This invention relates to the field of load restraint systems, particularly occupant restraint systems that provide improved restraint by adopting more closely the contour of the occupant and particularly actively controlled restraint systems which respond to the external environment and hazardous situations. There is provided an articulated restraint which more closely adopts the profile of an occupant to provide a better and closer fitting restraint. Improving the fit of the restraint to the occupant provides better survivability in impact scenarios. The articulated restraint is formed from a series of elements which are joined by a connecting cord. When tension is applied to the cord the elements compress together and adopt the form of the occupant, further tension forces the elements to form a substantially rigid conformation which retains the occupant in a seat. There is further provided an active restraint system for actively controlling the tension in the connecting cord in response to external forces or hazardous events. The restraint and active restraint system may be used in place of conventional five point harnesses and seat belts to provide improved survivability in impacts and better restraint in the seating position for manoeuvres resulting in significant G-forces.
