Abstract: The present invention relates to an energy absorption device for a seat of an aircraft, in particular of a helicopter, with at least one impact mechanism (2, 4) and at least one energy absorber (1) coupled with the impact mechanism (2, 4), wherein the impact mechanism (2, 4) acts on the energy absorber (1) for the energy absorption at least in the case of a crash.

Abstract: An active system and a computer-implemented method for reducing vibrations of seats in a vehicle is described. The system and method adjust a damping and/or a stiffness of a vibration damper based on system input signals from the vehicle or seat system. The signals include one or more of a signal associated with a user weight, a signal associated with time-dependent movement of a vehicle frame, and a signal associated with time-dependent movement of a seat back or a seat pan. The damping or the stiffness are adjusted by a closed loop control.

Abstract: A vehicle assembly includes a vehicle body and a vehicle seat. The vehicle body includes a frame backing member elongated in a length direction of the vehicle seat. The vehicle seat includes a seat base and a seat back connected to the seat base. The seat back is connected to the frame backing member. A mounting bracket is connected to an upper portion of a seat back frame. An energy attenuating member positioned in a space between the seat back frame and the frame backing member interconnects the mounting bracket and the frame backing member. During a crash event the energy attenuating member is configured to collapse between the seat back and the frame backing member to absorb kinetic energy in the vehicle seat when the seat back is driven toward the frame backing member.

Abstract: A vehicle seat that includes: a seat cushion that is configured to be raised and lowered in a seat vertical direction; a buckle that is attachable to an attachment location that is not subject to the raising or lowering of the seat cushion, and that retains a tongue provided at an elongated belt shaped webbing, in a state in which in the webbing is worn over at least a pelvis area of the occupant; and a lifting device that is actuated, in a case in which a collision of a vehicle has been detected, so as to move the occupant, in a case in which the occupant is sitting on the seat cushion, toward an upper side of the seat at a location further toward a rear side of the seat than a central portion of the seat cushion in a front-rear direction of the seat.

Abstract: Presented herein is a restraint system comprising an attachment point configured to attach to a hatch opening of a vehicle, a harness having a seat and a strap attached to the attachment point and to the seat. The harness is configured to accept an occupant and support a portion of the occupant at a position below the hatch opening. The restraint system further comprises an energy absorption mechanism configured to dampen rapid acceleration or deceleration of the occupant. The strap is attached to the attachment point by a quick release mechanism. The energy absorption mechanism may comprise a retraction mechanism having a damper mechanism that is a spring, a coil spring, a viscous fluid, a fluid having a dynamically changeable viscosity or a magnetorheological fluid. The energy absorption mechanism may comprise tear-away sections configured to dampen vehicle motion energy.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle seat comprising a base portion for attachment in a vehicle; a seat bottom part, with a top side and an underside, which seat bottom part is attached to the base portion; a waist belt, which extends between the seat bottom part's sides. At least one hinge mechanism that is adjustable between a first and a second position is arranged at the base portion. The waist belt is attached to the hinge mechanism, so that the waist belts position in relation to the seat bottom part changes when one on the seat bottom part acting force reaches a predetermined value, which force leads the hinge mechanism from the first to the second position.

Abstract: A seat-floor assembly for a vehicle comprises a floor element and at least one monobeam seat fixed to the floor element by a beam. A seat cushion and a seat backrest fixed to the beam. The floor element comprises a stiffened panel structure, one face of which forms a top sole of at least one floor crossmember. The floor element further comprises a housing receptacle open on the top sole and fixed to the top sole and/or to the at least one floor crossmember. At least one monobeam seat is fixed to the beam. An aircraft fuselage comprises a floor with such seat-floor assemblies and reinforced by the structure of the floor elements.

Abstract: In a method for reducing the impact of a force upon a person seated in a safety seat of a motor vehicle at least a seat unit of the safety seat is restrained at least in part by at least one support strap. The support strap is formed with an extension piece configured to lengthen when exposed to a load as a result of an accident or explosion. A winding unit holds the support strap to shorten an effective length of the support strap and to build up a force to maintain the support strap under tension after the support strap underwent a lengthening in an area of the extension piece as a result of a load caused by a force resulting from an accident or explosion so as to reestablish an effective length of the support strap for lengthening during a subsequent force impact.

Abstract: A soldier restraint system and method secure a soldier in a vehicle. In one embodiment, the soldier restraint system includes a seat assembly comprising a seat and straps. The soldier restraint system also includes a restraint harness belt. The restraint harness belt is secured to the seat assembly. In addition, the soldier restraint system includes mounting assemblies. The straps attach the seat to the mounting assemblies. The mounting assemblies are securable to the vehicle. Attachment of at least one of the straps to the seat is releasable by a release assembly. The soldier restraint system also includes a strap retractor and a retractor strap. The retractor strap is extractable from the strap retractor. The retractor strap is retractable by the strap retractor. The strap retractor retracts the retractor strap upon achieving a strap threshold.

Abstract: Vehicle seats that reduce the potential for injury to occupants when the vehicle is subjected to a mine or similar explosive device. The seats are ceiling or wall mounted and include a trailing arm which allows for deflection while providing stability. The seat isolates the occupants from the chassis of the vehicle via a pneumatic or other shock absorber and/or a crushable element to provide protection from vertical and horizontal oriented blasts. These seats can also be combined with shock absorbing/isolating foot rests, appendage (leg) restrain systems and an occupant four-point harness to offer a completely integrated system. This integrated system reduces acceleration/deceleration related injuries, shock injuries to the lower legs, flailing injuries to the lower legs and internal collision injuries. Other options and alternatives are also described.

Abstract: A system includes a shear member and an energy absorber. The shear member is configured to couple a seat portion to a base structure of a vehicle. The shear member is configured to sustain a first load without fracture and configured to inelastically deform under a second load. The second load is greater than the first load. The energy absorber is coupled to the seat portion and coupled to the base structure. The energy absorber is configured to absorb the energy following deformation of the shear member.

Abstract: Designs and methods are provided for an energy attenuating device. In one exemplary embodiment the device comprises an elongated metal tube having an expanded portion at a first end thereof, and an unexpanded portion extending from the expanded portion to a second end, wherein the first end is attached to a fixed structure. A mandrel is disposed in the expanded portion of the elongated metal tube, having a diameter greater than the inside diameter of the unexpanded portion of the metal tube. A tension member is attached to the mandrel and extends out of the second end of the metal tube.

Abstract: A seat for supporting an occupant of a vehicle and absorbing a force between the occupant and the vehicle created by relative movement between the occupant and the vehicle including a seat bottom and a seat back extending from the seat bottom. At least one of the seat bottom and the seat back includes a first energy absorbing device for absorbing at least a portion of the force when the force reaches a first magnitude. The one of the seat bottom and the seat back also includes a second energy absorbing device for absorbing at least a portion of the force when the force reaches a second magnitude greater than the first magnitude. The second energy absorbing device supports the first energy absorbing device so that the first energy absorbing device transmits a portion of the force to the second energy absorbing device when the force reaches the second magnitude.

Abstract: A vehicle safety seat system includes a seat, and a frame and support surface that are movable with respect to each other between rest and attenuated positions, wherein the frame and support surface are respectively a first and second distance apart. A biasing mechanism biases the frame and support surface to the rest position between blast and slam down phases. A damper coupled between the frame and support surface has blast and rebound recovery resistance settings. The blast resistance setting is set to a predetermined value based on a weight of a seat occupant. The damper, during the blast phase, resists motion between the frame and support surface toward the attenuated position based upon the blast resistance setting, and after the blast phase and prior to the slam down phase, resists motion between the frame and support surface toward the rest position based upon the rebound recovery resistance setting.

Abstract: A soldier restraint system and method secure a soldier in a vehicle. In one embodiment, the soldier restraint system includes a seat assembly comprising a seat and straps. The soldier restraint system also includes a restraint harness belt. The restraint harness belt is secured to the seat assembly. In addition, the soldier restraint system includes mounting assemblies. The straps attach the seat to the mounting assemblies. The mounting assemblies are securable to the vehicle. Attachment of at least one of the straps to the seat is releasable by a release assembly. The soldier restraint system also includes a strap retractor and a retractor strap. The retractor strap is extractable from the strap retractor. The retractor strap is retractable by the strap retractor. The strap retractor retracts the retractor strap upon achieving a strap threshold.

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

Abstract: A safety seat for land vehicles, aircraft and watercraft, having a seat part frame, and a backrest frame suspended on a restraint or suspension strap firmly attached to the vehicle, wherein the backrest frame has a lateral or transverse strut, and an additional holding strap clamps the lateral strut in. A separate mounting frame is provided to fix the restraint strap and the holding strap, and can be mounted in the vehicle, wherein bushing or guide-through eyes and attachment eyes for stretching the restraint strap and the holding strap are provided on the oppositely disposed lateral or transverse supports of the mounting frame, and wherein the holding strap is formed integrally, is fixed by its two ends to two attachment eyes, and is looped through, and passed back and forth between, a plurality of bushing eyes.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a backrest frame and a seat frame connected to each other to form a seat structure. The seat includes a seat base adapted to be rigidly connected to the frame structure of a vehicle, and which is connected to the seat frame via a seat suspension. The seat further includes a tether which at one of its ends is attached to the seat back at a first, upper attachment point and at its other end attached at a second, lower attachment point in order to improve the strength of the seat in case of an accident. The seat is provided with at least one lever arm on the back side of the seat which shall be used as an attachment point for the tether or as a guide or support for the tether located in between the upper attachment point and the lower attachment point.

Abstract: A vehicle safety seat system includes a seat, and a frame and support surface that are movable with respect to each other between rest and attenuated positions, wherein the frame and support surface are respectively a first and second distance apart. A biasing mechanism biases the frame and support surface to the rest position between blast and slam down phases. A damper coupled between the frame and support surface has blast and rebound recovery resistance settings. The blast resistance setting is set to a predetermined value based on a weight of a seat occupant. The damper, during the blast phase, resists motion between the frame and support surface toward the attenuated position based upon the blast resistance setting, and after the blast phase and prior to the slam down phase, resists motion between the frame and support surface toward the rest position based upon the rebound recovery resistance setting.

Abstract: A seat for a powered aircraft, the seat comprising a bucket (2) that is supported in hyperstatic manner on a stand. Leg members (7, 8) carry the bucket (2) via bolts (10). A first hinged mechanism for geometrically compensating deformation of the floor associates a ball-joint mounting of the bolts (10) on the leg members (7, 8) with an axial deformation arrangement of the bolts (10) between opposing axial bearing surfaces where they press against a strength member (9) of the bucket (2) and against the leg members (7, 8). A second energy-absorber mechanism associates fuses (22) with deformable support members (23) for the bucket (2), which members engage the bolts (10) and the leg members (7, 8) via slides (25) arranged to adjust the initial height position of the bucket (2).

Abstract: The seat assembly (1) for a land vehicle, sea vessel, or aircraft comprises a vertically adjustable seat (4) supporting the buttocks of a user and a plurality of cables (9-12) disposed between the seat (4) and structural parts (8) of the vehicle. The seat (4) forms at least indirectly the component of a platform (2), which can be displaced along the cables (9-12) and fixed in the respective position on the cables (9-12). The cable sections (9a-12a, 9b-12b) located above and beneath the platform (2) extend between the platform (2) and the structural parts (8) such that they either point toward the vertical center axis (MA) of the platform (2) or are directed away therefrom. The cables (9-12) can be guided via at least one height adjustment device.

Abstract: A vehicle seat (10) includes a support frame (12) that mounts a suspension frame (22) by a spring suspension (29) under the operation of a control lever (32) and a slide assembly (38) for providing suspension of the seat and horizontal positioning.

Abstract: A safety seat for land vehicles, aircraft and watercraft, including a seat frame that forms a seat portion; at least two textile support straps for mounting to a vehicle, with the seat frame being held in place on the support straps and sections of the support straps extending between securement locations on the seat frame and upper securement locations on the vehicle; at least one additional suspension strap that extends between the seat frame and an upper securement device on the vehicle; and a mechanically elongatable damping element incorporated in the suspension strap.

Abstract: An extendable leg for use in an aircraft seat can be coupled to an individual seat or a divan or bench. The extendable leg includes an exterior leg and an interior leg that are coupled together through a slot in the interior leg that is traversed by a bolt or cross member that is integrally formed with or sits through a set of holes defined by the exterior leg. The slot tapers towards the upper end. When the leg to extends and the bolt or cross member travels up the slot, the materials of the interior leg deform as the slot narrows until the stop or bushing is reached. The extendable leg may also have a mounting mechanism at the bottom that couples the leg to a cabin floor and enables one or two arcs of rotation to further diminish the sheering forces on the cabin floor.

Abstract: A vehicle safety seat system includes a seat, and a frame and support surface that are movable with respect to each other between rest and attenuated positions, wherein the frame and support surface are respectively a first and second distance apart. A biasing mechanism biases the frame and support surface to the rest position between blast and slam down phases. A damper coupled between the frame and support surface has blast and rebound recovery resistance settings. The blast resistance setting is set to a predetermined value based on a weight of a seat occupant. The damper, during the blast phase, resists motion between the frame and support surface toward the attenuated position based upon the blast resistance setting, and after the blast phase and prior to the slam down phase, resists motion between the frame and support surface toward the rest position based upon the rebound recovery resistance setting.

Abstract: A seat frame 51 is mounted on a body freely movably back and forth. The frame 51 moves backward by leaving a backrest seat 2 by a pretensioner device 10. A front portion of a spring material 71 supporting a cushion material 62 of the seat 3 is arranged on the front portion of the seat frame 51. A rear-side portion of the spring material 71 is mounted on a rear-side spring mounting member 72 below the backrest seat 2. The mounting member 72 is immovable and extends in a lateral direction. A rear position of a cushion material 62 does not move even if the seat moves backward.

Abstract: A deceleration device for a movable component in an aircraft, the device having a deformation component, wherein the deformation component includes a deformation tool, a deformation body with a deformable region, and a guide device. The deformation tool and the deformation body can be made to engage each other in such a manner by means of the guide device that in the case of movement of the deformation body and of the deformation tool relative to each other the deformable region of the deformation body can be deformed by the deformation tool.

Abstract: A blast mitigating seat features a base and a seat frame. The seat frame includes a pan and a backrest including an open area for gear worn by a user. A first damping subsystem between the base and the seat frame has a first force/stroke relationship and a second damping subsystem between the base and the seat frame has a second force/stroke relationship.

Abstract: A crashworthy seat for a vehicle comprises a stand including a first and a second foot connected mechanically to a first and a second vertical support leg; a pan connected by the stand to a floor wherein the first and the second feet are disposed on each side of the pan, the pan including a seat proper and a seat back, wherein the seat back has a support element secured to the first and the second vertical support legs configured to support the seat back; a guide element configured to guide the pan in translation; an energy absorber device; a first anchor point secured to the first distal end of the absorber portion; and a second anchor point secured to the second distal end of the absorber portion.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for minimizing accelerations during impacts such as those encountered in motor vehicle accidents, helicopter and airplane crashes, explosions, and the like. The preferred embodiment takes the form of a helical spring-like member (100), designed to experience plastic deformation over a desired deformation length, under a given impact load threshold. The spring-like member is preferably installed in a mechanical linkage that is flattened under impact, straining the spring-like member in a predictable fashion. The operating characteristics of this system [namely the stress-strain curve, and thus the deformation length, impact load threshold, and acceptable load range for the system to be protected] can be easily controlled by varying the device dimensions and installation configuration.

Abstract: A variable displacement seating assembly incorporates at least first and second pivotable seat frames. The first seat frame includes a male seat connector. The second seat frame is arranged adjacent the first seat frame, and includes a female seat connector receiving the male seat connector of the first seat frame. The first and second seat frames are operatively interconnected for simultaneous pivoting movement between a stowed position and a deployed position. In the deployed position of the first and second seat frames, the male and female seat connectors are disposed for sliding vertical movement of one seat connector relative to the other, such that the first and second seat frames are independently vertically displaceable upon an impact force acting against the seat assembly.

Abstract: An operator support assembly supported for rotation. The operator support assembly includes a seat bottom suspended below a rotatable member and a support coupling the seat bottom to the rotatable member. The support illustratively includes a shock absorbing device to dampen shock impulse between the rotatable member and the seat bottom. A quick release mechanism may be provided to cause the seat bottom to pivot downwardly about a pivot coupler.

Abstract: A seat assembly supported for rotation and including a foot control supported below a seat base for rotation with a rotatable support member. The foot control illustratively includes a right control pedal configured to cause the actuator to drive the rotatable member in a clockwise rotation, and a left control pedal configured to cause the actuator to drive the rotatable member in a counterclockwise direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle (1), particularly a motor vehicle (1), comprising a vehicle seat (2), wherein the vehicle (1) comprises an actuator (25) for generating a load reducing movement of the vehicle seat (2) in case of a rear collision and a control means (10) for actuating the actuator (25) when a first threshold value relating to the amount of the rear collision is exceeded and a second threshold value relating to the amount of the rear collision is not exceeded.

Abstract: The seat assembly (1) for a land vehicle, sea vessel, or aircraft comprises a vertically adjustable seat (4) supporting the buttocks of a user and a plurality of cables (9-12) disposed between the seat (4) and structural parts (8) of the vehicle. The seat (4) forms at least indirectly the component of a platform (2), which can be displaced along the cables (9-12) and fixed in the respective position on the cables (9-12). The cable sections (9a-12a, 9b-12b) located above and beneath the platform (2) extend between the platform (2) and the structural parts (8) such that they either point toward the vertical center axis (MA) of the platform (2) or are directed away therefrom. The cables (9-12) can be guided via at least one height adjustment device.

Abstract: Various embodiments of seat harness pretensioning devices for use in land, air, and sea vehicles are described herein. In one embodiment, a seat unit for use in a military land vehicle or helicopter includes a stroking device that enables the seat to move downwardly in response to an explosion or hard landing, respectively. The seat unit also includes a seat belt or harness that extends around the occupant in the seat. Downward movement of the seat in response to an explosion or hard landing causes a tensioning system to automatically pretension the seat harness.

Abstract: Disclosed is a lining framework for fastening seats in an aircraft. The lining framework preferably comprises three seat rails, which are arranged in a spaced apart manner parallel to each other along both side walls of the fuselage cell. Sitting surfaces of a plurality of seats are suspended on the seat rails by textile straps consisting of high-strength, woven plastic material. At least two straps are arranged between the upper seat rail and two frames of the fuselage cell of the aircraft. In this case, a strap length is measured so that forces from the fuselage cell cannot be transmitted into the lining framework. By the same token, however, forces from the lining framework can be introduced into the fuselage cell by means of the straps so that the lining framework can be designed statically lighter. This leads to a weight reduction of the lining framework.

Abstract: The protection system is used especially for the protection against a fatal effect of vertical accelerations triggered by a landmine on the passengers of an armored vehicle. For this, the sitting unit consisting of a seat body (7) and a backrest (8) is held movable in vertical direction and is coupled with an end area (15) of a longitudinally variable damping device (11), whose other end (13) is connected to the roof (4) of the vehicle (2) through a carrying equipment (6). In addition, the sitting unit is carried with vertical distance from the vertical guide (18) in a lower guide path (19) transversally directed so that the sitting unit executes both a downward as well as a tilting movement relative to the vehicle together with a passenger (3) during loading through vertical acceleration. In this way, an improved usage of the constructively limited effective length of the damping device (11) occurs so that the effect of the protection system is essentially improved.

Abstract: An aircraft safety seat that has a supporting structure and a bucket seat supported by the structure, the bucket seat has a seat and a back which are lined together, the back being installed on the structure so as to slide generally downwards, wherein at least one connection rod connected by its first end to the support and by its other end to the seat, the connecting rod being generally horizontal when in normal use, and being suited for pivoting downwards by its first end under the effect of a force exerted downwards on the seat, against the action of a shock absorber.

Abstract: An energy absorber element comprises an absorber portion having first and second distal ends and having a first elongate element and a second elongate element facing the first elongate element and connected to the second element solely at the first and second distal ends, a first anchor point secured to the first distal end of the absorber portion, and a second anchor point secured to the second distal end of the absorber portion, wherein each of the first and second elongate elements includes a succession of straight-line segments parallel to one another and at least one circularly-arcuate segment such that at least two successive straight-line segments are connected together by one of the at least one circularly-arcuate segment.

Abstract: An occupant protection system for a vehicle includes a vehicle seat, a seat moving mechanism configured to move the vehicle seat in a substantially vertical direction, and a vehicle rollover sensor signaling a safety controller. The safety controller determines if a rollover situation is imminent or is occurring. The seat moving mechanism may include a motor and a linkage system. When the safety controller determines a rollover situation, the seat moving mechanism moves the seat in a substantially downward direction from an initial position to increase a head clearance for a vehicle occupant seated in the vehicle seat.

Abstract: A vehicle seating system in which a seat belt restraint assembly may be secured directly to the seat. The vehicle seating system includes generally a seat and a base assembly that supports the seat. The base assembly may be a suspension base assembly or a pedestal base assembly. The construction of the base assembly provides the vehicle seating system with sufficient strength so that the system satisfies load testing requirements and provides comfort to the occupant. The base assembly includes a stop operating at the forward portions of the base assembly to limit forward pivoting movement of the seat upon sudden deceleration. The suspension base assembly may also include dual thickness arms, internal tethers, and vertical supports at the rear of the assembly to strengthen the assembly. The pedestal base assembly may also include telescoped tubes to strengthen the assembly.

Abstract: An occupant protection system for a vehicle includes a vehicle seat, a seat moving mechanism configured to move the vehicle seat in a substantially vertical direction, and a vehicle rollover sensor signaling a safety controller. The safety controller determines if a rollover situation is imminent or is occurring. The seat moving mechanism may include a motor and a linkage system. When the safety controller determines a rollover situation, the seat moving mechanism moves the seat in a substantially downward direction from an initial position to increase a head clearance for a vehicle occupant seated in the vehicle seat.

Abstract: This invention relates to a provided explosion induced G-force absorbtion apparatus for reducing the G-force imparted on a vehicle occupant below that of the vehicle, the G-force absorbtion apparatus comprising: a first mounting member attached to the vehicle; a second mounting member attached to the occupant's seat; an absorbtion mechanism attached between the first and second mounting members, wherein the absorption mechanism comprises at least a mitigating strip provided on one of the mounting members and an anvil provided on the other of the mounting members such that when the vehicle, and hence the first mounting member, is subjected to an explosion induced G-force, the mitigating strip is pulled over the anvil. As it does this is it inherently must simultaneously bend.

Abstract: A seat assembly for an occupant of a vehicle possibly subjected to upsetting forces generally consisting of a base member mountable on a body portion of the vehicle, an occupant seat means for restraining an occupant positioned on the seat, means operatively interconnecting the base member and the seat for guiding the seat along a line of travel when the seat is displaced relative to the base member, means operatively interconnecting the base member and the seat for dampening a force imposed on the seat in first direction along the line of travel and means operatively interconnecting the base member and the seat for dampening a force imposed on the seat in a second direction along the line of travel.

Abstract: An energy attenuating apparatus for use with a seat includes an elongated attenuator having a resistance to bending which varies along its length. A bending mechanism defining a nonlinear path receives the attenuator. Translation of the bending mechanism relative to the attenuator in a lengthwise direction of the attenuator produces bending of the attenuator to absorb energy applied to the energy attenuating apparatus.

Abstract: An Occupant Retraction System (ORS) retracts a partially exposed occupant into a vehicle. The system responds to a trigger, wherein an occupant support retracts and actively pulls the occupant into the vehicle interior. The triggering event may be initiated by a manual switch, a rollover sensor, a crash sensor, a hostile ordnance sensor, or the like. A belt, harness, or foot strap may be connected to the occupant support to pull the occupant into the vehicle interior. A forcing means may be provided by a spring, hydraulic, pneumatic, or electro-mechanical actuator. The system further includes a damper for limiting acceleration to a safe maximum.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new type of safety system that is designed to protect a vehicle occupant during a rollover crash. The safety system will generally include a vehicle seat and a sensor. The sensor is designed to sense the occurrence of a rollover crash. The safety system also includes a support member that has an undeployed mode and a deployed mode. The support member converts from the undeployed mode into the deployed mode when a signal is received from the sensor indicating a rollover. The support member will generally be housed within the vehicle seat when the support member is in the undeployed mode. The support member is also anchored to the floor pan of the vehicle. When the support member is deployed into the deployed mode, the support member is disposed in effective engagement with the vehicle roof to limit movement of the roof toward the vehicle seat during rollover conditions.

Abstract: A vehicle safety seat and related methodology featuring (a) an anti-spring-back seat platform having a generally upwardly facing support surface, (b) a triggerable acceleration structure disposed cooperatively relative to that support surface in a manner whereby the acceleration structure is operatively interposed that surface and any person occupying the seat, with this acceleration structure being triggerable to accelerate such a person generally upwardly away from the support surface, and (c) trigger structure responsive to the detection of a preselected downward deceleration of the seat platform to trigger the acceleration structure. A viscoelastic, acceleration-rate-sensitive cushioning structure is selectively interposed the acceleration structure and any seated occupant.

Abstract: A personal support device having particular utility for use by personnel in high-performance surface watercraft comprises a bolster adapted and dimensioned to support an occupant for shock isolation from accelerations experienced by the vessel. The bolster is mounted by pivot means extending between the bolster and a back plate which is rigidly mounted to the vessel. The pivot means permit the bolster to pivot in an arc with respect to the back plate. A shock absorber extends between the back plate and bolster to dampen the accelerations which would otherwise be passed to the bolster by the pivot means from the back plate. The bolster is capable of supporting a user in a standing position or receiving a seat assembly to allow an occupant to be seated.