Abstract: A beam or girder in a side wall or door of a passenger motor vehicle and adapted to provide resistance to lateral collision has a compression flange thereof provided with openings in the form of bores and/or notches so that brittle fracture of the beam can be avoided when the elastic limit is exceeded.

Abstract: Disclosed is a new basic type of extension or compression spring that can be made from thin or heavy strip stock, but yields spring strengths associated with much heavier and larger springs of currently used coil, leaf and other types. Additionally, the new spring provides a two or three spring constant response consisting of a first strong spring response, then a weaker spring response, then (if desired) a strong spring response. The variable rate is controllable by design, and no new technology is required to make springs with a very wide spectrum of strength and non-linear response. Anticipated applications range from a new type of hose clamp to direct reading torque indicators or automotive suspension springs.

Abstract: A contractible mine stopping adapted to be installed to extend as a vertical wall from the floor to the roof of a passageway in a mine, comprising a series of rows of substantially solid substantially non-compressible blocks of substantially fire-resistant material stacked one on top of another, and at least one row of contractible substantially fire-resistant block-like members adapted to contract without loss of structural integrity when the wall is subjected to a compressive load, as during a convergence of the floor and roof of the passageway. Each block-like member is preferably a hollow metal member which, when subjected to a compressive load, is adapted to contract heightwise of the member a distance corresponding to at least a major portion of the height of the member without loss of structural integrity of the member.

Abstract: A shock absorbing steering apparatus has a steering column having a steering shaft pivotably supported thereon, a distance bracket secured to the column, and a column bracket for fixing the column to a vehicle body through the distance bracket. The steering apparatus further has a curling plate provided between a fastening bolt inserted in the distance bracket and the column bracket, and a curling plate bent portion controlling guide member secured to the column side for containing the curling plate and restraining the U-shaped bent portion thereon. That portion of the distance bracket in which the fastening bolt is inserted is opened to the steering wheel side, and the curling plate, when shocked, has its U-shaped bent portion plastically deformed and moved while being restrained by the guide member, thereby absorbing shock energy.

Abstract: The method for making an energy absorbing panel comprises the steps of coating a stretchable lightweight fabric with resin, molding the resin coated fabric into a generally planar sheet having a plurality of spaced apart conical projections rising from the planar sheet, cutting the fabric to provide molded panels in a size and shape of the desired energy absorbing panel structure, cutting adhesive coated planar sheet material in a size and shape of the desired energy absorbing panel structure to provide interface panels, interleaving the molded panels and the adhesive coated interface panels to the desired thickness of the energy absorbing panel structure, and then curing the adhesive to attach the panels and thereby form the energy absorbing structure. Upon the imposition of a force against the energy absorbing structures, the resin rigidified projections collapse to absorb energy.

Abstract: An actively variable protection system for an occupant of a vehicle including a collapsible steering column having an upper mast jacket and a lower mast jacket, an energy absorber between the upper and lower mast jackets having a plurality of roll deformers between the lower mast jacket and split sleeve in a housing connected to the upper mast jacket, an expandable bag in the housing surrounding the split sleeve, and a control system for controlling the pressure in the bag. The control system includes sensors and a microprocessor for determining the kinetic energy of an occupant and a controller for adjusting the pressure in the bag to squeeze the split sleeve around the roll deformers such that the capacity of the energy absorber through the maximum stroke of the collapsible steering column equals the computed kinetic energy of the occupant.

Abstract: A bellows type shock absorber comprises a sealed bellows, a shock absorbing column which is provided with a chamber around it inside the bellows and which is along the axial line of the bellows and combined with the bellows so that it physically varies in conjunction with expansion and contraction of the bellows. Also, the bellows type shock absorber may have a through hole which communicates the internal chamber and the outside, and preferably the shock absorbing column is made of a kind of gelled material with a penetration value of approximately 50 to 200. In addition, another shock absorber is provided with the main bellows and a sub-bellows having a spring constant differing from that of the main bellows and a through hole which communicates the internal chamber of the main bellows and the internal chamber of the sub-bellows.

Abstract: Several embodiments (10, 30, 80) of an energy absorption system are designed for permitting progressive collapse of the system by absorbing energy within the system. In one embodiment, a system (10) comprises conical bodies (12) separated by cables (20), which system progressively collapses through plastic deformation of compression members (16) cooperating with each cable (20). In another embodiment, a system (30) incorporates plastically collapsible compression members (44, 46, 48) which collapse progressively to permit the bodies (32) to move together. In another embodiment, a system (80) is provided where the progressive collapse is permitted by frictional sliding of a securing device (92) along a track (90) which permits bodies (82) to move together.

Abstract: A shock absorbing assembly having sections for controlling the modal deformation of collapse and capable of absorbing the dynamic energy of impact caused by the rapid deceleration of heavy masses is provided. The shock absorbing assembly has a plurality of arcuate steel sections sandwiched between steel plates with an elastomeric rubber compound secured to and covering at least one surface of one plate. Each of the arcuate steel sections are provided with a groove in its soffit.

Abstract: A compact device for absorbing kinetic energy generated by, for example, broken electric power lines on electric power transmission towers. The device consists of a non-spring helix, or in or out of plane flat coils that are placed between an electric transmission tower and the conductor insulator. The device deforms by plastically uncoiling in response to forces greater than a predetermined force. The device is a single-event device, designed to be replaced after one extraordinary dynamic event. The device can also be used in other structures or machinery requiring compact long stroke energy absorption.

Abstract: A yielding arrangement of a bumper at the body of a motor vehicle in which the bumper is connected with a longitudinal bearer by way of impact shock absorbers under interposition of a deformation member. For purposes of obtaining a high energy absorption with a comparatively large deformation displacement, the deformation member is essentially formed by several roll sheet metal members which extend substantially parallel to the impact shock absorber along the inner walls of a housing secured at the longitudinal bearer. The roll members are connected at their ends opposite the bumper with the housing and at their other ends are secured at the impact shock absorber.

Abstract: A vehicle steering column is comprised of a lower column mounted to undergo angular displacement around one end portion thereof and an upper column telescopically connected to the other end portion of the lower column to undergo angular displacement together with the lower column and linear displacement relative to the lower column along a column axis. A plurality of ball members are disposed between the lower and upper columns for restraining free linear displacement of the upper column to thereby allow the upper column to undergo frictional linear displacement in response to the application of a given amount of force to the upper column. A support member is engaged with the upper column for restraining free angular displacement of the upper column to thereby allow the upper column to undergo stepwise angular displacement in response to the application of a given amount of force to the upper column.

Abstract: A tension loaded energy dissipating support member includes multiple successively longer metal straps all connected at each end to an end connector with the longer straps, and preferably the shortest strap, bowing outward laterally such that as the tensile load increases, the straps, beginning with the shortest, successively plastically deform to dissipate shock energy. The initial bowing, type of material, and relative dimensions of the straps can be varied to obtain the desired load supporting and energy dissipating characteristics.

Abstract: To brake a sabot accelerated in a launcher of a recoiless rifle tube a mandrel shaped braking sleeve is disposed in the tube and an intermediate space is provided between a tapered surface of the mandrel and the tube into which the material of the front edge of the sabot expanded. In this way when the sabot is accelerated against the mandrel, its front edge slides along the tapered surface, radially outwardly into the intermediate space. This functions to deform and positively stop the movement of the sabot before it leaves the tube.

Abstract: A steering shaft deformable in response to a force corresponding to frontal impact of a vehicle. The steering shaft includes an upper shaft, a lower shaft and a deformable plate. The upper shaft and the lower shaft are fixed on the deformable plate at a first position and a second position, respectively. The first position and the second position are perpendicularly offset from an axis of the steering shaft. Means for controlling deformation of the deformable plate is formed in the deformable plate between the first position and the second position. The means can be a slit, a hole or a groove. When the steering shaft receives a force corresponding to frontal impact of the vehicle, the deformable plate deforms along the means causing attenuation of the force as well significant absorbtion of the impact energy. Such a steering shaft can be mounted on the vehicle without significantly increasing the space required for mounting the steering device.

Abstract: A vehicle mounted crash attenuator includes an array of parallel diaphragms. A set of cell assemblies is interposed between adjacent diaphragms, and each cell assembly is formed of two L-shaped sheet metal components which are riveted together to form a rectangular column extending between the adjacent diaphragms. These columns are cross braced by ribbed braces which extend diagonally between adjacent columns. These cross braces stabilize the columns against long column buckling and promote short column buckling, thereby increasing the energy absorbing capability of the columns.

Abstract: An energy-absorbing foundation provides both large and small scale absorpn of mechanical energy over a broad frequency band using a combination of linear and non-linear energy-absorbing means positioned between a region where the energy arises and another region where personnel and property may be located. The linear and non-linear energy absorbing means may be connected in series or in parallel and act as a mechanical fuse and shock snubber, respectively. One embodiment uses a double reverse corrugate metal and another embodiment uses side loaded tubes as the non-linear energy absorbing component of the disclosed energy-absorbing foundation. Elastic springs may be used in both embodiments as the linear energy absorbing component.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a support structure of a steering column tube (10) for a vehicle which supports the steering column tube (10) through a column support bracket (12) to a support member (14) such as a vehicular body in such a manner as to absorb a large external force and avoid receipt of local stress for the purpose of ensuring safety of a driver. The column support bracket (12) is formed with a first bent portion (130) and a second bent portion (132) at upper and lower positions of the steering column tube (10) and/or with protectors (40).

Abstract: A stretchable belt, such as for safety belt restraint systems in vehicles, includes a base material and at least one additional material having a different stress-stretch curve. By providing a base material with higher deformability than the additional material the stress-stretch curve of the belt has a first steeply rising portion where the load is primarily transmitted to the additional material. At a given load point, the additional material abruptly tears, and the load is transmitted to the base material. Thereafter, the stress versus stretch curve continues at a substantially lower angle. In this manner, the belt absorbs a maximum amount of energy for a given maximum load and maximum stretch. The belt may be formed from a single type of raw material, mechanically or thermally treating it to provide different stress versus stretch characteristics for the base material and the additional material.

Abstract: A method for forming an energy absorbing coupling for connecting a steering wheel to a steering shaft is provided. The energy absorbing coupling is formed from a deformable member, a junction to the steering wheel and a junction to the steering shaft, each of which are formed as separate members. The deformable member includes a deformable part which functions to absorb energy from the force of an impact on the steering wheel. The deformable member is formed by bending without drawing. Work hardening effects of drawing are therefore avoided. The energy absorbing coupling formed has stable energy absorbing characteristics.

Abstract: Energy is absorbed by bending a sheet metal strip around three rollers as the strip is pulled by one end. Two of the rollers turn on fixed shafts and are spaced so that the third roller cannot pass between them. The sheet metal strip is bent around the floating roller and both ends of the strip are passed between the two rollers on fixed shafts. Applying a force to one end of the strip draws the floating roller against the other two rollers with the strip between them. Continued force application draws the strip through the rollers, first bending it in one direction, then the opposite and back again.

Abstract: There is provided a shock absorber for containers for the transportation and/or storage of radioactive materials consisting of one or more radially or axially arranged chambers which are filled with shock absorbing material characterized by the shock absorber containing cup spring shaped sheets having a curvature directed away from the container.

Abstract: An energy absorbing steering column for a motor vehicle includes a vehicle body, an upper steering column tube, a lower steering column tube telescopically engaged with the upper steering column tube, a steering shaft rotatably suspended within the steering column and having a steering wheel secured to the rearward end of the shaft. A first means is provided for mounting the upper steering column tube to the body and for absorbing impact loads through plastic deformation as the column tubes move together axially. A second means is provided for securing the upper column tube to the lower column tube and for allowing the tubes to move axially relative to each other.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for applying a counteracting force which is generated by pulling superposed sections of webbing, which are secured together, through a separating means so that the separation of the secured together superposed sections generates a counteracting force. A frictional force may also be generated so as to provide an additional counteracting force.

Abstract: A support and associated flexible untearable band which incorporates a plurality of energy-absorbing loops intended to destruct under the effect of an applied impact load. The energy-absorbing loops are made of an elastic elongated material and are secured on the band, and a rigid holder is provided onto which the loops are put one after another. The flexible band is a woven ribbon provided on at least one side with at least one row of woven loops made integral with the ribbon and having a width less than the width of the woven ribbon itself.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tubular member, especially for safety steering columns for motor vehicles, made of wound fiber-reinforced materials. The winding angle of the fibers or fiber belts amounts to essentially .+-.45.degree. relative to the tube's longitudinal axis. For taking up high torsional moments and simultaneously low compressive and buckling or bending loads, the tubular member (1) has an expanded outwardly bulging section (3) extending around the entire circumference of the tubular member. This bulging section is preferably a double conical outward bulge. The fibers (2) cross each other at an angle of essentially 90.degree. even in the region of the outwardly bulging section (3), which means that the winding angle of essentially .+-.45.degree. to the tube's longitudinal axis is maintained in the region of the outwardly bulging section (3).

Abstract: A deceleration sled to decelerate and safely contain a launched test miss. The sled has crushable honeycomb which absorbs the initial impact of the missile as the sled accelerates along a track to the same speed as the missile. As the deceleration sled is pushed down the rails, forming shoes on both sides of the sled engage flat metal plates. The forming shoes roll the flat plates into a "U" shape. The energy required to roll these plates can be changed by varying their thickness.

Abstract: A compact shock absorber having a continuous loop of webbing connecting a spool with a spatially separated bracket. The bracket has two spatially separated web shafts captivating the opposite ends of the continuous looped webbing. The central portion of the webbing is looped over the shaft of the spool. The entire assembly is potted with a resilient material to protect the webbing from environmental elements and provide a degree of structural rigidity to the assembly. The high tenacity, high elongation, and excellent elastic recovery of the webbing loop provide the shock absorber with excellent high load shock capabilities.

Abstract: A structural support comprises inner and outer elements which are telescopingly engaged, a cage secured to the inner element and having apertures in which balls are disposed which are disposed radially between the two elements, and a frangible connection securing the two elements against relative axial movement. In the locked relative positions of the elements, the outer element has locally an increased internal diameter portion and the balls are radially disposed in this position or are moved into the portion on being subjected to an axial force which breaks the frangible connection, so that the relative axial movement of the elements results in the ball plastically deforming the outer element and absorbing energy from the force to protect the body carried by the support. The support can be used to provide a brace operating as a strut and/or a tie, or a shock absorber, or, by mounting a damping piston slidably in the inner tubular element can provide a shock absorbing piston and cylinder unit.

Abstract: A bellows-type energy absorbing device comprising at least two elongated bellows sections each having an adjacent tubular support section assembly wherein one bellows and tubular support section is sized to fit within the other. The sections are reversed and arranged so that the bellows and tube sections are arranged coaxially aligned with each other. The tubular support section of one bellows provides an alignment support for the adjacent bellows with the other support section providing the alignment support for the other adjacent bellows section. The bellows and tube assemblies are joined together at their ends by welding to form a sealed tubular unit. The support sections are arranged to telescope and retain the overall axial alignment of the device during collapse of the convolutes of the bellows section during the application of impact energy at either end of the device.

Abstract: The device comprises a flexible band, composed of two layers which are established by the band being folded back, which band is associated with an energy-absorbing member. The members are fashioned as a plurality of loops from an elastic long-sized material, which are fastened on the band between its layers. The loops of the band layers are consecutively interconnected by virtue of tricot knit in a direction from the ends of the band towards the place where it is folded back. One of the ends of the band may be connected to a stationary fixed support, while applied to the other end may be a load F directed to destruct the knit in a direction opposite to that of unknitting. The most promising practical application of the present invention lies with shock absorbers of safety belts for builders, erectors, mountaineers, as well as with automobile safety seat belts.

Abstract: A collapsible steering shaft assembly incorporating a slide with deforming balls that roll tracks in telescopic shaft members so that the shafts are positively interconnected in a rotational sense and which roll in said tracks to permit relative sliding of said shaft on application of low axial load.

Abstract: A crashworthy vehicle seat comprises a seat bucket member suspended by supporting webs engaged with rotary energy absorbers attached to the overhead of the vehicle. Beneath the seat bucket member, pairs of extensible and compressible energy absorbers are attached between the seat bucket member and the floor of the vehicle. Upon impact, the rotary energy absorbers and the extensible and compressible energy absorbers are arrayed to permit controlled and energy absorbing movement to reduce the probability of injury to the occupant of the seat. In the one form of the seat it accommodates itself to fore and aft forces acting upon it. In a modified form of the seat the design is optimized to accommodate these forces. In further forms of the seat the design is arranged for a sideward or lateral facing seat and the design is optimized to accommodate lateral forces.

Abstract: An energy absorbing chain which can be used as a "one shot" safety chain to absorb sudden impacts or short term tensional forces is disclosed. According to the invention, the safety chain is made of a metal having high ductility such that the chain will tend to deform, stretch, and/or deflect rather than break. According to a preferred embodiment, the chain may include links such as links (36), (38), (40) and (42) each of which includes a twist of 90.degree. to increase the amount of available deformation. In the preferred embodiment, link (36) and (40) include a twist in a first direction such as a clockwise direction whereas links (38) and (42) which alternate with links (36) and (40) include a 90.degree. twist in the opposite or counterclockwise direction. Thus upon receiving or being subjected to such tensional forces, the links can deform as shown by links (58), (60) and (62) as they absorb energy for a short period of time.

Abstract: A collapsible steering column for automobiles including an energy absorber having rollable deformer balls with the balls being active throughout all loading conditions of the column to effectively absorb energy for all load conditions from light load to maximum load for the full column stroke.

Abstract: An energy attenuating seat and a leg therefor for use in a vehicle. The leg for the seat is configured to allow it to be initially elastically deformed when subjected to a predetermined load. This elastic deformation is achieved by constructing the leg with two spaced apart flange portions. Spacers are located on one of the flange portions which are adapted to contact the other flange portion after a certain amount of elastic deformation has taken place. When the spacers are in contact the leg is capable of withstanding an increased load. However, further loading eventually results in the plastic deformation of the leg. Since the deformable legs are located on the forward portion of the seat, the seat pivots forwardly and downwardly when subjected to excessive loads which lowers the center of gravity of the seat.

Abstract: A breakaway shaft assembly is disclosed which comprises a segmented tube and shaft member. The tube member and at least one of the shaft member segments are retained together for conjoint movement under axial loading until the shaft segments are interengaged. Additional axial loading and movement severs the attachment between the tube member and shaft segment allowing the tube member to telescope further until limited. At such limitation, the location of segmentation for each of the tube and shaft members is aligned permitting breakaway separation in response to still further axial loading.

Abstract: An energy absorbing device for use with a vehicular seat belt includes a housing adapted to be secured to the vehicle and defines a circular interior space and a narrow passage extending between the interior space and the outer surface of the housing. An elongated rod-like strip of a metal has a coiled end portion having a plurality of turns disposed in the circular space. An intermediate portion of the metal strip extends from the interior space outwardly through the narrow passage and terminates in the other end which is adapted to be connected to the seat belt. The junction between the circular space and the narrow passage is shaped to bend successive portions of the metal strip and guide them into the narrow passage when a tension of a magnitude greater than the bending stress of the metal strip is applied to the outer end of the strip during a collision.

Abstract: A constant-tension spring device for the accessory belt of an automobile engine. The device includes a cylinder having an elastomer ring mounted within each of its ends. A rod passes through each elastomer ring, the rod having spaced shoulders each bearing against one end of a respective elastomer ring. Abutments within the cylinder position and retain the elastomer rings. Upon sufficient axial motion between the rod and cylinder, the elastomer rings are distorted by twisting and display a flat segment of the load vs. deflection curve between the rod and cylinder. The spring device maintains a desired tension within the accessory belt, compensating for temperature, humidity, and ageing changes in belt length which would otherwise result in change of belt tension.

Abstract: A safety steering column assembly for automobiles comprising a steering shaft of variable axial length for connecting a steering wheel with a steering gear mechanism. A portion of the steering shaft adjacent the steering wheel is surrounded by a guide and support tube in which a bearing for turnably supporting the steering shaft is mounted. The guide and support tube, in turn, is surrounded by a corrugated tube serving as an impact absorber in which the corrugations of the tube are compressed into a block to reduce the axial length thereof.

Abstract: A steering column for a steering wheel assembly for a motor vehicle has an outer tube with a shorter inner tube in contact with the inner periphery of the outer tube to provide a steering column having a longitudinal portion thicker than the rest of the steering column.The inner tube is inserted into the outer tube and that portion of the outer tube which surrounds the inner tube is mechanically reduced in diameter to fit against the inner tube.

Abstract: The invention consists of an improvement in the art of arresting a moving body through the use of steel cables that elongate to absorb the kinetic energy of the body. The improvement comprises a sleeve which surrounds the cables, protecting them from chafing and providing a failsafe energy absorbing system should the cables fail.

Abstract: In a passenger car the steering wheel, which is impact-absorbing, is fixed to a steering wheel column that via an intermediate shaft is connected to a steering gear. The steering wheel column is journalled in a collapsible column support that is attached to a horizontal support beam extending transversely in the vehicle interior at a certain distance behind the beam supporting the windshield. The ends of the support beam are attached to carrying portions of the vehicle. On the intermediate shaft there is a deformable portion allowing the intermediate shaft to become deformed upon collision impact. In this way collision forces acting from the front reach the support beam and the steering wheel column late, while allowing the steering wheel and the column support to cushion the driver.

Abstract: A seat belt tensioning device having a piston return stop device including a tapered member with an inclined surface rising toward one end which is slidably disposed within an axial hole of a piston and is connected to the piston through a connecting member breakable by a predetermined tension force. The other end of the tapered member is connected with a seat belt. Stopper members are slidably disposed within radial guide grooves of the piston and at their outer ends are slidably in contact with an inner wall of a piston cylinder while their inner ends are in contact with the tapered member.When the tension force of the seat belt reaches a predetermined value at an urgent time, the connecting member is broken and the tapered member is moved within the piston in a direction reverse to the travelling direction of the piston to push the stopper members toward the cylinder wall. Then the outer ends of the stopper members cut into the cylinder wall so that the return of the piston is stopped with certainty.