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Method and apparatus for protecting a vehicle occupant

  • US 4,154,472 A
  • Filed: 09/09/1977
  • Issued: 05/15/1979
  • Est. Priority Date: 09/09/1977
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A method of protecting a vehicle occupant during a crash having a time frame beginning with the impact with another object and ending with the crushing of the vehicle, said method comprising the steps of:

  • during the first half of the time frame sensing a deceleration of the vehicle above a predetermined magnitude and prior to any significant displacement of the occupant in a free flight trajectory, allowing the occupant to shift forwardly relative to the seat back, repositioning the occupant by raising the occupant'"'"'s knees and lowering the occupant'"'"'s hips relative to the position thereof prior to said sensing step by dropping the rear portion of the seat from its position prior to the sensing step; and

    during the second half of the crash time frame, having the occupant'"'"'s hips and legs acting on an energy absorbing means with the occupant riding down and decelerating with the vehicle as the vehicle crushes.

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