Abstract: Designs and methods are provided for a side mounted energy attenuating vehicle seat. In one exemplary embodiment the seat comprises a rigid base with a first side, and a substantially vertically oriented mounting plate adjacent the first side of the base. The exemplary seat further comprises a vertical slide mechanism comprising a fixed portion attached to the mounting plate, and a sliding portion attached to the first side of the base, the mechanism configured to allow for a downward stroke of the base relative to the mounting plate. A roller is attached to the first side of the base substantially below the point of attachment to the sliding portion of the vertical slide mechanism, and configured to roll in a vertical direction while bearing against the mounting plate, and supporting the seat base in a horizontal orientation. An energy attenuating member is positioned so as to prevent the seat from stroking downward relative to the mounting plate during normal use.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for a crew seat for use in vehicles and aircraft potentially exposed to high acceleration or sudden impact conditions. The crew seat comprises a seat back with a rigid frame, a belt restraint system including a shoulder belt attached to an anchor point behind the seat back, and a shoulder belt support extending from the seat back. The shoulder belt support comprises an elongated portion disposed between a fixed end attached to the seat back and a free end with a guide slot. The shoulder belt support is moveable between a raised orientation and a lowered orientation by varying tension in the shoulder belt.