Patents by Inventor Christopher M. Thayer

Christopher M. Thayer has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20030183466
    Abstract: A corrugated ribbon assembly for absorbing energy from an impact. The assembly includes a corrugated ribbon that is embedded in a stabilizing foam. The corrugated ribbon has two sides that define an energy absorbing wall which extends between a first impact edge of the ribbon and a second impact edge of the ribbon. The wall undergoes buckling to absorb energy when the first or second edge is impacted in a direction that is substantially parallel to the wall. The foam provides structural support for the ribbon during buckling thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2002
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Inventor: Christopher M. Thayer
  • Patent number: 6601886
    Abstract: An energy absorbing composite tube for both mounting an impact member to a structure and absorbing impact energy. The composite tube includes a mounting portion that is inserted into a sleeve within the structure. A main tubular body portion is provided that is integral with the mounting portion. The main tubular body portion has a larger diameter than the mounting portion to provide an impact shoulder. A delamination wedge is forced against the shoulder during an impact to cause delamination of the main tubular body portion. The delamination process absorbs energy from the impact. The mounting portion slides within the mounting sleeve during the impact so that it remains intact and provides a structural connection between the main tubular body portion and the impact member. The energy absorbing composite tube may be used to replace bumper mounting systems which utilize metallic tubes as part of the bumper mounting/energy absorption system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: Hexcel Corporation
    Inventor: Christopher M. Thayer