ACTIVE NECK INJURY REDUCTION DEVICES

A passenger seat is described which reduces neck deflection in a 16G loading event. The passenger seat includes one or more seatback surfaces which translate to shield a surface, such as a latch mechanism (114), during the crash event. By shielding the latch mechanism, a smooth surface is created, thereby reducing a likelihood of a passenger's head becoming trapped on the latch mechanism. The seatback surfaces actuated include one or more of a shroud (116) surrounding the latch mechanism, a pocket (120) defined by the shroud, or a hinged surface.