Safety buckle fidget toy

Essentially, the toy consists of a box with a model seat belt buckle inside that changes positions, uncovering different messages in the process. It is meant to be toyed with and played with (particularly for children 8+), serving as a reminder fo users to use their seat belts.

There is 3D printed “buckle” that is attached to the left side of a laser-cut tabs box (though glued together, for extra security) with two extension springs, which can be pulled to the right side of the box and buckled in place with a 3D printed hook. The springs are looped in series into the 3D printed buckle and looped into one box wall. The hook is movable, looped into a screwed component within the right wall. The springs are always kept in tension since there is a stopper keeping the box in one place if it isn’t buckled. Size wise, it is 11.5 by 2.5 by 2.2 inches, and weighs about half a pound.

In order to buckle, the user must pull the buckle to the right (extending the springs) and hook it in place. The buckle will stay in this position until the user unhooks it. The buckle moves in a parallel motion since there is a slot mechanism in the backside of the buckle and the wall that keeps the buckle moving in one direction. When it is not buckled, there is a sign on the right that says “buckle up.” Once it is buckled, the “buckle up” sign is covered and the words “SAFETY FIRST, keep calm and drive on” appear .

Aesthetically, the box is clear acrylic engraved with the above words and some pictures, while the buckle is neon orange. The box and stopper are made of acrylic, the 3D printed box is PLA plastic, the extension springs and the screws/bolts components are steel, the loop connecting the spring to the buckle is a rubber O-ring, and the hook is ABS plastic.