Neck load attenuator for a restraint system

Abstract

A restraint system is disclosed having an attenuator that attenuates the loading forces transmitted through the restraining system to the occupant's neck and shoulder areas during a crash, while at the same time increases the occupant's comfort during restraint usage. The attenuator is comprised of a pad constructed of a rate sensitive foam and enclosed in a casing.

What we claim is:  
     
         1 . A system having an assembly that restricts movement and holds a person steady in a seat, said assembly having a belt lock, said system comprising: 
 a) an arrangement of straps at least one of which comprises a shoulder strap comprised of webbing and having one end affixed to said belt lock, said shoulder strap having an upper shoulder restraint area and located near the neck region of a person being held in said seat; and    b) an attenuator for attenuating the loading forces transmitted through the system to the neck and shoulder area of the person occupying said seat, said attenuator comprising: 
 (i) a casing locatable under at least a portion of said upper shoulder restraint area of said at least one shoulder strap;  
 (ii) a pad enclosed in said casing and comprised of a foam material;  
 (iii) a piece of material placed on said casing and covered with hook configuration; and  
 (iv) a flap of material placed on said casing and covered with a pile configuration and located over at least a portion of the said upper shoulder restraint area and so as to releasably engage with said hook configuration.  
   
     
     
         2 . The system according to  claim 1 , wherein said foam material is a rate sensitive foam.  
     
     
         3 . The system according to  claim 1 , wherein said foam material is comprised of first and second sections affixed to each other by an adhesive.  
     
     
         4 . The system according to  claim 3 , wherein said first section is locatable closer to said neck than said second section.  
     
     
         5 . The system according to  claim 3 , wherein said first and second sections have respective thicknesses of about 1 inch and about 0.5 inches.  
     
     
         6 . The system according to  claim 3 , wherein said first section has a width of about 1 inch and length of about 5 inches.  
     
     
         7 . The system according to  claim 3 , wherein said second section has a width of about 3 inches and a length of about 5 inches.  
     
     
         8 . The system according to  claim 5 , wherein said first section is comprised of conformal foam type CF47100 and said second section is comprised of conformal foam type CF47050.  
     
     
         9 . The system according to  claim 1 , wherein said casing is comprised of a material having heat and flame-resistant properties.  
     
     
         10 . The system according to  claim 9 , wherein said casing is comprised of a Nomex® material.