Blast Attenuation Device For Absorbing Force Between An Occupant And A Vehicle

Abstract

A device for a vehicle supports an occupant of the vehicle and absorbs a force between the occupant and the vehicle created by relative movement between the occupant and the vehicle. The device includes a pan for supporting the occupant. A first energy absorbing device is coupled to the pan and configured to absorb at least a portion of the force when a magnitude of the force reaches a first magnitude. A second energy absorbing device supports the first energy absorbing device and is configured to absorb at least a portion of the force when the magnitude of the force reaches a second magnitude greater than the first magnitude. A third energy absorbing device supports the second energy absorbing device and is configured to absorb at least a portion of the force when the force reaches a third magnitude greater than the second magnitude.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A device for a vehicle to support an occupant of the vehicle and absorb a force between the occupant and the vehicle created by relative movement between the occupant and the vehicle, said device comprising:
 a pan for supporting the occupant;   a first energy absorbing device coupled to said pan and configured to absorb at least a portion of the force when a magnitude of the force reaches a first magnitude;   a second energy absorbing device configured to absorb at least a portion of the force when the magnitude of the force reaches a second magnitude greater than the first magnitude, said second energy absorbing device supporting said first energy absorbing device so that said first energy absorbing device transmits a portion of the force to said second energy absorbing device when the magnitude of the force reaches the second magnitude; and   a third energy absorbing device supporting said second energy absorbing device and configured to absorb at least a portion of the force when the force reaches a third magnitude greater than the second magnitude;   wherein said third energy absorbing device is configured to plastically deform to absorb at least a portion of the force when the force exceeds the third magnitude.   
     
     
         2 . The device as set forth in  claim 1  further comprising a base for connecting to the vehicle with said third energy absorbing device supporting said second energy absorbing device on said base. 
     
     
         3 . The device as set forth in  claim 2  wherein said third energy absorbing device extends between said base and said second energy absorbing device and wherein said second energy absorbing device extends between said third energy absorbing device and said first energy absorbing device. 
     
     
         4 . The device as set forth in  claim 1  wherein said second energy absorbing device extends between said first energy absorbing device and said third energy absorbing device. 
     
     
         5 . The device as set forth in  claim 1  wherein said third energy absorbing device supports said second energy absorbing device so that said second energy absorbing device transmits a portion of the force to said third energy absorbing device when the force reaches the third magnitude. 
     
     
         6 . The device as set forth in  claim 1  wherein said first energy absorbing device and said second energy absorbing device each resiliently move when absorbing at least a portion of the force. 
     
     
         7 . The device as set forth in  claim 1  further comprising a frame supporting said pan and wherein said first energy absorbing device includes a first resilient member disposed between said frame and said pan. 
     
     
         8 . The device as set forth in  claim 7  further comprising a support spaced from said frame with said second energy absorbing device coupled to said frame and said support. 
     
     
         9 . The device as set forth in  claim 8  wherein said second energy absorbing device includes a linkage coupled to said frame and said support and a second resilient member operatively coupled to said linkage. 
     
     
         10 . The device as set forth in  claim 8  further comprising a base for connection to the vehicle and a third energy absorbing device supporting said support on said base. 
     
     
         11 . The device as set forth in  claim 10  wherein said third energy absorbing device extends from said base to said support and wherein said second energy absorbing device extends from said support to said frame. 
     
     
         12 . The device as set forth in  claim 1  further comprising an inflatable device disposed on said pan and configured to selectively inflate for cushioning between the occupant and said pan. 
     
     
         13 . A device for a vehicle to support an occupant of a vehicle and absorb a force between the occupant and the vehicle created by relative movement between the occupant and the vehicle, said device comprising:
 a pan for supporting the occupant;   a first energy absorbing device coupled to said pan for absorbing at least a portion of the force when the force reaches a first magnitude;   a second energy absorbing device for absorbing at least a portion of the force when the force reaches a second magnitude greater than the first magnitude, said second energy absorbing device supporting said first energy absorbing device so that said first energy absorbing device transmits a portion of the force to said second energy absorbing device when the force reaches the second magnitude; and   a third energy absorbing device supporting said second energy absorbing device for absorbing at least a portion of the force from the second energy absorbing device when the force reaches a third magnitude greater than the second magnitude;   wherein said third energy absorbing device is configured to plastically deform to absorb at least a portion of the force when the force exceeds the third magnitude.   
     
     
         14 . The device as set forth in  claim 13  further comprising a frame supporting said pan and wherein said first energy absorbing device includes a first resilient member disposed between said frame and said pan. 
     
     
         15 . The device as set forth in  claim 14  further comprising a support spaced from said frame with said second energy absorbing device coupled to said frame and said support. 
     
     
         16 . The device as set forth in  claim 13  further comprising a base for connection to the vehicle with the third energy absorbing device supporting said support on said base.