Bumper Patents (Class 267/139)
  • Patent number: 11027682
    Abstract: A front portion structure of a vehicle includes a front bumper R/F, a side member, and a crush box inserted between the front bumper R/F and the side member, the side member having a first region connected to the crush box and a second region extending from a rear end of the first region, in which a vehicle-widthwise outer side surface of the first region is at a position being bent with respect to a vehicle-widthwise outer side surface of the crush box so as to form a protrusion protruding vehicle-widthwise outward, and a vehicle-widthwise outer side surface of the second region is at a position being bent from the vehicle-widthwise outer side surface of the first region so as to form a protrusion protruding vehicle-widthwise inward, and a reinforcement plate is joined to the vehicle-widthwise outer side surface in the first region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoshitaka Sotoyama
  • Patent number: 10758377
    Abstract: A vertical suspension system for a prosthetic foot includes a first member operatively coupleable to an amputee's residual leg. The suspension system can also include a second member coupleable to a prosthetic foot. One or more upper leaf springs and one or more lower leaf springs extend between and are attached to the first and second members such that at least one of the ends of each leaf spring is rotationally fixed to the first or second members, where the upper an lower leaf springs are spaced apart from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: Össur Iceland ehf
    Inventors: Christophe Lecomte, Benedikt Skulason, Jeroen Nijman
  • Patent number: 10532718
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a bumper assembly including a bumper reinforcement beam extending generally in a vehicle lateral direction. A bumper beam contact component is located above the bumper reinforcement beam in a vehicle vertical direction. An upper energy absorbing structure is located at a top surface of the bumper reinforcement beam and between the bumper beam contact component and the bumper reinforcement beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremiah T. Hammer, Aaron R. Steinhilb
  • Patent number: 9090414
    Abstract: A fender assembly is disclosed. The fender assembly comprises an elongate support adapted to be attached to a surface of a support structure, the elongate support defining surfaces both inwardly and outwardly directed relative to the support surface, a resilient elongate fender mounted on the outer surface of the support and guided there along for vertical sliding movement relative thereto, and the inner surfaces defining a housing for a spring loaded fender restraining means co-acting with and adapted to resist downwardly directed sliding movement of the resilient elongate fender relative to the elongate support. An associated method for fabricating a fender assembly is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Inventor: Steven John Cowey
  • Patent number: 8950735
    Abstract: Shock absorbers for integration into protective structures generally take the form of hollow, compressible cells. The cell enclosure may be configured to provide for two or more compression stages. For example, in various embodiments, the cell enclosure includes one or more corrugations descending from the top wall, which, upon contact with the bottom wall, contribute to impact absorption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Xenith, LLC
    Inventors: Alexander Reynolds, Kyle Lamson
  • Patent number: 8931606
    Abstract: Force diversion apparatus, methods and devices including the same result in rotational motion being imparted to an impacting object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: The Aerospace Corporation
    Inventors: Gary F. Hawkins, Ching-Yao Tang
  • Publication number: 20140333017
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for protecting a dock comprising a Rod Receiver (100) having a at least one Rod Receptacle (115) with each of the at least one Rod Receptacle (115) having a Receptacle Slot (125) having a height ‘dH’ with a Rod Stop Slot (130) adjacently below the Receptacle Slot (125) and having a Wall (135) with a height ‘dS’ between the Rod Stop Slot (130) and a Rod Incline Rail (140), and a Rod Holder (200) having at least one Rod (215) with the at least one Rod (215) having a diameter ‘dR’ which is less than the Receptacle Slot (125) height ‘dH’.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2014
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Inventor: Peter Azof
  • Publication number: 20140319743
    Abstract: A dock bumper is provided. The dock bumper includes a housing holding a plurality of rollers arranged in an array. The plurality of rollers are arranged to absorb impact from a reversing vehicle. Upon impact, outer surfaces of the rollers are arranged to rotate relative to the frame. Consequently, scrubbing between the vehicle and dock bumper is reduced as are excess forces acting on fixings between the frame and wall. Also, a surface area at each contact location is increased as a cushioning effect is provided by rotation of the roller, thereby prolonging the operation life of the rollers. Furthermore, in one form, the dock bumper is modularised so that only worn or damaged rollers need be replaced at one time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventor: Luke SMITH
  • Publication number: 20140312541
    Abstract: A loading dock bumper assembly for securement to a loading dock wall includes a dock bumper and a mounting provision coupled to the bumper. The dock bumper includes a mounting portion, an impact-absorbing portion opposing the mounting portion, and a deformable spanning portion joining the mounting portion and the impact-absorbing portion. The mounting portion is adapted for coplanar alignment with the loading dock wall, the impact-absorbing portion is adapted for direct contact with a rear frame of a vehicle, and the bumper defines an internal cavity that is filled with a fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: DL Manufacturing
    Inventor: Donald L. Metz
  • Publication number: 20140265071
    Abstract: A loading dock bumper assembly for securement to a loading dock wall includes a dock bumper and a mounting provision coupled to the bumper. The dock bumper includes a mounting portion, an impact-absorbing portion opposing the mounting portion, and a deformable spanning portion joining the mounting portion and the impact-absorbing portion. The mounting portion is adapted for coplanar alignment with the loading dock wall, the impact-absorbing portion is adapted for direct contact with a rear frame of a vehicle, and the bumper defines an internal cavity that is filled with a fluid. A mounting provision is coupled to the bumper. The mounting provision is adapted for installation to the loading dock wall. The loading dock bumper assembly further includes a hard stop adapted to retard further deformation of the spanning portion. The hard stop includes a two-piece outer shell to capture and retain a resilient, deformable inner member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: DL Manufacturing
    Inventors: Kristian P. Garrow, Donald L. Metz, David Martini
  • Patent number: 8820493
    Abstract: A shock energy absorber includes, in one example, a cylinder having a closed end and an open end, a sleeve fixed about the open end of the cylinder, and a damping material in the form of an ultra high molecular weight polyethylene material in the cylinder. A plunger is positioned to be driven into the damping material via the sleeve. When the plunger is impacted and driven into the damping material, the damping material changes from a solid to a viscous fluid state thereby enabling absorption of a significant amount of energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Foster-Miller, Inc.
    Inventors: Basant K. Parida, Timothy Harrigan, James Carter, Norman Dana, Gopal Samavedam
  • Patent number: 8814150
    Abstract: Shock absorbers for integration into protective structures generally take the form of hollow, fluid-filled, compressible cells. In various embodiments, the cell enclosure includes one or more orifices, or vents, through which a fluid (such as air or water) can escape from the inner chamber formed by the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Xenith, LLC
    Inventors: Vincent Ferrara, Alexander Reynolds
  • Patent number: 8801422
    Abstract: A machine and method to produce structural elements for the building trade made of cement material with one or more inserts made of polymer material. The machine comprises at least a molding member, a loading unit for loading the inserts and a depositing member to deposit the cement material. The molding member is open at the upper part and the loading unit and the depositing member are selectively positionable above the molding member in order to load and deposit from above, respectively, the inserts and the cement material into the molding member, in order to achieve the structural elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: S.A.C.M.E. Srl
    Inventor: Luciano Badin
  • Publication number: 20140196997
    Abstract: A protector allows for the engagement and protection of a segment of an upright from an impact force by an external object and for absorbing and damping the resulting impact force. The protector comprises a protector body and a shim. The protector body allows engagement and positioning of the protector on at least a segment of the upright. The protector body is also partially constructed of an energy absorbing and damping material and having an outer surface and an inner surface. The outer surface is positionable to receive the impact force from the external object. The inner surface is positionable to abut the upright, when the protector is in engagement with the upright. The shim is least partially embedded in the protector body and provides increased structural support for the protector body. The shim also has a stiffness different than the stiffness of the protector body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2014
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: Ridg-U-Rak, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Michael, James A. Courtwright
  • Patent number: 8733745
    Abstract: A vehicle suspension system including a shock upper mount assembly mounted to vehicle structure, a jounce bumper being made of an elastomeric material and including a vertically extending rod bore around a rod of a shock absorber, and a jounce rate cup. The jounce rate cup is made of an elastomeric material and includes a horizontally extending support flange having a lower surface mounted on the jounce bumper, a horizontally extending dust boot attachment flange spaced from the support flange and having an upper surface located below and adjacent to the shock upper mount assembly, and a vertical flange extending between the support flange and the dust boot attachment flange to define a gap between the support flange and the dust boot attachment flange, with the jounce rate cup including a vertically extending rod bore mounted around the rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Ravindra P Patil, Robert T. Jane, Michael A. Ray, Robert L. Geisler, Joseph A. Schudt
  • Patent number: 8733744
    Abstract: A multipiece cushioning assembly adapted to be arranged in combination with a shock absorbing apparatus. The multipiece cushioning assembly is disposed between a pair of radial shoulders on first and second members telescoping members of the shock absorbing apparatus arranged in operable combination relative to each other. The radial shoulders on the first and second members limit travel of the shock absorbing apparatus, and with the multipiece cushioning assembly including a plurality of elastomeric bumpers arranged in a generally circular array for absorbing over-travel of the first and second members relative to each other and for readily permitting replacement of the multipiece cushioning assembly while maintaining the first and second members in operable combination relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Miner Elastomer Products Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald W. Kerr, Helen Y. Chen, Richard J. Beranek
  • Patent number: 8584266
    Abstract: A toilet seat lifting device maintains a toilet seat in a partially elevated position when at rest. The device includes a lifting spring attached to a toilet rim. The lifting spring includes a compressible air bellow which provides resistance for maintaining a front end of the toilet at a prescribed angle when in the resting state. The spring is compressible such that a user may depress the toilet seat to a flat position when seated. The seat is not attached to the spring such that the seat can be lifted to an upright position in a traditional manner. The spring is attached to the toilet rim underneath the toilet seat, adjacent to a hinge by an adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Inventor: Melvin R. Beavers
  • Publication number: 20130198979
    Abstract: A vessel (1) comprises a roller assembly (32), the assembly comprising at least one roller arranged to bear against a structure to be accessed, the assembly further comprising a damper to inhibit rotation of the roller such that the roller arranged to inhibit relative movement of the vessel to the structure and the vessel further comprising a gangway assembly (10) for a vessel comprising a gangway (12), a pivotably mounted base (20), a sensor arrangement to sense movement of the vessel, an end portion (14) of the gangway pivotably connected to the base and an actuator connected to the gangway responsive to signals from the sensor arrangement to control the vertical position of an opposite end portion (15) of the gangway so as to compensate for vertical movement of the vessel, and the base arranged to respond to and compensate for roll of the vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2011
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Inventors: Edward Robertson Peter Dudson, Frederic Vincent Perdrix
  • Publication number: 20120261867
    Abstract: Safety or protective devices for use in preventing or limiting injury to players impacting against sports equipment use compression coil springs, gas springs, foam or combinations thereof to absorb force during the impact. Particular embodiments are configured for use at the edge of a glass viewing and shielding panel disposed atop the boards of a hockey rink, for example such edges typically found at the team bench of a conventional hockey rink.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2012
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Inventor: Robert Gilkes
  • Patent number: 8276894
    Abstract: A wheel suspension system for a vehicle includes a mounting base and a striking base spaced from each other and moveable relative to each other along an arced line of motion. An insulator is coupled to and extends from the mounting base. The insulator is formed of an elastomeric material for compression between the mounting base and the striking base when the striking base contacts the insulator during movement of the mounting base and the striking base relative to each other. The insulator is compressed along the arced line of motion between the mounting base and the striking base. The insulator includes an impact portion extending at an acute angle relative to the base plane for distributing compressive forces within the insulator as the insulator is compressed along the arced line of motion. The distribution of the compressive forces within the insulator increases the durability and reliability of the insulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: BASF Corporation
    Inventor: Daniel G. Dickson
  • Patent number: 8201671
    Abstract: An impact absorption plate for absorbing impact in the event of a vehicle crash and a method of manufacturing the impact absorption plate includes a base plate and a plurality of bosses. The base plate has on an upper surface thereof a patterned rib unit. Each boss has fitting notches into which the patterned rib unit is fitted, and has the shape of a truncated cone which is open at a bottom thereof. Thus, when it is required to change the structure of the impact absorption plate, the removable bosses may be rearranged on the base plate as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Min Ho Cho
  • Publication number: 20120141708
    Abstract: Bi-layer articles prepared by rotational moulding comprising: a. an internal layer prepared from a composition comprising from 50 to 100 wt % of polyethylene (PE) and from 50 to 0 wt % of functionalised polyolefin and; b. an external layer prepared from polyetherester or saturated polyester or polycarbonate wherein the adhesion between the two layers is achieved by the internal layer composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2012
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: TOTAL PETROCHEMICALS RESEARCH FELUY
    Inventor: Eric Maziers
  • Publication number: 20120125699
    Abstract: A spring is formed of a relatively thin sheet of spring material, which is constricted and held in place at each end forming a bell curve being located between two substantially planar members. As additional compressive force is applied in the vertical direction, the curve then compresses and starts to form sine waves. In an improved embodiment of the present invention, the sine wave spring is formed in a wedge shape, so that it is gradually taller and more progressive. This embodiment has been tested for use as a trailer spring with positive results. This wedge-shaped sine wave spring provides even more advantages over the Prior Art. The wedge-shaped prototype illustrates also how the present invention may be expanded to other shapes, in order to alter the spring characteristics, and also for packaging and other concerns.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2011
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Inventor: Walker Lee Guthrie
  • Publication number: 20120112395
    Abstract: A first elastic member 5 coupling a first inner cylinder 10 and a first cylindrical part 3 is integrated with the outer surface of the first inner cylinder 10 and the inner surface of the first cylindrical part 3, thereby ensuring flexibility in molding the first cylindrical part 3. In addition, a stopper body 15 is formed by making a part of the inner surface of the first cylindrical part 3 facing the first inner cylinder in a main-load application direction project inward along a radius of the first cylindrical part 3.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2011
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: KURASHIKI KAKO CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Masaaki Mizobe
  • Publication number: 20120073884
    Abstract: A spring is formed of a relatively thin sheet of spring material which is constricted and held in place at each end forming a bell curve being located between two substantially planar members. As additional compressive force is applied in the vertical direction, the curve then compresses and starts to form sine waves. The greater the force, progressively higher the wave frequency with lower amplitude would form. When the force is removed, the flexible material returns to its original shape. The force needed to shift the curve (increase the number of waveform) increases at an exponential rate, as opposed to the linear rate of most normal springs. The maintenance force of new stable state is considerable less than the threshold force. Such a relatively flat spring with an exponential spring rate and self dampening through phase change has a number of useful applications for automotive and industrial use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2011
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Inventor: Walker Lee Guthrie
  • Patent number: 8113494
    Abstract: Active cushioning mechanisms that detect imminent impact and activate a damper by driving power from an onboard power supply into an electromagnetic actuator. The electromagnetic actuator transforms the stored electric power into an electromechanical damping force. The actuators may be arranged about the exterior surface of the device, and may be selectively activated to provide protection at different points on the surface depending on the location of expected impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Ashwin Sunder
  • Publication number: 20110254211
    Abstract: A fender assembly is disclosed. The fender assembly comprises an elongate support adapted to be attached to a surface of a support structure, the elongate support defining surfaces both inwardly and outwardly directed relative to the support surface, a resilient elongate fender mounted on the outer surface of the support and guided there along for vertical sliding movement relative thereto, and the inner surfaces defining a housing for a spring loaded fender restraining means co-acting with and adapted to resist downwardly directed sliding movement of the resilient elongate fender relative to the elongate support. An associated method for fabricating a fender assembly is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2009
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Inventor: Steven John Cowey
  • Patent number: 8011356
    Abstract: An archery bow comprises an archery bow body defining opposing limb tips and a bowstring extending between the limb tips. The archery bow includes an elongate member extending from the bow body, the elongate member having a length and a proximal end arranged adjacent the bowstring. Additionally, the archery bow includes a dampening element made of a vibration dampening material mounted to the proximal end between the proximal end and the bowstring, the dampening element having a contact face adapted to contact the bowstring. In certain embodiments, the dampening element includes a laterally protruding rib extending outward from the contact face along at least a portion thereof to engage the bowstring when the bowstring is released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Bear Archery, Inc.
    Inventors: Sean Gordon, Ben Blosser
  • Patent number: 7967119
    Abstract: The invention provides a telescopic member that includes a cylinder in which a rod carrying a piston is mounted to slide telescopically, the telescopic member including internal abutment mechanisms that are overridable over a predetermined force when the rod comes into abutment inside the cylinder in the shortening direction. The internal abutment mechanisms include an abutment piece extending in an open bore within the rod and projecting therefrom, the abutment piece being held to the rod via a pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Messier-Dowty S.A.
    Inventors: Andre Lahargou, Marc Brune
  • Patent number: 7938260
    Abstract: A protection cover is used for sleeving over a portable product so as to help protect the product from being scratched. The protection cover includes a shock-absorbing structure for shielding and concealing a corner of the portable product. The shock-absorbing structure is formed with an air chamber bulging outwardly from the corner of the portable product. The shock-absorbing structure further has an inner region that defines an opening for access into the air chamber and that abuts tightly and sealingly against the corner of the portable product so as to convert the air chamber into an air-trapped chamber when the protection cover is sleeved over the portable product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Fruitshop International Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chin-Sheng Lin
  • Publication number: 20110095457
    Abstract: A robot part, such as a robot arm or a robot joint, surrounded by an impact absorbing structure is provided. According to the invention, the impact absorbing structure has a shroud surrounding the robot part. The shroud is mounted on two spacing elements such that an interspace is formed between the shroud and the robot part. At least one of the spacing elements mounts the shroud elastically. Also provided is a method of protecting a robot part by providing the robot part with an impact absorbing structure according to the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2010
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Inventors: Daniel Sirkett, Ivan Lundberg, Timothy Vittor
  • Patent number: 7837182
    Abstract: A dust boot retention system includes a jounce bumper having an end portion with an outer diameter and an annular recessed groove adjacent to the end portion. A dust boot is attached to the jounce bumper and has an upper flange including a radially inwardly extending portion and an axially extending portion extending from an innermost portion of the radially inwardly extending portion. The axially extending portion has an inner diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the end portion of the jounce bumper. A rate ring secures the dust boot to the jounce bumper. The rate ring includes an inner diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the end portion of the jounce bumper. The rate ring includes an annular recessed channel in a first end thereof for receiving the axially extending portion of the dust boot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Vibracoustic North America, L.P.
    Inventors: David A. Mauceri, Robert S. Feldmann
  • Publication number: 20100127439
    Abstract: A bumper includes a supporting member, a base, a flange, a connecting arm, and a resetting assembly. The base is fixedly connected to the supporting member. The connecting arm has a rotating portion rotatably positioned between the flange and the supporting member. The resetting assembly includes a resisting member and an elastic member. The resisting member is slidably connected to the supporting member. The elastic member is configured for producing an elastic force to drive the resisting member to resist the rotating portion of the connecting arm. One of the rotating portion and the resisting member defines a receiving groove, and the other one of the rotating portion and the resisting member defines a restricting protrusion rotatably engaging in the receiving groove.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2009
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Applicants: HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY(ShenZhen) CO., LTD., HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: JIN-XIN WANG
  • Publication number: 20100117276
    Abstract: To provide a bump stopper (1) having constricted parts (2A, 2B) in the circumferential surface and exhibiting buffering action by deforming resiliently when an annular distal end portion (3) collides against a partner member (61) in a state that a bump stopper central axis (0) is inclined to a collision surface (62), without sliding on the collision surface (62), thereby generation of noise being suppressed, the distal end portion (3) has a outside diameter and an inside diameter which expand toward the end, a diameter d1 at a collision start point (4) at the most distal end of the inner diameter surface is set substantially equal to or larger than the outside diameter d2 of the constricted part (2A) located just above it, and the distal end portion (3) deforms to tilt further to the outer diameter side through action of moment at the time of collision.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2007
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: UNIMATEC CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Naoto Okada, Takuya Kishida
  • Patent number: 7703754
    Abstract: A limit stop with an elastomer resilient element, which is to be secured on a door or lid and/or on an opposing stationary vehicle section for damping forces generated when the door or lid strikes stationary chassis parts of a motor vehicle. The limit stop includes an additional damping section disposed adjacent to and cooperating with the elastic resilient element in a spring deflection direction of the resilient element. The damping section comprises at least two chambers filled with a fluid and a nozzle plate arranged between the chambers with at least one channel extending through the nozzle plate and connecting the chambers. The fluid is displaced from one of the chambers into the other chamber during a spring deflection of the elastomer resilient element, thereby producing a pressure force which is caused by the buildup in pressure when the volume of one of the chambers decreases and augments the return force of the resilient element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Hubert Siemer, Burkhard Meyer
  • Patent number: 7681700
    Abstract: The energy absorber system is adapted to a motor vehicle having side rails. The system comprises a top absorber beam positioning in front of the side rails of the motor vehicle, a bottom absorber beam for being positioned beneath the top absorber beam, and at least two uprights providing a rigid connection between the top and bottom beams. The system also includes a rigid cross-member extending between the side rails and being secured directly to the side rails, the top beam being secured to bear against the cross-member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Compagnie Plastic Omnium
    Inventors: Stephane Ginja, Laurent Rocheblave
  • Publication number: 20100052228
    Abstract: A load absorbing device or other resilient device, such as a fender, bumper, or rub rail, for protecting an object, such as a dock or boat, from an impact force delivered by another object includes a leaf spring portion connected to the object. The leaf spring portion includes a fixed end and a free end operable to transmit to the object a fraction of the impact force and is designed to collapse upon loading with the impact force to thereby absorb energy that would otherwise be transferred directly to the object. In a preferred embodiment, the leaf spring portion is extruded of a high-strength abrasion-resistant plastic material having a low coefficient of friction, such as ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). The leaf spring portion may include multiple mounting holes sized to receive mounting fasteners for rigidly connecting the device to the object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2009
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Inventor: Karl L. Aschenbach
  • Publication number: 20090160109
    Abstract: When a take-up pulley 102 is rotated forward by driving a motor 84 forwardly, a holding plate 106 pushes a stopper 112 into forward rotation. When a wire 110 is thereby pulled and being wound around the take-up pulley 102, a control pipe 34 and ultimately an inner pipe 28 is received in an outer pipe 16. When the inner pipe 28 is received in the outer pipe 26 and the inner pipe 28 is held by a lock plate 54, the motor 84 is driven reverse to rotate the holding plate 106 reversely, together with the take-up pulley 102, to space away from the stopper 112. In this state, until the stopper 112 comes into contact with the holding plate 106, the wire 110 can move toward its one end and ultimately the inner pipe 28 and the control pipe 34 can move upward.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2006
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Applicant: NHK Spring Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kousuke Matsubara, Kiyotaka Fukushima, Hayao Takahashi
  • Patent number: 7513344
    Abstract: The present invention includes an article of manufacture with a layer with a plurality of corrugations to form an energy absorbing structure, where each corrugation has a floor and two walls connecting the floor to the base layer and the length of each corrugation is longer than the widest width of the corrugation. The present invention also includes an energy absorbing structure with a multi-layer energy absorber having a layer with a plurality of surface features and a second layer with a second plurality of surface features wherein the surface features of one layer are nested within the surface features of the other layer such that the base layers are adjacent to each other. The present invention also includes a single step method of manufacturing the energy absorbers including forming a two layer material in a single step. Further, the present invention includes a method of absorbing impact energy that involves generating heat through friction between surface features on a pair of base layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Eugenio Toccalino, Myron J. Maurer, Gavin D. Vogel, Laxman P. Katakkar, Prashant S. Shembekar, Srinivasan Velusamy
  • Patent number: 7503602
    Abstract: A bumper for a vehicle is disclosed. The bumper includes a housing that has a pair of interlocking supporting frames. One of the supporting frames is fixed to the vehicle body. The bumper includes a plurality of rebounding elements and a plurality of biasing elements, each that are fixed within one of the supporting frames of the housing. Each of the rebounding elements has a predetermined rebounding elements spring coefficient. The plurality of biasing elements has a biasing elements spring coefficient that is not equal to, and is preferably less than, the spring coefficient of each rebounding element. Further, each of the biasing elements abuts one of the rebounding elements. As such, as the interlocking supporting frames of the housing are compressed in a vehicle collision, the plurality of rebounding elements together with the plurality of biasing elements absorb the collision energy and are each compressed at different rates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Inventor: Golden Hinton
  • Patent number: 7475503
    Abstract: A bumper for a backhoe boom includes a plate for mounting to the backhoe, two rods threaded at both ends that are cantilevered away from the mounting plate, and two stacks of rubber plates mounted on the threaded rods on either side of the mounting plate. The two stacks of rubber plates are secured to the threaded rods with nuts. The nuts abut two retaining plates that press against the stacks of rubber plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Philip A. Iannarelli, Marc D. Buhmeyer
  • Patent number: 7461726
    Abstract: Force diversion apparatus, methods and devices including the same result in rotational motion being imparted to an impacting object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: The Aerospace Corporation
    Inventors: Gary F. Hawkins, Ching-Yao Tang
  • Patent number: 7458450
    Abstract: This invention is an impact energy absorption device, in which a long part (1) made of a high strength material is disposed with its lengthwise direction kept different from an impact direction, and both terminals of the long part (1) are connected with columns (2) through upper platens (3) covering the upper faces of the columns (2) kept standing apart from each other with a predetermined distance (L), comprising a structural system, in which a deformation of the long part (1) caused by the impact force applied to it, causes the upper platens (3) to move for compressing or deflecting the columns (2), thereby absorbing the impact energy. The conventional column type energy absorption member is weak against an impact applied in a direction within a wide angle (?) such as an impact applied in an oblique direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: Toray Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Takuya Karaki, Akihiko Kitano, Shoji Murai
  • Publication number: 20080265729
    Abstract: A spring buffer (1) for a furniture item, said furniture item comprising a furniture body (3) and a furniture part (4) being movable from a closed position in or on said furniture body (3), said spring buffer (1) can be arranged relative to said furniture body (3) and said furniture part (4) such that said movable furniture part (4) in its closed end position can be moved against the force of said spring buffer (1) towards the direction of said furniture body (3), said spring buffer (1) comprises a buffer element (6) for said movable furniture part (4), said buffer element (6) being acted upon by a spring (7), wherein said buffer element (6) is movably arranged such that the distance covered by said buffer element (6) against the force of said spring (7) can be changeably adjusted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventors: Emanuel Netzer, Ingo Gasser, Markus Bodingbauer
  • Patent number: 7441637
    Abstract: In a hydraulic shock absorber (1), a piston rod (5) protrudes from a cylinder (3) filled with hydraulic fluid. A rebound cushion (8) is fitted to an outer circumferential surface of the piston rod (5) in the cylinder (3). A stopper (6) fixed to the cylinder (3) contacts the rebound cushion (8) at an protrusion limiting position of the piston rod (5) to prevent further protrusion of the piston rod (5). An oil pool (8a, 9, 10, 15) formed in a sliding surface (8a, 14) of the rebound cushion (8) supplies oil to the sliding surface that slides on any of the inner circumferential surface of the cylinder (3) and the outer circumferential surface of the piston rod (5) to ensure smooth relative rotation of the piston rod (5) at the protrusion limiting position and the cylinder (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Kayaba Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaru Fukushima, Masahiro Miwa
  • Patent number: 7441740
    Abstract: An impact protection apparatus has a body portion formed of a first resilient material and a number of members protruding radially outward from the body portion. The members are formed of a second resilient material which is the same as or different from the first resilient material. The impact protection apparatus has an adhesive material or a mechanical fastener disposed about the body portion and/or the members. The apparatus may be affixed to a surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Inventor: Thomas J. Drew
  • Publication number: 20080061484
    Abstract: A conventional solid protection device disposed on an exposed side of a cylinder for actuating a working device had a possibility of being permanently deformed by contacting an obstacle so as to be prevented from sliding properly corresponding to the telescopic movement of the hydraulic cylinder. An object of the invention is to provide a hardly deformable protection device. To protect an exposed side of a cylinder for a working device, a protection device 30 includes a guard member 32 and a slide guide 31 into which guard member 32 is telescopically fitted. Slide guide 31 is attached to a cylinder tube 9a, and a tip of guard member 32 is attached to a tip of piston rod 9b. Guard member 32 is a flat plate made of spring steel. A width of guard member 32 is larger than a diameter of the piston rod. Notches 32a are provided on lateral opposite sides of a basic side end of guard member 32. Sliders 33 are fitted to respective notches 32a.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2005
    Publication date: March 13, 2008
    Inventors: Hideki Seino, Takao Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 7338038
    Abstract: The present invention includes an article of manufacture with a layer with a plurality of corrugations to form an energy absorbing structure, where each corrugation has a floor and two walls connecting the floor to the base layer and the length of each corrugation is longer than the widest width of the corrugation. The present invention also includes an energy absorbing structure with a multi-layer energy absorber having a layer with a plurality of surface features and a second layer with a second plurality of surface features wherein the surface features of one layer are nested within the surface features of the other layer such that the base layers are adjacent to each other. The present invention also includes a single step method of manufacturing the energy absorbers including forming a two layer material in a single step. Further, the present invention includes a method of absorbing impact energy that involves generating heat through friction between surface features on a pair of base layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Myron J. Maurer, Gavin D. Vogel, Eugenio Toccalino, Laxman P. Katakkar, Prashant S. Shembekar, Srinivasan Velusamy
  • Publication number: 20080012188
    Abstract: An insulator for a vehicle includes a first portion extending along an axis, an intermediate portion extending from the first portion along the axis, and a second portion extending from the intermediate portion along the axis. The first portion defines a first density and the second portion defines a second density different from the first density. Preferably, the first density is greater than the second density such that the second portion is more compressible than the first portion. The first portion, the intermediate portion, and the second portion are integrally formed of a common homogeneous microcellular polyurethane material for defining a one-piece insulator having different densities. In exemplary embodiments, the insulator is further defined as a jounce bumper or a coil spring isolator for disposition in a wheel suspension system, and a body insulator for disposition in a mount assembly of a vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2006
    Publication date: January 17, 2008
    Inventor: DANIEL G. DICKSON
  • Patent number: 7246797
    Abstract: Device for damping vibrations of a vibration surface (21) of the frequency tuned resonance damping kind consisting of one or several elastic damping elements (1–4) and a vibration body (5) supported by the damping elements which together are tuned to damp the vibrations of said surface within a selected frequency range. First mutually co-operating form grip organs give a form grip between said damping elements (1–4) and the vibration surface (21) and second mutually co-operating form grip organs give a form grip between the damping elements and the vibration body. The form grip organs in addition have a recess with gripping surfaces (25–30, 33–35) for transferring vibrations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Trelleborg Forsheda Sweden AB
    Inventor: Bengt-Göran Gustavsson