Abstract: An energy-absorbing device, particularly for rolling stock to provide protection therefor when potentially damaging impact occurs, includes first and second tubular elements which are fitted into one another and which are of unlike material.

Abstract: An energy absorption material for covering a rigid vehicle support surface provide impact protection for a vehicle occupant's head is a sheet of material formed into a waveform comprising a plurality of regular corrugations which have identical crests and valleys connected by inclined sidewalls. The material thickness of the crests and valleys is the same and thicker than that of the sidewall material. The crests and valleys are curved such that the inside radius of each of the crests is smaller than the inside radius of each of the valleys, so that the sidewalls adjacent a valley are laterally closer than the sidewalls adjacent a crest. The corrugations have a pitch equal to their height. This construction provides a deformation mode of the material in which the crests and valleys deform by bending and the sidewalls deform by buckling. The material can contain a plurality of perforations, covering 7%-15% of the area for sound absorption.

Abstract: In a shift lever assembly for a vehicle comprising a base member and a shift lever pivotably supported by the base member, the shift lever is detachable from the base member when an excessive force greater than a prescribed value is applied to the shift lever. Typically, the base member comprises a retaining member for holding the shift lever in an operable position and the retaining member is given a strength so as to break when an excessive force greater than a prescribed value is applied to the retaining member to thereby release the shift lever. In this way, when an excessive force greater than a prescribed value is applied to the shift lever for example by being hit against by a driver or a passenger in a traffic accident, the shift lever is detached from the base and retracted into the instrument panel, thereby effectively preventing the shift lever from causing damage to the driver or passenger.

Abstract: A crush control system for controlling the crush of spaced vehicle side composite structural rails in the event of either a full frontal impact or an offset frontal impact includes a crush controller for each side rail. An actuator is provided to move crush initiators between an inoperative position, which will cause an uncontrolled crush of the rail, and a deployed operative position, which will cause a controlled crush of the rail at half the crush force as an uncontrolled crush. In one embodiment each crush controller is normally inoperative and is controlled by a sensor for each located on the opposite side of the vehicle to become operative when the sensor is impacted. The crush initiators may take the form of a radiused wedge or a knife cutter, and the actuator maintains the crush initiators in deployed position to sustain the controlled crush.

Abstract: An impactor for a movable, deformable barrier, simulating an automobile, comprising an upright, solid backing support, a plurality of energy absorbing impact segments protruding from the support, each segment having an outer impact face and each comprising a plurality of layers of honeycomb having different crush strength characterized by increasing crush strength of successive layers from the outer impact face to the support, the layers being separated by and secured to perforate plates therebetween allowing air flow from a crushing layer to the succeeding layers when the layers are successively crushed and each impact segment having a thin vent layer of noncrushing slotted honeycomb adjacent the support for discharge of air from all of the segments as they are successively crushed. The layers in each segment are of essentially the same width and height.

Abstract: A steering wheel having a collapsible hub, the steering wheel comprising a wheel 100 having a rim 140, a plurality of spokes 130 connected with the rim 140 and a lower plate 150 having edges and connected with the spokes 130 at the middle of the wheel 100, the edges of the lower plate forming a shape of an open box; a back plate 200 fixed to the said plurality of spokes 130 of the wheel 100 and having an escape hole 220 opened from the middle to one side of the plate 200; an upper plate 300 having first and second vertical surfaces 320 and 330 fixed to the back plate 200 and a horizontal surface 340 connecting the vertical surfaces 320 and 330 to form a space between the back plate 200 and the upper plate 300; and a hub cover 400 installed on the wheel 100 for covering the upper plate 300, so the upper plate 300 collapses to absorb impact of a driver in a car accident.

Abstract: A landing gear/tail skid having at least two pivot axes (22, 24) which are subject to relative motion in response to impact loads acting on the landing gear/tail skid (10) and a contact arm (18) disposed in combination with pivot axes (22, 24). The cartridge assembly (20) includes a housing member (30) having and internal chamber (38) and a telescoping piston assembly (40) mounting within the internal chamber (38) wherein the end portions of each are disposed in combination with one of the pivot axes (22, 24). The housing member (30) and piston assembly (40), in combination, define opposed bearing surfaces (36s, 46s) which act on an energy absorbing means (50) disposed within the internal chamber (38) and intermediate the opposed bearing surfaces (36s, 46s). The energy absorbing means (50) is operative, in response to impact loads coupled thereto by the opposed bearing surfaces (36s, 46s), to react impact loads below a threshold is value without change in its critical dimension (L.sub.

Abstract: Elements for impact absorption for the realization of protection barriers for motor car or cycle courses, formed by the junction of a plurality of sheets of plastic material, shaped in such a way as to present a series of reliefs or corrugations, superimposed so that two contiguous sheets present facing concavities and are joined through welding, sticking or other means.

Abstract: Vehicle arresting beds, for installation at the ends of aircraft runways, are effective to safely decelerate aircraft entering the bed. The arresting bed is assembled of a large number of blocks of cellular concrete having predetermined compressive gradient strength, so that aircraft landing gear is subjected to drag forces effective to slow a variety of types of aircraft, while providing deceleration within a safe range of values. An arresting bed typically includes an entry region of a depth increasing from 9 to 24 inches formed of blocks having a first compressive gradient strength. A second region, which may be tapered into the first region and increase in depth to 30 inches, is formed of blocks having a greater compressive gradient strength. An aircraft thus experiences increasing drag forces while it travels through the bed, to provide an arresting capability suitable for a variety of aircraft.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing vehicle frame components using composite fiber pultrusion techniques includes one or more sources of a fibrous material. A bath or similar structure is provided for applying a resin material to the fibrous materials from the sources. Following the application of the resin, the fibrous materials are then pulled through a die. The die is formed having an opening therethrough which corresponds in shape to the desired cross sectional shape of the vehicle frame component to be manufactured. As the fibrous materials are pulled through the die, they conform to the shape of the opening formed therethrough. Because of the resin applied thereto, the fibrous materials adhere to one another to form a pultrusion which retains the shape of the opening formed through the die. The formed pultrusion is then pulled through a curing oven which heats the resin to a predetermined curing temperature, causing it to harden a rigid condition.

Abstract: An energy absorbing vehicle knee bolster including a main body and a support member. The main body is shaped as a hollow rectangular box and is formed as a single body of an aluminum substance. The support member is fixed to a front side of the main body for supporting the main body on a vehicle tie bar.

Abstract: An impact energy absorbing member is provided within a vehicle door, and due to impact load from an exterior, the impact energy absorbing member plastically deforms so as to absorb impact energy. The impact energy absorbing member includes a plurality of ribs whose respective surface directions are provided substantially along an impact load direction. Ends of the plurality of ribs are fixed to predetermined positions within the vehicle door. Reduced cross-sectional area portions are provided at fixed end sides of the plurality of ribs. The reduced cross-sectional area portions are provided such that cross-sectional areas of the plurality of ribs along a direction orthogonal to the impact load direction become smaller toward the fixed end sides of the plurality of ribs from lengthwise intermediate portions of the plurality of ribs whose lengths run along the impact load direction.

Abstract: A front rail assembly includes first and second front rails extending longitudinally with respect to the vehicle. Each rail includes a front end, and comprises inner and outer rail members having substantially C-shaped cross-sections which are welded together to form the front rails. First and second plates are secured, respectively, within the first and second rails between the respective inner and outer rail members. The plates span the length of the first and second rails for improved energy absorption characteristics as a result of the double-box section formed.

Abstract: A crash impact attenuator designed to be mounted on a service truck or other vehicle including a perimeter band, preferably with an elongated profile having generally arcuate ends spaced from each other and interconnected by opposing links of side walls. At substantially the center of the side walls, a loop of cable or similar high tension material is provided to limit any separation of the side walls from each other. Considering one of the two arcuate ends of the perimeter band as constituting the front of the crash impact attenuator and the other of the two arcuate ends of the perimeter band as constituting the back of the crash impact attenuator, the front of the attenuator is bolted or otherwise connected to the service vehicle to be protected it from impact and the rear of the impact attenuator cantilevers out from the rear of the service vehicle and spaced above the surface over which the service vehicle is traveling.

Abstract: An energy absorbing device includes an energy absorber element having a plurality of elongated hollow hexagonal cells. The cells are arranged in a block shape with first and second layers interconnected by an intermediate plate. The intermediate plate closes adjacent ends of the first and second layers and forms three-sided pyramidal structures which project into each individual cell of the first and second layers. Each pyramidal structure has an apex located near the center of each cell. The energy absorber element is deformable under impact loading conditions to absorb and dissipate energy. Upon the removal of the impact load the energy absorber element returns to its original shape.

Abstract: An energy absorber is provided which can primarily be used as a replaceable energy absorbing bumper support structure. The structure includes a hollow cylinder with a stamped pattern on the cylinder wall for initiating an indented buckling pattern during crush of the cylinder. Holes in the patterned cylinder also allow for crash control of the buckling cylinder. The energy absorber is staged to provide for an increase in crush force as it progressively crashes each stage.

Abstract: The invention concerns impact-absorber devices, an impact-absorption method, and a framework and a vehicle including such impact-absorber devices. According to the invention, the impact-absorber device comprises at least one longitudinal member absorbing by deformation the energy generated by an impact in a given direction, which member is made from thin plate, having a generally triangular cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the direction of impact. Applications to rail vehicles, for example.

Abstract: A combination articulated vehicle damping method for absorbing the kinetic energy of the trail vehicle during a collision that includes crushing a damping material, positioned at a connection of the lead vehicle and the trail vehicle of a combination articulated vehicle, during the collision.

Abstract: Disclosed is an energy absorbing structure (10) for decelerating an object that impacts the structure. The structure has at least one energy absorbing member (20). Each member includes a stranded structure such as expanded metal (22) which provides the energy absorbing structure (10) with the characteristic of energy absorption according to a near square wave characteristic.

Abstract: The sacrificial tube shock attenuation device services as a deformable energy absorbing system designed to be employed between a bumper receiving a potentially destructive force and a payload which is to be protected from the force. The device is composed of a tube assembly running through and aligning apertures of a maul, or series of mauls, which is (are) attached to the bumper and the apertures of a pair of stators, or multiple pairs of stators, that each maul is situated between. The stators are attached to the payload. When overloaded the maul(s) moves relative to the stators causing a misalignment of their respective apertures resulting in deformation of the tube assembly. A simple tube assembly may be comprised of a single tube. A more complex tube assembly may be comprised of multiple tubes within tubes depending on the anticipated overload. In a multi-tube assembly the inner tubes receive the load consecutively as the misalignment of the apertures of the maul and stators progresses.

Abstract: A crash attenuator adapted to be mounted on a vehicle to attenuate some of the energy of an impact, the crash attenuator includes a frame adapted to be mounted on a vehicle; a slider mounted on the frame to slide in response relative to the frame toward the vehicle in response to an impact; a collapsible, energy-absorbing member positioned between the slider and the frame to absorb energy as the slider telescopes relative to the frame; and a crushable, energy-absorbing crash cushion on the outboard side of the slider.

Abstract: A brake pressure rod is described for operating a vehicle brake and is arranged between a pedal and a brake booster. The brake pressure rod consists of an extruded profile with breakthroughs. On one end of the brake pressure rod, a bearing is arranged for the pedal and, on an opposite end, a receiving device is arranged for a rod of the brake cylinder. The brake pressure rod has a desired buckling point which, in the case of a pedal made of plastic and a brake pressure rod made of a light metal alloy, shifts danger as a result of destruction from the pedal to the brake pressure rod.

Abstract: The invention concerns impact-absorber devices, an impact-absorption method, and a framework and a vehicle including such impact-absorber devices. According to the invention, the impact-absorber device comprises at least one longitudinal member absorbing by deformation the energy generated by an impact in a given direction, which member is made from thin plate, having a generally triangular cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the direction of impact. Applications to rail vehicles, for example.

Abstract: A support frame attaches a truck mounted attenuator to a backup vehicle. The support frame includes a rear section connected to a front section by a linkage which includes two spaced side frames. The side frames each include three hinges, with the intermediate hinge arranged to fold outwardly in an impact. The hinges pivot about vertical hinge axes such that the front section is supported during pivoting of the hinges. The support frame is held in an initial configuration by restraining cables connected between the linkage and the front section. The cables are releasably secured to the front section by a trigger mechanism which is activated by the position of a probe mounted to the TMA.

Abstract: A combination articulated vehicle damping system for absorbing the kinetic energy of the trail vehicle during a collision. Affixed to the trail vehicle is a damping material retainers that holds a damping material. The back of the damping material retainer engages the rear end of the damping material. A slider frame is slidably mounted in the damping material retainer and engages the forward end of the damping material. A shearable fastener prevents the slider frame from moving relative to the damping material retainer until subjected to a predetermined force. Secured to the slider frame is the connector for coupling the lead vehicle to the trail vehicle. Once the combination articulated vehicle is subjected to a predetermined force, the shearable fastener breaks allowing the slider frame to move and thereby deform the damping material. The deformation of the damping material absorbs the kinetic energy of the trail vehicle.

Abstract: A suspension arm adapted for use in a suspension system of an automotive vehicle, the suspension arm being composed of an arm member made of a sheet metal pressed in a predetermined shape and having a pair of spaced front and rear mounting portions mounted on a vehicle body structure at two positions spaced in a fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle and a support portion for supporting a road wheel mounted thereon, wherein the arm member has a deformable portion which is formed to ensure transverse stiffness of the suspension arm in a lateral direction of the vehicle and located between the front and rear mounting portions to be buckled when applied with an impact force in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle.

Abstract: The invention concerns impact-absorber devices, an impact-absorption method, and a framework and a vehicle including such impact-absorber devices. According to the invention, the impact-absorber device comprises at least one longitudinal member absorbing by deformation the energy generated by an impact in a given direction, which member is made from thin plate, having a generally triangular cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the direction of impact. Applications to rail vehicles, for example.

Abstract: An upset tube for accommodating impact energy in a motor vehicle, preferably head-on collisions, which may be used both in the bumper bar or propeller shaft of a motor vehicle, has one bead angled with sides with different angular values. The angles enable a predetermination of the region of nominal fracture. After having been sheared off, the upset tube is able to destroy a defined amount of friction energy.

Abstract: In a seat belt system (10), a plurality of sensors (76, 80, 84) sense characteristics of a vehicle occupant and of a vehicle collision. The vehicle occupant sensors (80, 84) cooperate with a controller (90) to control a motor (60) which sets the position of a movable D-ring stop (70). The position of the stop (70) determines the position to which a movable D-ring (28) is repositioned in the event of a vehicle collision. The system (10) also includes a retractor (30) supported for movement on the vehicle. A crushable energy absorbing material, preferably a honeycomb (230), is disposed in the path of movement of a crush plate (160) movable with the retractor (30). The crushable material (230) controls movement of the crush plate (160) and thus of the retractor (30). Together with the repositioning of the D-ring (28), this reduces the abruptness of the load on the vehicle occupant during a vehicle collision.

Abstract: A seat belt webbing retractor (22) includes a spool (72) on which a length of belt webbing (16) is wound. A stop member (100) is fixed in position on a vehicle. A crush plate (60) is secured to the retractor (22), and both the retractor (22) and the crush plate (60) are movable in a direction (132) toward the stop member (100). A crushable energy absorbing material, preferably a honeycomb (130), is disposed in the path of movement of the crush plate (60). The crushable material (130) controls movement of the crush plate (60) relative to the stop member (100), reducing the abruptness of the load on a vehicle occupant during a collision. In a second embodiment, the resistance provided by a crushable member (280) may be controlled in response to a sensed characteristic (310) of the vehicle occupant.

Abstract: An ocean vessel such as an oil tanker or other ship has a hull assembly comprised of a non-ship structurally active, energy absorbing arrangement disposed between spaced-apart inner and outer hulls. The energy absorbing arrangement crushes in controlled fashion in response to impact loads on the ship's hull, such as may result if the ship collides with another ship or is grounded on an object such as a rock or reef. The crushing of the energy absorbing assembly provides highly efficient energy absorption so as to reduce the penetration of the hull and thereby greatly reduce the likelihood that the contents of, for example, an oil tanker may be spilled. In a first embodiment, a plurality of tubes extending between and joined to the opposite inner and outer hulls at desired angles relative thereto are provided with corrugations, flutes or dimples to enable the tubes to crush in controlled fashion.

Abstract: An automotive door interior assembly has an interior door trim panel with a plurality of bosses extending therefrom having sections of varying wall thickness for allowing energy absorption through columnar deformation of the bosses. The bosses comprise conically shaped, hollow pedestals having a first end attached to the trim panel, a second truncated end opposite the first end, a wall connecting the first end and the second end, and an inner surface on the wall having at least one groove thereon. Connectors on the second truncated end of the bosses attach the trim panel to receiving apertures in the inner door panel.

Abstract: A saddle assembly for securing an aircraft seat to a seat leg assembly wherein the seat leg assembly has a pair of elongated openings and a chamber formed therein. A compression tube extends through the chamber formed in the seat leg such that opposite ends of the tube extend outwardly to be engaged by a pair of slide blocks mounted on opposite sides of the leg. A saddle, having spaced legs, supports the pair of slide blocks adjacent end portions of the compression tube such that an upward force on the saddle moves the slide blocks into engagement with opposite ends of the compression tube for dissipating energy.

Abstract: An energy absorbing structure is employed in a front or rear portion of a vehicle body. The structure is in the form of a unitary and one-piece longitudinally extending aluminum or aluminum alloy member that is extruded to have a substantially uniform cross section. The member is subjected to an aging heat treatment operation to impart a material strength to the member. Subsequently, at least one longitudinal zone of the member is subjected to an overaging heat treatment to thereby lower the material strength of such zone. As a result, by the member being subjected to longitudinally differential heat treatment, the member has material strengths differing longitudinal of the member. Upon an impact being imparted to the portion of the vehicle body, a force acting on the member will cause the zone thereof to be subjected to axial compression deformation.

Abstract: The invention concerns an impact-absorber device comprising at least one mechanical member absorbing by deformation the energy generated by an impact in a given direction, wherein said member is made from thin plate, having a cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the direction of impact in the shape of at least two triangles each having a common vertex. Applications to rail vehicles, for example.

Abstract: A dual resistance cylinder responsive to the energies present in low speed collisions to return the bumper without damage and responsive to the energies present in high speed collisions to offer greater protection to the vehicle passengers. The cylinder employs members having telescoping side walls which offer a first (low) resistance against compression and, when locked together, offer a second (high) resistance against compression. The side walls are locked together by way of an electronic solenoid.

Abstract: A knee impact absorption assembly for passenger vehicles is disclosed. Two supporting parts are arranged such that they are spaced apart laterally from one another and are connected to a transverse carrier extending in the transverse direction of the vehicle and fixed to the vehicle. A high degree of energy absorption is achieved in the case of a slight displacement of knee impact parts of an instrument panel carrying part or dashboard by providing that the transverse carrier with the supporting parts extend above points in which the knee of the occupant makes impact and each supporting part has a hook-shaped configuration. The supporting parts include struts which are directed such that they are angled off laterally upwards from a web connecting to the instrument panel carrying part or dashboard. The struts are provided with an angle cross-section, project at a distance from one another and are fixed on the transverse carrier by means of their free ends.

Abstract: A vehicle frame (10) including longitudinally extending side rails (12). Each of the side rails (12) has a hollow beam structure and includes a series of sets of corner divots (24) along the corners (22). Each corner divot (26) extends along one side (20) a distance (L) and along an adjacent side (20) a shorter distance (S). The long and short portions of each corner divot 26 are oriented opposite to the corner divots (26) on either side of it along the same corner (22), and the long portion (L) is located on a side where it and the adjacent corner divot both have their respective long portion (L) on this side (20). This forms an asymmetrical pattern of divots on each of the frame rails (12), providing improved crush characteristics along the frame rails (12).

Abstract: A passenger restraint structure for an automotive vehicle has a glove box which has at least one face that is able to be opened to a passenger compartment and is attached to an instrument panel so as to be opposed to the knees of a passenger. The glove box has an intermediate wall connecting a front wall and a rear wall of the glove box. A stiffener member is located between the glove box and a part of a vehicle body and is stiffer than the glove box for crash energy generated between the passenger and the vehicle body in the running direction of the vehicle. Upon impact, the weaker intermediate wall of the glove box is compressed, deformed and broken, thereby absorbing the crash energy.

Abstract: An energy absorber is formed of a fiber reinforced composite into a cylinder having a plurality of portions so that the thickness of the body gradually increases in at least two stages in the axial direction. Reinforcing fiber is wound around at least in a circumferential direction of the body and is impregnated with a resin. The body of the energy absorber has a thin portion continuous to a first end. The end surface of the first end has an area equal to or smaller than 2/3 of the cross-sectional area of the thin portion the vicinity of the junction between the thin portion and the portion adjacent which is thicker than that thin portion. That cross-sectional area of the thin portion continuously increases to the middle of the thin portion from the first end side. The energy absorber is used in a state where impact is applied from the axial direction of the body.

Abstract: The invention concerns an impact-absorption device, particularly for vehicles, which is attached on one side to the bumper and on the other side to the longitudinal girder or another part of the vehicle-body structure. The device has a non-regenerative deforming unit designed to absorb energy when acted on by a force with a component in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the longitudinal girder. The deforming unit has at least two hollow deforming elements which engage one inside the other, one of which being attached to the bumper while the other is attached to the longitudinal girder of the vehicle. If the device is crushed by a force component acting along its longitudinal axis, the deforming elements are telescoped into each other, deforming the material. The hollow deforming elements (12, 14) have a non-circular, preferably oval or angular, cross-section. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the hollow elements have ribs.

Abstract: A shock energy absorbing device provides shock protection for the riser l employed to attach an aerodynamic deceleration device to a primary body during deployment of the system into an airstream. During deployment, for example, by dropping an unopened parachute and attached load or by rocket delivery of the unopened parachute and attached load, the parachute is made to open at a desired altitude wherupon very large shock tension forces are generated which are applied to the line. In order to protect the line from failing under these forces and to reduce the requirement for a bulky, heavy line, a shock absorber is provided in the form of a block having one or more breakable web portions formed therein and through which the riser line is threaded. Upon deployment of the system into an airstream, the shock tension forces operate to fracture some or all of the breakable web portions thereby dissipating the shock energy generated during deployment and protecting the riser line from failure.

Abstract: A collapsible steering column apparatus comprises a steering column capable of receiving, a steering shaft having one end to which a steering wheel is fixed; and an energy absorbing member composed of a plastically deformable material and having its front end joined to a partial outer peripheral surface of the steering column and its rear end joined to a portion fixed to a vehicle body. The energy absorbing member is formed by punching out a sheet of metal plate to achieve a laterally undulating configuration with the extent of the undulations laterally of the energy absorbing member varying along its length. When applying an impulsive force to thrust the steering column forward due to a secondary shock in a collision, the energy absorbing member permits a forward displacement of the steering column while being plastically deformed in such a direction as to extend the undulations thereof.

Abstract: An energy absorbing steering wheel for a motor vehicle includes a rim and a hub connected by a plurality of radial spokes, the combination of which forms a cage for influencing the path of expansion of an air bag, mounted in the steering wheel. The rim and spokes having integrated therein spring means which permit a change in orientation of the cage in response to pressure applied to the rim. Rupturable means are integrated into selected spokes which permit these spokes to break in response to a second pressure applied to the rim. This provides a steering wheel which will absorb energy applied to the rim and also change the path of expansion of an inflating air bag in response to the same applied energy.

Abstract: A front body section of a vehicle which is provided with a front-side member and a crush box. The crush box includes a front section and a rear section, which are disposed in front of the front-side member so as to be axially aligned and connected thereto. An upper plate, a lower plate, an outer plate, and an inner plate, all of which form the front section, are prepared so as to provide a lower level of total plastic characteristic, when under load, than those plate members which form the rear section. The crush box thereby exhibits a total plastic characteristic, when under load, in two stages.

Abstract: A vehicle door includes an inner panel, an outer panel joined to the inner panel and a door trim panel mounted on the inner panel to form a space therebetween. The vehicle door also includes a honeycomb shaped energy absorbing structure disposed in the space between the door trim panel and the inner panel for absorbing energy from a side collision type impact of the vehicle door.

Abstract: A deformation member having an eversion portion includes a central deformation portion made of unreinforced thermoplastic synthetic material and end portions made of fiber-reinforced synthetic material providing connections to neighboring parts. This permits simple manufacture by injection molding.

Abstract: An intrusion beam structure for reinforcing a vehicle door includes an elongated member adapted to be attached to a surface of the inner panel of a door frame that is substantially parallel to the axis defined by the elongated member. The elongated member includes first and second end portions interdisposed by a middle portion. The end portions are substantially identical and each taper away from the middle portion. In a first embodiment, the elongated member is unitarily formed and has a substantially circular cross-section. In a second embodiment, the elongated member includes first and second bar portions which substantially traverse the entire length of the elongated member and are disposed substantially parallel to each other. The first and second bar portions are separated by an intermediate structure.

Abstract: A frame which forms the outer shape of a supporting bracket is constructed so as to be thinner from one portion on the side of a pillar-to-pillar member to another portion on the side of a knee panel. Inside the frame, an inner frame is constructed by ribs and the frame. Deformation of the shape of the ribs allows the supporting bracket to be easily constructed which has impact energy absorbing and deformation characteristics.

Abstract: The invention reduces the amount of force and acceleration transmitted to the vehicle occupant in a vehicle subject to the shock of a land mine explosion. In the invention, a set of crushable composite tubes are placed between the vehicle floor and the seat of the vehicle. As the floor moves due to the blast loading, the crushable tubes deform, absorbing the energy of the blast and reducing the acceleration transmitted to the seated occupant.