Child seat equipped with vehicle safety belt inspection device

Abstract

A measuring device for checking the installation of a child seat on a vehicle seat includes a guide disposed along a vehicle seat belt path through the child seat. The measuring device further includes a sensor portion disposed within the guide portion and measuring an amount of vertical compressive force applied to the child seat by the seatbelt, and an indicator in communication with the sensor portion. The indicator informs an operator of an amount of vertical compressive force applied by the seatbelt to the child seat relative to a predetermined yield threshold.

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 belt force in a belt that secures a child car seat to a vehicle seat, thereby ensuring that the child seat is securely fastened to the vehicle. Background Art

[0002] The use of child car safety seats is required by law in many jurisdictions because experience has shown that they can significantly improve the safety of children riding in vehicles. Child car seats are often manufactured to include a seat belt receiving slot or other similar member for receiving a standard vehicle seat belt therein, thereby providing a seat belt for securing the child car seat to the vehicle seat. When installing a typical child seat, the recommended method for testing whether the child seat is properly installed generally involves manually pulling or tugging the child seat with a "strong handshake" force, and if the movement is less than one inch, the child seat is considered to be properly secured. However, methods for measuring the required seat belt tension are not readily available to end users. In addition, even measuring the seat belt tension on the seat belt itself or the seat belt anchorage point does not necessarily ensure that the child seat is installed comfortably and correctly. As a result, many children are still injured when the seat belt securing the child car seat is not properly secured around the child car seat, or when the seat belt is inadvertently loosened or not fastened.

[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 for checking the installation of a child car seat is needed to ensure that the child car seat is properly and securely attached to the vehicle seat via the safety 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 a vehicle. Summary of the invention

[0004] According to several aspects, a measuring device for checking the installation of a child seat on a vehicle seat includes a guide portion disposed along a path of a vehicle seat belt across the child seat. The measuring device also includes a sensor portion disposed within the guide portion and measuring the amount of vertical compressive force applied to the child seat by the seat belt, and an indicator in communication with the sensor portion. The indicator informs an operator of the amount of vertical compressive force applied to the child seat by the seat belt relative to a predetermined yield threshold.

[0005] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the guide also includes one or more of a channel, a bracket, a groove, a recess, a fully or partially interrupted loop, a sleeve, or a set of arms shaped and sized to at least partially capture and movably retain the seat belt within the guide.

[0006] In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the guide further includes one or more articulated arms or latches shaped and dimensioned to at least partially capture and movably retain the seat belt within the guide.

[0007] In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the sensor portion further includes one or more of a mechanical, electromechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, or electrical sensor capable of measuring the amount of vertical compressive force applied by the seat belt to the child seat.

[0008] In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the sensor portion further includes one or more of a mechanical, electrical, electromechanical, pneumatic, or hydraulic button that is at least partially depressible by the seat belt.

[0009] In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the sensor portion further includes one or more of a load cell and a strain gauge.

[0010] In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the indicator further comprises one or more of a visual indicator, a tactile indicator, or an audio indicator. When the amount of compressive force applied by the seat belt to the child seat is less than a yield threshold, each of the visual indicator, the tactile indicator, and the audio indicator selectively provides a first indication to the operator. When the amount of a second compressive force applied by the seat belt to the child seat is equal to or greater than the yield threshold, each of the visual indicator, the tactile indicator, and the audio indicator selectively provides a second indication to the operator.

[0011] In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the indicator includes one or more of a mechanical, digital, electronic, electromechanical, pneumatic, or hydraulic indicator that generates one or more of a visual notification, a tactile notification, or an audio notification.

[0012] In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the predetermined yield threshold further includes a predetermined amount of force in a direction perpendicular to a surface of the child seat that has been determined to be sufficient to properly secure the child seat to the vehicle seat.

[0013] In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a measuring device is provided on or forms part of a child seat at one or more locations along the path of the seat belt.

[0014] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a system for checking the installation of a child seat on a vehicle seat includes a vehicle seat, a child seat disposed on the vehicle seat, a vehicle safety belt extending from the vehicle seat, and at least one device for partially capturing and securing the child seat to the vehicle seat, and a measuring device disposed on the child seat or formed as a part of the child seat. The measuring device includes a guide portion disposed at one or more locations along a path of the vehicle safety belt passing through the child seat; a sensor portion disposed within the guide portion for measuring an amount of vertical compressive force applied by the safety belt to the child seat; and an indicator in communication with the sensor portion. The indicator informs an operator of the amount of vertical compressive force applied by the safety belt to the child seat relative to a predetermined yield threshold.

[0015] In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the guide further comprises one or more of a channel, a bracket, a groove, a recess, a full or partially interrupted ring, a sleeve, or a set of arms shaped and sized to at least partially capture and movably retain the seat belt within the guide.

[0016] In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the guide further includes one or more articulated arms or latches shaped and dimensioned to at least partially capture and movably retain the seat belt within the guide.

[0017] In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the sensor portion further includes one or more of a mechanical, electromechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, or electrical sensor capable of measuring the amount of vertical compressive force applied by the seat belt to the child seat.

[0018] In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the sensor portion further includes one or more of a mechanical, electrical, electromechanical, pneumatic, or hydraulic button that can be at least partially depressed by the seat belt, and / or one or more of a load cell and a strain sensor.

[0019] In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the indicator further comprises one or more of a visual indicator, a tactile indicator, or an audio indicator. When the amount of compressive force applied by the seat belt to the child seat is less than a yield threshold, each of the visual indicator, the tactile indicator, and the audio indicator selectively provides a first indication to the operator. When the amount of a second compressive force applied by the seat belt to the child seat is equal to or greater than the yield threshold, each of the visual indicator, the tactile indicator, and the audio indicator selectively provides a second indication to the operator.

[0020] In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the indicator includes one or more of a mechanical, digital, electronic, electromechanical, pneumatic, or hydraulic indicator that produces one or more of a visual notification, a tactile notification, or an audio notification.

[0021] In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the predetermined yield threshold further includes a predetermined amount of force in a direction perpendicular to a surface of the child seat that has been determined to be sufficient to properly secure the child seat to the vehicle seat.

[0022] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the system also includes a control module having a processor, a memory, and one or more input / output (I / O) ports, the I / O ports communicating with the measuring device, and communicating with one or more of a human-machine interface (HMI) and an operator handheld device in the vehicle, a memory storing program control logic, and a processor executing the program control logic. The program control logic includes a first controller for measuring the amount of force applied to the child seat by the seat belt using the measuring device. The program control logic includes a second control logic that receives the measured amount of force via the I / O port 48 within the control module. The program control logic also includes a third control logic that compares the measured amount of force with a yield threshold, and a fourth control logic that transmits the comparison result of the measured force "F" relative to the yield threshold to one or more of the HMI and the operator handheld device via the I / O port. The program control logic also includes a fifth control logic that displays the comparison result on one or more of the HMI and the operator handheld device.

[0023] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a system for checking the installation of a child seat on a vehicle seat includes a vehicle seat, a child seat disposed on the vehicle seat, a vehicle safety belt extending from the vehicle seat, and at least one device for partially capturing and securing the child seat to the vehicle seat, and a measuring device disposed on the child seat or formed as a part of the child seat. The measuring device includes a guide portion disposed at one or more locations along the path of the vehicle safety belt passing through the child seat. The guide portion also includes one or more of a channel, a bracket, a groove, a recess, a complete or partially discontinuous ring, a sleeve, or a set of arms, which are shaped and sized to at least partially capture and movably retain the safety belt within the guide portion, or include one or more articulated arms, or latches, which are shaped and sized to at least partially capture and movably retain the safety belt within the guide portion. A sensor portion disposed within the guide portion measures the amount of vertical compressive force applied by the safety belt to the child seat. The sensor portion also includes one or more of a mechanical, electromechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, or electrical sensor, a button, a strain gauge, or a force sensor capable of measuring the amount of vertical compressive force applied by the safety belt to the child seat. The system also includes an indicator in communication with the sensor portion. The indicator is one or more of a visual indicator, a tactile indicator, or an audio indicator. The visual indicator, the tactile indicator, or the audio indicator selectively provides a first indication to an operator when the amount of compressive force applied by the seat belt to the child seat is less than a predetermined yield threshold. The visual indicator, the tactile indicator, or the audio indicator also selectively provides a second indication to the operator when the amount of a second compressive force applied by the seat belt to the child seat is equal to or greater than the yield threshold. The indicator generates one or more of a visual notification, a tactile notification, or an audio notification that informs the operator of the amount of vertical compressive force applied by the seat belt to the child seat relative to the predetermined yield threshold. The predetermined yield threshold is a predetermined amount of force in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the child seat that has been determined to be sufficient to properly secure the child seat to the vehicle seat.

[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 the present disclosure are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way.

[0026] Figure 1 is a side perspective view of a child seat installed on a vehicle seat having a vehicle seat belt checking device according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0027] Figure 2 According to an exemplary embodiment Figure 1A detailed side perspective view of a vehicle seat belt inspection device; and

[0028] Figure 3 is a side perspective view of a child seat mounted on a vehicle seat having a vehicle seat belt check device according to an exemplary embodiment, and illustrates two different compression states of a sensor portion of the vehicle seat belt check device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses.

[0030] refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 , a measuring device 10 for checking 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 force of a seat belt 16 that secures 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 forward-facing car seat, a convertible seat, an integrated seat, a booster seat, etc. without departing from the scope or intent of the present disclosure. In addition, although the vehicle seat 14 shown is generally formed as a long seat, other configurations of the seat are also intended to fall within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the vehicle seat 14 can also be a long seat, a bucket seat, a captain's chair, a sports seat, a canopy seat, etc. without departing from the scope or intent of the present disclosure.

[0031] As is generally understood, the safety belt 16 is operable to secure a vehicle occupant to the vehicle seat 14, and may 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 proximate the junction 20 of a backrest 22 and a cushion 24 of the vehicle seat 14. The lap belt 18 extends transversely through the vehicle seat 14 to a belt tongue (not specifically shown), and the tongue is secured by a belt buckle or anchor (not specifically shown) that is secured to the cushion 24 or to a vehicle structure proximate the cushion 24. When the lap belt 18 is secured by the belt buckle, a tension reel, retractor, or other such 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 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, it is possible to have additional belts connected to or extending from the safety belt buckle. In some specific examples, the additional belts may include one or more shoulder straps, shoulder safety belts, or other such multi-point belts without departing from the scope or intent of the present disclosure.

[0032] 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 the shoulder belt 19 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 3 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 (not specifically shown) of the child seat 12 through which the lap belt 18 extends and is ultimately secured by attachment to a seat belt buckle or anchor.

[0033] To fully and properly secure the child seat 12 to the vehicle seat 14, the installer (manually or otherwise) passes the safety belt 16 through the aperture 26 of the child seat 12 and secures the tongue of the safety belt 16 to the safety belt buckle or anchor. The installer then applies tension to the safety belt 16 and locks the safety belt 16 around the child seat. In several aspects, the amount of tension in the safety belt 16, when applied by the installer, is significantly higher than the predetermined amount of tension in the lap belt 18 when the ratchet reel is operating alone. As more and more tension is applied to the safety belt 16, the child seat 12 is held tighter and tighter against the vehicle seat 14 because the tension of the safety belt 16 is applied to the junction 20 of the backrest 22 and the cushion 24 of the vehicle seat 14. In several aspects, the force "F" is perpendicular to the surface of the child seat 12 over which the safety belt 16 passes. 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 is less protective for a child that may be secured in the child seat 12 .

[0034] The measuring device 10, more specifically, Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the measuring device 10 is used to ensure that the safety belt 16 applies the appropriate force to the child seat 12 when the child seat 12 is secured to the vehicle seat 14. The measuring device 10 can be located in any of a variety of locations on the child seat 12, and can be directly incorporated into the structure of the child seat 12, manufactured as a part of the child seat 12, or attached to the child seat 12 or otherwise mounted to the child seat 12. However, it should be understood that the measuring device 10 is located at a location on the child seat 12 along the path of the safety belt 16, and is at a location that allows the measuring device 10 to accurately assess the amount of vertical force "F" applied by the safety belt 16 to the child seat 12. In some aspects, the measuring device 10 is used as a safety belt 16 routing guide or a portion thereof.

[0035] The measuring device 10 includes a belt guide 30 and a sensor portion 32. The belt guide 30 may take any of a variety of different forms, including, but not limited to, a channel, a bracket, a groove, a recess, a fully or partially interrupted loop, a sleeve, one or more arms shaped and sized to capture and removably retain the safety belt 16 therein, etc. without departing from the scope or intent of the present disclosure. The belt guide 30 is sized and shaped to receive the safety belt 16 and at least partially retain the safety belt 16 within the belt guide 30. In some aspects, the belt guide 30 may be substantially passive, i.e., a channel, etc., or may include features activated by an installer or operator to capture and retain the safety belt 16 within the belt guide 30. For example, the belt guide 30 may include one or more articulated arms, latches, etc., shaped and sized to allow an installer or operator to capture and removably retain the safety belt 16 therein.

[0036] As the seat belt 16 is tensioned or tightened "T" by the operator, when the seat belt 16 is properly positioned within the belt guide 30, the sensor portion 32 contacts the seat belt 16 and detects the vertical force "F" applied by the seat belt 16 to the child seat 12. The sensor portion 32 can be any of a variety of mechanical, electromechanical, hydraulic and / or pneumatic devices capable of detecting the force "F", which is a compressive force pressing the child seat 12 against the vehicle seat 14. In some examples, the sensor portion 32 can be a mechanical, electrical, electromechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic or other type of button 34, a mechanical spring or other similar depressible component. In other examples, the sensor portion 32 can be a component without moving parts, such as a load cell, strain gauge, etc. In other examples, the sensor portion 32 includes a predetermined yield threshold, so that when the seat belt 16 applies a predetermined amount of measured vertical force or compressive force "F" to the sensor portion 32, the yield threshold is reached. When the yield threshold is reached, the sensor portion 32 provides notification to the operator that the child seat 12 is properly secured to the vehicle seat 14 via the seat belt 16. In several aspects, the term "properly secured" is intended to mean that the amount of movement of the child seat 12 relative to the vehicle seat 14 is less than a predetermined amount of movement when the yield threshold is reached. In some examples, the predetermined amount of movement is less than 1 inch of longitudinal or lateral movement of the child seat 12 relative to the vehicle seat 14.

[0037] In several aspects, the measuring device 10 also includes an indicator 36. The indicator 36 informs the operator of the amount of vertical force or compressive force "F" applied by the seat belt 16 to the sensor portion 32 relative to the yield threshold. In some aspects, the indicator 36 is used as a pass / fail indicator to inform the operator of the amount of vertical force or compressive force "F" applied by the seat belt 16 to the child seat 12. The indicator 36 can be any of a variety of different types of indicators 36, including but not limited to a visual indicator 36, a tactile indicator 36, or an audio indicator 36, or a combination thereof. Thus, the visual indicator 36 can be a light such as a light emitting diode (LED), an incandescent bulb, etc., or can be a purely mechanical visual indicator 36, such as a mechanically moving color wheel having at least two colors, one or more flip cards, etc.

[0038] In some examples, one or more indicators 36 may be mechanical, digital, electronic, pneumatic, hydraulic indicators, or combinations thereof. In further examples, the indicators 36 may continuously and / or periodically send a wired or wireless signal containing information about the amount of vertical force or compressive force "F" applied to the sensor portion 32 by the seat belt 16 to an operator's handheld device 38, an onboard human machine interface (HMI) 40, etc. In examples where wireless communication occurs, the measurement device 10 communicates with a control module 42, and the control module 42 executes control logic such that a notification is sent to one or more of the HMI 40 or the operator's handheld device 38 to display to the operator whether the child seat 12 has been properly secured.

[0039] The control module 42 is a non-general purpose electronic controller having a pre-programmed digital computer or processor 44, a non-transitory computer readable medium or memory 46 for storing data such as control logic, software applications, instructions, computer code, data, look-up tables, etc., and an input / output (I / O) port 48. Computer readable media include any type of media that can be accessed by a computer, such as read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), hard drive, compact disk (CD), digital video disk (DVD), or any other type of memory. "Non-transitory" computer readable media or memory 46 excludes wired, wireless, optical or other communication links that transmit transient electrical signals or other signals. Non-transitory computer readable media or memory 46 includes media that can store data permanently and media that can store data and then rewrite, such as rewritable optical disks or erasable storage devices. Computer code includes any type of program code, including source code, object code, and executable code. The processor 44 is configured to execute code or instructions. The control module 42 can be a dedicated Wi-Fi controller, an infotainment control module, etc. The I / O port 48 is configured to communicate in a wired or wireless manner using the Wi-Fi protocol under IEEE 802.11x.

[0040] The control module 42 also includes one or more applications 50. The application 50 is a software program configured to perform a specific function or set of functions. The application 50 may include one or more computer programs, software components, instruction sets, processes, functions, objects, classes, instances, related data, or a portion thereof suitable for implementation in a suitable computer-readable program code. The application 50 may be stored in the memory 46 or in an additional or separate memory 46. Examples of the application 50 include audio or video streaming services, games, browsers, social media, and applications 50 for notifying a vehicle operator or a child seat 12 installer of the secure or unsecured status of the child seat 12.

[0041] In some examples, the application 50 for determining the secured or unsecured state of the child seat 12 includes at least a first control logic for measuring the amount of force applied by the seat belt 16 to the child seat 12 using the measuring device 10. A second control logic receives the measured amount of force via the I / O port 48 within the control module 42, and a third control logic compares the measured amount of force to a yield threshold. A fourth control logic transmits the comparison result of the measured force "F" relative to the yield threshold to the HMI 40 and / or the operator handheld device 38 via the I / O port 48. Then, a fifth control logic displays the comparison result on the HMI 40 and / or the operator handheld device 38. The control logic may be executed periodically, continuously, or only upon operator request without departing from the scope or intent of the present disclosure.

[0042] In an additional example, the indicator 36 may be integrated into the child seat 12. The indicator 36 may provide the operator with vertical force "F" measurement information via a color-coded display, such as a red indicator 36 reading to show that the amount of vertical force "F" applied is below the yield threshold, or a green indicator 36 reading to show that the amount of vertical force "F" is at or above the yield threshold, etc. An audio indication, such as a click, beep, or other such positive indicator 36 audio indication may be used to indicate that the amount of vertical force "F" is at or above the yield threshold, while a negative audio indication, such as a buzzer, etc. may be used to indicate that the amount of vertical force "F" is below the yield threshold. In an electromechanical variation, the sensor portion 32 may include a mechanical button 34 that contacts an electrical trigger when sufficient compressive vertical force "F" is applied, causing the indicator 36 to notify the operator of the amount of vertical force "F" that has been applied.

[0043] It should be understood that while the measuring device 10 has been described above as being used in conjunction with the vehicle seat 14 and the child seat 12, the measuring device 10 may be used in other areas, such as within the cargo hold of a vehicle, to monitor, measure, and indicate the amount of force applied to cargo strapped to the cargo hold by straps or belts to hold the cargo hold within the cargo hold. Further, it should be understood that the measuring device 10 is described in the present disclosure as having a sensor portion 32 that measures a vertical force "F" relative to a yield threshold, wherein the yield threshold effectively defines a minimum allowable amount of the vertical force "F", and the sensor portion 32 may also measure a maximum allowable amount of the vertical force "F". In some examples, the sensor portion 32 may measure both the minimum allowable amount and the maximum allowable amount of the vertical force "F". In some examples, the maximum allowable amount of vertical force "F" defines an amount of vertical force "F" at or above which the child seat 12 or the cargo may be negatively impacted in some manner, such as structural deformation, impact on cargo integrity, comfort of the child seat 12 occupant, or shifting of the child seat 12 relative to the position of the vehicle seat 14, which may reduce the effectiveness of the child seat 12 in protecting the child seat 12 occupant.

[0044] The disclosed measuring device 10 for checking the installation of a child seat 12 on a vehicle seat 14 provides several advantages. These advantages include the ability to quickly, easily, efficiently and correctly install a child seat 12 or a child seat 12 base portion (in a child seat 12 variant having a detachable base portion) to a vehicle seat 14 and measure the compressive force "F" applied to the child seat 12 or its base portion by the seat belt 16. Further advantages include a reduction in the number of false positive indications that may occur if the seat belt 16 tension is used to determine whether the child seat 12 has been properly installed on the vehicle seat 14. In addition, because the measuring device 10 can be integrated into the child seat 12 or added as an accessory component, the operator can ensure the correct child seat 12 installation, especially in situations where the child seat 12 is temporarily installed in a rideshare, taxi, public transportation, etc. In addition, because the measuring device 10 can be directly integrated into or added as an accessory, the complexity of the child seat 12 can be reduced.

[0045] 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. These variations should not be regarded as departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A measuring device for checking the installation of a child seat on a child seat, the device comprising: a guide portion, the guide portion passing through the child seat and arranged along a vehicle seat belt path; a sensor portion, the sensor portion being disposed in the guide portion and configured to measure an amount of vertical compression force applied by the safety belt to the child seat; as well as an indicator in communication with the sensor portion, wherein the indicator informs an operator of an amount of vertical compressive force applied by the seat belt to the child seat relative to a predetermined yield threshold.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the guide portion further comprises: One or more of a channel, bracket, slot, recess, fully or partially interrupted loop, sleeve, or set of arms shaped and dimensioned to at least partially capture the seat belt and movably retain the seat belt within the guide.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein the guide portion further comprises: One or more articulated arms or latches are shaped and dimensioned to at least partially capture the seat belt and movably retain the seat belt within the guide.

4. The device according to claim 1, wherein the sensor unit further comprises: One or more of a mechanical, electromechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic or electrical sensor for measuring the amount of vertical compressive force applied to the child seat by the seat belt.

5. The device according to claim 4, wherein the sensor unit further comprises: One or more mechanical, electrical, electromechanical, pneumatic or hydraulic buttons at least partially depressed by the seat belt.

6. The device according to claim 4, wherein the sensor unit further comprises: One or more of a load cell and a strain gauge.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein the indicator further comprises: one or more of a visual indicator, a tactile indicator, or an audio indicator, wherein each of the visual indicator, the tactile indicator, and the audio indicator selectively provides a first indication to an operator when the amount of compressive force applied by the seat belt to the child seat is below the yield threshold; and Each of the visual indicator, the tactile indicator, and the audio indicator selectively provides a second indication to the operator when an amount of a second compressive force applied by the seat belt to the child seat is equal to or greater than the yield threshold.

8. The device according to claim 7, wherein the indicator further comprises: One or more mechanical, digital, electronic, electromechanical, pneumatic or hydraulic indicators for producing one or more of a visual notification, a tactile notification or an audible notification.

9. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the predetermined yield threshold further comprises: A predetermined amount of force in a direction perpendicular to a surface of the child seat, the predetermined amount of force having been determined to be sufficient to properly secure the child seat to the vehicle seat.

10. The device according to claim 7, wherein: The measuring device is provided on the child seat or forms part of the child seat at one or more locations along the belt path.

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