Inventors:
Medard Z. Bryll - Palos Park IL
Assignee:
Gateway Industries, Inc. - Chicago IL
International Classification:
B60R 2110
Abstract:
A method of and an apparatus for protecting an occupant of a vehicle during a crash comprising reorienting the occupant quickly during the first half of a crash cycle period into an energy absorbing position with occupant's buttocks and femurs being repositioned for causing energy absorption during the second half of the crash cycle. In the preferred apparatus, the occupant's hips are lowered and his knees are raised to place him in an energy absorbing position within about 50 milliseconds and the occupant is married to the vehicle as it crushes during the last half of the crash cycle. The buildup of "g" forces is delayed; the maximum "g" forces imparted to the occupant is reduced; and the occupant's displacement is shortened with the invention.