INFLATABLE RESTRAINT SYSTEMS FOR EJECTION FLIGHT VESTS

摘要

One or more tubular inflatables are mounted in pockets spaced around a flight vest to assist and maintain upper body stiffness during ejection. The inflatables function to maintain the body stiff and prevent its moving from side to side during ejection. By proper positioning of the inflatables around the body, spinal compression may be prevented. In addition, connected to the flight vest is a collar-like inflatable (33) that supports and protects the neck and head of the air crewmember (22) from moving. The collar-like member can encircle the neck like a scarf. In another embodiment, it (50) can also extend above the shoulders and completely encircle the helmet holding the head in a vertical position. In each embodiment, the collar-like member properly maintains the center of gravity of the air crewmember on the aircraft seat (20).