Abstract: A light-weight aircraft passenger seat, which includes a plurality of integrally mounted wire-bending energy attenuators, and which can be floor mounted to face either forward or backward. Four seat legs, pivotally connected between the seat and floor, extend upward at the same angle from the floor, which is determined by two energy attenuators also pivotally connected between the seat and the floor, and extending upward from the floor in an opposite direction from the seat legs. When facing forward, the seat is stroked forward and downward. When facing backward, the seat is stroked backward and downward. In either a forward or backward facing disposition, the free ends of the energy attenuations extend into the back of the seat. Also the seat is flexibly connected to the seat legs and energy attenuators, which, in turn are connected by swivels to the floor to provide seat articulation as the floor distorts during a crash.

Abstract: A lightweight, low cost, collapsible, side-facing seat construction for tp carrying aircraft designed to attenuate crash load forces in an improved manner. A fabric seat sling depending from a support strap assembly is suspended via energy absorbing devices from an aircraft overhead frame structure and is supported by a simple pivoted strut assembly secured to the aircraft floor structure. Shoulder and lap safety belts are secured through the seat by tie-down straps angled outwardly from both sides of the seat directly to the aircraft floor for increased occupant safety and anti-sway resistance. A minimum of rigid, heavy, relatively expensive compression-carrying structural members is thus utilized in this unique seat while providing maximum comfort and safety to its occupant.

Abstract: An energy attenuator for use with tensile or compressive loads is disclosed. The attenuator has two housings slidably fitted within one another. Relative motion of the two housings is opposed by a wire bending mechanism comprising a stiff wire and a trolley which bends the wire as it moves along the wire. The force required to move the housings is determined by the mechanical properties and size of the wire used and the orientation of the bearing surfaces of the trolley.