Energy absorbing device for a vehicle seat

An energy absorbing device for reducing acceleration transmitted to a seated occupant in a vehicle as a result of a force of a high energy impact acting thereon in an impact direction, the device comprising first peripherally disposed energy absorbing elements spaced apart from each other, having a first dimension in the impact direction and capable of undergoing elastic deformation of a predetermined amount in the impact direction;

• and a second centrally disposed energy absorption element having a second dimension in the impact direction, which is smaller than the first dimension to a distance corresponding to said amount of elastic deformation, thereby allowing the second element to be loaded with said force after the first elements have undergone said elastic deformation.

A method of energy absorbing for reducing acceleration transmitted to a seated occupant in a vehicle as a result of a force of a high-energy impact acting in impact direction, said method including:

• providing a first energy absorbing mechanism having a first dimension in the impact direction and capable of undergoing a predetermined amount of elastic deformation in that direction;
• providing a second energy absorbing mechanism having a second dimension in the impact direction, smaller that said first dimension by a distance corresponding to said amount of elastic deformation;
• disposing the energy absorbing mechanisms in parallel with respect to occupant's seat thereby allowing the second mechanism to be loaded by said force after the first mechanism has undergone said amount of elastic deformation.

19-33. (canceled)