Patent ID: 6416126
Filing Date: 2002-07-09
Classification: B60N

Abstract:
A vehicle seat, the seat comprising a squab and a back, wherein:the back is mounted for pivotal movement relative to the squab of the seat, the squab of the seat incorporating energy absorbing force limiting means adapted to absorb energy as the back of the seat moves rearwardly when subjected to a force from the torso of an occupant of the seat so that if a vehicle in which the seat is mounted is involved in a rear impact, the energy absorbing force limiting means provides a first resistive force resisting the pivotal movement during a first predetermined pivotal movement, and a second resistive force during a second pivotal movement, the resistive force provided during the first pivotal movement being dependent upon the energy of the rear impact; wherein the energy absorbing force limiting means comprises elements to provide the first resistive force comprising an energy absorbing force limiting device and a dampening spring; and wherein the dampening spring comprises a spring connected in parallel with a fluid-filled cylinder containing a double acting piston, the opposite ends of the cylinder being interconnected by a parallel connection of a non-return valve and a constriction.