) threads the seat belt 16 through the aperture 26 of the child seat 12 and secures the tongue of the seat belt 16 to a seat belt buckle or anchor. The installer then applies tension to the seat belt 16 and locks the seat belt 16 around the child seat. In several aspects, the amount of tension in the seat belt 16, as applied by the installer, is significantly higher than the predetermined amount of tension in the lap belt 18 when the ratchet reel operates alone. As tension is gradually applied to the seat belt 16, the child seat 12 is held increasingly tighter against the vehicle seat 14 because the tension applies a force "F" to the junction 20 between the backrest 22 and the seat cushion 24 of the vehicle seat 14. However, if too much force "F" is applied, the aperture 26 of the child seat 12 may suffer mechanical fatigue, or the child seat 12 may be positioned in a manner that reduces the protection provided to a child who may be secured in the child seat 12.

[0035] The measuring device 10, more specifically, Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the measuring device 10 is used to ensure that the appropriate amount of force is applied to the seat belt 16 when securing the child seat 12 to the vehicle seat 14. The measuring device 10 includes an attachment portion 50 that contacts and rigidly supports a structural member, such as the structural sidewall 28 of the child seat 12. The attachment portion 50 is shown as an L-shaped bracket 52, but may take other forms, such as a hook, a T-bar, a portion of a latch, a threaded fitting, etc., without departing from the scope or intent of the present disclosure. The attachment portion 50 extends to a shaft 54 ​​or is fixedly mounted on the shaft 54. The shaft 54 ​​extends from the attachment portion 50 to a handle 56, passing through a tensioner mechanism 58 disposed within an anchor portion 60 of the measuring device 10. The shaft 54 ​​is shown as cylindrical, but other shaft types are contemplated. In various aspects, the tensioner mechanism 58 is a ratchet, a spring, a threaded receiver for the threaded form of the shaft 54, or another such device capable of applying or maintaining tension along the shaft 54 ​​of the measuring device 10 via the handle 56.

[0036] The anchor portion 60 of the measurement device 10 extends from the vehicle seat contact portion 62 to the tensioner mechanism 58. The vehicle seat contact portion 62 is rigidly supported on a structural component of the vehicle seat 14, or on a structural component of the vehicle in which the vehicle seat 14 is disposed. Although the anchor portion 60 is shown as having a generally linear, hammer-like shape, it should be understood that other shapes may be used without departing from the scope or intent of the present disclosure. In several aspects, the attachment portion 50 and the anchor portion 60 are shaped to be rigidly supported on surfaces on the child seat 12 and the vehicle or vehicle seat 14, respectively. Thus, the attachment portion 50 and the anchor portion 60 may include adapters that can be attached to conform to the specific geometry of either or both of the child seat 12 and the vehicle or vehicle seat 14.

[0037] The anchor portion 60 is placed in contact with and supported on a portion of the vehicle seat 14. Each of the attachment portion 50, the shaft 54, and the anchor portion 60 is formed of a substantially rigid, inflexible, and inextensible material. The tensioner mechanism 58 and / or the shaft 54 ​​and / or the anchor portion 60 are equipped with a displacement indicator 64. Tension can be applied to the shaft 54 ​​by pulling the handle 56 and pulling the shaft 54 ​​through the tensioner mechanism 58 and toward the handle 56. When tension is applied to the shaft 54, the displacement indicator 64 will indicate the amount of linear displacement of the shaft 54. The displacement indicator 64 can take any of a variety of forms without departing from the scope or intent of the present disclosure. In several examples, the displacement indicator 64 is a visual indicator and / or an audio indicator that shows the displacement of the shaft 54 ​​measured by mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, electrical, and / or electromechanical means (e.g., via a strain gauge, an audible signal, such as a click, a beep, etc., or a visual signal, such as movement of a visible ruler-type instrument, illumination of a light source (e.g., a light emitting diode (LED)), a visible color gradient depicting the distance moved, etc.). In several aspects, the displacement indicator 64 is formed on or within a portion of the tensioner mechanism 58 and / or on or within a portion of the anchor mechanism 60. The displacement indicator 64 can be formed on a visible exterior surface of the tensioner mechanism 58 and / or the anchor mechanism 60, or can be disposed within an interior portion of the tensioner mechanism 58 and / or the anchor mechanism 60 without departing from the scope or intent of the present disclosure.

[0038] exist Figure 2 In the example shown, the attachment portion 50 is supported on the child seat 12 and the anchor portion 60 is supported in a fixed location in the vehicle, such as near the vehicle seat 14 where the seat belt 16 traverses the vehicle seat 14. An operator of the measurement device 10 can then apply tension to the shaft 54 ​​by manipulating the handle 56. In several aspects, the handle 56 can be a knob, a T-handle, a rotatable wheel fixed to the shaft 54, etc. The handle can be grasped by a human hand or a machine and can be pulled, pushed, twisted, etc. to apply axial tension to the shaft 54 ​​by pulling the shaft 54 ​​toward and through the tension applicator mechanism 58. Figure 3 In the example shown, tension is applied to the shaft 54 ​​by rotating the handle 56, thereby pulling the threaded shaft 54' into and through the threaded interior portion of the tension applicator mechanism 58. In several aspects, the tension applicator mechanism 58 can include a ratchet mechanism, a latch, a spring, a plurality of pawls and detents, etc. without departing from the scope or intent of the present disclosure. The tension applicator mechanism 58 ensures that the tension applied to the shaft 54, 54' does not decrease if the handle 56 is released.

[0039] The tensioner mechanism 58 includes a tension yield point that ensures that the force applied to the child seat 12 via the measuring device 10 does not exceed a predetermined limit. However, even after the tension or force yield point is reached, the shaft 54 ​​can be pulled further into the tensioner mechanism 58 at a constant tension or force level, thereby allowing the displacement indicator 64 to display the distance the child seat 12 has moved relative to the vehicle seat 14 at or near the tension or force yield point. In several aspects, the tension or force yield point allows, for example, the shaft 54 ​​to continue to be pulled, pushed, or twisted within the tensioner mechanism 58, but the tensioner mechanism 58 will cease causing the shaft 54 ​​to apply additional tension or force to the child seat 12.

[0040] In other aspects, the measuring device 10 includes a final tensile yield point preset to a maximum allowable test force. The maximum allowable test force is the amount of force or tension that the measuring device 10 can apply before the child seat 12 begins to move, twist, lift, or otherwise displace from the vehicle seat 14, causing the child seat 12 to no longer be properly positioned relative to the vehicle seat 14. When the maximum allowable test force is reached, the total displacement of the child seat 12 relative to the vehicle seat 14 is visible on the displacement indicator 64. After reaching the maximum allowable test force, if the displacement of the child seat 12 relative to the vehicle seat 14 is below a first threshold, the child seat 12 is determined to be snugly and properly secured to the vehicle seat 14. However, if the maximum allowable test force is reached and the total displacement of the child seat 12 relative to the vehicle seat 14 is greater than or equal to the first threshold, the child seat 12 is determined to be improperly secured to the vehicle seat 14, and the displacement indicator 64 alerts the operator of the measuring device 10 that additional tightening of the seat belt 16 is required to properly secure the child seat 12 to the vehicle seat 14.

[0041] Reference Figure 4 And continue to refer to Figure 1-Figure 3, a method 200 for inspecting the installation of a child seat using a child seat installation inspection device or measuring device 10 is shown. Method 200 begins at block 202. At block 204, the child seat 12 is installed on the vehicle seat 14 and secured with the seat belt 16. At block 206, the measuring device 10 is temporarily installed on the child seat 12 and the vehicle seat 14. Specifically, at block 208, the attachment portion 50 is placed in contact with and supported on a structural component, such as the structural sidewall 28 of the child seat 12. At block 210, the anchor portion 60 is installed such that the vehicle seat contact portion 62 is placed in contact with and supported on a structural component of the vehicle seat 14 or a structural component of the vehicle structure itself. At block 212, the operator or user of the measuring device 10 applies a tensioning force "T" to the shaft 54 ​​via the handle 56. In several aspects, the tensioning force "T" is applied by a tensioning mechanism 58 formed in the anchor portion 60. At block 214 , the amount of movement of the shaft 54 ​​relative to the anchor 60 is measured using the displacement indicator 64 . Specifically, as the handle 56 moves away from the anchor 60 , an axial tension "T" is applied to the shaft 54 ​​, causing the displacement indicator 64 to display the displacement of the shaft 54 ​​relative to the tensioner mechanism 58 . At block 216 , based on the reading on the displacement indicator 64 , the operator or user of the measurement device 10 determines whether the child seat 12 is properly installed. At block 216 , if the displacement indicator 64 indicates that the child seat 12 is not properly secured, the method 200 proceeds to block 218 , and the operator-user selectively adjusts the tension in the seat belt 16 to ensure that the child seat 12 is properly secured against the vehicle seat 14 . In some examples, adjusting the tension may require increasing the amount of tension in the seat belt 16 to better apply the compressive force "F" to the child seat 12 , while in other examples, adjusting the tension may require decreasing the amount of tension in the seat belt to properly orient and position the child seat 12 on the vehicle seat 14 . Once the tension of the seat belt 16 has been adjusted, the method 200 returns to block 212 to reapply tension to the measuring device 10. However, if the displacement indicator 64 indicates that the child seat 12 is correctly installed and therefore the seat belt 16 is properly tightened, the measuring device 10 is removed and the method 200 ends at block 220. The method 200 may be repeated as many times as necessary to ensure that the child seat 12 is properly secured to the vehicle seat 14 according to the specifications of the particular child seat 12.

[0042] The disclosed child seat installation check device provides several advantages, including the ability to ensure that a child car seat is correctly and securely attached to a vehicle seat 14 without interfering with the child seat 12 installation mechanism and procedure, while reducing the complexity and hassle of installing the child seat 12 and reducing the likelihood of inadvertently leaving the child car seat unsecured or incorrectly secured in the vehicle.

[0043] The description of the present disclosure is merely exemplary in nature, and variations that do not depart from the gist of the present disclosure are intended to fall within the scope of the present disclosure. Such variations should not be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A child seat installation inspection device, the device comprising: an attachment portion that engages and contacts a portion of the child seat; an anchor portion movable relative to and detachable from the attachment portion, the anchor portion engaging and contacting a portion of a vehicle seat; a shaft extending from the attachment portion to a portion of the anchor portion and passing through a portion of the anchor portion; a tensioner mechanism formed in the anchor portion, the shaft extending through the tensioner mechanism and movably retained within the tensioner mechanism; a handle disposed on an end of the shaft opposite the attachment portion; as well as a displacement indicator disposed on the anchor portion, the displacement indicator displaying the amount of movement of the shaft relative to the anchor portion, and wherein the handle is adapted to be grasped by a human hand or a machine, and wherein when the handle is pulled away from the anchor portion such that the attachment portion is pulled toward the anchor portion, axial tension applied to the shaft causes the displacement indicator to display displacement of the shaft.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The attachment portion is formed as a child seat attachment piece which engages with and is rigidly supported against a structural component of the child seat.

3. The device according to claim 2, wherein: The attachment portion is shaped as one or more of an L-shaped bracket, a hook, a T-shaped bar, a latch or a threaded fitting.

4. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The anchoring portion extends from a vehicle contact portion to the tension applicator mechanism, wherein the vehicle contact portion is rigidly supported against a structural portion of the vehicle seat or against a structural component of a vehicle in which the vehicle seat is arranged.

5. The device according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the anchor portion, the shaft, and the attachment portion is formed of a substantially rigid material.

6. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The tension applicator mechanism further comprises: one or more of a ratchet, a latch, a spring, a plurality of pawls and detents, or a threaded receiver for the shaft; and The tension applicator is capable of applying or maintaining axial tension along the shaft.

7. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The handle also includes: One or more of a knob, a T-handle, or a rotatable wheel secured to the shaft and graspable by a human hand or a machine, wherein the knob is manipulated by one or more of pulling, pushing, or twisting to apply axial tension to the shaft by drawing the shaft toward and through the tension applicator mechanism.

8. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The displacement indicator further comprises: one or more of a visual indicator and an audio indicator, Wherein, the visual indicator comprises at least one of the following: a gauge, a ruler, a light source and a color gradient; and Wherein, the audio indicator includes at least one of the following: a click sound and a prompt sound; and wherein the displacement indicator depicts an axial displacement of the shaft relative to the tension applicator mechanism.

9. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The tension applicator mechanism further comprises: a tension yield point, wherein the tension yield point is a predetermined amount of tension applied to the shaft and the child seat before the apparatus measures displacement of the child seat via the displacement indicator; and and an ultimate tension yield point, wherein the ultimate tension yield point defines a maximum allowable test force that can be applied by the child seat installation inspection device before the child seat installation inspection device applies tension to the shaft through the handle and the tension applicator mechanism causing the child seat to move, twist, lift or move out of contact with the vehicle seat.

10. A method for inspecting the installation of a child seat using a child seat inspection device, the method comprising: Install the child seat on a vehicle seat with the vehicle seat belts; Temporarily installing the child seat installation inspection device, including: placing an attachment portion of the child seat installation inspection device in contact with a portion of a child seat; placing an anchor portion in contact with a portion of a vehicle seat, the anchor portion being movable relative to and detachable from the attachment portion; applying tension via a handle disposed on an end of a shaft extending from the attachment portion to the anchor portion and passing through a portion of the anchor portion, wherein the handle is disposed at an end of the shaft opposite the anchor portion, the tension being applied by a tension applicator mechanism formed in the anchor portion, the shaft extending through the tension applicator mechanism and being movably held within the tension applicator mechanism; and measuring the amount of movement of the shaft relative to the anchor using a displacement indicator disposed on the anchor, wherein when the handle is moved away from the anchor, axial tension applied to the shaft causes the displacement indicator to display displacement of the shaft relative to the tension applicator mechanism; and The child seat mount is selectively adjusted based on the measured amount of movement of the shaft relative to the anchor portion such that the amount of movement of the child seat relative to the vehicle seat is altered.

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