Installation verification device for child seats and method for installation verification for child seats

Abstract

Installation checking device (10) for child seats (12), the device comprising: a fastening part (50), the fastening part (50) engaging and contacting a part of a child seat (12); an anchoring part (60), the anchoring part (60) being movable relative to and separate from the fastening part (50), the anchoring part (60) engaging and contacting a part of a vehicle seat (14); a shaft (54) extending from the fastening part (50) to a part of the anchoring part (60) and through it; a tension applicator mechanism (58) formed in the anchoring part (60), the shaft (54) extending through the tension applicator mechanism (58) and being movably supported therein; a handle (56) arranged at one end of the shaft (54) opposite the fastening part (50); and a displacement indicator (64) arranged on the anchoring part (60), the displacement indicator (64) indicating an extent of movement of the shaft (54) relative to the anchoring part (60), and wherein the handle (56) is designed to be gripped by human hands or a machine, and wherein an axial tension applied to the shaft (54) when the handle (56) is pulled away from the anchoring part (60) so that the fastening part (50) is pulled towards the anchoring part (60) causes the displacement indicator (64) to indicate a displacement of the shaft (54).

Description

INITIATIONThe present invention relates to child car seats and the manner in which such car seats are secured in a vehicle. More specifically, this invention provides an apparatus and method for measuring the installation strength of child seats, by which a child car seat is supported on a vehicle seat, thereby ensuring that the child seat is securely mounted in the vehicle.For background information, reference is made in advance quite generally to the publications US 2005 / 0 280 297 A1, DE 20 2012 007 313 U1, DE 10 2021 111 524 A1.Child car seats are legally prescribed in many countries because they have been shown to substantially increase the safety of children being transported in vehicles. A child car seat is typically manufactured to include strap receiving slots or other similar elements for receiving a standard vehicle seatbelt, thereby permitting use of the seatbelt to secure the child car seat placed on a vehicle seat. Nevertheless, many children still damage if the seatbelt with which the child car seat is placed has not been properly secured around the child car seat or if the seatbelt has been inadvertently loosened or left open.Thus, while current child car seats and their securing mechanisms will fulfil their intended purpose when properly secured, there is a need for a new and improved child car seat installation checking apparatus and method that ensures that the child car seat is properly and securely fastened to the vehicle seat with the seatbelt without hindering child car seat installation mechanisms and procedures and that simultaneously reduces the complexity and clarity of installing child car seats and reduces the potential for the child car seat to be inadvertently unlocked or improperly secured in the vehicle.The invention is based on the object of meeting this requirement.SUMMARYThis object is achieved with an installation checking device having the features of claim 1 and with a method having the features of claim 10.According to several aspects, a child seat installation checking device includes a mounting part and an anchoring part. The attachment portion engages and contacts a portion of a child seat. The anchoring part is movable relative to the fastening part and separated therefrom. The anchoring part engages with a part of a vehicle seat and is in contact therewith. A shaft extends from the attachment portion to and through a portion of the anchoring portion. A tension applicator mechanism is formed in the anchoring part. The shaft extends through the tension applicator mechanism and is movably supported therein. At an end of the shaft opposite to the attachment part, a handle is provided. A displacement indicator indicates an amount of movement of the shaft relative to the anchor member. The handle is configured to be gripped by human hands or a machine, and the axial tension applied to the shaft when the handle is pulled away from the anchor portion so that the attachment portion is pulled toward the anchor portion causes the displacement indicator to indicate displacement of the shaft.In another aspect of the present invention, the attachment part is designed as a child seat attachment which engages in a structural component of the child seat and is rigidly braced with the latter.In another aspect of the present invention, the attachment portion is formed as one or more of an L-shaped bracket, hook, tee, pawl, or threaded piece.In yet another aspect of the present invention, the anchor portion extends from a vehicle contact portion to the tension applicator mechanism. The vehicle contact part is rigidly braced with a structural part of the vehicle seat or with a structural component of a vehicle in which the vehicle seat is arranged.In yet another aspect of the present invention, both the anchor portion, the shaft, and the attachment portion are formed from substantially rigid materials.In another aspect of the present invention, the tension applicator mechanism further comprises one or more of: a pawl, a pawl, a spring, a plurality of detents and a locking element or threaded receptacle for the shaft; and the tension applicator is capable of applying or maintaining axial tension along the shaft.In another aspect of the present invention, the handle further comprises one or more of a knob, a T-handle, or a rotatable wheel fixed to the shaft, and the handle can be gripped by human hands or a machine. The knob is actuated by one or more of pulling, pushing, or rotating to apply axial tension to the shaft by pulling the shaft toward and through the tension applicator mechanism.In another aspect of the present invention, the displacement indicator further comprises one or more of optical and acoustic indicators. The optical indicator includes at least one of a measurement device, a ruler, a light source, and a color trace, and the acoustic indicator includes at least one of clicking and a signal tone. The displacement indicator represents axial displacement of the shaft relative to the tension applicator mechanism.In yet another aspect of the present invention, the stress applicator mechanism further comprises a yield strength. The yield strength is a predetermined amount of stress that can be applied to the shaft and the child seat before the device measures the displacement of the child seat via the displacement indicator. The tension applicator mechanism also includes an end yield point. The end yield point defines a maximum allowable test force that can be applied by the child seat installation testing device before the child seat installation testing device causes the child seat to translate, twist, lift, or move out of contact with the vehicle seat by applying tension to the shaft through the handle and the tension applicator mechanism.In another aspect of the present invention, a child seat installation inspection system including a child seat installation inspection device includes a vehicle seat, a child seat disposed on the vehicle seat, a vehicle seatbelt extending from the vehicle seat and at least partially engaging and securing the child seat to the vehicle seat, and a child seat installation inspection device. The installation checking device for child seats further includes a fixing part and an anchoring part. The attachment portion engages and contacts a portion of the child seat. The anchoring part is movable relative to the fastening part and separated therefrom. The anchoring part engages with a part of the vehicle seat and is in contact therewith. A shaft extends from the attachment portion to and through a portion of the anchoring portion. A tension applicator mechanism is formed in the anchoring part. The shaft extends through the tension applicator mechanism and is movably supported therein. At an end of the shaft opposite to the attachment part, a handle is provided. A displacement indicator disposed on the anchor member or on the tension applicator mechanism indicates an amount of movement of the shaft relative to the anchor member. The handle is configured to be gripped by human hands or a machine, and the axial tension applied to the shaft when the handle is pulled away from the anchor portion so that the attachment portion is pulled toward the anchor portion causes the displacement indicator to indicate displacement of the shaft.In yet another aspect of the present invention, the attachment portion is configured as a child seat attachment that engages and is rigidly secured to a structural component of the child seat.In another aspect of the present invention, the attachment portion is formed as one or more of an L-shaped bracket, hook, tee, pawl, or threaded piece.In yet another aspect of the present invention, the anchor portion extends from a vehicle contact portion to the tension applicator mechanism. The vehicle contact part is rigidly braced with a structural part of the vehicle seat or with a structural component of a vehicle in which the vehicle seat is arranged.In yet another aspect of the present invention, both the anchor portion, the shaft, and the attachment portion are formed from substantially rigid materials.In another aspect of the present invention, the tension applicator mechanism further comprises one or more of: a pawl, a pawl, a spring, a plurality of detents and a locking element or threaded receptacle for the shaft; and the tension applicator is capable of applying or maintaining axial tension along the shaft.In another aspect of the present invention, the handle further comprises one or more of a knob, a T-handle, or a rotatable wheel fixed to the shaft, and the handle can be gripped by human hands or a machine. The knob is actuated by one or more of pulling, pushing, or rotating to apply axial tension to the shaft by pulling the shaft toward and through the tension applicator mechanism.In another aspect of the present invention, the displacement indicator further comprises one or more of optical and acoustic indicators. The optical indicator includes at least one of a measurement device, a ruler, a light source, and a color trace, and the acoustic indicator includes at least one of clicking and a signal tone. The displacement indicator represents axial displacement of the shaft relative to the tension applicator mechanism.In yet another aspect of the present invention, the stress applicator mechanism further comprises a yield strength. The yield strength is a predetermined amount of stress that can be applied to the shaft and the child seat before the device measures the displacement of the child seat via the displacement indicator.In yet another aspect of the present invention, the tension applicator mechanism further comprises an end yield point. The end yield point defines a maximum allowable test force that can be applied by the child seat installation testing device before the child seat installation testing device causes the child seat to translate, twist, lift, or move out of contact with the vehicle seat by applying tension to the shaft through the handle and the tension applicator mechanism.In yet another aspect of the present invention, a method for installation checking for child seats with a child seat checking device includes installing a child seat on a vehicle seat with a vehicle seatbelt. The method further includes temporarily installing the child seat installation checking device including: placing a fixing part of the child seat installation checking device in contact with a part of a child seat; and placing an anchoring part in contact with a part of a vehicle seat. The anchoring part is movable relative to the fastening part and separated therefrom. The method further 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 anchoring portion. The handle is arranged at the end of the shaft opposite the anchoring part. The tension is applied by a tension applicator mechanism formed in the anchoring member. The shaft extends through the tension applicator mechanism and is movably supported therein. The method further comprises measuring an amount of movement of the shaft relative to the anchor member with a displacement indicator disposed on the anchor member such that an axial tension applied to the shaft as the handle moves away from the anchor member causes the displacement indicator to indicate displacement of the shaft relative to the tension applicator mechanism. The method further includes selectively adjusting the child seat assembly based on a measured amount of movement of the shaft relative to the anchor member such that an amount of force applied to the child seat by the seatbelt is changed.Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. It is to be understood that the specification and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSThe drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only. FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of a child seat installation on a vehicle seat in which the child seat installation can be checked by the child seat installation checking device according to an exemplary embodiment; FIG. 2 is a partial side perspective view of a child seat installation checking device placed on a part of a child seat installed on a vehicle seat according to an exemplary embodiment; FIG. 3 is a partial side perspective view of a second embodiment of a child seat installation checking device placed on a part of a child seat installed on a vehicle seat according to an exemplary embodiment; and FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method of checking correct installation of a child seat on a vehicle seat using a child seat installation checking apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment.DETAILED DESCRIPTIONThe following description is merely exemplary.Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, there is shown a child seat installation checking device or a measurement device 10 for checking installation of a child seat 12 on a vehicle seat 14. In several aspects, the measurement device 10 serves to detect tension of a seatbelt 16 that secures the child seat 12 to the vehicle seat 14.The child seat 12 may be a wide variety of different types of child seats 12. In some examples, the child seat 12 may be a rear-facing car seat, a front-facing car seat, a convertible seat, an all-in-one seat, an booster seat, or the like. While the vehicle seat 14 shown is generally configured as a bench seat, other seat configurations are also contemplated. The vehicle seat 14 may also be, for example, a shell seat, a captain seat, a sport seat, an emergency seat, or the like.As is generally known, the seatbelt 16 serves 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 seatbelt 16 includes at least one lap belt 18 extending from a point proximate a junction 20 between the seatback 22 and the seat bottom 24 of the vehicle seat 14. The lap belt 18 extends laterally across the vehicle seat 14 to a seatbelt tongue (not specifically shown), and the tongue is secured by a seatbelt buckle or anchor (not specifically shown) secured to the seat bottom 24 or to the structure of the vehicle proximate the seat bottom 24. A tension pulley, belt tensioner, or other similar spring-loaded or ratcheted pulley automatically provides a predefined amount of tension to the lap belt 18 when the lap belt 18 is secured by the belt buckle. Between the tension pulley and the buckle is a lateral distance approximately equal to the hip width of an average adult. It should be appreciated that while the seatbelt 16 has been generally described as comprising a lap belt 18, additional belts may be connected to or extend from the buckle. In some specific examples, the additional straps may include one or more shoulder straps, a shoulder restraint, or other such multi-point straps or straps.In some cases, the child seat 12 is secured to the vehicle seat at least with the lap belt 18. However, the child seat 12 may have additional attachment points through which the shoulder belt or other straps of the seatbelt 16 may pass, thereby securing the child seat 12 to the vehicle seat 14. The seatbelt 16 passes through an opening 26 formed through a structural component of the child seat 12. In the specific but non-limiting example of FIG. 1, the lap belt 18 of the seatbelt 16 extends through the opening 26 formed in a structural sidewall 28 of the child seat 12. It should be noted that, while only one side of the child seat 12 is shown in FIG. 1, a corresponding opening 26 is formed in the opposing side wall 28' of the child seat 12 through which the lap belt 18 extends and is finally secured by attachment to the seat buckle or anchor.To secure the child seat 12 fully and properly to the vehicle seat 14, an installation aid, whether human or not, threads the seatbelt 16 through the apertures 26 of the child seat 12 and secures the tongue of the seatbelt 16 to the buckle or anchor. The installation aid then applies tension to the seatbelt 16 and closes the seatbelt 16 around the child seat. In some cases, the amount of tension of the seatbelt 16 when applied by the mounting assist is substantially greater than the predefined tension of the lap belt 18 when the ratchet reel is self-operating. As the tension of the seatbelt 16 increases, the child seat 12 is increasingly pressed more firmly against the vehicle seat 14, since the tension exerts a force "F" on the connection point 20 of the backrest 22 and the seat surface 24 of the vehicle seat 14. However, if too high a force "F" is applied, the openings 26 of the child seat 12 may be mechanically fatigued, or the child seat 12 may be positioned to less protect children secured within the child seat 12.The measurement device 10, more specifically shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, is used to ensure that an adequate amount of force has been applied to the seatbelt 16 when securing the child seat 12 to the vehicle seat 14. The measurement device 10 includes a mounting portion 50 that contacts and is rigidly secured to a structural component, such as the structural side wall 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 tee, a portion of a pawl, a threaded portion, or the like. The attachment portion 50 extends onto or is fixedly mounted to a shaft 54. The shaft 54 extends from the mounting portion 50 to a handle 56 and passes through a tension applicator mechanism 58 disposed in an anchoring portion 60 of the measurement device 10. The depicted shaft 54 is cylindrical, but other types of shafts are also conceivable. In several aspects, the tension application mechanism 58 is a ratchet, spring, threaded receptacle for a threaded configuration of the shaft 54, or other such device capable of applying or maintaining tension applied via the handle 56 along the shaft 54 of the measurement device 10.The anchor portion 60 of the sensing device 10 extends from a contact portion 62 of the vehicle seat to the tension applicator mechanism 58. While the anchor portion 60 is shown as being in a generally rectilinear, hammer-like shape, it should be understood that other shapes may be used. In several aspects, the attachment portion 50 and the anchor portion 60 are shaped to be rigidly braced with the surfaces of the child seat 12 and the vehicle or vehicle seat 14, respectively. Accordingly, the attachment portion 50 and the anchor portion 60 may include adapters that may be attached to conform to particular geometries of one or both of the child seat 12 and the vehicle or vehicle seat 14.The anchoring part 60 is brought into contact with a part of the vehicle seat 14 and braced with the latter. The attachment portion 50, the shaft 54, and the anchoring portion 60 are each formed from substantially rigid, non-flexible, and non-deformable materials. The tension application mechanism 58 and / or the shaft 54 and / or the anchoring part 60 is equipped with a displacement indicator 64. The shaft 54 may be energized by pulling on the handle 56 and pulling the shaft 54 through the tension application mechanism 58 and toward the handle 56. When tension is applied to shaft 54, displacement indicator 64 indicates the amount of linear displacement of shaft 54. The displacement indicator 64 may take any of a variety of forms. In several examples, the displacement indicator 64 is an optical and / or acoustic indicator that indicates the measured displacement of the shaft 54 by a mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, electrical, and / or electro-mechanical route, such as via a strain gauge, an acoustic signal such as a click, a gong, or the like, or an optical signal, such as movement of a visible measurement ruler, illumination of a light source such as a light emitting diode (LED), a visible color trace that indicates a distance traveled, or the like. In several aspects, the displacement indicator 64 is formed on or in a portion of the tension application mechanism 58 and / or on or in a portion of the anchor mechanism 60. The displacement indicator 64 may be formed on a visible outer surface of the tension application mechanism 58 and / or the anchor mechanism 60 or disposed in an inner portion of the tension application mechanism 58 and / or the anchor mechanism 60.In the example of FIG. 2, the attachment portion 50 is braced on the child seat 12 and the anchoring portion 60 is braced at a fixed location in the vehicle, e.g., on the vehicle seat 14 in the vicinity of the extension of the seat belt 16 beyond the vehicle seat 14. The operator of the measurement device 10 may then apply tension to the shaft 54 by actuating the handle 56. In several aspects, the handle 56 may be a knob, a T-handle, a rotatable wheel fixed to the shaft 54, or the like. The handle may be gripped by human hands or a machine and may be pulled, pushed, rotated, or the like so that axial tension is applied to the shaft 54 by pulling the shaft 54 toward and through the tension applicator mechanism 58. In the example of Fig. 3, tension is applied to the shaft 54 by turning the handle 56, thereby pulling the threaded shaft 54' into and through a threaded inner portion of the tension applicator mechanism 58. In several aspects, the tension applicator mechanism 58 may include a ratchet mechanism, a pawl, a spring, a plurality of detents, and a ratchet, or the like. The tension applicator mechanism 58 ensures that the tension applied to the shaft 54, 54' does not slacken when the handle 56 is released.The stress applicator mechanism 58 includes a yield point that ensures that the force applied to the child seat 12 via the measurement device 10 does not exceed a predetermined limit value. However, even after the yield strength or force yield point is reached, the shaft 54 can be pulled further into the stress application mechanism 58 at a constant stress or force, so that the displacement indicator 64 indicates how far the child seat 12 is moved relative to the vehicle seat 14 at or near the yield strength or force yield point. In several aspects, for example, the yield strength or force yield strength allows the shaft 54 to continue to be pulled, pushed, or screwed within the stress applicator mechanism 58, but the stress applicator mechanism 58 ceases to cause the shaft 54 to exert additional stress or force on the child seat 12.In further aspects, the measurement device 10 includes a final yield strength preset to a maximum allowable test force. The maximum allowable testing force is an amount of force or tension that can be applied by the measurement device 10 before the child seat 12 begins to translate, twist, lift, or otherwise move out of contact with the vehicle seat 14 such that the child seat 12 is no longer properly positioned on the vehicle seat 14. When the maximum permissible test force is reached, the total displacement of the child seat 12 relative to the vehicle seat 14 can be read off at the displacement indicator 64. If, after the maximum permissible test force has been reached, the displacement of the child seat 12 relative to the vehicle seat 14 is below a first threshold value, it is determined that the child seat 12 is seated firmly and is secured correctly to the vehicle seat 14. However, when the maximum allowable testing force has been 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, it is determined that the child seat 12 is not properly secured to the vehicle seat 14, and the displacement indicator 64 indicates to the operator of the measurement device 10 that additional tightening of the seatbelt 16 is required to properly secure the child seat 12 to the vehicle seat 14.Referring now to FIG. 4 and with continued reference to FIGS. 1-3, a child seat installation checking method 200 including the child seat installation checking device or the measurement device 10 is shown. The method 200 begins in block 202. In block 204, a child seat 12 is installed on a vehicle seat 14 and secured with a seatbelt 16. In block 206, the measurement device 10 is temporarily assembled to the child seat 12 and the vehicle seat 14. More specifically, in block 208, the attachment portion 50 is placed in contact with and clamped to a structural component, such as the structural sidewall 28 of the child seat 12. In block 210, the anchor portion 60 is installed such that the contact portion 62 of the vehicle seat is placed in contact with and braced against a structural component of the vehicle seat 14 or the structure of the vehicle itself. In block 212, an operator or user of the measurement device 10 applies a tension "T" to the shaft 54 via the handle 56. In several aspects, the tension "T" is applied by the tension applicator mechanism 58 formed in the anchor portion 60. At block 214, a displacement indicator 64 is used to measure an amount of movement of the shaft 54 relative to the anchor 60. In particular, an axial tension "T" is applied to the shaft 54 as the handle 56 is moved away from the anchor member 60, causing the displacement indicator 64 to indicate displacement of the shaft 54 relative to the tension applicator mechanism 58. In block 216, an operator or user of the measurement device 10 determines whether the child seat 12 has been properly installed based on the measurements of the displacement indicator 64. 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 of the seatbelt 16 to ensure that the child seat 12 is properly secured to the vehicle seat 14. In some examples, adjusting the tension may require to increase the amount of tension of the seatbelt 16 to better apply the compressive force "F" to the child seat 12, while in other examples, adjusting the tension may require to decrease the amount of tension of the seatbelt 16 to properly align and position the child seat 12 on the vehicle seat 14. After the tension of the seatbelt 16 has been adjusted, the method 200 returns to block 212 to re-tension the measurement device 10. However, if the displacement indicator 64 indicates that the child seat 12 is properly installed and the seatbelt 16 is thus properly tensioned, the measurement 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 respective child seat 12.A child seat installation checking apparatus according to the present invention provides several advantages. Among other things, it may be ensured that the child car seat is properly and securely attached to the vehicle seat 14 without hindering the mounting mechanism and method for the child seat 12, while simultaneously reducing the complexity and clarity of mounting the child seat 12 and reducing the potential for the child seat 12 to inadvertently remain unsecured or improperly secured within the vehicle.

Claims

An installation inspection device (10) for child seats (12), the device comprising: a mounting part (50), the mounting part (50) engaging and contacting a part of a child seat (12); an anchoring part (60), the anchoring part (60) being movable relative to and separate from the mounting part (50), the anchoring part (60) engaging and contacting a part of a vehicle seat (14); a shaft (54) extending from and through the mounting part (50) to and part of the anchoring part (60); a tension applicator mechanism (58) formed in the anchoring part (60), the shaft (54) extending through and movably supported in the tension applicator mechanism (58); a handle (56) disposed at an end of the shaft (54) opposite the attachment portion (50); and a displacement indicator (64) disposed on the anchoring portion (60), wherein the displacement indicator (64) indicates an amount of movement of the shaft (54) relative to the anchoring portion (60), and wherein the handle (56) is configured to be grasped by human hands or a machine, and wherein an axial tension applied to the shaft (54) when the handle (56) is pulled away from the anchoring portion (60) such that the attachment portion (50) is pulled toward the anchoring portion (60) causes the displacement indicator (64) to indicate displacement of the shaft (54).Installation checking device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the fastening part (50) is designed as a child seat fastening which engages in a structural component of the child seat (12) and is rigidly braced with it.The installation checking device (10) according to claim 2, wherein the fixing part (50) is formed as one or more of an L-shaped bracket, a hook, a T-piece, a pawl, or a threaded piece.The installation inspection device (10) of claim 1, wherein the anchor portion (60) extends from a vehicle contact portion to the tension applicator mechanism (58), the vehicle contact portion being rigidly braced with a structural portion of the vehicle seat (14) or with a structural component of a vehicle in which the vehicle seat (14) is disposed.The installation inspection device (10) of claim 1, wherein the anchor portion (60), the shaft (54), and the attachment portion (50) are each formed from substantially rigid materials.The installation inspection device (10) of claim 1, wherein the tension applicator mechanism (58) further comprises: one or more of: a pawl, a pawl, a spring, a plurality of detents, and a locking element or threaded receptacle for the shaft (54); and the tension applicator (58) is capable of applying or maintaining axial tension along the shaft (54).The installation inspection device (10) of claim 1, wherein the handle (56) further comprises: one or more of a knob, a T-handle, or a rotatable wheel fixed to the shaft (54), and the handle (56) is graspable by human hands or a machine, wherein the knob is operated by one or more of pulling, pushing, or rotating to apply an axial tension to the shaft (54) by pulling the shaft (54) toward and through the tension applicator mechanism (58).The installation inspection device (10) of claim 1, wherein the displacement indicator (64) further comprises: one or more of an optical and acoustic indicator, wherein the optical indicator comprises at least one of: a measurement device, a ruler, a light source, and a color gradient; and wherein the acoustic indicator comprises at least one of: a click and a signal tone; and wherein the displacement indicator (64) represents an axial displacement of the shaft (54) relative to the voltage applicator mechanism (58).The installation inspection device (10) of claim 1, wherein the stress applicator mechanism (58) further comprises: a yield strength, the yield strength being a predetermined amount of stress that can be applied to the shaft (54) and to the child seat (12) before the device measures the displacement of the child seat (12) via the displacement indicator (64); and an end yield strength, the end yield strength defining a maximum allowable inspection force that can be applied by the installation inspection device (10) for child seats (12) before the installation inspection device (10) for child seats (12) causes the child seat (12) to displace, twist, lift, or move out of contact with the vehicle seat (14) by applying stress to the shaft (54) through the handle (56) and the stress applicator mechanism (58).A method of installation checking for child seats (12) with a child seat checking device (10), the method comprising: installing a child seat (12) to a vehicle seat (14) with a vehicle seat belt; temporarily installing the installation checking device for child seats (12), including: placing a mounting portion (50) of the installation checking device for child seats (12) in contact with a portion of a child seat (12); placing an anchoring portion (60) in contact with a portion of a vehicle seat (14), wherein the anchoring portion (60) is movable relative to and separate from the mounting portion (50); applying tension via a handle (56) disposed at an end of a shaft (54) extending from the attachment portion (50) to and through a portion of the anchor portion (60), the handle (56) disposed at the end of the shaft (54) opposite the anchor portion (60), the tension being applied by a tension applying mechanism formed in the anchor portion (60), the shaft (54) extending through and movably supported within the tension applying mechanism; and measuring an amount of movement of the shaft (54) relative to the anchor member (60) with a displacement indicator (64) disposed on the anchor member (60), wherein an axial tension applied to the shaft (54) when the handle (56) is moved away from the anchor member (60) causes the displacement indicator (64) to indicate displacement of the shaft (54) relative to the tension applicator mechanism (58); and selectively adjusting the child seat installation based on a measured amount of movement of the shaft (54) relative to the anchor member (60) such that an amount of movement of the child seat (12) relative to the vehicle seat (14) is varied.

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