Seat belt lock for child safety seat

Abstract

A locking device is disclosed. The device includes a base portion having a base free end, a base hinged end, and an elongated top face extending between the base free end and the base hinged end. The device also includes a top portion having a top free end, a top hinged end, and an elongated bottom face extending between the top free end and the top hinged end. A hinge is hingedly connecting the base hinged end and the top hinged end. A locking mechanism releasably secures the base free end and the top free end such that the top face of the base portion and the bottom face of the top portion are secured proximate to each other.

1 . A locking device comprising: 
 a base portion having a base free end, a base hinged end, and an elongated top face extending between the base free end and the base hinged end;    a top portion having a top free end, a top hinged end, and an elongated bottom face extending between the top free end and the top hinged end;    a hinge hingedly connecting the base hinged end and the top hinged end; and    a means for releasably securing the base free end and the top free end such that the top face of the base portion and the bottom face of the top portion are secured proximate to each other.    
   
   
       2 . The locking device according to  claim 1 , further comprising an elevated portion extending at least partially along the top face of the base portion and a corresponding recessed portion in the bottom face of the top portion such that, when the locking device is in a closed position, the elevated portion is disposed within the recessed portion.  
   
   
       3 . The locking device according to  claim 1 , wherein the elongated top face of the base portion and the elongated bottom face of the top portion are sufficiently long to receive a seat belt web therebetween.  
   
   
       4 . The locking device according to  claim 1 , wherein the means for releasably securing the base free end and the top free end is pivotally connected to the base free end.  
   
   
       5 . The locking device according to  claim 1 , wherein the means for releasably securing the base free end and the top free end is releasably connected to the base free end.  
   
   
       6 . The locking device according to  claim 1 , wherein the means for releasably securing the base free end and the top free end is fixedly connected to the base free end.  
   
   
       7 . The locking device according to  claim 1 , wherein the means for releasably securing the base free end and the top free end comprises a pin.  
   
   
       8 . A method of securing a first length of a seat belt to a second length of a seat belt comprising: 
 providing a clamp having: 
 a base portion having a base free end, a base hinged end, and an elongated top face extending between the base free end and the base hinged end;  
 a top portion having a top free end, a top hinged end, and an elongated bottom face extending between the top free end and the top hinged end;  
 a hinge hingedly connecting the base hinged end and the top hinged end; and  
 a means for releasably securing the base free end and the top free end such that the top face of the base portion and the bottom face of the top portion are secured proximate to each other;  
   disposing the first length of the seat belt on the bottom face;    disposing the second length of the seat belt on the first length of the seat belt;    disposing the top face over the second length of the seat belt; and    securing the base free end to the top free end.    
   
   
       9 . The method according to  claim 8 , wherein securing the base free end to the top free end comprises inserting a pin into the top free end and the base free end.  
   
   
       10 . The method according to  claim 8 , wherein securing the base free end to the top free end comprises releasably securing the base free end to the top free end.