SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES FOR MITIGATING SPINAL TENSION DURING FREE-FLAIL

Disclosed are embodiments of passenger seats (100) equipped with seat belts for mitigating seat damage and spinal tension from free-flail movements. In embodiments, the assembly includes a seat back (102), a first slip ring (110) positioned proximate a top of the seat back, a second slip ring (112) positioned lower on the seat back, a retractor (114), and a webbing (116) threaded through each of the first and second slip rings (110, 112). During normal use of the seat the first slip ring (110) forms a first pivot for the webbing (116), and during a qualifying deceleration event the second slip ring (112) forms a new pivot for the webbing (116) lower on the seat back (102). In a further embodiment, first and second webbings (132, 134) form primary and auxiliary restraints guided by respective first and second pivots.