Seat load sensing apparatus

An apparatus ( 10 ) is used in a vehicle having a vehicle seat ( 2 ) for a vehicle occupant and a vehicle floor pan ( 4 ) for supporting the vehicle seat ( 2 ). The apparatus ( 10 ) includes a vehicle seat frame ( 20 ), a sensor ( 99 ), and a member ( 60 ). The vehicle seat frame ( 20 ) supports a load of the vehicle occupant in the vehicle seat ( 2 ). The vehicle seat frame ( 20 ) is movable vertically upon application of a vertical load to the vehicle seat frame ( 20 ). The sensor ( 99 ) transfers the load of the vehicle occupant in the vehicle seat ( 2 ) from the vehicle seat frame ( 20 ) to the vehicle floor pan ( 4 ). The sensor ( 99 ) detects a part of the load of the vehicle occupant and provides an output signal indicative of the amount of the part of the load transferred. The member ( 60 ) damps force transferred by the vehicle seat ( 2 ) and the vehicle seat frame ( 20 ) to the vehicle floor pan ( 4 ). The member ( 60 ) is interposed between the vehicle floor pan ( 4 ) and the sensor ( 99 ).