Patent ID: 6666520
Filing Date: 2003-12-23
Classification: B60R

Abstract:
A kit for retrofitting a vehicular seat with an occupant restraint system demonstrating compartmentalization wherein the vehicular seat comprises a seat frame with a seat bottom frame and a seat back frame wherein the seat back frame is constructed to pivot about a pivot axis in response to the application of a given amount of force thereto in a forward direction, the kit comprising:a rigid spine with a first end adapted to be disposed adjacent to a rigid lower member of a seat back frame and a second end adapted to be fixed relative to a rigid upper member of a seat back frame; an upper anchoring assembly; a means for fixing the upper anchoring assembly adjacent to the second end of the rigid spine; a lower anchoring assembly; a means for fixing the lower anchoring assembly adjacent to the first end of the rigid spine; a first elongate, flexible member with a body portion; a means for coupling the elongate, flexible member to the upper anchoring assembly at a point of coupling; a means for coupling the elongate, flexible member to the lower anchoring assembly at a point of coupling; a first buckle element coupled to the first elongate flexible member; a first corresponding buckle element adapted to be coupled to a vehicle seat for buckling to the first buckle element; an axis member for acting as a pivot axis for the rigid spine; a means for mounting the axis member adjacent to the first end of the rigid spine so that the rigid spine can pivot about the axis member; and an energy absorbing means for being operably associated with the rigid spine to resist pivoting of the rigid spine until a force sufficient to overcome the energy absorbing means is applied in a forward direction to a seat back and the spine whereupon the energy absorbing means allows the spine to pivot about the axis member.