Belt fastening check system

Abstract

A belt fastening verification system includes a belt and a fastening verification device connected to the belt. When a tension force on the belt exceeds a threshold corresponding to a desired belt tension or slack, the fastening verification device transitions from a first configuration to a second configuration to indicate to a user that the belt has reached the desired belt tension or slack.

Description

INITIATIONThe present disclosure relates to a belt attachment check system, and more particularly, to a belt attachment check system that enables objective measurement and notification of the tautness and slack of a belt or harness.Belts are used in a variety of applications to secure cargo or passengers in vehicles. The desired degree of tension or tautness of the belt or the degree of slack in the belt varies depending on the application. For example, in securing cargo in a vehicle, it is desirable that the straps be under tension to ensure a tight securement of the cargo. In securing a passenger in a vehicle seat, for example, in a child restraint system, it is desirable that the belt does not have too much slack and, at the same time, the tension of the belt is limited. However, checking the tautness or slack of the straps in a particular fastening system is very subjective and depends on the environment and the user.Therefore, there is a need for a belt attachment system that allows the user to objectively ensure that the belt does not have too much slack or that a desired belt tautness has been achieved.DESCRIPTIONA strap attachment check system is provided. In one example, the belt attachment check system includes a belt and an attachment check device connected to the belt, the attachment check device moving from a first configuration to a second configuration when a tension force on the belt exceeds a threshold corresponding to a desired belt tautness or a desired belt slack to indicate to a user that the belt has reached the desired belt tautness or the desired belt slack.In one aspect, the attachment checking device includes a first opening, a second opening, and a spring disposed between the first opening and the second opening, and the webbing is disposed through the first opening and the second opening, and the spring is configured to move from the first configuration to the second configuration when the tension force on the webbing exceeds the threshold corresponding to the desired webbing tautness or the desired webbing slack.In another aspect, the first opening is formed by a first frame and the second opening is formed by a second frame, and the spring is connected at one end thereof to the first frame and at the other end thereof to the second frame, such that the first frame is pivotally coupled to the second frame by the spring.In another aspect, the first frame is angled with respect to the second frame in the first configuration and the first frame is planar with respect to the second frame in the second configuration.In another aspect, the spring is a helical torsion spring.Another aspect is that the spring is a beam having an elastic boundary point transition between a concave configuration in the first configuration and a convex configuration in the second configuration.In another aspect, the attachment checking device comprises an elastic material coupled to the strap, wherein the elastic material is configured to move from the first configuration to the second configuration when the tension force on the strap exceeds the threshold corresponding to the desired strap tautness or the desired strap slack, and wherein the elastic material in the first configuration conceals an icon, and wherein the elastic material in the second configuration shows an icon indicating that the desired strap tautness or the desired strap slack is achieved.In another aspect, the attachment checking device comprises an elastic element disposed in a pocket of the strap and connected at one end thereof to the strap and at the other end thereof to the strap, wherein the strap comprises an icon on an outer surface of the strap between the ends of the elastic element, wherein the elastic element is configured to move from the first configuration to the second configuration when the tension force on the strap exceeds the threshold corresponding to the desired strap tautness or the desired strap slack, and wherein the strap is folded in the first configuration to hide the icon, and wherein the strap is unfolded in the second configuration to show the icon.In another aspect, the attachment checking device comprises a flexible member disposed in a pocket of the strap, wherein the pocket comprises at least one side opening, wherein the flexible member is configured to move from the first configuration to the second configuration when the tension force on the strap exceeds the threshold corresponding to the desired strap tautness or the desired strap slack, and wherein the flexible member is disposed in the pocket in the first configuration, and wherein the flexible member protrudes from the at least one side opening in the second configuration and is visible to a user.In another aspect, the attachment checking device comprises a mechanophore material woven into a portion of the strap, wherein the mechanophore material is configured to change from the first configuration to the second configuration when the tension force on the strap exceeds the threshold corresponding to the desired strap tension or the desired strap slack, and wherein the mechanophore material in the first configuration emits a first wavelength of light and wherein the mechanophore material in the second configuration emits a second wavelength of light different from the first wavelength of light in response to the tension force.In another aspect, the attachment verification device includes a piezoelectric film connected to a portion of the strap and a light emitting diode (LED) connected to the piezoelectric film, wherein the piezoelectric film and the LED are configured to transition from the first configuration to the second configuration when the tension force on the strap exceeds the threshold corresponding to the desired strap tautness or the desired strap slack, and wherein in the first configuration the piezoelectric film does not generate an electric current, and wherein in the second configuration the piezoelectric film emits an electric current that illuminates the LED in response to the tension force inducing a voltage difference across the piezoelectric film.In another example, a strap attachment check system includes a strap and an attachment check device coupled to the strap, the attachment check device having a first opening, a second opening, and a spring disposed between the first opening and the second opening. The strap is disposed through the first opening and the second opening, and the spring is configured to move from a first position to a second position when a tension force on the strap exceeds a threshold of the spring corresponding to a desired strap tautness or a desired strap slack.In one aspect, the first opening is formed by a first frame and the second opening is formed by a second frame, and the spring is connected at one end to the first frame and at the other end to the second frame, such that the first frame is pivotally coupled to the second frame by the spring.In another aspect, the first frame is angled with respect to the second frame in the first position and the first frame is planar with respect to the second frame in the second position.Another aspect is that the strap is disposed over the spring.In another aspect, the spring is a helical torsion spring.In another aspect, the spring is a beam having an elastic boundary point transition between a concave configuration in the first position and a convex configuration in the second position.Another aspect is that the beam is bi-stable.Another aspect is that the beam is monostable.In another example, a strap attachment check system includes a child restraint seat, a strap connected to the child restraint seat, and an attachment check device connected to the strap, the attachment check device having a first opening, a second opening, and a spring disposed between the first opening and the second opening. The belt is disposed through the first opening and the second opening, and the spring is configured to move from a first position to a second position when a tension force on the belt exceeds a spring threshold corresponding to a desired belt tautness or a desired belt slack.Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description herein. It should be understood that the specification and specific examples are intended to be illustrative only and not to limit the scope of the present disclosure.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSThe drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way. FIG. 1 illustrates a strap attachment check system according to the principles of the present disclosure including an exemplary child restraint system in a vehicle; FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the belt attachment check system in a first configuration; FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the belt attachment check system in a second configuration; FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the belt attachment check system in a first configuration according to a second embodiment; FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the belt attachment checking system in a second configuration according to the second embodiment; FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the belt attachment checking system in a first configuration according to a third embodiment; FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the belt attachment checking system in a transitional configuration according to the third embodiment; FIG. 4C is a perspective view of the belt attachment checking system in a second configuration according to the third embodiment; FIG. 5A is a side cross-sectional view of the belt attachment check system in a first configuration according to a fourth embodiment; FIG. 5B is a side cross-sectional view of the belt attachment check system in a second configuration according to the fourth embodiment; FIG. 6A is a side cross-sectional view of the belt attachment check system in a first configuration according to a fifth embodiment; FIG. 6B is a plan view of the belt attachment checking system in the first configuration according to the fifth embodiment; FIG. 6C is a side cross-sectional view of the belt attachment check system in a second configuration according to the fifth embodiment; FIG. 6D is a plan view of the belt attachment checking system in the second configuration according to the fifth embodiment; FIG. 7 is a plan view of the belt attachment checking system according to a sixth embodiment; and FIG. 8 is a plan view of the belt attachment checking system according to the seventh embodiment.DETAILED DESCRIPTIONThe following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses.Referring now to FIG. 1, a strap attachment check system is shown and generally designated by the reference numeral 10. The harness attachment check system 10 is shown with an example child restraint seat 12 in a vehicle 14. However, the harness attachment check system 10 may be used for any application where a harness or harness is required to secure a person, load or equipment with either a desired tightness or slack in the harness or harness. For example, the belt attachment check system 10 may be used to secure cargo on a vehicle roof or cargo bed, secure passengers to a vehicle seat, secure a cargo harness to a user, etc. In a child seat 12, it is particularly important that the belt is not too loose, but also not too tight. The strap attachment check system 10 includes a strap 16 and an attachment check device 18. The attachment checking device 18 is connected to the strap 16 at an intermediate point 20 along the strap 16. The intermediate point 20 is spaced from a buckle 22 or other connection point. Thus, the attachment checking device 18 can check the tautness or slack at a location of the belt 16 separate from the buckle 22. When a tension force on the belt 16 exceeds a threshold corresponding to a desired belt tautness or slack, the attachment checking device 18 moves or changes from a first configuration to a second configuration to indicate to the user that the belt 16 has reached the desired belt tautness or slack.Referring now to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the attachment verification device 18 is shown in more detail. The attachment checking device 18 includes a first frame 24, a second frame 26, and a spring 28. The second frame 26 has a second opening 32 extending therethrough. The first frame 24 is pivotally connected to the second frame 26 by a hinge 34 or other flexible connection. The strap 16 extends through the first opening 30, over the spring 28, and through the second opening 32.The spring 28 is disposed between the first frame 24 and the second frame 26 and has a first end 28A connected to the first frame 24 and a second end 28B connected to the second frame 26. In the present example, the spring 28 is a helical torsion spring. The spring 28 exerts a torsion spring force on the first frame 24 and the second frame 26. The torsion spring force is adjusted to a desired belt tightening force or a desired belt slack force depending on the application. The desired belt tensioning force corresponds to a desired degree of tautness or tension in the belt 16. The torsion spring force is therefore a threshold value that the spring 28 will move or flex when exceeded, as will be described further below.The attachment checking device 18 is movable between a first configuration or position as shown in FIG. 2A and a second configuration or position as shown in FIG. 2B. In the first configuration, the tension force "F" acting on the belt 16 is less than the threshold value of the spring 28. Thus, the spring 28 urges the first frame 24 and the second frame 26 into an oblique position relative to each other. In this position, a bulge 40 is formed in the belt 16 above the spring 28, which bulge is visible to the user and indicates that the desired belt tautness or the desired belt slack in the belt 16 has not been reached.When the tension force F exceeds the threshold of the spring 28, the first frame 24 pivots with respect to the second frame 26 until the first frame 24 is planar with respect to the second frame 26. The strap 16 is pulled flat and the bulge 40 is removed, indicating that the desired tautness or slack in the strap 16 has been achieved.Referring now to FIGS. 3A and 3B, another example of a strap attachment check system is shown and generally designated by the reference number 100. The strap attachment check system 100 includes the strap 16 and an attachment check device 102. The attachment checking device 102 includes a frame 104 and a spring 106. The frame 104 and the spring 106 define a first opening 108 and a second opening 110 extending therethrough. The strap 16 extends through the first opening 108, under the spring 106, and through the second opening 110.The spring 106 is disposed between the first opening 108 and the second opening 110. In the present example, the spring 106 is a bendable beam that extends from a first side 104A of the frame 104 to a second side 104B of the frame 104. The spring 106 has an elastic boundary point transition between a first configuration in which the spring 106 is concave as shown in FIG. 3A and a second configuration in which the spring 106 is convex as shown in FIG. 3B. The elastic limit point transition is set to a desired belt tightening force or a desired belt slack force depending on the application. The desired belt tensioning force corresponds to a desired degree of tautness or tension in the belt 16. The elastic limit point transition crossing is therefore a threshold value that the spring 106 moves or deflects when crossed, as described further below. In one example, the spring 106 is bi-stable and therefore maintains its position in the concave or convex configurations once the elastic boundary point transition has been exceeded.As mentioned above, the attachment checking device 102 is movable between a first configuration or position as shown in FIG. 3A and a second configuration or position as shown in FIG. 3B. In the first configuration, the tension force F acting on the belt 16 is less than the threshold of the spring 106. Therefore, the spring 106 maintains the concave configuration shown in FIG. 3A and urges the belt 16 away from the frame 104. This configuration creates a bulge 112 in the strap 16 below the spring 106 that is visible to the user and indicates that the desired strap slack of the strap 16 has not been reached.When the tension force F exceeds the threshold of the spring 106, the spring 106 flexes beyond the elastic limit point transition and transitions to the second configuration in which the spring 106 is convex, as shown in FIG. 3B. In this convex configuration, the spring 106 moves out of longitudinal alignment with the belt 16 and does not exert any force on the belt 16. The strap 16 is thus pulled flat and the bulge 112 is eliminated, indicating that the desired slack of the strap 16 has been achieved. In another example, the spring 106 is monostable and therefore the biasing force F must exceed the threshold of the spring 106 to maintain the second configuration. In this embodiment, the attachment checking device 102 may be used to check the tautness of the belt 16.Referring now to Figures 4A-4C, another example of a strap attachment check system is shown and designated by the reference numeral 200. The belt attachment check system 200 includes the belt 16 and a belt attachment check device 202 connected to the belt 16. The strap attachment checking device 202 includes an elastic material 204 disposed in series and in line with a first strap portion 16A and a second strap portion 16B. Alternatively, the elastic material 204 can also be arranged parallel to the belt 16. The elastic material 204 is stretchable when a force on the elastic material 204 exceeds a threshold. The threshold corresponds to a desired degree of tautness or tension in the belt 16 or a desired degree of slack in the belt 16, e.g., zero slack.When the elastic material 204 is not stretched (i.e., the tension force F is less than the threshold), the elastic material 204 is folded on itself in a first configuration, as shown in FIG. 4A. In the first configuration, an upper surface 206 of the elastic material 204 is hidden from the eyes of the user by the folds. When the tension force F exceeds the threshold, the elastic material 204 expands and transitions to a second configuration shown in FIG. 4C via a transition configuration shown in FIG. 4B. In the second configuration, the elastic material 204 is flat and no longer folded. Thus, the top surface 206 is visible to a user. In one example, the top surface 206 includes an icon 208 indicating that the belt 16 has reached the desired tautness or slack.Referring now to FIGS. 5A and 5B, another example of a strap attachment check system is shown and identified by reference numeral 300. The belt attachment check system 300 includes the belt 16 and a belt attachment check device 302 connected to the belt 16. The belt attachment checking device 302 includes an elastic member 304 disposed in a pocket 306 of the belt 16 in series and line. A first end 304A of the resilient member 304 and a second end 304B of the resilient member 304 are each connected to an inner surface 308 of the strap 16 within the pocket 306. The elastic member 304 is stretchable when a force on the elastic member 304 exceeds a threshold. The threshold corresponds to a desired degree of tautness or tension in the belt 16 or a desired degree of slack in the belt 16, e.g., zero slack.When the elastic member 304 is not stretched (i.e., the tension force F is less than the threshold), the belt 16 includes a portion 310 that is twisted upon itself in a first configuration, as shown in FIG. 5A. In the first configuration, an outer surface 312 of the strap 16 is not visible to the user. When the tension force F exceeds the threshold, the elastic member 304 extends to a second configuration shown in FIG. 5B. In the second configuration, the portion 310 of the strap 16 is flattened and no longer folded. Thus, the outer surface 312 is visible to a user. The outer surface 312 may include a visually distinct feature 314 that, when viewed by the user, indicates that the belt 16 has reached the desired tautness or slack.Referring now to Figures 6A-6D, another example of a strap attachment check system is shown and designated by the reference numeral 400. The belt attachment check system 400 includes the belt 16 and a belt attachment check device 402 connected to the belt 16. The strap attachment checking device 402 includes a flexible member 404 disposed in a pocket 406 of the strap 16. One or more side openings 408 are disposed in a side edge 410 of the strap 16 and communicate with the pocket 406. The flexible member 404 is a flexible, elastic or liquid member that can change shape when compressed with a force exceeding a threshold value.The threshold corresponds to a desired degree of tautness or tension of the belt 16 or a desired degree of slack of the belt 16, e.g., zero slack.When a compressive force on the flexible member 404 is below the threshold, the flexible member 404 is fully disposed within the pocket 406 in a first configuration, as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B. In the first configuration, the flexible member 404 is not visible to the user and forms a bulge 412 in the strap 16.When the pulling force F is applied to the belt 16, the belt 16 applies a pressing force to the flexible member 404 because the layers of the belt 16 are contracted. When the compressive force exceeds the threshold, the flexible member changes shape and protrudes from one or both of the lateral openings 408 in a second configuration, as shown in FIGS. 6C and 6D. In the second configuration, a portion of the flexible member 404 is visible to a user, indicating that the strap 16 has reached the desired tautness or slack.Referring now to FIG. 7, another example of a strap attachment check system is shown and identified by reference numeral 500. The belt attachment check system 500 includes the belt 16 and a belt attachment check device 502 connected to the belt 16. The strap attachment checking device 502 includes mechanophoric threads 504 woven into a portion 506 of the strap 16. The mechanophoric threads 504 are mechanochrome mechanophoric materials activated by tension or strain and embedded in a polymer material. The mechanochrome mechanophore material is configured to change from a first configuration to a second configuration when the tension force F acting on the belt 16 exceeds a threshold value corresponding to a desired belt tautness or a desired belt slack. In the first configuration, the mechanochrome mechanophoric material emits a first wavelength of light, and in the second configuration, the mechanochrome mechanophoric material emits a second wavelength of light different from the first wavelength of light in response to the pulling force F. For example, the first light wavelength may be red indicating that the desired tautness or sag has not been achieved, while the second light wavelength may be green indicating that the desired tautness or sag has been achieved.Referring now to FIG. 8, another example of a strap attachment check system is shown and identified by reference numeral 600. The strap attachment check system 600 includes the strap 16 and an attachment check device 602 connected to the strap 16. The attachment checking device 602 includes a piezoelectric film 604 woven into the belt 16. The piezoelectric film 604 generates an electric current when a voltage difference applied across the piezoelectric film 604 exceeds a threshold corresponding to a desired belt tautness or a desired belt slack. A light emitting diode (LED) 606 is connected to the piezoelectric foil 604. When a tension force F on the belt 16 exceeds the threshold value, the piezoelectric film 604 generates a current and lights up the LED 606. If the LED 606 is not illuminated, this means that the desired voltage or sag has not been achieved. Illumination of the LED 606 indicates that the desired tautness or sag has been achieved.The strap attachment check systems 10, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 and 600 provide several advantages. The systems provide objective indications of the tautness and slack of the belt, eliminate false positive results, can be applied at strategic locations along the belt to ensure proper tautness and compliance, and can be used in environments where delicate or delicate elements must be secured.The description of the present disclosure is merely exemplary, 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 are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

A belt attachment check system, comprising: a belt; and an attachment check device connected to the belt, wherein the attachment check device moves from a first configuration to a second configuration when a tension force on the belt exceeds a threshold corresponding to a desired belt tautness or a desired belt slack to indicate to a user that the belt has reached the desired belt tautness or the desired belt slack.The belt attachment check system of claim 1, wherein the attachment check device includes a first opening, a second opening, and a spring disposed between the first opening and the second opening, and wherein the belt is disposed through the first opening and the second opening, and the spring is configured to move from the first configuration to the second configuration when the tension force on the belt exceeds the threshold corresponding to the desired belt tautness or the desired belt slack.The belt attachment check system of claim 2, wherein the first opening is formed by a first frame and the second opening is formed by a second frame, and the spring is connected at one end to the first frame and at another end to the second frame such that the first frame is pivotally coupled to the second frame by the spring.The belt attachment check system of claim 3, wherein the first frame in the first configuration is angled with respect to the second frame, and the first frame in the second configuration is planar with respect to the second frame.The belt attachment check system of claim 4, wherein the spring is a helical torsion spring.The harness attachment check system of claim 2, wherein the spring is a beam having an elastic boundary point transition that moves between a concave configuration in the first configuration and a convex configuration in the second configuration.The belt attachment check system of claim 1, wherein the attachment check device comprises an elastic material coupled to the belt, wherein the elastic material is configured to move from the first configuration to the second configuration when the tension force on the belt exceeds the threshold corresponding to the desired belt tautness or the desired belt slack, and wherein the elastic material in the first configuration conceals an icon, and wherein the elastic material in the second configuration shows an icon indicating that the desired belt tautness or the desired belt slack is achieved.The belt attachment verification system of claim 1, wherein the attachment verification device comprises an elastic member disposed in a pocket of the belt and connected at one end thereof to the belt and at the other end thereof to the belt, wherein the belt comprises an icon on an outer surface of the belt between the ends of the elastic member, wherein the elastic member is configured to move from the first configuration to the second configuration when the tension force on the belt exceeds the threshold corresponding to the desired belt tautness or the desired belt slack, and wherein the belt is folded in the first configuration to hide the icon, and wherein the belt is unfolded in the second configuration to show the icon.The belt attachment check system of claim 1, wherein the attachment check device comprises a flexible member disposed in a pocket of the belt, wherein the pocket comprises at least one side opening, wherein the flexible member is configured to move from the first configuration to the second configuration when the tension force on the belt exceeds the threshold corresponding to the desired belt tautness or the desired belt slack, and wherein the flexible member is disposed in the pocket in the first configuration, and wherein the flexible member protrudes from the at least one side opening in the second configuration and is visible to a user.The belt attachment check system of claim 1, wherein the attachment check device comprises a mechanophoric material woven into a portion of the belt, wherein the mechanophoric material is configured to change from the first configuration to the second configuration when the tension force on the belt exceeds the threshold corresponding to the desired belt tautness or the desired belt slack, and the mechanophoric material in the first configuration emits a first wavelength of light, and the mechanophoric material in the second configuration emits a second wavelength of light different from the first wavelength of light in response to the tension force.

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