System including at least one ejectable safety pod for protecting occupants of a vehicle during and after a catastrophic event

Abstract

A system for protecting occupants of a vehicle during aa catastrophic event includes at least one safety pod that encloses one or more seats within the vehicle. The pod is constructed of a material that is fire proof, waterproof, bomb proof, crash proof, and/or capable of withstanding any other physical or environmental hazards that might be expected during the catastrophic event, and includes a sliding, electrically powered doors that seals the pod when closed. The pod may be configured to be ejected from the vehicle when the catastrophic event occurs or is imminent. When the vehicle is a passenger airplane, pods may be provided for each row of passenger seats, the pods being mounted to tracks by brackets and latched in a stationary position until an emergency occurs. When an emergency that requires ejection from the airplane occurs, the pods are propelled towards the rear of the airplane, and at least a portion of the rear section of the airplane is detachable to provide a space through which the pods are ejected. Sealing of the pods protects the occupants from hazards such as fire and smoke, and provides a waterproof flotation chamber in case of ejection over water.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.