Safety device for prevention of accidental airbag depolyment

A safety device for preventing accidental discharge of an airbag, the safety device comprising:

• a lower portion defining a cavity for receiving a seat belt buckle assembly, wherein the lower portion comprises at least one rear wall portion extending between opposing sidewalls that partially define the cavity, the at least one rear wall portion forming a slot area to permit a strap attached to the seat belt buckle assembly to extend from the cavity when the seat belt buckle assembly is positioned in the cavity, and wherein the at least one rear wall portion is configured to prevent the seat belt buckle assembly from moving laterally out of the cavity;
• an upper portion hingedly coupled to the lower portion, wherein the upper portion completely covers the cavity of the lower portion when the upper portion is rotated into engagement with the lower portion;
• and
• wherein the lower portion includes a channel on a lower surface thereof formed in a built-up area of the lower surface for securely holding a tongue plate, the channel adapted to fit an outer periphery of the tongue plate.

A method for covering a buckle assembly of a seatbelt using a safety device, the safety device including a lower portion formed from a non-conductive material and defining a cavity, the lower portion having at least one rear wall portion extending between opposing sidewalls that partially define the cavity, the at least one rear wall portion forming a slot area, and wherein the at least one rear wall is configured to prevent the seat belt buckle assembly from moving laterally out of the cavity, the safety device further including an upper portion formed from a non-conductive material and hingedly coupled to the lower portion, the method comprising:

• positioning the buckle assembly in the cavity of the lower portion such that a strap coupled to the buckle assembly extends from the lower portion through the slot area;
• rotating the upper portion with respect to the lower portion such that the upper portion completely covers the buckle assembly;
• and
• engaging the upper portion with the lower portion to secure the buckle assembly in the cavity.