APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR ENCOURAGING PROPER USE OF A SEAT BELT

摘要

An apparatus and method for encouraging and ensuring that seat belt (16) is properly secured about passenger (20) is disclosed. The invention comprises a sensor means for sensing when seat belt (16) is snug against a person secured by the seat belt, not simply when seat belt (16) has been engaged. Sensor means may comprise a means for sensing pressure that senses when seat belt (16) is being pressed against passenger (20) or it may comprise a means for sensing tension in the seat belt when seat belt (16) is snug against passenger (20). Other means may also be suitable, including a thermal sensor or a proximity sensor. Although means for sensing whether seat belt (16) is engaged can also be used, it does not sense whether seat belt (16) is snug and is therefore not as advantageous. The invention further comprises an incentive or amusement device (12) and control means for preventing the incentive device from operating properly unless the sensor means senses that seat belt (16) is snug against passenger (20). Two embodiments are disclosed that allow the sensor means to be attached to a conventional seat belt. Alternatively, the sensor means can be used to communicate to passenger (20) or a driver when seat belt (16) is properly secured.