Abstract: An automotive seat assembly is provided including a seatback and a motion translation element pivotably mounted within. The motion translation element includes a back engagement portion, movable between a back engagement stable position and a back intrusion position, and a translation portion, movable from a translation stable position to a translation actuated position in response to the back engagement portion movement. A intermediary element is rotatably attached to the translation portion, such that it is moved between an intermediary stable position and an intermediary actuated position. The intermediary element is additionally movable between a disengagement position and a engagement position. A momentum cam is utilized to move the intermediary element into the engagement position during vehicle impact. A trigger arm is positioned within said seatback and engages the intermediary element when in said engagement position.

Abstract: A head restraint assembly may include a head restraint, a cam, and an arm. The head restraint may be rotatably supported by a seat back and configured to be automatically rotated as the seat back is rotated. The cam may be rotatably coupled to the seat back and include an engagement surface. The arm may include a first portion non-rotatably coupled to the head restraint and a second portion engaged with the cam engagement surface.

Abstract: A reclining chair, in particular a passenger chair, for use in a vehicle such as an aircraft, bus or mobile home. The chair includes a base assembly, a seat frame located above the base assembly, a seat attached to the seat frame, and a seat back connected to the seat frame. In various embodiments, the chair includes features such as an energy absorbing base assembly, an adjustable arm rest, a fully reclining seat back and a seat that increases its angle with respect to the horizontal as the seat back reclines, thereby forcing one back into the chair. The seat and seat back is also capable of achieving a fully horizontal position when the seat back is fully reclined.

Abstract: An automotive seat assembly 10 is provided, including a primary seat structure 12 having a seatbase portion 14 and a seatback portion 16. The present invention further includes a headrest support assembly 26 including an upper headrest support section 28 and a lower headrest support section 30 rotatable about a headrest pivot point 34 positioned between the upper headrest support section 28 and the lower headrest support section 30. An energy absorbing deformable plate 40 is mounted to the lower headrest support section 30 at an upper plate end 42 and is mounted to the primary seat structure 12 at a lower plate end 44. The energy absorbing deformable plate 40 is deformable rearwards 43 during a rear-end collision. As the energy absorbing deformable plate 40 deforms rearward, the upper plate end 42 moves the lower headrest support section 30 rearward and the upper headrest support section 28 is thereby rotated forward.

Abstract: The backrest of a vehicle seat having a headrest, which may be displaced from an in-use position to a safety position by the effect of a force generation device, and which is fixed, by means of retaining elements extending into the backrest. The retaining elements may be displaced relative to the backrest, under the effect of the force generating device, by means of at least one connector guide, from a connector into a connector side block. The connector slide block is preferably lockable in the connector on the displacement from the in-use position to the safety position. One embodiment includes a rectangular connector slide block which performs a turning movement on the displacement, as a result of which the radial extent of the above relative to the connector is increased thus locking the connector slide block in the connector with a positive or non-positive fit.

Abstract: An upper end portion of a seat backrest and a lower end portion of a head rest are superposed together. A rear end portion of an upper portion cushion member and a lower end portion of the seat backrest are superposed together. These superposed portions are sewn together by thin threads which break when pressing force of a predetermined value or greater is applied to the seat backrest. Thus, when pressing force of the predetermined value or greater is applied to the seat backrest, the thin threads break. A portion of the seat backrest which a shoulder portion of a seated occupant contacts, and a portion of the seat backrest which buttocks of the seated occupant contact, are enlarged, and impact force can be damped.

Abstract: A lateral collision is pre-detected and an integral lateral reinforcement structure is formed between both center pillars, thereby preventing an excessive deformation of the lateral vehicle body due to the exterior impact, protecting occupants from a direct impact by the deformation of the vehicle body, and greatly improving collision stability.

Abstract: A seat, in particular an aircraft passenger seat, has a seat component (10) and a backrest component (12) made at least in part of shell components. One shell component (22) is detachably connected to other components of the seat by a fastening mechanism. In the event of sudden introduction of force, as in the event of a crash, the shell component (22) is detached from the other components of the seat. A passive element is created by the shell component. When normal operating forces are present, that is, in the normal operating state of the seat, the passive element retains its position and shape. In the event of introduction of large force impulses, such as in sudden introduction of force in the event of a crash, the passive element is detached from the remaining shell structure of the seat without significant reaction forces being generated, which might cause injury of the seat occupant, and creates a free space in the seat.

Abstract: An air bag assembly in a vehicle having an inflator for generating inflation gas and an air bag cushion deployable upon generation of gas by the inflator. The air bag cushion includes a first inflatable portion which is proximal to the inflator for cushioning the torso of the vehicle occupant. The air bag cushion further includes a second inflatable portion distal from the inflator for cushioning the head of the vehicle occupant. A plurality of expansion restraining elements extend from opposing lateral sides of the air bag cushion at differing latitudes along the air bag cushion between the first and second inflatable portions. The expansion restraining elements extend partially but not completely across the width of the air bag cushion so as to partially restrict the flow of inflation gas from the first inflatable portion into the second inflatable portion while defining the flow path of the inflation gas between the first and second inflatable portions.

Abstract: An automotive seat assembly with improved side impact rigidity is provided including a seat frame. The seat frame includes a frame track, a frame base slidably engaged to the frame track, and a frame back rotatably engaged to the frame base. A rear lateral support assembly includes a support frame attached to a rear portion of the frame base such that the support frame is movable in concert with the frame base. The support frame defines a pocket portion. A tubular member is positioned within the pocket portion. A rocker panel end cap assembly secures a first end of the tubular member within the pocket portion. The rocker panel end cap positioned to engage a rocker panel during side impact. A tunnel console end cap assembly secures a second end of the tubular member within the pocket portion. The tunnel console end cap assembly is positioned to engage a tunnel console such that the tubular member generates a rigid support between the rocker panel and the tunnel console.

Abstract: Apparatus for preventing or limiting spinal injuries to a passenger seated in a forward facing position in a moving vehicle during vehicular impact or sudden deceleration. The apparatus includes a vehicle-installed supporting seat for the passenger, the seat having a support portion behind the seated passenger which includes a resilient surface in contact with the supported passenger. The resilient portion is supported on an underlying stiff support shell. A controllably deformable energy absorbing crush zone is disposed to the rear of the shell as to be compressed by rearward displacement of the passenger, whereby the support portion acts to decelerate the supported spine of the passenger during a vehicle rear end impact, while the controlled deformation of the crush zone absorbs energy, to prevent or limit spinal injuries to the passenger.

Abstract: A hybrid composite-metal energy absorbing seat is described. According to one embodiment, an aircraft seat includes a seat base assembly and a seat back assembly. The seat base assembly includes multiple rigid metal seat base side frame elements joined by a lower seat pan, an energy absorbing element placed on the lower seat pan to deform and absorb downward energy in a crash, and a contoured seat pan whose sides extend past the seat base side frame elements and deform to absorb downward energy in a crash. The seat back assembly is attached to the seat base assembly and includes multiple rigid metal seat back side frame elements joined by a contoured composite seat back. The rigid metal seat back side frame elements absorb forward crash load energy by permanently deforming during a severe forward crash load. The contoured composite seat back provides design/aesthetic flexibility.

Abstract: A vehicle seat has an upper body side protection device that is integrated in the back rest. The protection device comprises a gas bag which has an elongated, oval chamber via which, in the case of an intrusion, the force is introduced into the occupant principally in the region of the hip and the shoulder, in order to displace him in the direction towards the center of the vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus (8) includes a seat (10) for an occupant (12) of a vehicle (14). The seat (10) includes a cushion portion (16) and a backrest portion (18). The apparatus (8) also includes an occupant protection device (70) that, when actuated, resists rearward movement of the backrest portion (18) of the seat (10) relative to the cushion portion (16) of the seat (10). A deflection mechanism (72) of the apparatus (8) is located in the backrest portion (18) of the seat (10) and is movable from a first position to a second position for actuating the occupant protection device (70). The deflection mechanism (72) is adapted to move from the first position to the second position without the backrest portion (18) moving significantly relative to cushion portion (16).

Abstract: A vehicle seat has seating components, such as a seat piece (20), a backrest (22) and a leg-rest (24), which are adjustable as to their positions, particularly in their relative inclination, by at least one operating device (26, 44). A monitoring device monitors all the boundary geometries (50, 52) of the moving seat components which may cause collisions and which have given spatial constraints (54). The monitoring device controls the operating devices (26, 44) at all points to guarantee a collision-free movement of all seat components within the spatial constraints. The vehicle seat considered as a total system can undergo adjustment processes without a damaging collision occurring.

Abstract: The invention involves a two-piece seat for a passenger-carrying vehicle with the seat being capable of complying with the federal requirements with reduced complexity. A steel plate is rigidly attached to the rotating seat back. The steel plate will prevent the seat back from rotating during normal use. If the bus were in a collision, a belted occupant would apply load to the rotating seat back through the seat belts. The steel plate would deform, allowing the rotating seat back to come forward. The fixed portion of the seat back remains in position to act as a passive restraint for any passengers seated behind this particular seat. Utilizing deformable steel plates to retain and control the operation of a rotating seat back equipped with 3-point restraints is a unique aspect to this invention. The plates will retain the rotating seat back in normal use to prevent vandalism to the seat belts, and can be easily removed so the seat back can be rotated forward for servicing the seat belts and upholstery covers.

Abstract: The invention involves a seat system with a movable and immovable portions that may be maintained and still operate during transients as required under the federal regulations. There is a quick release serviceability latch for a school bus passenger seat with integrated restraints. The inner and outer seat backs must be quickly detached from one another to facilitate repair or replacement of damaged seat components. A movable plunger is rigidly attached to the inner seat back frame. Another bracket with hole to accept the plunger is rigidly attached to the back pan of the outer back. The attachment of inner to outer seat backs must be strong enough so that they can't be pulled apart by hand but at the same time be detachable in the event of a crash. A tab that engages the plunger separates upon a rapid deceleration event.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly that includes a seatback frame and an upper armature moveably supported by the seatback frame. The upper armature includes a head restraint and a first impact body, and the upper armature is operable to move in response to a predetermined force applied to the first impact body to thereby move the head restraint toward the occupant. The vehicle seat assembly also includes a lower armature that is operatively connected to the upper armature and is operable to move toward the upper armature in response to a predetermined force applied to the lower armature and act on the upper armature to move the head restraint toward the occupant.

Abstract: A seat system for a vehicle having a plurality of seat spaced longitudinally of the vehicle in a row. A first seat of the plurality of seats having a passive passenger restraint for restraining a passenger occupying a second seat located behind the first seat and having an active passenger restraint comprising a seat belt system mounted on a movable frame mounted to a frame of the seat for restraining a passenger occupying the first seat.

Abstract: A passenger vehicle seat and restraint system comprising a frame mountable to a vehicle and a restraint member and a seat member coupled to the frame to form a seat for supporting an occupant. The vehicle seat may further comprise a seat back frame movably attached to the frame and a restraint harness affixed to the frame and the seat back frame for securing the occupant thereto.

Abstract: A vehicle seat comprising a rigid support structure provided with a rear central beam, which structure carries a headrest, a seat proper, and a seat back carried by the central beam. The seat back is pivotally mounted on the central beam via two couplings that enable the seat back to move rearwards, under a force greater than a predetermined limit value.

Abstract: A seat suspension arrangement intended to provide greater protection for occupants of a vehicle seat in the event of a rearward collision in a motor vehicle, comprises a platform element intended to be supported in the frame of the back rest of a vehicle seat in order to provide support for the seat upholstery, the platform element comprising side rails (1) between which are coupled sinuous wire springs (3) and a plurality of link means (6, 300, 301, 302) by means of which the platform element may be suspended in the frame of a vehicle seat. At least some of the link means (300, 301, 302) are designed to collapse under abnormal load such as would occur in a vehicle collision from the rear, to allow the platform element to move relatively to the seat frame and thus to provide protection for the seat occupant against rearward impact.

Abstract: The invention involves shifting the location of the seat belt retractor in order to reduce the thickness of the seat especially in the lower regions for a mobile vehicle seat. The seat may be used for a mobile vehicle as a school bus as well as for automotive applications. The seat belt retractors are attached to a portion of the seat structure that allows the webbing to exit the retractor on the front surface of the seat back. The webbing is then allowed to cross over to the rear surface of the seat back as it rises to the turning-loop. The retractor may be located forward of the seat back pivot point on the seat frame in order to allow for the webbing to exit on the front surface of the seat back.

Abstract: In a vehicle seat system equipped with an active headrest mechanism (30) and a lumbar support (21), a load-receiving part (32) of the active headrest mechanism (30) is positioned behind the lumbar support (21) as viewed from front of the seat. The vehicle seat system is arranged so that when a specified amount or more of load is applied from front of the seat to a lumbar support plate (22) of the lumbar support (21), one end part of a plate support member (23) supporting the lumbar support plate (22) exits from an insertion hole (17) provided at a side frame (4) to disengage from a seatback frame (2), and the disengaged end part of the plate support member (23) then abuts on the load-receiving part (32).

Abstract: A recliner adjuster for appropriately adjusting an inclination of a seat back with respect to a seat cushion includes a worm gear rotatably mounted on the seat cushion and a helical gear mounted on the seat back via an auxiliary locking mechanism and held in engagement with the worm gear. During normal use, the seat back is held at a predetermined angle with respect to the seat cushion by the engagement of the helical gear with the worm gear. When a load greater than a predetermined value is inputted to the seat back, the auxiliary locking mechanism acts to hold the seat back at the predetermined angle with respect to the seat cushion.

Abstract: An energy-absorbing structure is provided, which comprises two generally parallel metal sheets arranged to receive an impacting force against the uppermost sheet and cooperatively prevent an object supported by the uppermost sheet from impacting a basal surface. One metal sheet may be fabricated from expanded metal for its non-isotropic shock-absorbing properties. The other metal sheet may be fabricated from a non-elastic material and arranged to be supported by pins inserted through holes along the perimeter of the sheet, so that when an impacting force is applied, it will resist the force until the force is sufficiently strong so as to shear the pins through the sheet and abruptly release, thus allowing the metal sheet fabricated from expanded metal to absorb the remainder of the impacting force. The invention may find application in vehicles operating in the air, land, or sea.

Abstract: The invention involves creating a thinner structured seat capable of complying with the federal requirements. The steel back pan is rigidly mounted on three edges to the back frame seat structure. The bottom of the back pan is unformed and allowed to flex in the fore-aft direction. The back pan is then covered with foam that may be one third as thick at the bottom as to thickness at the top of the back pan. The three to one ration of the lower to upper portion for the foam is important in achieving seat thinness. When seat spacing is measured at the h-point or cushion level, the knee protection zone is thinner than conventional seats and allows for a greater number of seats to be placed into a school bus. Utilizing a flexible steel back pan combined with foam in the proper ratios to absorb energy in the knee protection zone through the upper portion achieves the invention.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to suppress rebound of a human body when receiving a large impact load accompanying a collision or the like. A back frame member 20 and a seat frame member 10 are individually formed by welding or caulking, and a link member 30 for connecting both is attached to the back frame member 20 and the seat frame member 10 by welding or caulking. Each of the frame members is provided with a cushioning member as a tension structure. Upon receipt of an impact vibration or an impact force at a predetermined magnitude or more, the tension of the cushioning member provided as the tension structure lowers to be able to exhibit high damping characteristics.

Abstract: In order to improve vibration absorbency and impact absorbency, the seat structure includes a swing member provided in a manner to be able to swing at least back and forth on a rear frame member positioned around the rear of a seat cushion, a pelvis supporting member connected to the swing member at the vicinity of the lower portion of the pelvis supporting member and disposed behind the pelvis of a seated person, and coil springs as an elastic member to support the pelvis supporting member biasing in the direction pushing forwards in a normal seating state. Accordingly, vibration inputted from the seat back side and as if patting on the back of the human body can be absorbed by the pelvis supporting member supported elastically.

Abstract: A passenger protecting apparatus that includes an air belt configured to inflate along a back surface of a seat back to provide protection to the lower body a passenger sitting behind the seat. The apparatus includes a buckle and a lap anchor. The rear end on the right and the left of the air belt are connected to the buckle and the lap anchor via a wire respectively. Upon collision, the air belt is inflated and the buckle and the lap anchor are pulled down to thereby pretension the seat belt.

Abstract: A hybrid composite-metal energy absorbing seat is described. According to one embodiment, an aircraft seat includes a seat base assembly and a seat back assembly. The seat base assembly includes multiple rigid metal seat base side frame elements joined by a lower seat pan, an energy absorbing element placed on the lower seat pan to deform and absorb downward energy in a crash, and a contoured seat pan whose sides extend past the seat base side frame elements and deform to absorb downward energy in a crash. The seat back assembly is attached to the seat base assembly and includes multiple rigid metal seat back side frame elements joined by a contoured composite seat back. The rigid metal seat back side frame elements absorb forward crash load energy by permanently deforming during a severe forward crash load. The contoured composite seat back provides design/aesthetic flexibility.

Abstract: In the case of a locking device (11) for a vehicle seat, in particular for a motor vehicle seat, having a pivotably mounted locking element (15), a counterpart element (18) which interacts with the locking element (15), a pivotably mounted, spring-loaded clamping eccentric (21) which acts on the locking element (15) and keeps the latter in engagement with the counterpart element (18) in a normal situation, and an intercepting component (25) which is coupled to the clamping eccentric (21) and supports the locking element (15) in a crash situation, a stop (35) which is assigned to the locking element (15) is provided for interaction with the clamping eccentric (21) in a crash situation.

Abstract: A head-rest arrangement for a vehicle seat includes a head-rest mounted in position on a vehicle seat so that it can move forwardly from an initial position to a final position. A spring mechanism is provided to move the head-rest. A release mechanism is actuated by movement of a pressure responsive element within the back of the seat to initially prevent operation of the spring mechanism, and to release the spring mechanism when pressure is applied during a rear impact.

Abstract: A passenger vehicle seat and restraint system comprising a frame mountable to a vehicle and a restraint member and a seat member coupled to the frame to form a seat for supporting an occupant. The vehicle seat may further comprise a seat back frame movably attached to the frame and a restraint harness affixed to the frame and the seat back frame for securing the occupant thereto.

Abstract: A child car seat comprises a child car seat body, a back portion, and a seat portion connected to the child car seat body. The back portion is rotatably connected to the child car seat body, and the bottom end of the back portion is pulled toward the seat portion side by a spring member at a normal time. At a time of impact, an impact force larger than a force of the spring member rotates the back portion so that the back portion moves away from the seat portion.

Abstract: A head restraint positioning device is provided for a head restraint of a vehicle seat. The head restraint positioning device includes an impact device movably connected to the head restraint and arranged on a seat back of the vehicle seat in the area of a pelvis of a passenger sitting on the vehicle seat. The impact device includes at least one structural unit that varies in length in response to the application of pressure and that causes a corresponding change in length of the impact device to change the position of the head restraint.

Abstract: An impact-G-force, vector-modifying seat structure in a vehicle, which seat structure introduces, in a forward crash situation, and in a generally vertical plane, a special forward, then upward, and then rearward rotation of the base of the spine of a seated occupant. This motion tends to minimize crash injuries.

Abstract: A vehicle seat frame assembly that includes inboard and outboard generally vertical side members that define outer surfaces. The assembly also has a separate first spacer bracket attached to the outboard side member and has a first contact surface spaced apart from the outer surface of the outboard side member. A separate second spacer bracket is attached to the inboard side member and has a first contact surface spaced apart from the outer surface of the inboard side member. A vehicle seat assembly that includes a center console frame member and a vehicle seat. The seat has a seat frame with a pair of vertical side members and a first and second spacer bracket attached to each of the vertical side members. The first spacer bracket is positioned on an inboard side of the seat frame, with the inboard spacer bracket extending towards the center console frame member.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly including a seatback frame and a lumbar support system operatively mounted to the seatback frame. The lumbar support system includes a lower suspension mechanism that is generally aligned with the pelvic and lumbar regions of the occupant of the seat assembly. The lower suspension mechanism includes a band of flexible material that is stretched about a pair of upstanding support members so as to have a predetermined tension for providing support for the occupant of the seat assembly at the pelvic and lumbar regions.

Abstract: A vehicle occupant protection apparatus includes a headrest control unit for drive-controlling a headrest actuating mechanism. This control unit itself predicts that a vehicle behind is about to impact its own vehicle, and controls the headrest actuating mechanism to move a seat headrest forward and thereby reduce the size of the gap between the headrest and the neck of the occupant of the seat.

Abstract: In the case of a locking device (11) for a vehicle seat, in particular for a motor vehicle seat, having a pivotably mounted locking element (15), a counterpart element (18) which interacts with the locking element (15), a pivotably mounted, spring-loaded clamping eccentric (21) which acts on the locking element (15) and keeps the latter in engagement with the counterpart element (18) in a normal situation, and an intercepting component (25) which is coupled to the clamping eccentric (21) and supports the locking element (15) in a crash situation, a stop (35) which is assigned to the locking element (15) is provided for interaction with the clamping eccentric (21) in a crash situation.

Abstract: An impact-G-force, vector-modifying seat structure in a vehicle, which seat structure introduces, in a forward crash situation, and in a generally vertical plane, a special forward, then upward, and then rearward rotation of the base of the spine of a seated occupant. This motion tends to minimize crash injuries.

Abstract: Vehicle seat (1), in particular for a passenger car, having a backrest (3) and a head restraint (7) which is arranged at the upper end of the said backrest and has a head restraint rear part (9) mounted essentially rigidly in the backrest, and a head restraint front part (13) which can be pivoted about an essentially horizontal rotational axis (15), in particular at the upper end of the head restraint rear part, having at least one driving device (17, 19, 21) for pivoting the head restraint front part forwards about the rotational axis by a large angular amount in response to a first control signal indicating a vehicle impact, and by settable angular amounts in response to a second control signal indicating a desired inclination of the head restraint, for adjusting the inclination.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly including a seatback frame and a lumbar support system operatively mounted to the seatback frame. The lumbar support system includes a lower suspension mechanism that is generally aligned with the pelvic and lumbar regions of the occupant of the seat assembly. The lower suspension mechanism includes a band of flexible material that is stretched about a pair of upstanding support members so as to have a predetermined tension for providing support for the occupant of the seat assembly at the pelvic and lumbar regions.

Abstract: A vehicle seat frame assembly that includes inboard and outboard generally vertical side members that define outer surfaces. The assembly also has a separate first spacer bracket attached to the outboard side member and has a first contact surface spaced apart from the outer surface of the outboard side member. A separate second spacer bracket is attached to the inboard side member and has a first contact surface spaced apart from the outer surface of the inboard side member. A vehicle seat assembly that includes a center console frame member and a vehicle seat. The seat has a seat frame with a pair of vertical side members and a first and second spacer bracket attached to each of the vertical side members. The first spacer bracket is positioned on an inboard side of the seat frame, with the inboard spacer bracket extending towards the center console frame member.

Abstract: A vehicle seat having a seat bottom and a seat back pivotally connected to the seat bottom. The vehicle seat also has a recliner mechanism for adjusting the angle between the seat back and the seat bottom. The recliner is capable of substantially supporting the seat back relative to the seat bottom below a threshold force acting on said seat back during normal operating loads. The operating loads are below a threshold level. The seat also has an impact control mechanism operatively connected to the seat back and the seat bottom. The impact control mechanism is operable between a disengaged position and an engaged position. In the disengaged position, the seat back is permitted to move relative to said seat bottom. In an engaged position, the impact control mechanism restrains the seat back from moving relative to the seat bottom.

Abstract: A vehicle seat comprising a rigid support structure provided with a rear central beam, which structure carries a headrest, a seat proper, and a seat back carried by the central beam. The seat back is pivotally mounted on the central beam via two couplings that enable the seat back to move rearwards, under a force greater than a predetermined limit value.

Abstract: A vehicle seat and headrest assembly includes a seatback frame. A headrest assembly is provided and has a cushion portion and an impact target. The headrest assembly is rotatably connected to the seatback frame, wherein a rearward force applied upon the impact target causes the cushion portion to rotate upwardly and forwardly. A headrest assembly biasing member is operatively connected to the headrest assembly and the seatback frame and biases the headrest assembly against rotational movement. A locking mechanism is operatively connected to the headrest assembly and the seatback frame. The locking mechanism is movable between an unlocked position wherein the headrest assembly is permitted to rotate, and a locked position wherein the headrest assembly is prevented from rotating.

Abstract: A motor vehicle seat adapted to receive a safety belt includes a seating part and a back part on either side of an articulation zone. Each of the parts includes a frame with two arms abutting the articulation zone, the two arms forming respectively side members for the seat and vertical members for the back: the ends of the two arms of one of the parts and the ends of the two arms of the part are mounted each rotating via a pivot in a bearing. The pivot is borne by one part and the bearing by the other part, and an energy-absorbing element is provided between at least a pivot and its corresponding bearing.

Abstract: A four-point seat belt system for restraining a vehicle occupant in a vehicle seat. Two shoulder belts mounted on separate spool members are connected to a common retractor mechanism, which synchronizes web payout and retraction and also shares a load limiting function. The shoulder belts are connected to a lap belt, which is buckled centrally on the abdomen of the occupant. A load limiting system controls occupant motion and reduces force levels on the occupant's chest. A single load limiting method can be used to accommodate all occupants of the vehicle with specific force versus belt payout properties.