Seat system

The energy attenuating seat system addresses space and safety issues by mounting dissipaters on the partition side of the seat, enhancing usability and aesthetics while maintaining effective energy absorption.

WO2025183908A1PCT designated stage Publication Date: 2025-09-04SUPERNAL LLC
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Patent Information

Application Number
PCT/US2025/015705
Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2024-02-29
Filing Date
2025-02-13
Publication Date
2025-09-04

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing energy attenuating seat systems in vehicles often reduce usable space, detract from aesthetics, and pose safety hazards due to their placement between the seat and partition, which can interfere with operation and be visible to occupants.

Method used

An energy attenuating seat system with a partition and energy dissipaters mounted on the opposite side of the seat, using brackets and openings to connect the seat to the dissipaters, allowing for increased space and improved safety by separating the dissipaters from the cabin.

Benefits of technology

Increases usable space, enhances passenger safety, and improves vehicle aesthetics by hiding dissipaters from view while effectively attenuating energy forces.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

A seat system including a partition having a first side, a second side opposite the first side, and an opening extending from the first side to the second side; a seat on the first side of the partition; an energy dissipater mounted to the second side of the partition; and a bracket extending between the seat and the energy dissipater through the opening.
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Description

SEAT SYSTEMCROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 559,692 filed February 29, 2024, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to seat systems, specifically, an energy attenuating seat system and uses thereof.BACKGROUND

[0003] Vehicles use various types of safety systems to protect occupants and cargo during travel. One such example is an energy attenuating seat system that combines seats with energy dissipaters to attenuate or dissipate the force felt by occupants during a crash or other abrupt acceleration. Many types of vehicles may utilize energy attenuating seat systems, such as cars, boats, or aircraft. Often, energy attenuating seat systems are designed to absorb vertical forces, as those forces may be particular dangerous to occupants and are not typically attenuated or dissipated by a vehicle’s standard restraints, such as a seatbelt. In vehicles with seats located near a wall or bulkhead, energy attenuating seat systems may be installed such that the energy attenuation mechanisms are mounted between the seat and the wall. This configuration may create a gap between the seat and the wall, which may reduce the amount of usable space within the vehicle. Objects within the cabin may come into contact with the energy dissipation devices in this configuration, which may interfere with the operation of the seat system. The energy dissipaters may also be visible to occupants in this configuration, which may detract from the vehicle’s aesthetics and make some passengers nervous. Furthermore, when the energyattenuation devices are located within the cabin, they may present a danger to occupants when activated.

[0004] The present disclosure is accordingly directed to an improved energy attenuating seat system that may increase the usable space within a vehicle, while also increasing passenger comfort and safety. The background description provided herein is for the purpose of generally presenting the context of the disclosure. Unless otherwise indicated herein, the materials described in this section are not prior art to the claims in this application and are not admitted to be prior art, or suggestions of the prior art, by inclusion in this section.SUMMARY

[0005] In some aspects, the embodiments described herein relate to an energy attenuating seat system for a vehicle, the energy attenuating seat system including a partition having a first side, a second side opposite the first side, an opening extending from the first side to the second side; a seat on the first side of the partition; an energy dissipater mounted to the second side of the partition; and a bracket extending between the seat and the energy dissipater through the opening.

[0006] Various embodiments of the energy attenuating seat system may include one or more of the following features. An inertial reel attached to the seat and extending from the seat into an additional opening within the partition, and one or more restraints having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the one or more restraints is connected to the seat and the second end of the one or more restraints is connected to the inertial reel. The seat may be foldable. The seat may be removable from the system. The partition may be at an angle relative to a vertical axis. The partition may be aligned with a vertical axis. The energy attenuating seat system may include a plurality of energy dissipaters mounted to the second side of the partition,a plurality of openings within the partition, and a plurality of brackets, wherein one or more of the plurality of brackets extend between the seat and an energy dissipater through an opening. The partition may be a bulkhead.

[0007] In some aspects, the embodiments described herein relate to an energy attenuating seat system for vehicles, the energy attenuating seat system including a partition having a first side, a second side opposite the first side, and an opening extending from the first side towards the second side; a seat on the first side of the partition; an energy dissipater between the first side and the second side of the of the partition; and a bracket connecting the seat to the energy dissipater.

[0008] Various embodiments of the energy attenuating seat system may include one or more of the following features. A plurality of openings within the partition, an inertial reel attached to the seat and extending from the seat into one of the plurality of openings, and one or more restraints having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the one or more restraints is connected to the seat and the second end of the one or more restraints connect to the inertial reel. The seat may be foldable. The seat may be removable from the system. The partition may be at an angle relative to a vertical axis. The partition may be aligned with a vertical axis. The energy attenuating seat system may include a plurality of energy dissipaters mounted between the first side and the second side of the partition, a plurality of openings within the partition, and a plurality of brackets, wherein one or more of the plurality of brackets extend between the seat and an energy dissipater through an opening.

[0009] In some aspects, the embodiments described herein may relate to a seat for a vehicle, the seat may be configured to stroke at an angle relative to a vertical axis and dissipate energy when a minimum load is applied.

[0010] In some aspects, the embodiments described herein relate to an energy attenuating seat system for a vehicle, the energy attenuating seat system including, a partition having a first side, a second side opposite the first side, and an opening extending from the first side to the second side, a seat on the first side of the partition, and a bracket extending from the seat through the opening.

[0011] Various embodiments of the energy attenuating seat system may include one or more of the following features. An inertial reel attached to the seat and extending from the seat into an additional opening within the partition, and one or more restraints having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the one or more restraints is connected to the seat and the second end of the one or more restraints is connected to the inertial reel. The partition may be at an angle relative to a vertical axis. The partition may be aligned with a vertical axis.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0012] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate various examples and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosed examples and embodiments.

[0013] Aspects of the disclosure may be implemented in connection with embodiments illustrated in the attached drawings. These drawings show different aspects of the present disclosure and, where appropriate, reference numerals illustrating like structures, components, materials, and / or elements in different figures are labeled similarly. It is understood that various combinations of the structures, components, and / or elements, other than those specifically shown, are contemplated and are within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0014] Moreover, there are many embodiments described and illustrated herein. The present disclosure is neither limited to any single aspect or embodiment thereof, nor is it limited to anycombinations and / or permutations of such aspects and / or embodiments. Moreover, each of the aspects of the present disclosure, and / or embodiments thereof, may be employed alone or in combination with one or more of the other aspects of the present disclosure and / or embodiments thereof. For the sake of brevity, certain permutations and combinations are not discussed and / or illustrated separately herein. Notably, an embodiment or implementation described herein as “exemplary” is not to be construed as preferred or advantageous, for example, over other embodiments or implementations; rather, it is intended to reflect or indicate the embodiment s) is / are “example” embodiment(s).

[0015] FIG. 1A is a perspective front view of a seat system, according to example embodiments of previously known seat systems, and FIG. IB is a perspective front view of a seat system, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a side view of a seat system according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 3 is a rear view of a seat system according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of a seat system according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of a seat system according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 6 is a side view of a seat system according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 7 is a rear view of a seat system according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of a seat system according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view of a seat system, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 10 is a side view of a seat system according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIGS. HA and 1 IB are rear perspective views of seat systems, according to example embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIGS. 12A and 12B are side views of a seat system in a first and second position, respectively, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 13 is a cross sectional view of a seat system, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Notably, for simplicity and clarity of illustration, certain aspects of the figures depict the general structure and / or manner of construction of the various embodiments. Descriptions and details of well-known features and techniques may be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring other features. Elements in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale; the dimensions of some features may be exaggerated relative to other elements to improve understanding of the example embodiments. For example, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates that the side views are not drawn to scale and should not be viewed as representing proportional relationships between different components. The side views are provided to help illustrate the various components of the depicted assembly, and to show their relative positioning to one another.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure described below and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to same or like parts.

[0030] Both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the features, as claimed. As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” or other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements, but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Additionally, the term “exemplary” is used herein in the sense of “example,” rather than “ideal.” In the discussion that follows, relative terms such as “about,” “substantially,” “approximately,” etc. are used to indicate a possible variation of a numerical range in a stated numeric value, as will be designated below. It should be noted that all numeric values disclosed or claimed herein (including all disclosed values, limits, and ranges) may have a variation of + / - 10% (unless a different variation is specified) from the disclosed numeric value. Moreover, in the claims, values, limits, and / or ranges mean the value, limit, and / or range + / - 10%.

[0031] As discussed above, vehicles often include safety devices designed to protect its occupants from injury in the event of a mishap. During vehicle operation, the occupants (e.g., one or more vehicle operators, passengers, etc.) are generally seated within a vehicle compartment or cabin, which may be separated from other compartments of the vehicle by a partition, such as a wall or bulkhead. Because the vehicle is in motion, external forces may causethe compartment to abruptly change its direction of motion, thereby resulting in forces exerted upon the occupant. If such forces are too great, the occupant may be seriously injured or killed.

[0032] Various safety devices are used to protect vehicle occupants from these forces. Seat belts, for instance, are often used to protect occupants from being thrown from their seat. However, seat belts provide little protection from vertical forces. Rather, these vertical forces are typically addressed through seat systems comprising cushions, springs, hydraulic shock absorbers, and / or other energy attenuation or dissipation devices within a component of the occupant’s seat or seat system. In cases where the occupant’s seat is located at or near a partition within the vehicle, such as an interior wall or bulkhead, the seat system may be installed such that the energy attenuation or dissipation devices are located between the occupant’s seat and the partition. This configuration, however, may create a gap between the seat and the wall, reducing the amount of usable space within the cabin. Objects within the cabin may come into contact with the energy dissipation devices in this configuration, which may interfere with the operation of the seat system. Additionally, the energy attenuation and dissipation devices may be visible in such configurations, which may detract from the aesthetics of the vehicle. The presence of the energy attenuating or dissipating devices within the cabin may also present a hazard to occupants when activated.

[0033] Accordingly, a need exists for an improved energy attenuating seat system that separates the energy attenuating mechanism from the passenger cabin and provides increased space within the cabin while improving aesthetics and passenger safety.

[0034] FIG. 1A depicts a front perspective view of a previously known energy attenuating seat system 1. As briefly described above, the previously known energy attenuating seat system 1 has guide rails 11 located between a seat 3 and a partition 5. In previously knownenergy attenuating seat system 1, the location of the guide rails 11 causes the seat 3 to be spaced away from the wall, diminishing the usable space within the vehicle.

[0035] FIG. IB depicts a front perspective view of an energy attenuating seat system 101 of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 depicts a side view, FIG. 3 depicts a rear view, FIG. 4 depicts a rear perspective view, and FIG. 5 depicts a side cutaway view of the energy attenuating seat system 101 of FIG. IB with certain components and features removed for explanatory purposes. FIG. 6 depicts a side view, FIG. 7 depicts a rear view, FIG. 8 depicts a rear perspective view, and FIG. 9 depicts a side cutaway view of the energy attenuating seat system 101 of FIG. IB with certain additional components and features.

[0036] With reference now generally to FIGS. IB-5, the energy attenuating system 101 may comprise a seat 103, a partition 105, and brackets 107. The partition 105 may have a first side 104 and a second side 106, as well as slots or openings 108 between the first side 104 and the second side 106. The brackets 107 may extend from the seat 103 on the first side 104 of the partition 105, through the openings 108, and to the second side 106 of the partition 105. The brackets 107 may attach to the seat 103 on the first side 104 of the partition 105 using bolts, screws, or other suitable means of attachment. In other embodiments, the brackets 107 may be integrally formed with the seat 103.

[0037] With reference generally to FIGS. 6-9, the energy attenuating seat system 101 may further comprise energy dissipaters 109 and guide rails 111. The energy dissipaters 109 and / or the guide rails 111 may be configured to an exterior surface of the partition 105. In some embodiments, the energy dissipaters 109 and / or the guide rails 111 may be configured within a portion of the partition 105, e.g., within an internal portion of the partition 105, as shown in FIG. 13 and discussed below. The brackets 107 may connect the energy dissipaters 109 and / orthe guide rails 111 to the seat 103. In example embodiments, the brackets 107 may attach to the energy dissipaters 109 and / or the guide rails 111 using bolts, screws, or other suitable means of attachment. In other embodiments, the brackets 107 may be integrally formed with the energy dissipaters 109 and / or the guide rails 111.

[0038] Referring to FIGS. IB-9, the seat 103 of the energy attenuating seat system 101 may comprise a seat back and a seat bottom. In some embodiments, the seat 103 may be foldable such that the seat bottom may rotate towards or away from the seat back, between a generally parallel position with the seat back and a generally perpendicular position with the seat back. In some embodiments, the seat 103 may be a bench capable of holding one or more occupants. In further embodiments, the seat 103 may be a gurney, stretcher, or litter. In other embodiments, the seat 103 may be a harness or an anchor point for securing passengers or cargo. In yet further embodiments, the seat 103 may be another suitable structure upon or within which occupants or cargo may ride or be attached to.

[0039] In particular embodiments, the seat 103 may be removable from the energy attenuating seat system 101 such that it may be disconnected from the energy dissipaters 109, the guide rails 111, and / or the partition 105. In such embodiments, the seat 103 may be removed to allow for additional space within the vehicle or to replace the seat 103. In embodiments where the seat may be removed, cargo or other objects may be attached to the brackets 107, energy dissipaters 109, and / or guide rails 111.

[0040] In the embodiments shown in FIGS. IB-9, the energy attenuating seat system 101 may comprise restraints 113 and an inertial reel 115. The restraints 113 may be connected to the seat 103 at a first end and to the inertial reel 115 at a second end. The inertial reel 115 may be attached to the seat 103, and may extend from the seat 103 into an opening 108 within thepartition 105. In some embodiments, the inertial reel 115 may be attached to the seat using bolts, screws, or another suitable fastener. In other embodiments, the inertial reel 115 may be welded to the seat 103, or integrally formed with the seat 103. In certain embodiments, the energy attenuating seat system 101 may comprise multiple inertial reels 115, and each inertial reel 115 may be connected to one or more restraints 113.

[0041] In embodiments including the inertial reel 115, the second end of the restraints 113 may connect to a rotating spool (not shown) within the inertial reel 115, wherein the rotating spool may be attached to a centrifugal clutch (not shown). When the restraints 113 experience small accelerations, the centrifugal clutch may allow the spool to rotate. Thus, a user gently pulling on the restraints 113 may unwind additional lengths of the restraints 113 from the inertial reel 115. When the restraints 113 experience large accelerations, such as those experienced during a crash when an occupant or user is thrown against the restraints 113, the centrifugal clutch may lock the rotating spool so that no additional lengths of the restraints 113 may be unwound from the inertial reel 115.

[0042] Referring to FIGS. IB-9, the restraints 113 may be shoulder straps. In other embodiments, a waist belt may additionally or alternatively be used. In some examples, a three- point seat belt may be used. In particular embodiments, rigid shoulder harnesses may be used. In yet further embodiments, another suitable occupant restraint may be used.

[0043] Referring to FIGS. IB-9, the partition 105 of the energy attenuating seat system101 may be an interior bulkhead or wall of a vehicle. In other embodiments, the partition 105 may be a structural member extending from the floor to the ceiling of a vehicle. In further embodiments, the partition 105 may be another rigid body extending from either the floor or theceiling of the vehicle. In particular embodiments, the partition 105 may be the outer body or skin of the vehicle.

[0044] Referring to FIG. 2 and FIG. 6, the partition 105 may be at an angle a relative to a vertical axis 119 extending perpendicularly from a floor of a vehicle. In other embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the partition 105 may be aligned with the vertical axis 119 such that a is zero degrees (0°). In yet further embodiments, the partition 105 may have a varying shape such that two or more sections of the partition 105 are at different angles a relative to the vertical axis 119. Referring to FIGS. IB-5, the brackets 107 may have an endplate 117 on the second side 106 of the partition 105. The endplates 117 may be used to couple the brackets 107 to the energy dissipaters 109 and guide rails 111, and may also help to secure the seat 103 against the partition 105 so as to prevent lateral movement of the seat 103. In other embodiments, the brackets 107 may not have endplates 117 and may connect directly to the energy dissipaters 109 and / or the guide rails 111.

[0045] Referring to FIGS. 6-9, the energy dissipaters 109 may be pneumatic shock absorbers that compress as load is applied to convert kinetic energy into another form of energy, such as heat. In other embodiments, the energy dissipaters 109 may be a rod and base assembly having a damping mechanism, such as foam, between the rod and base that absorbs energy as the assembly is compressed. In other embodiments, the energy dissipaters 109 may be one or more of the following: gas spring assemblies; shock absorber assemblies; crushable column assemblies; rolling torus assemblies; inversion tube assemblies; tube and die assemblies; rolling tube assemblies; flattening tube assemblies; deformable link assemblies; tube flaring assemblies; or wire bending assemblies. In other embodiments, different types of the energy dissipaters 109 may be used, and various combinations of the energy dissipaters 109 may be used together.

[0046] Referring to FIGS. 6-9, the energy attenuating seat system 101 may comprise four sets of the brackets 107, the openings 108, the energy dissipaters 109, and the guide rails 111. In other embodiments, the energy attenuating seat system 101 may comprise only one set of the brackets 107, the energy dissipaters 109, and the guide rails 111 (FIG. 11A). In further embodiments, the energy attenuating seat system 101 may comprise any number of sets of the brackets 107, the openings 108, the energy dissipaters 109, and the guide rails 111. Moreover, in some embodiments, the energy attenuating seat system 101 may have more than one set of the brackets 107, the energy dissipaters 109, and the guide rails 111 for a given opening 108 within the partition 105 (FIG. 11B). In some embodiments, the energy attenuating seat system 101 may include at least one bracket 107, at least two brackets 107, at least three brackets 107, or at least four brackets 107.

[0047] FIGS. 12A and FIG. 12B show an example embodiment of the energy attenuating seat system 101 before and after a crash, respectively, wherein the energy attenuating seat system 101 experiences a minimum vertical activation load. As best seen in FIG. 12A, before a crash, the seat 103 may be held in a first position by a triggering device 112 at a height hi above a floor of a vehicle. When the seat 103 experiences a minimum vertical activation load, the triggering device 112 may release or disengage, allowing the seat 103 to translate, or stroke, within and along the guide rails 111 and the openings 108. As the seat 103 strokes, the energy dissipaters 109 may attenuate or dissipate the force felt by an occupant in the seat 103 until the seat 103 reaches the end of its stroke at a height h2 above the floor of the vehicle, as best seen in FIG. 12B. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 12A-B, the first position of the seat 103 may be at a height hi that is greater than the height 112 of the seat 103 in the second position. In other embodiments, the height I12 of the seat in the second position may be higher than the height ofthe seat hi in the first position, such that the seat 103 strokes away from the floor when it experiences a minimum vertical activation load. In particular embodiments, the seat 103 may stroke either up or down relative to the floor of the vehicle, such that the height h2 of the seat 103 in the second position may be either less than or greater than the height hi of the seat 103 in the first position.

[0048] In some embodiments, the triggering device 112 may be a shear pin between a stationary part of the energy attenuating seat system 101, such as the partition 105 or the guide rails 111, and a moving part of the seat system 101, such as the seat 103, brackets 107, or energy dissipaters 109. In such examples, the shear pin is designed to shear at the specified minimum vertical activation load so as to allow the seat 103 to stroke. In other embodiments, the triggering device 112 may be a similarly placed pyrotechnic fastener that joins the seat 103 and the partition 105, for example, and is set to initiate when the seat system 101 experiences a minimum specified load and break into pieces. In some embodiments, the triggering device 112 may be an internal mechanism of the energy dissipaters 109 that prevents their activation until the system 101 experience a minimum vertical activation load. In yet further embodiments, other forms of the triggering device 112 may be used that allow the seat 103 to move relative the partition 105 once a specified minimum vertical activation load has been achieved. In particular embodiments, the triggering device 112 may be omitted, and the seat 103 may stroke under any applied load.

[0050] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, the guide rails 111 may help to guide the seat 103 along the partition 105 as the seat 103 moves from the first position at height hi to the second position at height I12. In some embodiments the guide rails 111 may be channels that surround the edges of the endplates 117 of the brackets 107 and constrain the movement of the seat 103 to a path along the guide rails 111. In other embodiments, the guide rails 111 may becylindrical tubes that fit inside circular holes or fittings on the brackets 107. In yet further embodiments, the guide rails 111 may be tracks for wheel attachments connected to the brackets 107. In particular embodiments, the guide rails 111 may be another type of constraint that guides the seat 103 as it strokes. In other embodiments, the energy dissipaters 109 and / or the openings 108 within the partition 105 guide the seat 103 from the first position to the second position as it strokes, and the guide rails 111 may be omitted.

[0051] In some embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in FIG. 13, the energy dissipaters 109 and the guide rails 111 may be mounted within the partition 105, between the first side 104 and the second side 106. Such embodiments may provide additional space as compared to the previous embodiments, when the partition is thick enough to accommodate the energy dissipaters.

[0052] In example embodiments, the placement of energy dissipaters 109 and guide rails 111 on the side of the partition 105 opposite the seat 103, or within the partition 105, allows for the minimization of any space between the seat and the partition. In some embodiments, the reduced space between the seat 103 and the partition 105 and the placement of the energy dissipaters 109 increases the usable volume within the passenger cabin, which may allow for additional seats 103 or additional passenger leg room within the cabin. The additional volume within the cabin of may also allow for easier passenger ingress and egress, and may provide a more comfortable ride. Placing the energy dissipaters 109 on the opposite on an opposite side of a partition 105 from the seat 103 may also add to the aesthetic appeal of a vehicle by removing unsightly equipment from the occupants view. Moving the energy dissipaters 109 to the opposite side of the partition 105 from the seat 103 may also increase passenger safety as it reduces the chance of the occupants being injured by the energy dissipaters 109 during the stroking of theseat, and also reduces the chance of objects interfering with the operation of the energy dissipaters 109.

[0053] Additionally, embodiments wherein the partition 105 is at an angle relative to the vertical axis 119 may provide added safety for passengers as the seat 103 must move along a sloped path relative to the vertical axis 119. The sloped path may help to transfer energy from the vertical direction to the horizontal direction, which may reduce the chances of serious injuries when the load felt by passengers is primarily vertical.

[0054] The energy attenuating seat system 101 described herein may be used with any type of vehicle, e.g., motor vehicles (e.g., cars, trucks, buses, motorcycles, etc.), railed vehicles (e.g., trains, roller coasters, etc.), aquatic vehicles (e.g., boats, etc.), aircraft (e.g., planes, helicopters, etc.), spacecraft, autonomous or semiautonomous vehicles, and the like. The energy attenuating seat system 101 may be of particular importance for vertical and / or short takeoff and landing aircraft, such as helicopters and tiltrotors that are at a high risk of crashing during their primarily vertical takeoffs and landings.

[0055] The description above and examples are illustrative and are not intended to be restrictive. One of ordinary skill in the art may make numerous modifications and / or changes without departing from the general scope of the invention. For example, and as has been referenced, aspects of above-described embodiments may be used in any suitable combination with each other. Additionally, portions of the above-described embodiments may be removed without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or aspect to the teachings of the various embodiments without departing from their scope. Many other embodiments will also be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. An energy attenuating seat system for a vehicle, the energy attenuating seat system comprising: a partition having a first side, a second side opposite the first side, and an opening extending from the first side to the second side; a seat on the first side of the partition; an energy dissipater mounted to the second side of the partition; and a bracket extending between the seat and the energy dissipater through the opening.

2. The energy attenuating seat system of claim 1, further comprising an inertial reel attached to the seat and extending from the seat into an additional opening within the partition, and one or more restraints having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the one or more restraints is connected to the seat and the second end of the one or more restraints is connected to the inertial reel.

3. The energy attenuating seat system of claim 1, wherein the seat is foldable.

4. The energy attenuating seat system of claim 1, wherein the seat is removable from the system.

5. The energy attenuating seat system of claim 1, wherein the partition is at angle relative to a vertical axis.

6. The energy attenuating seat system of claim 1, wherein the partition is aligned with a vertical axis.

7. The energy attenuating seat system of claim 1, wherein the system further comprises a plurality of energy dissipaters mounted to the second side of the partition, a plurality of openings within the partition, and a plurality of brackets, wherein one or more of the plurality of brackets extend between the seat and an energy dissipater through an opening.

8. The energy attenuating seat system of claim 1, wherein the partition is a bulkhead.

9. An energy attenuating seat system for vehicles, the energy attenuating seat system comprising: a partition having a first side, a second side opposite the first side, and an opening extending from the first side towards the second side; a seat on the first side of the partition; an energy dissipater between the first side and the second side of the of the partition; and a bracket connecting the seat to the energy dissipater.

10. The energy attenuating seat system of claim 9, further comprising a plurality of openings within the partition, an inertial reel attached to the seat and extending from the seat into one of the plurality of openings, and one or more restraints having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the one or more restraints is connected to the seat and the second end of the one or more restraints connect to the inertial reel.11 . The energy attenuating seat system of claim 9, wherein the seat is foldable.

12. The energy attenuating seat system of claim 9, wherein the seat is removable from the system.

13. The energy attenuating seat system of claim 9, wherein the partition is at an angle relative to a vertical axis.

14. The energy attenuating seat system of claim 9, wherein the partition is aligned with a vertical axis.

15. The energy attenuating seat system of claim 9, wherein the system further comprises a plurality of energy dissipaters mounted between the first side and the second side of the partition, a plurality of openings within the partition, and a plurality of brackets, wherein one or more of the plurality of brackets extend between the seat and an energy dissipater through an opening.

16. A seat for a vehicle, the seat configured to stroke at an angle relative to a vertical axis and dissipate energy when a minimum load is applied.

17. An energy attenuating seat system for a vehicle, the energy attenuating seat system comprising: a partition having a first side, a second side opposite the first side, and an opening extending from the first side to the second side;a seat on the first side of the partition; and a bracket extending from the seat through the opening.

18. The energy attenuating seat system of claim 17, further comprising an inertial reel attached to the seat and extending from the seat into an additional opening within the partition, and one or more restraints having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the one or more restraints is connected to the seat and the second end of the one or more restraints is connected to the inertial reel.

19. The energy attenuating seat system of claim 17, wherein the partition is at angle relative to a vertical axis.

20. The energy attenuating seat system of claim 17, wherein the partition is aligned with a vertical axis.

Citation Information

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