Rotating King RIPS (Click For More Info)
Fixed RIPS (Click For More Info)
Removable RIPS (Click For More Info)
Seat Backs (Click For More Info)
Millenium Seat Backs (Click For More Info)

NMI is the world leader in the manufacture of a range of patented dual purpose seats that can be used by able bodied passengers and are also wheelchair docking stations that provide unparalleled levels of safety to wheelchair passengers. Rear Impact Protection Seats (RIPS) provide tested back and headrest support for wheelchair users travelling in vehicles.

THE SAFETY OF WHEELCHAIR OCCUPANTS IN ROAD PASSENGER VEHICLES.

In May 2003, the Department for Transport published a report following an extensive programme of testing to assess the safety of wheelchair users when being transported on all M category vehicles in comparison with travellers seated in conventional seats ( fitted with headrests )

The work found that the heads and necks of wheelchair users were particularly vulnerable but that this could be addressed through the use of a head and back restraint. However, such a restraint should meet the requirements of ECE regulation 17 for strength and energy absorption and the wheelchair should fit well up against the head and back restraint for maximum benefit. The addition of a head and back restraint was found to improve the situation significantly, although the presence of a gap between the head and back restraint and the wheelchair can have a detrimental effect.

NMI has designed and patented a comprehensive range of Rear Impact Protection Seats ( RIPS ) over the last 3 years which meet all the criteria as laid out in the findings of the Department for Transport report.

Design

NMI seat back and headrest units rotationally deform in a crash impact situation so as to reduce the loading on the wheelchair passenger ie providing energy absorption.

Varying widths of seat back allied to clever design allow the wheelchair user to sit close up against the head and back restraint thereby eliminating any gap when securing manual wheelchairs.

For the same close fit of a wheelchair user seated in an electric wheelchair ( with a battery pack ) NMI’s unique and patented ‘Extending back’ design ensures the correct close positioning of the back and headrest.

Testing

NMI RIPS have been statically pull tested as seating units for able-bodied occupants. Various static tests have been conducted in vehicle conversions. See test section.

Dynamic crash testing has also been carried out. NMI’s latest product – ROTATNG KING RIPS – has passed the ISO 10542/2 requirements, which stipulates using a surrogate wheelchair weighing 85kg and a dummy weighing 75kgs. This product has also been tested to the same test pulse as laid out in the standard with the wheelchair and occupant facing rearwards.

Development, innovation and customer feedback has resulted in NMI being able to offer a comprehensive range of Rear Impact units suitable for different sizes of vehicle and wheelchair.