ENERGY ABSORBING SEAT

• US 20100102170A1
• Filed: 10/29/2008
• Published: 04/29/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 10/29/2008
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Harper Engineering Co
• Original Assignee: Harper Engineering Co
• Inventors: LaConte, Richard J.
• Application Number:
  US12/260,650
• Publication Number:
  US 20100102170A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 244/122.R
• CPC Class Codes: B64D 11/06 Arrangements of seats, or adaptations or details specially adapted for aircraft seats crew seat constructions for emergency purposes B64D25/04
• CPC Class Codes: B64D 11/0619 with energy absorbing means specially adapted for mitigating impact loads for passenger seats, e.g. at a crash
• CPC Class Codes: B64D 11/0649 Seats characterised by special features for reducing weight
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 50/40 Weight reduction

Abstract

A lightweight airplane seat using composite material to form a four-bar linkage, pivotal at the corners to reduce torque stresses and including a frangible compressible strut to absorb the forces generated during a crash.

Claims

1. A passenger seat for use in a moving vehicle comprising;

a four-bar link framework supporting the seat element; and

an energy absorbing strut extending from a lower front position of the framework in the direction the vehicle normally travels to an upper rear position of its framework such that when the vehicle rapidly reduces speed, the energy is absorbed in the strut as it collapses.

2. A seat as in claim 1, wherein the interconnection between the four bars is pivotal.

3. A seat as in claim 2, wherein the interconnections are a spherical bearing.

4. A seat as in claim 1, wherein the four-bar link is fabricated of a composite material.

5. A lightweight airplane seat using composite material to form a four-bar linkage, pivotal at the corners to reduce torque stresses;

and

including a frangible compressible strut to absorb the forces generated during a crash.