Abstract: A seat assembly for commercial aircraft or other vehicles has features that reduce head excursion in high impact events such as crashes or collisions. These include the use of low-elongation seatbelt material and high seatbelt anchor location. Another feature which reduces head excursion is an articulating seatpan. The bottom seat cushion is guided by rollers in tracks to follow a prescribed motion under forward inertial load. As the inertial load is applied, the seatpan travels forward and tilts upward. This reduces forward pelvic rotation which, in turn, reduces head excursion. Other features which limit pelvic rotation are the use of dynamically stiff foam for the seat cushion, and a relatively steep initial cushion angle/cushion contour.

Abstract: An apparatus for storing infant's safety seat within a movable passenger carrying transporter such as an aircraft or bus in the transporter's bulkhead section. The seat may be stored in a compartment located within a table or within a formed bulkhead storage compartment. When stored in a table, a hinged connection pivotally mounts the seat to the table. When in the bulkhead compartment a vertical door permits the infant to be placed within the seat in the compartment. In either embodiment an infant accessory storage mesh bag may be used to store infant items such as diapers, toys, or other infant care items.

Abstract: A helicopter safety system provides an increased likelihood of survivability without injury during "survivable" helicopter crashes. The system provides spinal compression for precompressing an operator's spine in response to a crash signal from a crash sensor. Also included is a strap tensioning device which tensions an inertia reel strap and thus restraining the operator's upper body more effectively in the helicopter seat. Preferably, the strap tensioning device is initiated simultaneously with the spinal compression. Also included are energy absorbers connected to the seat pan, for example, between the seat pan and the seat frame, and airbags connected to the harness. The harness also includes a cross coupling element to provide for a lateral support configuration.

Abstract: An ejection seat buckle assembly and an arm restraint system incorporating such a buckle assembly wherein the buckle of the assembly includes latch and strike portions each having a respective cable guide ring integrally formed therewith. Arm restraint cables passing through the guide rings deploy safety nets or pull the sleeves or arms of an occupant inward toward the occupant's torso or lap to prevent arm injury during seat ejection from an aircraft. In one embodiment, the guide rings are formed integrally with the latch and strike portions by forming generally oval shaped openings in lap belt adjusters mounted to respective latch and strike engagement portions by latch hinges. In another embodiment, the cable guide rings are D-shaped rings integral with the latch and strike of the ejection seat buckle.

Abstract: An airplane seat child safety harness comprising: a central buckle formed in a planar configuration and including a coupling device affixed to at least one of its ends, the buckle including at least one bore with a button positioned therein, the coupling devices adapted to couple with seat belt buckle inserts, at least one lower belt having two free ends, one free end being coupled to the central buckle, the lower belts adapted to be positioned through the legs and behind the back of a child; and at least two lap belts each having at least two free ends, one free end being coupled to the central buckle, at least two seat belt rings formed in a tubular configuration and adapted to be coupled with the end of a seat belt buckle, the second free end of the lap belts being coupled to the seat belt buckle rings, each of the belts including length adjustment devices, at least two shoulder straps each having at least one segment and including length adjustment devices, each shoulder strap having two free ends, one fr

Abstract: A strap adjusting device for a harness-adjustment strap having a length, a first end affixed to an aircraft seat-mounted harness and a spaced opposite second end which is free. A wind up device removably affixed to the strap at the second end. The wind up device automatically winds up the strap for a determined length from the second end. The determined length of the strap is thus compacted and restrained from hanging loose. The wind up device includes a housing and a spring in the housing for winding up the strap. A clamp releasably clamps the second end of the strap to the spring.

Abstract: An integrated pilot protection and restraining system having a circular bearing structure configured to surround the neck of the wearer, and a non-conformal helmet which is detachably coupled to and rotatably supported by the bearing structure. An automatic helmet rotation system is provided for controlling rotation of the helmet in response to movements of the wearer's head in order to maintain the helmet in a predetermined position with respect to the wearer's head. The system further includes a restraining anchor disposed on a rear portion of the bearing structure at its non-rotating base proximate to the base of the wearer's neck. The restraining anchor is coupled to a retractable restraining device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an inflatable air bag apparatus attached to a harness restraint system in a vehicle which inflates if an impact sensor detects an impact. The apparatus comprises an bladder attached to the harness's shoulder strap. The sides of the bladder wrap around the shoulder strap and are folded on top of the shoulder strap. When an impact is detected, the impact sensor transmits an electrical signal which ignites the gas generator, and inflates the bladder. In a preferred embodiment, the bladder member comprises three chambers, a central chamber and two side chambers. The chambers are formed by two vertical webs that divide the bladder into the central chamber and the side chamber. The webs are fabricated from permeable material, such that the side chambers inflate before the central chamber inflates, thus stabilizing the air bag apparatus.

Abstract: A seat belt for a pilot seat or flight attendant seat in an aircraft includes a belt tightener with a reversible energy storage member in the form of a helical compression spring and a rod-shaped energy converter coupled to the energy storage member. The energy converter is at least indirectly connected to a belt member of the seat belt. After the belt member has been tightened and the energy converter has been displaced as a result with an at least partial regeneration of the energy storage member, a cutting chisel penetrates the surface of the energy converter and dampens the movement of the belt member. A renewed activation of the energy storage member after the deceleration phase is prevented by the penetration of a clamping edge of a clamping member in the surface of the energy converter.

Abstract: A safety belt arrangement, for use in land vehicles or aircraft for securing the occupants thereof, has at least one belt reeling device with a self-locking blocking mechanism with a mechanical control for moving a locking member into the blocking position which prevents the belt from being pulled out further. In order to reduce the response times for the belt reeling devices, a computer is provided which determines the acceleration characteristics of the particular vehicle or aircraft and is coupled to the mechanical control of the belt reeling device, the locking member being moved into its blocking position or returned to its rest position by the mechanical control in response to a signal emitted by the computer.

Abstract: An aviator harness fitting includes a releasable member secured to a buckle member by means of a movable bolt. A pressure inlet is provided to enable translational motion of the bolt in the manner of a piston. When actuated, the bolt moves to a release position to permit separation of the releasable and buckle members.

Abstract: A powered retractable passenger restraint system for securing the occupant of a vehicle seat, especially a seat in a high performance aircraft, in an upright sitting position against the seat, which includes an upper body harness and a retraction apparatus connected thereto, which, upon actuation, forcibly retracts the upper body. a lower body harness and a retraction apparatus which, upon actuation, forcibly retracts the lower body into the seat, and apparatus responsive to the forces of inertia for actuating the upper body and lower body harness retraction apparatus. Furthermore, a manual apparatus is included in the restraint system for selectively actuating the upper lower body harness, as well as an override actuation apparatus for actuating the upper and lower body retraction apparatus regardless of the condition of the other actuation apparatus, so that in emergency conditions such as ejection, the passenger is retracted to the seat.

Abstract: A continuous main strap (10) has a front H-shaped configuration and a rear X-shaped configuration. Strap (10) extends from one side of the waist diagonally up and across the back, down the front, across and under the buttocks, up the front, and diagonally down and across the back to the opposite side of the waist. A chest strap (30) completely encircles the chest and forms the horizontal portion of the "H". An integral thigh strap and lap belt (20) is attached to the buttocks portion (16) of strap (10) and extends upwardly and laterally outwardly to side waist fittings (56) on vertical front webs (14) of strap (10), through fittings (56), and inwardly to an adjustable connector (26). Each fitting (56) has a cam lock snubber (66) for releasably securing strap (20) against movement relative to fitting (56).

Abstract: A support and associated flexible untearable band which incorporates a plurality of energy-absorbing loops intended to destruct under the effect of an applied impact load. The energy-absorbing loops are made of an elastic elongated material and are secured on the band, and a rigid holder is provided onto which the loops are put one after another. The flexible band is a woven ribbon provided on at least one side with at least one row of woven loops made integral with the ribbon and having a width less than the width of the woven ribbon itself.

Abstract: Lock for safety belts, comprising a lock housing and a lock tongue which can be inserted into the lock housing. The lock tongue is displaceably mounted on a support element and is spring-biased to a withdrawn position, the lock tongue being normally displaceable to a projected position against the spring bias, a latch member engaging the lock tongue in the withdrawn position thereof to prevent displacement of the lock tongue to the projected position. A fitting for a strap can be passed onto the lock tongue in the withdrawn position thereof, said fitting engaging the latch member to release the lock tongue for displacement to the projected position against the spring bias.

Abstract: This harness device provides safety support for para-medics within an emergency vehicle, while they are performing their duties with a patient. Primarily, the device includes a waist belt and a pair of straps, which normally hang from the roof on the interior of the vehicle, prior to the use of the device.

Abstract: A crashworthy vehicle seat comprises a seat bucket member suspended by supporting webs engaged with rotary energy absorbers attached to the overhead of the vehicle. Beneath the seat bucket member, pairs of extensible and compressible energy absorbers are attached between the seat bucket member and the floor of the vehicle. Upon impact, the rotary energy absorbers and the extensible and compressible energy absorbers are arrayed to permit controlled and energy absorbing movement to reduce the probability of injury to the occupant of the seat. In the one form of the seat it accommodates itself to fore and aft forces acting upon it. In a modified form of the seat the design is optimized to accommodate these forces. In further forms of the seat the design is arranged for a sideward or lateral facing seat and the design is optimized to accommodate lateral forces.

Abstract: An improved arm restraint system for moving the arms of an ejection seat occupant to restrained positions along the sides of the occupant's torso upon initiation of emergency escape ejection of the seat and occupant from an aircraft includes a multistrap and guide ring arrangement wherein the elbow of the aircrewman is drawn tightly against the torso side through a direct interconnection therebetween and concurrently his hands/wrists are drawn to the ejection control of the seat.

Abstract: An aircraft ejection seat position and restraint system for protecting an rcrewman against back injuries during emergency escape. The ejection sequence is initiated by the aircrewman pulling a lower ejection handle or a face curtain handle with both hands to release or shatter the cockpit canopy. A torso harness suit is concommittantly tightened with inflation of a vest worn between the aircrewman and the suit, and catapult rockets are fired to propel the seat out of the cockpit. The harness suit draws the aircrewman's upper torso against the back of the seat while the inflated vest pushes his hips back and down into the seat pan for optimally positioning his spine before ejection thereby negating the effects of an aircrewman purposely or inadvertently flying with a loose harness. After ejection, the seat is separated from the aircrewman but the vest remains inflated inside the harness providing cushioning against the opening shock force of the parachute which is attached to the harness suit.

Abstract: An improved crashworthy helicopter seat primarily for combat aircraft includes at least upper, intermediate and lower pairs of energy absorbers attached between the seat bucket and the frame of the aircraft and operable in both tension and compression. The energy absorbers comprise a plurality of telescoped tubes interfitted into one another and having coils of wire frictionally engaged between adjoining tubes such that energy is dissipated by motion of the tubes relative to one another through the plastic deformation of the coils of wire. The energy absorbers are adjustable to optimize safety parameters of occupants of the seat under a range of potential crash conditions including the most probable crash condition, for occupants having a substantial range of weight and size.

Abstract: To provide effective body restraint together with rapid egress under emergency conditions, an integrated shoulder harness and lap belt restraint apparatus is disclosed having two shoulder straps of webbing attached to an upper anchor point and extended therefrom over opposite shoulders of an occupant, through shoulder strap length adjusters, and then downwardly along the sides of an occupant's upper torso to side anchors located adjacent the opposite sides of the seat pan. Each strap webbing is looped through a friction fitting at the corresponding side anchor and is then extended inwardly to a lap buckle having webbing length adjusters on each of the complementary, interconnecting buckle parts.

Abstract: A safety cushion apparatus having a very short reaction time is attachable to automotive vehicle belt-type restraints for softening the shock of sudden constraint against the user's body and to maintain the belt restraints with an appropriate degree of tautness. The apparatus includes an inflatable cushion that is longitudinally folded to a compact, strap-like configuration conforming to the shape of the belt restraint, a flat, slim inflator being enclosed within and surrounded by the folded cushion. The folded cushion is releasably enclosed within an outer cover to which it is attached, the outer cover being attached to the underside of the belt restraint and fastened over the folded cushion by a long zipper. Velcro hook and hoop fastening material is utilized for attaching the cover to the belt restraint and the zipper.

Abstract: A single lever harness release assembly for simultaneous release of at least two separate safety straps used for securing persons in riding position seated in a vehicle, and comprising a base member and an overlying plate member establishing an oppositely opening receiver passage for the reception of opposite strap couplings, a pair of release pins carried in laterally spaced openings to enter the passage and disengageably secure said couplings respectively, and a selectively moveable spring biased lever means exposing said single lever and simultaneously withdrawing said pair of release pins when deliberately lifted or depressed.

Abstract: A disconnect device for an aircraft survival kit including a container and a lid secured thereto with a torso harness and anti-rotation strap associated therewith. The disconnect device includes a body adapted to be mounted relative to the kit, with the body including a recess, in accordance with one embodiment, adapted to enclose a portion of the kit therein, and a support assembly extending outwardly from the body and including a cavity adapted to receive an end of the harness therein. A locking device is provided and adapted to extend through the support assembly and the end of the harness to provide securement of the harness to the kit so as to obtain removal of the harness from the disconnect device for replacement thereof when the locking devise is disengaged such that the lid may remain secured to the container when the harness is replaced. The support assembly includes a pair of spaced apart arms integrally joined with the body and defining the cavity for receiving the end of the harness therebetween.

Abstract: An arm restraint system for use with an aircraft ejection seat to prevent limb flailing on ejection. Long straps, which are normally loose to allow unimpeded arm and body movement of the seated crewman, are retained high on the side of the shoulder area by a flap with a Velcro fastener and by ring members on the seat buckle and on the seat frame. During the ejection sequence, the Velcro fasteners are pulled apart by the action of the straps which move downward and pin the crewman's arms against his side and lower abdomen thereby preventing flail upon entry of the crewman into the airstream.

Abstract: Device for stretching a band forming part of a safety belt for a vehicle which takes up any slack of the band and stretches same towards the body of a user when there is an abnormal change in the speed of the vehicle comprising a rotatably mounted winding-up core for the band having a cam at one end located within a housing, an arm journalled in the housing and pivotable between a position in the path of movement of the cam and a position outside of said path. In the inactive condition of the device the free end of the arm is positioned in the path of movement of the cam and defines with a surface of the cam and the walls of the housing a closed expansible chamber. An ignitable gun powder charge is held in the free end of the arm and there is means for igniting same when there is an abnormal change in speed to cause expansion of the chamber, rotation of said cam and movement of said arm to outside of the path of movement of the cam, and rotation of the core in the winding-up direction.

Abstract: A reel mechanism for the elimination of the belt looseness of a safety belt system when exceeding a predetermined vehicle deceleration, whereby a preferably electrically ignitable propellant charge is provided for the initiation of the retraction movement, which is arranged in the axial direction of the wind-up roller; the propellant charge is thereby arranged concentrically in a hollow shaft of a belt roller that blocks automatically in case of danger, and accommodates a continuously effective retracting device as well as the wind-up roller; a liquid medium is disposed in front of the propellant charge which, after the ignition of the propellant charge, drives a rotor coupled at that instant with the wind-up roller by the then forming gases in the sense of an elimination of the belt looseness.

Abstract: A roller harness arrangement for airplane pilot seats arranged side by side. The roller mechanism for each pilot seat is, respectively coupled to a winding mechanism which is controllable by the pilot in the other pilot seat.

Abstract: A reel for safety belts. There is provided a safety belt for such use as motor vehicles or aircraft, which will normally have only light tension thereon to permit easy movement of the safetied person on the seat of the vehicle or aircraft but which upon sudden change in speed of the vehicle or aircraft will impose a sufficient strong restraint against unwinding thereof as to effect the desired support of the person to whom the safety belt is applied. The device is particularly adapted for fitting into relatively small spaces and is fully integrated for providing its operation without external connections. Particularly, the device embodying the invention is provided with a belt-carrying winch in which a spring maintains a light windup tension thereon. Acceleration sensitive means initially locks the winch to prevent unreeling of the belt and immediately thereafter releases said lock, winds the belt as needed to remove any slack therefrom and applies a brake against further unreeling of the belt.

Abstract: The device for winding up an elongate flexible element, such as a vehicle safety belt of U.S. Pat. No.

Abstract: A winding assembly for a vehicle safety belt system is provided with a belt rolling device and a high speed turning device adapted upon actuation of a propellant charge to wind the safety belt at high speeds as a result of the generation of pyrotechnical gases.

Abstract: A safety belt is provided with an accessory that can be actuated in emergency situations to sever the belt and allow the belt user to be freed from the belt. This accessory has a pair of parallel blades one of which may be pulled along the other to sever the belt scissor-fashion when a force exceeding a predetermined minimum force is exerted on the blade pull. The movable blade may be spring-loaded so that simple actuation of a pushbutton or withdrawal of an operating pin allows the springs to push the movable blade across the fixed blade and sever the belt. Such an accessory is mounted on the seat belt in the middle of the chest of the user to make it readily accessible to the user or a rescuer in an emergency situation.

Abstract: A rotary power device for use in conjunction with tensioning mechanism of safety devices for the protection of passengers in vehicles and the like. The preferred embodiment disclosed is used for tensioning safety belts of a vehicle passenger restraint system in response to predetermined experienced deceleration such as occur in an accident situation. The rotary power device includes a rotary piston guided in a helically wound guide track such that the piston moves both rotatably and axially in response to compressed gas forces against a pressure face which extends in a plane containing the axis of rotation of the piston. A coupling bushing arrangement is interposed between the piston and the rotating shaft accommodating the safety belt, with axial movement of the piston with respect to the bushing and shaft, and with rotatable locking of the piston and shaft.

Abstract: A restraint divestment system for releasing a crewman equipped with a parachute and restraint harness from an aircraft ejection seat mounted restraint assembly in the event of a ground emergency. A single point crewman actuated mechanism releases the leg restraints, seat lap belt, and the disconnect couplings connecting the parachute riser and shoulder straps and survival kit to the harness so that, in the event of a ground emergency, the crewman can escape from the aircraft with his harness. The actuating mechanism includes an interlock which prevents release of the parachute risers and survival kit in the event of an emergency ejection from the aircraft when in-flight, so that the system can then be utilized by a crewman for manual seat separation and parachute descent. The actuating mechanism includes a pull cord actuated bell crank mechanism which actuates the various release mechanisms and is latched in its full release position.

Abstract: A vehicle occupant restraint system which includes a bladder member secur affixed to shoulder straps and a lap belt is disclosed. The bladder member comprises a central pocket portion in fluid communication with two pelvic bags and two chest bags. The chest bags are additionally interconnected with a chin bag member. Upon impact the bladder member automatically inflates to thereby cushion the pelvic and chest areas against the forces of the collision and simultaneously the chin bag member inflates to thereby prevent rotation of the vehicle occupant's chin into his chest.

Abstract: A protective breastplate rigidly attached to the straps of a vehicle seat belt in which fiber reinforced material layers are shaped to form an air-tight, hollow chamber anatomically adapted to the upper thorax and abdomen of a vehicle occupant; a metal mesh lining is provided on the interior of the chamber to prevent pointed objects from piercing the protector, and an air intake valve is attached at the bottom.

Abstract: Safety harness comprising a waistband to be wrapped around a person, shoulder suspenders projecting from the top of the waistband and means for coupling the waistband to a supportive body, such as an automobile; the coupling means comprises two separate belts joining opposite sides of the waistband to the supportive body; an openable coupling in each belt, which coupling includes a swivelable lock handle, which is adapted to be swiveled substantially simultaneously with the grasping and removal of the person from the supportive body; in additional embodiments, means connect the swivelable handles for both belt couplings so that swivel of one handle also swivels the other and releases the waistband.