Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for minimizing accelerations during impacts such as those encountered in motor vehicle accidents, helicopter and airplane crashes, explosions, and the like. The preferred embodiment takes the form of a helical spring-like member (100), designed to experience plastic deformation over a desired deformation length, under a given impact load threshold. The spring-like member is preferably installed in a mechanical linkage that is flattened under impact, straining the spring-like member in a predictable fashion. The operating characteristics of this system [namely the stress-strain curve, and thus the deformation length, impact load threshold, and acceptable load range for the system to be protected] can be easily controlled by varying the device dimensions and installation configuration.

Abstract: An energy absorbing device for carrying a passenger seat; the device comprises a base fixed to a vehicle; a member displaceable from base; at least one energy-absorbing arrangement interconnecting base and displaceable member. The energy-absorbing arrangement comprises a plastically deformable absorbing element in response to stresses greater than a predetermined threshold stress. In some embodiments the plastically deformable absorbing element is a helically configured ribbon having spaced-apart ribbon laps. In other embodiments the plastically deformable absorbing element is compressible, and/or extendable.

Abstract: An energy absorbing device for carrying a passenger seat; the device comprises a base fixed to a vehicle; a member displaceable from base; at least one energy-absorbing arrangement interconnecting base and displaceable member. The energy-absorbing arrangement comprises a plastically deformable absorbing element in response to stresses greater than a predetermined threshold stress. In some embodiments the plastically deformable absorbing element is a helically configured ribbon having spaced-apart ribbon laps. In other embodiments the plastically deformable absorbing element is compressible, and/or extendable.

Abstract: The present invention provides an energy absorbing element (200) (EAE) useful for limiting forces transmitted to an object attached thereto, said element comprising a hollow extruded member provided with threads (230), having a helical cut (210) through the wall of said member, said helical cut and the extrusion axis of said member being coaxial, said member being adapted to undergo deformation when under strain, whereby the force-displacement curve of said spacer when under strain is of a predetermined form and wherein said element may be stretched or compress by a length depending upon the pitch of said helical cut such that forces transmitted to said object are limited.

Abstract: A shock absorbing device adapted for mounting at a substantially vertical surface is disclosed. The aforesaid device comprises (a) vertically spaced-apart two pulleys being mechanically securable to the vertical surface; (b) an elongate member; the elongate member provided with two terminals; the member adapted for reciprocative motion along the elongate member; the member adapted for mechanically securing a subject to be protected; (c) a wire connected to the terminals of the member and tensioned through the pulleys. The device further comprises an energy absorber.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for minimizing accelerations during impacts such as those encountered in motor vehicle accidents, helicopter and airplane crashes, explosions, and the like. The preferred embodiment takes the form of a helical spring-like member (100), designed to experience plastic deformation over a desired deformation length, under a given impact load threshold. The spring-like member is preferably installed in a mechanical linkage that is flattened under impact, straining the spring-like member in a predictable fashion. The operating characteristics of this system [namely the stress-strain curve, and thus the deformation length, impact load threshold, and acceptable load range for the system to be protected] can be easily controlled by varying the device dimensions and installation configuration.