Abstract: An energy absorbing tubular structure is formed of a molded or extruded polymer. The tube has a quadrangular cross-section with rounded corners. The walls of tube are corrugated with alternating convex and concave corrugations surfaces having a continuous constant radius, preferably with no flat spots. The corrugated walls have a constant thickness. The corrugations progressively deform during impact thereby providing a near perfect square wave force vs. deflection energy absorption curve at any predetermined nearly constant force level. The tube may be filled with polymer foam to vary the impact performance of the structure.

Abstract: An energy absorbing tubular structure is formed of a molded or extruded polymer. The tube has a quadrangular cross-section with rounded corners. The walls of tube are corrugated with alternating convex and concave corrugations surfaces having a continuous constant radius, preferably with no flat spots. The corrugated walls have a constant thickness. The corrugations progressively deform during impact thereby providing a near perfect square wave force vs. deflection energy absorption curve at any predetermined nearly constant force level. The tube may be filled with polymer foam to vary the impact performance of the structure.

Abstract: Pneumatic protective pads are provided for attachment to the interior vehicle structure. One form of the invention retains the pads in compressed deflated condition until the admission of gas under pressure in response to activation by a collision sensor. Another form of the invention involves restrictive passages within a pneumatic chamber for highly damped absorption of the energy of cushioning the forces from crash conditions. Another form of the invention involves integrally molded pockets, posts, ribs, and convolute side walls which progressively deform to provide efficient energy absorption.