Abstract: A system and method for classifying a vehicle occupant is disclosed. A base is installed in each of leg frames of a seat of a vehicle. A cover is installed above the base to be spaced apart from the base. Two weight sensors are installed between the base and the cover to support the cover, and configured to measure a load transmitted to the cover by the weight of a vehicle occupant sitting in the seat. A control unit receives load values measured by the weight sensors, and determines whether the vehicle occupant sitting in the seat is an adult or a child based on the received load values. A shock absorption member is interposed between the weight sensors and the base. A stopper is interposed between the base and the cover in order to limit a downward movement range of the cover in a case of overload.

Abstract: A seat frame 51 is mounted on a body freely movably back and forth. The frame 51 moves backward by leaving a backrest seat 2 by a pretensioner device 10. A front portion of a spring material 71 supporting a cushion material 62 of the seat 3 is arranged on the front portion of the seat frame 51. A rear-side portion of the spring material 71 is mounted on a rear-side spring mounting member 72 below the backrest seat 2. The mounting member 72 is immovable and extends in a lateral direction. A rear position of a cushion material 62 does not move even if the seat moves backward.

Abstract: A vehicle seat stabilization system configured for minimizing downward displacement of a seat cushion upon vehicle impact includes a vehicle seat and a stabilization device. The seat has a first and second vertical position and includes the cushion, a torque tube, mounting arrangement, slide assembly, and lift linkage. The device is configured for minimizing downward displacement of the cushion upon vehicle impact and includes a piston, rod, first cylinder, and a second cylinder disposed entirely within and cooperating with the first cylinder to define a conduit. The piston divides the second cylinder and defines a first and second chamber in fluid communication via the conduit. The device includes fluid and a member disposed within the second cylinder moveable upon vehicle impact to seal off fluid communication between the conduit and the second chamber to minimize downward displacement of the cushion upon impact when the seat is in the second position.

Abstract: A vehicle seat including at least two components connected, directly or indirectly, by an adjustment mechanism. A locking means is provided, arranged to lock the two components relative to each other when predetermined conditions are experienced, to restrict relative movement of the two components. The locking means may be arranged to engage when a vehicle in which the seat is mounted is involved in an impact. The locking means reduces the amount of relative movement of seat components owing to compliance in seat adjustment mechanism in the event of a vehicle impact.

Abstract: A child restraint includes a juvenile vehicle seat and an energy-absorption apparatus coupled to the juvenile vehicle seat. The energy-absorption apparatus is configured to absorb external energy associated with an external impact force applied to the energy-absorption apparatus.

Abstract: An aircraft seat assembly configured in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention utilizes composite materials to achieve significant weight savings relative to conventional seat designs. The seat assembly includes a lightweight composite support structure, a lightweight composite seat base, and a seat back assembly that employs a lightweight inner frame. The seat cushion and the seat back cushion may utilize a sealed pneumatic element that self-inflates to provide increased air cushioning during flight. The seat assembly can leverage inexpensive manufacturing techniques such that the seat assembly can be economically produced for use as an economy class seat.

Abstract: A locking device, in particular for a vehicle seat, includes a latch (24) and a counter element that interacts for locking A bearing bush (30), a release element (32) that is rotationally mounted inside the bearing bush (30) and a catch element (34) for reinforcing the latch (24) in the event of a crash are provided with the catch element (34) being mounted in a rotationally secure manner on the release element (32) or being embodied as one piece with the release element. A tightening element (36), for securing the locked latch (24) during normal operation, is arranged in an axial manner adjacent to said catch element (34) and is mounted in a pivotable manner and is prestressed in such a manner that it is pivotably mounted on the outside on the bearing bush (30).

Abstract: A first exemplary seat with a side airbag disposed therein includes a front seat cover and a side seat cover. The seat covers are releasably attached together at a junction configured for the airbag to be deployed therethrough. The front seat cover is less stretchable than the side seat cover. A second exemplary seat with a side airbag disposed therein includes a front seat cover and a side seat cover. The seat covers are releasably attached together at a junction configured for the airbag to be deployed therethrough. The junction includes a first thread of the front seat cover, and a second thread of the second seat cover. The first thread is stronger than the second thread.

Abstract: The present vehicle seat includes a seat bottom 3 and a seat back 2 rotatably mounted to the seat bottom. The seat bottom includes a support frame 10 mounted to a vehicle body 7 and a bottom cushion 15 supported by a support frame. The support frame has a configuration not to move in a front-and-back direction with respect to the vehicle body by unfavorable external force that abruptly moves a seat occupant forward. The seat bottom has a configuration to be movable in the front-and-back direction with respect to the support frame. Between the bottom cushion and the support frame, a pretensioner 21 that moves the bottom cushion backward with respect to the support frame is located when the unfavorable external force occurs.

Abstract: A vehicle seat comprises a reclinable seatback (2), a seat bottom (3) movable in a front-and-rear direction, a pretensioner (41) for moving the seat bottom (3) rearward, and brackets (21, 21) attached to a vehicle body. The seat bottom is attached to the brackets so as to move in the front-and-rear direction, the seatback is rotatably attached to the brackets, and the pretensioner moves the seat bottom relatively rearward with respect to the brackets. When the seat bottom is moved rearward by the pretensioner, a front portion of the seat bottom is moved upward.

Abstract: A variable displacement seating assembly incorporates at least first and second pivotable seat frames. The first seat frame includes a male seat connector. The second seat frame is arranged adjacent the first seat frame, and includes a female seat connector receiving the male seat connector of the first seat frame. The first and second seat frames are operatively interconnected for simultaneous pivoting movement between a stowed position and a deployed position. In the deployed position of the first and second seat frames, the male and female seat connectors are disposed for sliding vertical movement of one seat connector relative to the other, such that the first and second seat frames are independently vertically displaceable upon an impact force acting against the seat assembly.

Abstract: The improved seating assembly for an automotive vehicle, includes a molded plastic seat (22) with a plurality of integrated reinforcement structures (30) disposed therein. A foam support structure with a top foam surface, a side foam surface, and a bottom foam surface, wherein the bottom foam surface may be disposed upon the molded plastic seat. A cover skin disposed on the top foam surface and the side foam surface.

Abstract: An armrest frame (5A) bends at a hinge groove (5A2), which serves as a weak portion, when an impact load is applied to the armrest frame (5A) in an armrest (5) following a side impact with another vehicle. As a result, the armrest (5) is allowed to move toward the inside, in the vehicle width direction, during a side impact with another vehicle, thus ensuring the movement of a seated individual toward the inside, in the vehicle width direction. The vehicle armrest (5) also provides the same sense of stability as an armrest as a conventional armrest during normal use at times other than when there is a side impact with another vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly having a seat pad, a trim cover, an air bag module, and a pad shield. The air bag module has an air bag, an inflator, and a housing that receives the air bag when the air bag is in a stored condition. The pad shield extends at least partially around the housing. Inflation of the air bag forces the pad shield against the seat pad to inhibit the air bag from contacting at least a portion of the seat pad.

Abstract: The present pretensioner includes a cylinder (43), a piston (44) that moves inside the cylinder, and a gas generator (45) that moves the piston by supplying a gas into an expansion chamber (49) inside the cylinder. The gas generator is arranged inside the piston. A first cable (40A) to move a movable member M of a vehicle seat is coupled to the piston and a second cable (40B) to move the movable member is coupled to the cylinder.

Abstract: A folding type seat of the present invention includes a body section supporting bracket, supporting a body section of a reclining mechanism, and a passive section supporting bracket, supporting a passive section of the reclining mechanism, which are located inward of external surfaces of a seat cushion or a seat back at positions spaced therefrom by predetermined distances. At least one of the brackets is provided with an impact absorbing section, which is caused to deform for absorbing impact energy imparted to a vehicle.

Abstract: An occupant protection device includes: a collision prediction part; a seatback actuator that adjusts a reclining angle; a seatbelt retracting part; a reclining angle sensor; and a controller that sets the reclining angle to a target angle and that controls the seatbelt retracting part so that the seatbelt is retracted when the collision prediction part determines that a collision will occur. Accordingly, the controller executes a control so that the driving force of seatbelt retracting part when the reclining angle is decreased is smaller than at least one of the driving force of seatbelt retracting part when the reclining angle is not changed or when the driving force of seatbelt retracting part when the reclining angle is increased.

Abstract: A carrier element for an object. The carrier element has an essentially u-shaped form and includes two side pieces, which are interconnected by a bridge.

Abstract: An energy absorbing device is provided for reducing acceleration resulting from a force of a high energy impact acting on one side of the device in an impact direction. The device includes two plates transverse to the impact direction, an energy absorbing mechanism between the plates, and a stabilizing mechanism having at least one pair of a projecting element and a receiving element, the projecting element comprised on one plate and a corresponding receiving element comprised on the other plate. Each pair is adapted for enabling the projecting element thereof to be at least partially received by the corresponding the receiving element in a manner to restrict relative displacement between the two plates at least in one direction different from the impact direction and to allow substantially free relative displacement between the plates in the impact direction.

Abstract: A vehicle seat cushion structure whereby even when a steering wheel or other object is pushed closer toward a vehicle occupant after a vehicle is involved in a head-on collision and little space is left in front of the vehicle occupant, the space can be readily enlarged. The cushion structure comprises a supporting member provided on a seat frame and a cushion member disposed in a folded state on the supporting member. The folded cushion member is capable of being withdrawn from a cushion removal opening formed on a side of a seat. Space is provided between the vehicle occupant and the steering wheel or the like when the cushion member is removed via the cushion removal opening.

Abstract: A vehicle seat lifter includes front and rear links with upper ends pivoted to a side frame of the seat and lower ends pivoted to front and rear floor brackets. A front hitting segment is in a front portion of the side frame spaced from a front catch in the front bracket, and a rear hitting segment is in a rear portion of the side frame spaced from a rear catch in the rear bracket. The front hitting segment is stopped by the front catch when the side frame is displaced frontward along with a deformation of the front and rear links due to forces during a frontal collision. The rear hitting segment is stopped by the rear catch when the side frame is displaced rearward along with a deformation of the front and rear links due to forces during a rear collision.

Abstract: An occupant restraint device having a high degree of freedom in attachment of an airbag is provided. A retainer 16 is applied to the inner surface of a lower portion of an airbag 12. A stub bolt 20 projecting downward from the lower surface of the retainer 16 is inserted in a bolt insertion hole 12a of the airbag 12, and a first nut 24 is screwed on the stud bolt 20 via a backing plate 22 from outside the airbag 12. Thereby, the airbag 12 is connected to the retainer 16. A gas generator 14 is connected to the retainer 16 by a bracket 30. The stud bolt 20 is disposed on the rear side from a center line of the airbag 12.

Abstract: A vehicle safety seat may comprise, among other things, a vehicle seat having a seat base configured to be mounted to a support surface of a motor vehicle, and a roll sensor mounted to the seat base. The vehicle seat may be a suspension seat. The vehicle seat may have other sensors, event detection systems or the like mounted thereto. The vehicle seat may include a number of vehicle/occupant safety mechanisms integral therewith.

Abstract: An energy absorption apparatus for protecting occupants of different body weights from the effects of excessive G-force by absorbing energy imparted on a vehicle during an explosion occurring below the vehicle. The apparatus has a first mounting member attached to the vehicle, a second mounting member attached to the occupant's seat, and an absorption mechanism attached between the first and second mounting members. The absorption mechanism utilises an attenuation strip provided on one of the mounting members, and anvils provided on the other of the mounting members such that when the vehicle is subjected to excessive G-force, the attenuation strip is bent and pulled through the anvils thereby producing a frictional attenuation force which controls movement of the seat relative to the vehicle. An absorption adjustment mechanism is provided. Methods of protecting a vehicle occupant from the effects of excessive G-force are also provided.

Abstract: The embodiments described herein provide a vehicle seat assembly that is coupled to a floor of a vehicle. The assembly comprises a seat back frame, a seat cushion frame, at least one leg and at least one blocking member. The seat cushion frame is pivotally coupled to the seat back frame. The leg is pivotally coupled to the seat cushion frame and pivotally coupled to the floor of the vehicle. The blocking member is coupled to the seat cushion frame and capable of moving into engagement with the leg as the assembly moves from the folded position to the upright seating position. The blocking member is adapted to block movement of the leg and to stabilize the seat assembly in the event of a vehicle collision.

Abstract: A seat back support mechanism supports the back of a seat in a motor vehicle. One component of the mechanism (15) is effectively connected to the seat of the motor vehicle and another component (32) is connected to the back (44) of the motor vehicle optionally by means of a recliner mechanism. The support mechanism comprises a connection between the components. The connection comprises two pivot links (27,33). One pivot link (33) is of arcuate form with a central “V” notch so that when the back of the seat is subjected to a predetermined force, the back of the seat is permitted about a pivot axis (30) while the arcuate pivot link (33) is deformed, thus absorbing energy.

Abstract: A blast mitigating seat features a base and a seat frame. The seat frame includes a pan and a backrest including an open area for gear worn by a user. A first damping subsystem between the base and the seat frame has a first force/stroke relationship and a second damping subsystem between the base and the seat frame has a second force/stroke relationship.

Abstract: A technology is provided effective for suppressing a load received by an airbag housed in a motor vehicle seat with an airbag module having a construction in which the airbag is developed and expanded from a down side to an upside of a seat cushion against movement of a motor vehicle occupant toward a front side of a motor vehicle, which is in a condition seated in the motor vehicle seat when in occurrence of an accident. In one form, the motor vehicle seat according to the present invention is constructed to house an airbag module in a housing portion provided in a seat pan, and to be provided with an airbag cover that intercepts a housing opening of the housing portion and that covers a housing opening side of the airbag.

Abstract: A seat arrangement for an aircraft seat includes a seat frame for mounting the seat on a cabin floor and a seat region. The seat arrangement has a backrest unit and is designed to improve stiffness of the backrest unit against one-sided torsional load. The backrest unit is coupled to the seat frame by a kinematic unit having at least first and second kinematic parts coupled to a first side and a second side of the backrest unit, respectively. A stiffening member is located in the seat region that couples the first and second kinematic parts and is provided for transmitting a torsional moment from the first side of the backrest unit to the second side of the backrest unit.

Abstract: An armrest for use with a motorized vehicle is provided comprising first and second substantially opposing surfaces elongated longitudinally along the vehicle's interior surface and extending laterally inward therefrom. The armrest also includes a substantially vertical wall portion extending from the inner periphery of the first and second surfaces. The first and second surfaces define a plurality of channels oriented substantially parallel to one another and elongated longitudinally relative to the vehicle, in either a parallel or oblique fashion relative to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle. The plurality of channels is configured to sustain substantial vertical loading and controllably deform under a predetermined threshold lateral crush load. In addition, the plurality of channels preferably includes one or more partitions within each of the channels that are oriented relative to one another to thereby create a load path for lateral loads imparted to the armrest assembly.

Abstract: A vehicle seat has a seat cushion, a seat bag, a lock mechanism and a belt anchor. The seat cushion has a cushion frame. The seat bag has a back frame that is rotatably connected to the cushion frame. The lock mechanism is provided on each of the frames, and latch-connected to a striker at a vehicle side. The belt anchor is provided on one of the two frames, and is fastened with a seat belt. A force transmission structure is provided between the two frames, in which when the seat belt is pulled forward, so that a member between the belt anchor and the striker is deformed, a member at a side of the one frame pushes a member at a side of the other frame, thereby force is transmitted from the one frame side to the other frame side.

Abstract: Energy absorption apparatus for protecting occupants from excessive G-force by absorbing energy during an explosion below the vehicle. A mitigating strip and an anvil are attached by first and second mounting members between the vehicle and the occupant's seat whereby an excessive G-force on the first mounting member bends the mitigating strip and pulls it over the anvil. A portion of gradually increasing resistance to bending is provided between one end of the strip and the portion of constant resistance to bending whereby the mitigating strip increasingly resists bending over the anvil as the portion of gradually increasing resistance is pulled over the anvil until the portion of constant resistance to bending reaches the anvil; the resistance to bending of the mitigating strip will then remain constant as it is pulled over the anvil.

Abstract: A seat for a combat vehicle includes a generally rectangular rigid base including front and rear ribs disposed on opposite, longer sides of the base, the base including a pair of slot openings disposed adjacent opposite, shorter sides of the base; a generally rectangular inner cushion disposed on a top surface of the base; a generally U-shaped outer cushion disposed on a top surface of the inner cushion and along outer surfaces of the front and rear ribs; a cover disposed over the outer cushion; and a pair of support assemblies for supporting the seat in the vehicle.

Abstract: A device for absorbing energy by deformation, in particular for a motor vehicle seat, in the event of an impact, the energy absorption device comprising: a plate of substantially constant thickness comprising at least a first cutout and a second cutout which are separated by a bridge; and a rod extending through the first cutout wherein the bridge comprises a collar having, at least locally, a thickness greater than the thickness of the plate.

Abstract: A frame of a motor vehicle seat for a motor vehicle including a hinge mounting having a hinge arm, and further including a structure part, said structure part being connected to the hinge arm in a connection region, the connection region being rigid when subjected to a load below a threshold value that occurs at accelerations in a normal driving condition of the motor vehicle and the connection region being compliant when subjected to bending loads at values occurring at accelerations of the motor vehicle occurring in an event of an accident, whereby the connection region includes a tongue that projects from one of the hinge arm and the structure part, and further includes a holding device that is provided on the one of the hinge arm and the structure part on which the holding device is not provided.

Abstract: In a seat cushion of a seat, a first actuator supplies air via inside of a communication tube to inside of a air bag in a state where an air valve has been opened by control of a second actuator, whereby air pressure inside the air bag is adjusted, hardness of a pad and in turn the seat cushion is adjusted. Further, after the hardness of the seat cushion has been adjusted, the air valve is closed by control of the second actuator. For this reason, the hardness of the seat cushion can be adjusted at an appropriate hardness with respect to a vehicle occupant.

Abstract: A vehicle seat has a pad carrier with a wire frame and a seat cushion that rests on the pad carrier. The seat cushion structure is connected to the pad carrier and absorbs energy by deformation in the event of high forces.

Abstract: An occupant restraint device 10 in which a bag is disposed without being folded includes a bag 12 disposed above the seat pan 8 and being inflatable to push a front portion of the seat cushion from below, and a gas generator 14 for inflating the bag 12. The bag 12 is disposed on the seat pan 8 in a flattened state without being folded.

Abstract: A technology is provided effective for aiming at improving an assembling capability of an airbag module in a vehicle seat, on which an airbag module is mounted having a construction in which an airbag is developed and expanded from a downside to an upside of the seat cushion, against a movement of the vehicle occupant in a front of the motor vehicle, in a condition of the occupant being seated in the vehicle seat, at a time when an accident occurs. A vehicle seat with respect to the present invention is constructed such that a hollow portion that is caved downward, which is provided in a seat pan is capable of holding an airbag module.

Abstract: A seat assembly (21) for a vehicle including a seat (22), a seat mounting assembly (20) mounting the seat (22) for movement along an upwardly concaved arcuate path, a backrest (25) assembly with a backrest member (23) having a lower portion (18) coupled for arcuate motion with the seat (22) and an upper portion mounted for movement in a vertically extending direction. The backrest assembly (25) further includes a recliner frame and mechanism (32, 33). A method of providing a seat assembly also is disclosed including the steps of mounting the seat (22) for movement along an upwardly arcuate path, mounting the backrest (25) proximate the seat, coupling a lower portion (18) of the backrest for movement with the seat (22) and mounting the upper portion of the backrest (23) for vertically extending movement.

Abstract: A seat for a vehicle. The seat includes an occupant support defining a support surface for an occupant of the seat, and a mounting assembly coupled to the occupant support and rigidly mounted to the vehicle. The mounting assembly resists non-vertical movement and guides vertical movement of the occupant support relative to the mounting assembly. The seat also includes a shear member having a first hardness and a sacrificial member have a second hardness lower than the first hardness. The sacrificial member is sheared by the shear member in response to a generally downward force on the occupant support arising from inertia of the occupant in the presence of a rapid upward movement of the vehicle. Shearing the sacrificial member absorbs energy associated with the rapid upward movement of the vehicle and accommodates downward movement of the occupant support relative to the mounting assembly, reducing acceleration of the occupant.

Abstract: A vehicle seat comprises a seat frame comprising a lower frame connected to side frames, and a seating frame connected to the lower frame. A connecting structure is formed at a position remote from a rotate center as a connecting portion of an end side of the side frame to the lower frame; the connecting structure comprises an elongated hole formed in the applicable side frame and extending in an up-and-down direction, a convex portion formed on the lower frame, an energy absorbing plate, and a guide member for guiding the energy absorbing plate; and the convex portion and the elongated hole are configured to be relatively movable, while plastically deforming the energy absorbing plate which is supported in an abutting manner by a seating frame side of the convex portion and which is disposed in a clamped manner between the convex portion and the guide member.

Abstract: A recliner mechanism for a vehicle seat includes a support plate (7) mounted on the squab (2) of the seat, and a support plate (11) mounted on the back rest (3) of the seat. There is a pivotal interconnection (10) between the plates to enable the back rest to be reclined. The pivotal interconnection is initially retained by a spring (20), in a retaining part (15) of an elongate slot (14). When the back rest (3) is subjected to a rearward force, such as by a seat occupant in a rear impact situation, the spring is deformed and the pivot shaft moves along the slot (14), enabling the back rest (3) to move rearwardly. An energy absorbing element (17) is provided which deforms, whilst absorbing energy, during this second movement of the back rest.

Abstract: A seat assembly includes an active material in operative communication with a seat surface configured to undergo a change in at least one property upon receipt of an activation signal, wherein the change in at least one property is effective to change at least one feature of the seat surface.

Abstract: A vehicle seat stabilization system configured for minimizing downward displacement of a seat cushion upon vehicle impact includes a vehicle seat and a stabilization device. The seat has a first and second vertical position and includes the cushion, a torque tube, mounting arrangement, slide assembly, and lift linkage. The device is configured for minimizing downward displacement of the cushion upon vehicle impact and includes a piston, rod, first cylinder, and a second cylinder disposed entirely within and cooperating with the first cylinder to define a conduit. The piston divides the second cylinder and defines a first and second chamber in fluid communication via the conduit. The device includes fluid and a member disposed within the second cylinder moveable upon vehicle impact to seal off fluid communication between the conduit and the second chamber to minimize downward displacement of the cushion upon impact when the seat is in the second position.

Abstract: A seat apparatus for vehicle includes a slide mechanism including a lower rail adapted to be fixed to a vehicle floor and an upper rail movably supported relative to the lower rail and adapted to be fixed to a first end portion of a seat frame, a belt anchor connected to a seat belt fixed to the seat frame, a wire member arranged below a second end portion of the seat frame and having ends adapted to be fixed to the vehicle floor, and a separating load transmission mechanism including a wire member retaining device connected to the belt anchor, the wire member retaining device being relatively movable along the wire member in a normal operation and retaining the wire member to lock the relative movement in a case where a separating load equal to or greater than a predetermined level is applied to the belt anchor.

Abstract: Device for energy absorption in particular for an automotive vehicle seat upon impact, said device comprising a first element substantially in the form of a plate with a hole and a second element inserted in the hole, said first element comprising a series of cutouts that are successive along a deformation direction and define a series of yokes between each other extending along a direction of elongation transversal to the direction of deformation, said yokes having each a length along the direction of elongation, said length increases strictly from one yoke to the next according to the distance of the yokes in relation to the second element and the yokes having an overall concavity turned towards the second element.

Abstract: A frame structure of a seatback for a vehicle includes a first frame including at least two panels and a divided portion therebetween and a second frame including tubing and bonded to the first frame substantially along a periphery of the first frame. The second frame includes an elongation deformation allowing portion for allowing a portion of the second frame to be elongated over the divided portion of the first frame in an upper side portion when a predetermined load is exerted on the seatback toward a rear of the vehicle.

Abstract: Human support systems for one or more of the safety, convenience, comfort of the user.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for securing a moveable scat substructure of a vehicle seating system to a stationary base substructure of the vehicle seating system during a dynamic event such as, for example, rapid vehicle deceleration. In one embodiment, an inertia lock apparatus is provided for a vehicle seating system and includes: a striker bar; a pendulum latch pivotally moveable between a normal orientation and a latching orientation; and a lock mechanism configured to prevent the pendulum latch from moving from the latching orientation to the normal orientation. In another embodiment the inertia lock apparatus includes a release mechanism for moving the pendulum latch from the latching orientation to the normal orientation, thereby unlocking the lock mechanism and resetting the apparatus. In another aspect, a vehicle seating system including the inertia lock apparatus is provided.