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 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: 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 (1) as a head-rest (5) which is mounted for movement about a horizontal axis defined by a bar (7) depending arms (12) extend downwardly into the back of the seat and carry a pressure plate (13) at a position behind the torso of the occupant of the seat so that pressure applied to the pressure plate (13) will cause the head-rest (5) to move forwardly. The pressure plate (13) is pivotally connected (14, 15, 16, 17) to the arms (12) to enable the arrangement to pivot to the maximum extent in a situation where the rear part of the seat is rigid, for example if the seat is a rear seat in a motor vehicle.

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: A vehicle seat has a back-rest (1) carrying a head-rest (2). A mechanism is provided to move the head-rest (2) forwardly relative to the back-rest (1) in response to a rear impact situation. An element (9) is operatively located between the head-rest (2) and the mechanism (6) which is adapted to yield when exposed to a force in excess of a predetermined force. Thus the force that can be applied by the head-rest (2) to a head (8) of an occupant of the seat, is limited to be a maximum of 200 Newtons, with the preferred value being 100 Newtons.

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: 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 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: The invention provides a head rest apparatus provided with a head rest frame supported to a seat back frame of a seat back via a tilting shaft so as to freely tilt and having an upper side of the tilting shaft to which a head rest is attached, a pressure receiving member provided in a lower side of the tilting shaft in the head rest frame and receiving a load applied from a front surface of the seat back to a backward portion, and an urging member engaging with the seat back frame and the head rest frame and always urging the head rest frame in a backward tilting direction, in which the head rest frame forward tilts around the tilting shaft corresponding to a supporting point and the head rest forward moving when the pressure receiving member is exposed to the load. The urging member is structured such as to urge the head rest frame in the backward tilting direction from a rear portion.

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: Headrest for a seat of a vehicle including a frame attachable to the seat and a fluid-containing bag attached to the frame. The bag allows movement of the fluid within the bag to thereby alter its shape and enable it to conform to the head and neck of an occupant. A deformable cover substantially surrounds the bag and is elastically deformable in response to changes in pressure in the bag. A protection system for protecting an occupant in an impact includes an anticipatory crash sensor for determining that a crash involving the vehicle is about to occur and a movable cushioning arrangement coupled to the anticipatory crash sensor. The cushioning arrangement is movable toward a likely position of the occupant, ideally into contact with the occupant, upon a determination by the anticipatory crash sensor that a crash involving the vehicle is about to occur. The cushioning arrangement includes a frame coupled to the vehicle and a fluid-containing bag attached to the frame.

Abstract: The invention concerns a seatback for a vehicle seat, having an integrated protective device. The protective device includes a device that generates a torque acting in a pivoting direction on an upper back part, a rear-end impact detector that is in effective connection with the torque-generating device in such a way that the device is activated in the event of the rear-end impact and the pivoting motion is initiated, and an immobilization device for retention of the upper back part in the normal use position.

Abstract: A seat back structure of vehicle seat which is reduced in thickness and yet deformable to provide a deep cushiony touch to a back of passenger. According thereto, an elastic back support element and a back board element are respectively provided in one and another sides of seat back, and a movable connection element is provided so as to allow displacement of the back board element from a home position, while allowing the elastic back support element to be resiliently warped. The back board element is normally biased by a biasing element of the home position. A stopper element is defined in the seat back for preventing movement of the back board element from the home position to the elastic back support element. The back board element per se may be formed by a plurality of plate elements connected movably with one another.

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: An apparatus for locking a recliner of a front seat in an automobile comprises a supporting panel installed in a seat frame of a seat back for supporting the back of a passenger. A sliding bar is attached to the supporting panel and moves up and down following a guide bracket installed in both ends of the seat frame. A spring connects the sliding bar to the seat frame in order to enable the sliding bar to move elastically. An upper gear bar is downwardly attached on the lower end of the sliding bar and is provided with gear teeth on the front end thereof. A lower gear bar has gear teeth following the longitudinal direction thereof and connects both ends of the seat cushion frame. The lower gear bar engages with gear teeth of the upper gear bar selectively.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a squab and a back mounted for pivotal movement relative to the squab. A support plate is mounted to the squab, and the back of the seat is pivotally mounted to the support plate. A mechanism for providing a resistive force resists a first pivotal movement. The providing mechanism provides a first resistive force during a first energy impact and a second resistive force during a second energy impact. The first energy impact is a higher energy impact than the second energy impact.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a vehicle seat with an integrated frame and restraint assembly that is particularly suited for a truck. The frame assembly includes a seat frame mounted to a slide rail pedestal anchored to the vehicle floor, and a back frame joined to the seat frame. The frame has a lightweight construction and includes a conventional recline assembly for maintaining the seat back in one of a variety of recline positions. The restraint assembly has a lap and shoulder belt that is firmly secured to the frame. The seat frame has a pair of upwardly extending struts with rearward facing angled surfaces. The back frame has a pair of forwardly extending struts with forward facing angled surfaces. The angled surfaces flushly engage each other when the seat is in an upright position. Should the recline mechanism fail during a sudden deceleration or accident, the forward rotation of the back frame will stop at its upright position.

Abstract: In a vehicle seat, particularly a motor vehicle seat, having a height adjuster (25) for setting the height of a seat frame (10) of the vehicle seat (1) relative to an understructure (3) connected with the vehicle structure, a substantially irreversible change in the geometry of the height adjuster (25) in the event of a crash activates at least one crash locking device (27, 30), allowing an alternative force transfer between the seat frame (10) and the understructure (3).

Abstract: A vehicle seat has a back-rest (1) carrying a head-rest (2). A mechanism is provided to move the head-rest (2) forwardly relative to the back-rest (1) in response to a rear impact situation. An element (9) is operatively located between the head-rest (2) and the mechanism (6) which is adapted to yield when exposed to a force in excess of a predetermined force. Thus the force that can be applied by the head-rest (2) to a head (8) of an occupant of the seat, is limited to be a maximum of 200 Newtons, with the preferred value being 100 Newtons.

Abstract: A seat assembly for supporting a seat occupant in an automotive vehicle comprising a seat cushion for support the seat occupant on the seat assembly (10) and a seat back (16) extending longitudinally between a lower portion operatively coupled to the seat cushion and an upper portion for supporting the seat occupant in an upright position. The seat back (16) includes an outer peripheral frame member and an inner occupant support frame operatively connected and supported by the outer peripheral frame member and movable from an occupant support position to an impact displacement position extending rearwardly of the outer peripheral frame member. A displaceable connection member operatively interconnects the inner occupant support frame in the occupant support position during normal seat occupant use and for providing movement of the inner occupant support frame to the impact displacement position in response to a predetermined impact load exerted on the seat assembly (10).

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly for use with a vehicle includes a seat cushion frame adapted to be installed in the vehicle. An energy managing support bracket is attached to the seat cushion frame, and a recliner mechanism is attached to the support bracket. The assembly also includes a seat back frame connected to the recliner mechanism such that the seat back frame is pivotable with respect to the seat cushion frame. Furthermore, the support bracket is configured to attenuate energy associated with a rear impact to the vehicle when the assembly is installed in the vehicle, so as to inhibit rebound of the seat back frame.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly for use with a vehicle includes a seat cushion frame adapted to be installed in the vehicle. An energy managing support bracket is attached to the seat cushion frame, and a recliner mechanism is attached to the support bracket. The assembly also includes a seat back frame connected to the recliner mechanism such that the seat back frame is pivotable with respect to the seat cushion frame. Furthermore, the support bracket is configured to attenuate energy associated with a rear impact to the vehicle when the assembly is installed in the vehicle, so as to inhibit rebound of the seat back frame.

Abstract: The purpose of this invention is to simplify the structure for softening the shock of a rear-end collision. The lower portion of each of its right-side and left-side members 3, which are made of sheet steel, include a plurality of holes 7 and 8 in which fastening bolts 11 and 12 are inserted so as to connect the side members 3 with an external member. The fastening bolt 11 is capable of contacting the hole brim of a hole, and by installing such a fastening bolt 11 in all of the holes, or in all of the holes but one, the shock of a rear-end collision is softened.

Abstract: An apparatus for locking a recliner of a front seat in an automobile comprises a supporting panel installed in a seat frame of a seat back for supporting the back of a passenger. A sliding bar is attached to the supporting panel and moves up and down following a guide bracket installed in both ends of the seat frame. A spring connects the sliding bar to the seat frame in order to enable the sliding bar to move elastically. An upper gear bar is downwardly attached on the lower end of the sliding bar and is provided with gear teeth on the front end thereof. A lower gear bar has gear teeth following the longitudinal direction thereof and connects both ends of the seat cushion frame. The lower gear bar engages with gear teeth of the upper gear bar selectively.

Abstract: A programmable seat back damper assembly for a motor vehicle includes a generally horizontal seat cushion portion and a generally upright back portion operatively connected to the seat cushion portion. The programmable seat back damper assembly includes a recliner for operative connection to the seat back portion and the seat cushion portion. The programmable seat back damper assembly also includes a damper for operative connection to the seat back portion and the seat cushion portion and having a magneto-rheological (MR) fluid therein. The programmable seat back damper assembly further includes a controller electrically connected to the damper to control an apparent viscosity of the MR fluid to increase and decrease damping of the damper for adjusting an angle of the seat back portion relative to the seat cushion portion.

Abstract: A safety seat for transportation equipment. The safety seat comprises a back, a headrest and a cushion. The back, the headrest and the cushion respectively have at least one oil-pressure damper and at least one impact barricade disposed therein. The safety seat can absorb impact energy by the back, the headrest and the cushion when the transportation equipment is subject to an impact or running on an uneven road surface. Thus, the safety seat can protect the head, the neck, the back and the hips of a passenger from injury.

Abstract: Backrests for vehicle seats are disclosed including a support attached to a frame including a plurality of resilient springs and a corresponding plurality of stroke limiters for permitting the resilient springs to move through a predetermined stroke and absorb a load within a first load range and limiting further stroke of the resilient springs within a second load range, one of the resilient springs and the stroke limiters including a fastener for attachment to the frame and one of the resilient springs and stroke limiters including a second fastener for attachment to the support.

Abstract: The present device relates to a headrest assembly for protecting the neck of a vehicle seat occupant by preventing sudden movement of a head upon rear end collisions, and more particularly, to a headrest assembly for protecting the neck of a vehicle seat occupant, comprising the first actuating rod pivotally connected to the upper cross member of a seatback frame and rotatably installed inside the seatback, which moves the headrest forward upon rear end collisions in order to limit the backward movement of the head of a vehicle seat occupant, and the second actuating rod pivotally connected to the lower cross member of a seatback frame under the first actuating rod, wherein said actuating rods are linked by means of a sliding assembly.

Abstract: A headrest movable frame (2) has an upper frame (2b) which is arranged on the upper end face of a seatback and extends in the widthwise direction of the vehicle body, and side frames (10) which are arranged on the side end faces of the seatback and extend in the up-and-down direction. A lower frame (2c) is axially supported on the side frames (10) at a position below the upper frame (2b). Guide holes (3) linearly move a headrest (1) upward and forward by a backward load acting on the lower portion of the lower frame (2c) of the headrest movable frame (2) in a rear impact collision.

Abstract: When a load is generated in an area of seatback that supports the pelvis of the occupant at the time of vehicle collision, a trigger mechanism located at a lower support member is activated. At this time, a displacement mechanism of an upper support member becomes available for activation. Since the upper support member moves in a rearward direction, the load applied to the thoracic vertebrae of the occupant can be kept small. Accordingly, the spinal shape of the occupant can be maintained. Additionally, the vehicle seat can mitigate the impact at the time of vehicle collision.

Abstract: A vehicle seat (16) has a seat back portion (24) for engaging an occupant (12) of a vehicle (14). A length of seat belt webbing (18) extends around a portion of the occupant (12). A seat belt retractor (44) biases the length of seat belt webbing (18) in a belt retraction direction. The seat belt retractor (44) allows the length of seat belt webbing (18) to move in a belt withdrawal direction, opposite the belt retraction direction, when a predetermined force is applied to the length of seat belt webbing (18). A blocking mechanism (70) blocks movement of the length of seat belt webbing (18) in the withdrawal direction. The blocking mechanism (70) is actuated upon the occurrence of a vehicle collision. A portion of the length of seat belt webbing (18) restrains movement of the seat back portion (24) relative to the vehicle during a vehicle collision.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a squab and a back mounted for pivotal movement relative to the squab. A support plate is mounted to the squab, and the back of the seat is pivotally mounted to the support plate. A mechanism for providing a resistive force resists a first pivotal movement. The providing mechanism provides a first resistive force during a first energy impact and a second resistive force during a second energy impact. The first energy impact is a higher energy impact than the second energy impact.

Abstract: In a vehicle seat, in particular an automobile seat, with a height adjuster (9) for adjusting the height of a seat frame of the vehicle seat relative to the vehicle structure, a locking device (13,23,36,38) is provided with a stop (31,33,36,38), which makes available an alternative force transmission between the seat frame and the vehicle structure in the event of a crash.

Abstract: A seat back for an automotive seat with an integrated protective device and a process for preventing injuries to a seat occupant caused by an accident in the event of a rear-end impact. The seat back features a bottom seat-back part and a top seat-back part that, by means of a torque, pivots around an axis in the seat back that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, out of a position of standard use and into a safety position. To improve the efficiency of such a seat back, it is proposed that the protective device features a device that generates the torque regardless whether the automotive seat is occupied, and means for detecting a rear-end impact, which are actively linked with the torque-generating device in such a way that the device is activated in the event of a rear-end impact and the swinging movement is started.

Abstract: A passenger seat is with a seat back breakover assembly for preventing movement of the seat back unit forwardly past an upright position during normal use and for permitting forward movement of the seat back past an upright position in response to a predetermined abnormal load applied in a forward direction. The breakover assembly includes a controlled deformation member having a bend in one end thereof and positioned intermediate one a section assembly module of the seat and the seat back unit. The bend of the deformation member captures therein an attachment member fixed to and movable forwardly and rearwardly in unison with the seat back unit. An end of the deformation member remote from the bend is restrained for restricted and controlled movement relative to the section assembly module. The deformation member has a resistance to deformation in response to a normal forwardly-applied force sufficient to prevent forward movement of the seat back unit beyond the upright position.

Abstract: An apparatus for a vehicle, such as a vehicle seat, includes a vehicle component having a first portion fixed relative to the vehicle, and a second portion movable relative to the first portion. An energy management device is connected to the first and second portions. The device controls the motion of the second portion relative to the first portion through a duration of time during rapid acceleration of the vehicle component to reduce peak acceleration forces acting on the vehicle component.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a device is configured to counteract the occurrence of whiplash injury to a person sitting in a seat, which can occur due to a rapid change in velocity, such as in a rear-end collision. The device comprises guide means that, during a change in motion of a vehicle, provide for a change in position of the seat in the form of translation and rotational movement of the seat in a generally backward direction opposite the direction of travel of the vehicle. As the seat and the occupant of the seat move backward relative to the vehicle, the head of the occupant accelerates over a longer distance than the hips of the occupant.

Abstract: A device for counteracting whiplash injury to a person sitting in a seat (1) which can occur due to a rapid change in velocity, such as a collision, primarily from the rear, or similar. The device is characterized by containing means of allowing controlled displacement of the entire seat (1) against the direction of travel during rapid change of velocity, that the seat (1) is provided with control devices which are arranged to give the seat and its occupant an essentially simultaneous and essentially linear movement against the direction of movement and/or an essentially arcuate movement, and that the seat (1) is arranged to stay in a rear position after the change of velocity.

Abstract: A vehicle seat comprises a squab and a back which is mounted for pivotal movement relative to the squab. The seat incorporates an energy absorbing force limiter adapted to absorb energy as the back of the seat moves rearwardly when subjected to a force from the torso of an occupant of the seat, for example, during a rear impact. The energy absorbing force limiter provides a first resistive force resisting the pivotal movement, and a second resistive force during a second subsequent pivotal movement. The resistive force provided during the first pivotal movement is dependent upon the energy of the rear impact. If the rear impact is low energy rear impact, the resistive force is relatively low whereas if the rear impact is a high-energy rear impact, the resistive force is relative high.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a seat bottom, a seat back pivotally connected with respect to the seat bottom, a seat track and an oscillating damped energy management device secured between the seat back and the seat bottom. The device includes a damper mechanism having a gear assembly coupled to a damper crank on a secondary gear shaft. Rotation of the damper crank causes an oscillating movement of a damper rod coupled to a damper cylinder. The viscosity of the fluid within the damper cylinder can be selected to vary the energy dampening characteristics of the damper mechanism. The damper mechanism may also include a pair of damper cylinders that can oscillate approximately ninety degrees out of phase with respect to each other to more smoothly control the damped energy during low and high impacts.

Abstract: A backrest for a vehicle seat, having a head restraint and backrest padding, and having a supporting element which is intended for the seat occupant's back and, is compliant, at least in the upper backrest region, in such a manner that the seat occupant's back is able to shift rearwards relative to the head restraint in the event of a rear-end collision of the vehicle. The supporting element is formed by a shaped cushion that is integrated in the backrest padding in the upper backrest region, and filled with a gaseous medium, in particular air. In the event of a collision this supporting element can suddenly be deflated.

Abstract: A shock absorption in a seat back of a seat, which is arranged in a bracket fixed on the seat back frame in the seat back and an operation lever attached to the bracket. In this arrangement, the bracket is formed such that upper and lateral wall regions are defined independently of each other, with a slit defined therebetween. The lower securing portion of the bracket, fixedly secured on the seat back frame, is relatively easy to bend forwardly relative to the seat back frame by an external load applied to the rearward side thereof. A stopper wire member, which has an abutment end portion, is provided over the vertical wall region of bracket and a part of the seat back frame, such that the abutment end portion is oriented toward the operation lever.

Abstract: A vehicle seat comprises an inner framework, the inner framework defining a first portion (11, 12, 13, 14) to be received within the squab of the seat and the second portion (15, 16, 17) to be received within the back of the seat. The second portion (15, 16, 17) is mounted on the first portion (11, 12, 13, 14) for rearward pivotal movement about a predetermined pivotal axis (19). Connected between an element (20) which moves in response to movement of the second portion of the framework (15, 16, 17) and the first portion of the framework (11, 12, 13, 14) is an element that provides a mechanical advantage, in the form of a lever arm (27) and a damper in the form of a gas springs (32). The mechanical advantage provided by the lever arm element (27) changes as the second portion of the framework (15, 16, 17) pivots rearwardly about the pivot axis (19). Thus, in a rear impact, an occupant of the seat is given a gradual acceleration.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle seat (1) in particular motor vehicle seat, comprising at least one base (2) and one back (3) which is at least inclinable relative to said base by pivoting round at least one pivot axis (4). The seat is characterised in that it comprises a means of articulation or second means of articulation (6) which is located on one side of the seat (1), is normally freely movable and can be automatically locked by the direct or indirect action of at least one means (7) for detecting impacts or the consequences of an impact suffered by the vehicle under consideration.

Abstract: A vehicle seat, the seat comprises a squab and a back. The back is mounted for pivotal movement, relative to the squab, about a predetermined pivotal axis (19). The back is provided with a frame (42) supporting a head-rest, the said frame is movable between a lower position and an upper position. The head-rest carried by the frame (42) is located a greater distance from the top of the back of the seat when the frame (42) is in the elevated position. Means are provided to move the frame (42) from the lower position to the upper position in response to said rearward pivotal movement of the back of the seat about the predetermined pivotal axis (19).