Abstract: An improved head and neck support device (10) for occupants (100) of high performance vehicles, is described. The device includes a restraining yoke (12) and a collar (11). The restraining yoke has two front portions (12A and 12B) which extend down from the shoulders (102) of the occupant along the torso (104) of the occupant. The restraining yoke also includes a rear portion (12C) which extends behind the neck (106) and the shoulders of the occupant. The collar of the device extends upward from the rear portion of the restraining yoke behind the head (112) of the occupant. The collar of the device is connected by tethers (15 or 215) to the helmet (108) of the occupant. The shoulder belts (110A) of the shoulder harness (110) of the vehicle extend over the front portions and rear portion of the restraining yoke when the device is mounted on the occupant such that the device is between the shoulder belts and the occupant.

Abstract: A seat with biomechanical articulation for a person seated in the seat includes a seat portion extending generally horizontally, a back portion extending generally upwardly from the seat portion, a frame interconnecting the seat portion and the back portion, the seat portion having a seat member pivotally connected to the frame, and a structure for supporting a pelvis of a person seated on the seat member and moving in response to movement of the seat member by the person seated in the seat. The frame may be replaced by the frame of an existing seat such as a wheelchair frame.

Abstract: A head and neck support device (10) is described. The device (10) includes a first plate (12) and a second plate (98). The first plate extends along the back of the torso (202) and is strapped to the torso by a torso harness (70). The second plate extends upward from the first plate behind the head (204) and neck (206) of the person (200). A head harness (142) for grasping the head is attached to the device by a tether (148) which is inserted through slots (138C, 140C) in a right and left harness support (138, 140) mounted on the second plate (98). The head harness allows the head to rotate while maintaining the head in a desired position.

Abstract: A support device (10) intended for use by people who suffer from neck dysfunction resulting in loss of head control is described. The support device is designed to support the head while reducing undesirable head motions relative to the torso. The support device includes a stiff support means mounted on the torso such as a yoke (13) worn over the shoulders and the upper torso and a mast (11) that extends upward from the yoke, behind the wearer's head to a rear portion of the head at a height approximately equal to the head's center of gravity (approximately eye level). A head harness (30) is worn on the head. A tether system (20), consisting of one or more tethers (25), is attached between a slider line (21) mounted on the head harness and a portion of the mast, adjacent the rear portion of the head of the person. The head harness connects the head harness to the mast to couple the head and the torso.

Abstract: A head and neck support device (10) is described. The device (10) includes a first plate (12) and a second plate (98). The first plate extends along the back of the torso (202) and is strapped to the torso by a torso harness (70). The second plate extends upward from the first plate behind the head (204) and neck (206) of the person (200). A head harness (142) for grasping the head is attached to the device by a tether (148) which is inserted through slots (138C, 140C) in a right and left harness support (138, 140) mounted on the second plate (98). The head harness allows the head to rotate while maintaining the head in a desired position.

Abstract: A neck protection device (10)for a driver (10) or other occupant of a high performnace vehicle adapted to reduce motions or loading in the neck and upper torso is described. The device includes in combination a stiff yoke (12) with a high collar (11) extending up from the yoke and a set of tethers (15, 15a and 15b) for attachment to the lateral and rear portions of a helmet (16) and collar. The high collar extends upward to adjacent the center of gravity of the head and helmet which is at about eye level of the occupant. The tethers on the collar allow needed head movements and yet reduce the potential for fatigue and crash injury by carrying forces which would otherwise be transmitted through the neck and by reducing extreme motions of the neck.