Abstract A head restraint for the occupant of a vehicle seat is disclosed, which rrains the forward and downward movement of the occupant's head when subjected to large deceleration forces. The restraint includes a strap assembly which encircles the back of the occupant's head and releasably connects to his helmet adjacent to each of his ears at two locations. A retaining strap is slidably connected by a loop to the strap assembly and extends behind the head to a restracting means fixed in the seat. The retracting means pulls the head back against the seat when the deceleration forces exceed a predetermined level, as during flight maneuvers. During normal flight conditions, the occupant is able to move his head freely from side to side as the strap assembly slides through the loop.
A head restraint for a vehicle seat occupant wearing a helmet, for arresting the forward and downward movement of the occupant's head when the occupant is subjected to deceleration forces greater than a predetermined level, while permitting free side-to-side movement of the head when the forces are at or less than the predetermined level, comprising: a strap assembly releasably connected to the helmet above and below each ear and encircling the back of the head; a retaining strap positioned behind the head and having a loop at one end thereof through which said strap asembly can slide; and a retracting means rigidly attached to the seat substantially behind the occupant's head and releasably connected to said retaining strap, said retracting means pulling back said retaining strap only when the deceleration forces are greater than the predetermined level.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
137 words
A head restraint for a vehicle seat occupant wearing a helmet, for arresting the forward and downward movement of the occupant's head when the occupant is subjected to deceleration forces greater than a predetermined level, while permitting free side-to-side movement of the head when the forces are at or less than the predetermined level, comprising: a strap assembly releasably connected to the helmet above and below each ear and encircling the back of the head; a retaining strap positioned behind the head and having a loop at one end thereof through which said strap asembly can slide; and a retracting means rigidly attached to the seat substantially behind the occupant's head and releasably connected to said retaining strap, said retracting means pulling back said retaining strap only when the deceleration forces are greater than the predetermined level.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
33 words
The head restraint of claim 1 wherein said strap assembly comprises two flexible strips fixed to each other at essentially their midpoints in a criss-cross fashion to form approximately ten degree vertical angles.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
22 words
The head restraint of claim 1 wherein said strap assembly is releasably connected to the helmet by snap sockets and snap balls.