Abstract: A shock absorbing device for a vehicle, absorbing an axial compression load by means of plastic deformation in order to absorb an impact energy, is hollowed and has an octagonal cross section.

Abstract: An impact absorption device is provided having a generally cylindrically shaped impact absorption member formed of an extruded material. The exterior wall defines an interior volume and further includes a flanged portion that extends to at least one end of the absorption member. A bracket assembly is removably secured to the flanged portion of the mounting member for attaching the impact absorption device to a freestanding object such as a piling or docking post. Due to the design of the flange of the absorption member, a plurality of members may be coupled together using an appropriately designed bracket for accommodating the cover of pilings of docking posts of various lengths.

Abstract: A damping device used for motor vehicle safety, for damping the displacement of at least one part set in motion during a collision between a motor vehicle and an external object, the part being, for example, a bumper, a steering column or a bonnet of a motor vehicle, the device comprising an actuator that is able to displace a piston and is characterized in that it includes a wire having one end connected to a fixed portion of the vehicle, the actuator, which is secured to the part to be damped, interacting with the wire in order to retard and then stop the part.

Abstract: Apparatus for protecting a door and rear sill of a trailer comprises a U-shaped body formed of resilient, rubbery material having a web from which two arms extend, the arms being spaced apart a distance sufficient to straddle a sidewall of the trailer. The arms of the body also may embrace not only a sidewall of the trailer but also an adjacent door which occupies a position alongside and parallel such trailer sidewall. The protective body also has a depending lip which projects downwardly from the web a distance to overlap at least a part of the trailer floor sill.

Abstract: An impact absorber for a vehicle includes an outer body including a cavity having an axis, and an inner body situated partially within the cavity for relative movement into the cavity when the absorber is subjected to an impact. The inner body has at least one lateral protrusion. A number of deformable units are located in the outer body at different positions along the cavity. The deformable units partially protrude into the cavity for successive engagements and deformations, one unit after another unit, along the cavity, by the protrusion of the inner body moving into the outer body, thereby absorbing the energy of an impact in different stages. Each deformable unit includes a rigid ball protruding into the cavity and a deformable plate fixed behind the ball.

Abstract: The invention concerns a damping device for damping the kinetic energy of movable cabinet components, which has a first damping element with a first cylinder that has a first piston, which slides lengthwise in it, and at least one more (second) damping element with a second cylinder that has a second piston, which slides lengthwise in it. Both damping elements are located one behind the other in a serial arrangement and form an integral system. The invention is characterized by the fact that each of the two damping elements are each designed as pneumatic (air) dampers, and a compression chamber and an expansion chamber respectively contain variable volumes; whereby, the damping effects of the damping elements are affected by the guide canals, which control the air distribution and air flow within and between the compression chambers and/or expansion chambers.

Abstract: To prevent a shock absorbing material mounted on a vehicle body from collapsing or being scattered under the shock at the time of a collision. The four sides of a shock absorbing material formed of a foamed material are surrounded by a bellows form cover consisting of four corrugated plates inclusive of corrugated plates. Under an external force due to collision, the bellows is folded and contracted easily, but is difficult to be deformed in the width directions. Therefore, the shock absorbing material receives the energy upon collision in its initial shape, so that the energy is absorbed substantially by the compression of the shock absorbing material. Accordingly, it suffices to design a set load for the shock absorbing material by taking into account only the shock absorbing material, so that it is easy to design the shape, material and the like of the shock absorbing material.

Abstract: A shock absorber as being of a bumper supporting member and a shock absorber as being of a side member, which retain the sinking motion of a smaller-diameter tube portion into a larger-diameter tube portion even if an impact is applied at a larger angle obliquely of an axial direction, thereby to achieve the absorption of the impact energy by a plastic deformation. A plastically deformable straight tube is partially reduced or partially enlarged to form a smaller-diameter tube portion and a larger-diameter tube portion, which join to each other through a step portion. The step portion is formed by joining a folded-back portion of the smaller-diameter tube portion and a folded-back portion of the larger-diameter tube portion, which have circular arc-shaped sections having arcuate angles more than 90 degrees.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to devices and methods for absorbing kinetic energy. In particular, the present device is well suited for use in an automobile door, where it can be positioned for the purpose of absorbing the energy of a side-impact collision. In one embodiment, the device includes a first mass, a shell, and a plate, with the shell being disposed between the mass and plate. Both the first mass and shell are preferably constructed from deformable materials, allowing them to absorb energy during an impact. By absorbing the energy through deformation, the present device reduces the amount of energy that is transmitted through the door and thus reduces the amount of energy that may be transmitted to the occupants of the vehicle.

Abstract: The invention relates to spring elements based on at least two elastic moldings (i) and (ii), connected to one another by at least one connector (iii).

Abstract: To prevent a shock absorbing material mounted on a vehicle body from collapsing or being scattered under the shock at the time of a collision. The four sides of a shock absorbing material formed of a foamed material are surrounded by a bellows form cover consisting of four corrugated plates inclusive of corrugated plates. Under an external force due to collision, the bellows is folded and contracted easily, but is difficult to be deformed in the width directions. Therefore, the shock absorbing material receives the energy upon collision in its initial shape, so that the energy is absorbed substantially by the compression of the shock absorbing material. Accordingly, it suffices to design a set load for the shock absorbing material by taking into account only the shock absorbing material, so that it is easy to design the shape, material and the like of the shock absorbing material.

Abstract: A fender (1) has a fastening end (2) and a shock-absorbing end (3) and, arranged therebetween, at least one deformation portion (4). The deformation portion (4) is made of an elastically deformable material, especially elastomeric material, and is arranged to fold during deformation of the fender (1), so that surface portions of the deformation portion (4) are folded towards each other. The deformation portion (4) has on at least one surface projections (5) and recesses (6) of such a shape and location that they can engage with each other in a comblike manner when said surface portions of the deformation portion (4) are folded towards each other during deformation of the fender (1).

Abstract: The gas-hydraulic shock absorber assembly comprises a sleeve member and a ram member movable relative to the sleeve member. In the interior of the ram member, a gas chamber is provided that is pressurized by means of a gas. In the interior of the sleeve member, an oil chamber is provided that is filled with a hydraulic medium and which decreases in volume the more the ram member is moved relative to the sleeve member. Between the two chambers, a gas-hydraulic control assembly is provided. Upstream of the control assembly, there is a bleeding assembly, comprising a transfer channel opening into a portion of the oil chamber remote from the control assembly. Further provided is a bleeding channel, opening into an upper portion of the oil chamber and connecting the transfer channel to the control assembly when the shock absorber assembly is at rest. The bleeding assembly comprises several channels connecting the oil chamber to the control assembly and comprising each a V-shaped valve flap to close the channels.

Abstract: Impact damper as a connecting member between a bumper and a chassis of a motor vehicle for the purpose of damping the shock loading during a collision between this motor vehicle and an obstacle, predominantly through gas-spring forces and deformation work. This impact damper includes an inner tube and an outer tube, which can be displaced telescopically one inside the other, thereby changing the volume of pressurized first and second gas spaces, at least one of the gas spaces being connected to an accumulator by a pneumatic feed line. An electrically controllable control valve, by means of which the air pressure in the gas spaces can be changed, can be arranged in the pneumatic feed line. The pressure in the gas spaces can be varied by a detection sensor system in the motor vehicle, which controls a control valve and adapts the pressure to the expected momentum of the collision. It is possible for a deformation element to be displaced as well to absorb a high impact energy by deformation work.

Abstract: A steering column damper for a power-driven vehicle comprises a jacket tube with a central longitudinal axis; a sliding tube displaceably guided in the jacket tube; a steering shaft, which is mounted for pivotability about the central longitudinal axis relative to the sliding tube and/or the jacket tube and guided through the jacket tube and the sliding tube; at least one working area, which is disposed between the jacket tube and the sliding tube and filled with a damping medium; at least one working-area-volume reduction unit, which is connected with the sliding tube, reducing the volume of the at least one working area upon insertion of the sliding tube into the jacket tube; at least one aperture which opens the at least one working area to ambience for discharge of the damping medium from the respective working area; a closing element for blocking the at least one aperture; and a triggering unit for controllable release of the respective closing element.

Abstract: The vehicular engine mounting structure includes a liquid sealed type bush instead of a rubber embedded bush. The mounting structure also includes: a chassis bracket having a circular supporter for receiving the bush. Two attachment parts of the chassis bracket are coupled to at a front side member. Vertical reinforcing members and a connection reinforcing member for supporting the vertical reinforcing members are installed in the front side member.

Abstract: An energy absorbing element, that may be used with, for example, vehicles such as automobiles and trucks, is described. The energy absorbing element (2, 2′) comprises, (a) at least two oppositely arranged metal sheets (7, 8) having a multiplicity of predetermined buckling points (11, 12 and 13) which enable each sheet (7, 8) to fold up along its longitudinal direction (x-direction); and (b) a plurality of connecting ribs (9) which interconnect the oppositely arranged metal sheets (7, 8), the connecting ribs (9) being fabricated from a plastic material selected from thermoplastic materials and/or thermosetting plastic materials. Also described is a bumper system which comprises a transverse beam and at least one of the energy absorbing elements of the present invention.

Abstract: A portable cushion protector which is easily attachable to and detachable from the rear portions of an automobile and which protects its rear bumper from scratches and other damage while it is parked. The cushion protector has supporting mechanisms which may be advantageously attached to the automobile trunk for holding the cushion securely in place upon the bumper.

Abstract: A circular cylindrical container having sealed ends provides a device for dissipating mechanical forces. The container is filled with particulate material and has circular wheel-like structures having rims and spokes located in the interior of the container in which the rim circumferences of the wheel-like structures increase as they are located further and further away from the centroid of the container along the elongated axis of the container toward one of the sealed ends.

Abstract: Crash attenuator for protecting a truck or stationary structure from damage resulting from impact of an object including a frame mountable to the structure, a bumper having an impact-receiving face adapted to receive an impact from the object, a movable displacement structure interposed between the frame and bumper and having a first position in which the bumper is relatively distant from the frame and a second position in which the bumper is relatively proximate to the frame, and an energy dissipation system coupled to the displacement structure for dissipating impact energy of the object received by the bumper which causes the displacement structure to be moved from the first position toward the second position. The energy dissipation system includes one or more deformable members which deform upon movement of the displacement structure from the first position toward the second position with such deformation causing dissipation of impact energy.

Abstract: An apparatus for attenuating shock loads includes a flexible, non-rigid outer impervious envelope. The envelope is formed from a high strain resistance material. An inner, pervious baffle extends across the envelope between the first and second sides. The inner baffle is also a flexible, non-rigid material of high strain resistance. The envelope is inflated with gas at a superatmospheric pressure. An impact on one side of the structure will compress that side, increasing the pressure of the gas between that side and the baffle. The gas will then flow through the pervious baffle to the other side, dissipating energy, spreading the load over the second side of the envelope and causing a time delay in the build-up of pressure on the second side. In preferred embodiments of the invention, there are plural, parallel baffles in the envelope to provide a multi-stage energy dissipation.

Abstract: The gas-hydraulic shock absorber assembly comprises a sleeve member and a ram member movable relative to the sleeve member. In the interior of the ram member, a gas chamber is provided that is pressurized by means of a gas. In the interior of the sleeve member, an oil chamber is provided that is filled with a hydraulic medium and which decreases in volume the more the ram member is moved relative to the sleeve member. Between the two chambers, a gas-hydraulic control assembly is provided. Upstream of the control assembly, there is a bleeding assembly, comprising a transfer channel opening into a portion of the oil chamber remote from the control assembly. Further provided is a bleeding channel, opening into an upper portion of the oil chamber and connecting the transfer channel to the control assembly when the shock absorber assembly is at rest. The bleeding assembly comprises several channels connecting the oil chamber to the control assembly and comprising each a V-shaped valve flap to close the channels.

Abstract: An impact damper as a connecting member between a bumper and a chassis of a motor vehicle for the purpose of damping the shock loading during a collision between this motor vehicle and an obstacle, comprising an inner tube which can be displaced telescopically inside an outer tube, thereby changing the volume of pressurized gas spaces. The first gas space and the second gas space have a common pressure, which is dimensioned such that optimum damping is provided for a collision between the motor vehicle and a pedestrian. It is being possible for a deformation element to be displaced as well to absorb high forces through deformation work.

Abstract: An automotive crashbox damper member (26) has a sequenced pre-collapse surface (34) providing sequential energy absorbing compression such that at application of longitudinal (28) force, longitudinal compression initially occurs at the pre-collapse surface (34), prior to compression of the remainder (36) of the crashbox damper member (26). In one embodiment, the pre-collapse surface (34) is a mounting surface (7) beveled (40) in roof-like fashion to a frontmost leading edge (38) over the end (32) of the crashbox damper member (26). In another embodiment, the pre-collapse surface (34) is a mounting surface (7) formed as an arched cap (11) in the form of a spherical segment over the end (32) of the crashbox damper member (26).

Abstract: A vehicle bumper system includes a multi-strand cable secured to opposing plates.

Abstract: The invention relates to a damping device for telescopic guards of the type having a plurality of tubular covering elements that slide inside each other in a defined direction, and that have a front edge and a rear edge with a first stop portion and a second stop portion, respectively. The damping device is equipped with at least one shock absorber located and acting between the rear edge and at least one of the stop portions, the shock absorber comprising a portion for connecting it to the rear edge or to the first stop portion, and at least one flexible arm attached at one end to the connecting portion. The free end of at least one of the arms is attached to a damper made of a resilient material and being larger in cross section than the arm, the arm and the related damper being designed to absorb the shocks that occur between two adjacent tubular elements when the telescopic guard is being extended or retracted.

Abstract: The feel bumper includes a plunger disposed for movement by an input device along a predetermined path, and at least one damper element disposed to engage the plunger when in a predetermined initial position along the path corresponding to a desired operating position for exerting a first opposing feedback force against the plunger in opposition to movement thereof along the path in a first direction, the at least one damper element being yieldable to the plunger when moved in the first direction past the predetermined initial position and exerting a second opposing feedback force against the plunger in opposition to the continued movement of the plunger in the first direction through subsequent operating positions.

Abstract: A cylindrical stopper for determining a stop position of a workpiece by a contact portion at a tip end of the stopper is mounted to a workpiece transferring device such that the stop position of the workpiece can be adjusted by forward and rearward movement of the stopper and a columnar absorber main body for absorbing and cushioning collision energy generated when the workpiece comes into contact with the stopper is mounted in the stopper such that a relationship between positions of a shock-absorbing portion at a tip end of the absorber main body and the contact portion at the tip end of the stopper with respect to each other can be adjusted.

Abstract: A structure for damping impact by mechanical deformation. The structure has an elongate shape in an impact direction and has a substantially constant cross-section. The structure includes longitudinal plates that form a central chamber and two lateral chambers disposed on either side of the central chamber. The lateral chambers each have a continuous exterior transverse contour. The central chamber has at least one pair of oblique longitudinal plates that are inclined oppositely relative to a plane of symmetry of the structurem, parallel to the impact direction.

Abstract: A chair height control mechanism has a gas cylinder with a valve control finger extending from an upper end overlain by a tilting actuator. A resilient pad is adhered to the upper end of the gas cylinder surrounding the valve control finger and maintains a spacing between the valve control finger and actuator when the actuator is not in use to avoid rattle.

Abstract: A crash attenuator for protecting a truck or stationary structure from damage resulting from impact of an object such as a vehicle including a frame mountable to a truck or stationary structure, a bumper having an impact-receiving face adapted to receive an impact from an object in a crash, a movable displacement structure coupled to the frame and interposed between the frame and the bumper and having a first position in which the bumper is relatively distant from the frame and a second position in which the bumper is relatively proximate to the frame, and an energy dissipation system coupled to the displacement structure for dissipating the impact energy of the object into the bumper which causes said displacement structure to be moved from the first position toward the second position.

Abstract: The elastomer dampers are disposed at both ends of the actuator cylinder in order to stop the piston moving in the cylinder at its stroke ends. The elastomer damper includes a pair of the protruding portions which abut the piston at its stroke end. The protruding portion has an tapered shape in which the cross sectional area thereof gradually decreases from the base to the top. Therefore, when the piston abuts the protruding portions and compresses the protruding portions, the braking force exerting on the piston gradually increases without sudden change. Therefore, the piston decelerates smoothly at its stroke ends. Further, since the top surface of the protruding portion is formed as a flat plane and the top surface is connected to the tapered side surface of the protruding portion by a round surface, no stress concentration occurs at this portion. Therefore, cracks or breakage of the material do not occur in the top surface even after a long operating time of the actuating cylinder.

Abstract: A shock absorber for a motor vehicle has a deformation body, which can be deformed in the case of a collision and into the path of which a blocking part protrudes, with which, due to the forces acting during a collision, a plastic deformation of the deformation body is achieved with absorption of the collision energy, it being possible to increase the deformation resistance of the deformation body by directing it into an additional deformation stage. For this purpose, the blocking body has at least two switched positions, in which it protrudes into the path of movement of the deformation body, as a result of which the deformation body is plastically deformed to a greater or lesser extent due to the forces acting during impact.

Abstract: The shock absorber device for telescopic protection devices is formed of a plurality of tubular covering elements which slide inside one another in a defined direction, each tubular element having a scraper and a stop on the scraper, the shock absorber device including at least one shock absorber part, positioned and operating between the scraper and the stop of two adjacent tubular elements, and a second shock absorber part, positioned and operating between the stops of two adjacent tubular elements, each shock absorber part consisting of a portion which connects it to a slotted zone or seat on the bar or stop and at least one flexible arm which extends from the connecting portion in a plane parallel with the direction of extension, the flexible arm being separated from the bar or stop by a given distance and including a first section substantially parallel with the bar or stop and a second section connected to the first and extending away from the said first section at an oblique angle to the bar or stop.

Abstract: An impact damper includes two tubes which are slidable one in the other for braking a vehicle impact against an obstacle by hydraulic damping forces and pneumatic spring forces. The inner tube is closed off by a bottom. A gas chamber containing a high pressure gas cushion is arranged adjacent to the bottom and bounded by a separating piston that is guided sealingly and displaceably in the inner tube. A first fluid chamber is arranged between the separating piston and a partition fixed in the inner tube and provided with choke openings. A second fluid chamber is formed by the outer tube and connected to the first fluid chamber via the partition. The outer tube has a tapering region directed away from the partition, and a deformation element dividing the second fluid chamber into two part chambers.

Abstract: An impact absorber for decelerating a vehicle impacting on an obstacle, which impact absorber includes two tubes which can be displaced one inside the other in the manner of a telescope. The inner tube is closed off from the outside by a base and has a highly pressurized gas space and a first fluid space. A second fluid space is arranged in the outer tube and is hydraulically connected to the first fluid space via a restriction formed by a restricting aperture in an intermediate wall fixed in the inner tube. The outer tube has, in the end region, a plastic disk which melts at a predetermined temperature and as a result counteracts an explosion of the impact absorber in the event of a fire by reducing the pressure.

Abstract: A bumper device for motor vehicle is disclosed. A series of impact absorbing means to reduce the force of impact from collision that is transmitted onto the chassis of a vehicle is disclosed. The impact absorbing means includes: a hydraulic cylinder and piston means, an impact receiving means, a liaising and resilient body means. The impact receiving means includes a pneumatic tubular body secured to it to be the contact body on collision.

Abstract: Impact-absorbing damping device which has at least two telescoping tubes, in particular for motor vehicles, to decelerate a vehicle when it collides with an obstacle by damping and/or spring forces, whereby the cavity of at least one tube is provided with an elastomer body.

Abstract: A grating system (1) with parallel lengths (5) of structural section is accommodated in a frame. It is intended for armored special-enough vehicles and or stationary units. The object is to optimize protection against a strike or impact. Energy absorbers are interposed between the system and the vehicle or unit that accommodates it.

Abstract: A shock absorbing wall construction makes it possible to prevent the car from rolling over and protect the car occupant's head and neck in case of car crashes. The shock absorbing wall construction has a main shock absorber part or portion having an elastic and solid body and sub-shock absorber part or portion which is mounted on the upper front surface of the main shock absorber part. The lower front surface of the main shock absorber part curves concavely upward and forwardly outward from a lower end to its center to prevent the car from rolling over. The sub-shock absorber part projects forwardly along the length of the lower front surface and includes one or more air rooms or chambers inside it and piercing air vent holes which extend through the air chamber sidewalls so as to protect the passenger's head and neck.

Abstract: A loading dock bumper assembly includes at least one bracket for mounting the assembly on a surface of a loading dock. At least one resilient bumper component is attached to the bracket, the bumper component formed of a block of resilient recycled plastic material is positioned to receive the impact of a motor vehicle backed into abutment with the dock. The block is preferably formed of extruded high density polyethylene. A side of the block adapted to receive contact with a motor vehicle may be provided with a slot along its length. The slot is adapted to have secured therein a wear bar substantially of equal length with the bumper component. The preferred wear bar is a steel bar of rectangular cross section fitted into the slot with a surface thereof substantially flush with the surface of the resilient component. At least one corner of the block preferably is provided with a chamfer cut at approximately 45.degree. whereby lodging of a truck bumper on the assembly is obviated.

Abstract: A railway buffer capsule comprising a hollow cylindrical plunger slidably mounted in a cylinder. The cylinder is closed at one end. The plunger is closed at its outer end, and in its inner end is formed a fixed area orifice of flow restricting dimensions. A floating piston slides in the bore of the plunger and separates a liquid reservoir from the remainder of the interior of the plunger which comprises a gas containing space. A stepped piston has its larger diameter exposed to pressure in the reservoir and its smaller diameter end adapted to seat and close the orifice and be exposed to compression chamber pressure. The combination of the stepped piston and the orifice is a multiplier valve which multiplies the resistance of the compressed gas to lengthwise compression of the buffer.

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: The present invention relates to a bumper that can be releasably attached to planar edges of furniture such as edges of a cocktail table, end table, library table or the like. The bumper comprises a cushion circumscribed by an appropriately seemed outer cover, the bumper being in the form of a modified cylinder of length L. Preferably, the bumper is of either of a solid or hollow form. In one aspect, the solid cylindrical form of the bumper is modified by providing a minor sector cut-out centered along its axis of formation and extending along its length L. The cut-out defines an included angle of 90 degrees. Hence, the major sector circumference of bumper that remains, defines a circumferential angle of 270 degrees as well as provided a pair of interior, normal faces or walls. In another aspect, the cylindrical form is hollow and modified to provide a longitudinal slot along its length.

Abstract: A dynamic motion limiter for supporting high temperature piping in nuclear power plants, the motion limiter including a cylinder and piston wherein the movement of the piston within the cylinder is limited with intermittent contact between energy absorbing stop positions.

Abstract: Impact-absorbing bumper mount with two telescoping tubes, in particular for motor vehicles, to decelerate a vehicle via damping forces when the vehicle strikes an obstacle, whereby a work piston is guided in a sealed manner in one of the tubes, and with which, in addition to a weight reduction, it is also possible to simplify the fabrication process, reduce costs and achieve sufficient corrosion protection. The invention teaches that this problem can be solved by tubes which have recesses on their inside and outside, and which are coated with a polymeric material.

Abstract: A crash damper for vehicles comprises two securing elements, by way of which it can be secured to the bumper on the one hand and to the body of the vehicle on the other hand. In order to be able to compensate manufacturing tolerances of the body of the vehicle, an adjustment device is provided for adjusting the distance between the securing elements.

Abstract: A compression spring formed of an elastomer having a ratio of plastic strain to elastic strain that is greater than 1.5 to l and formed into a spherical body having cone frustums at each end to provide for a substantially constant spring rate over a major portion of its displacement. The spring is precompressed to overcome the compression set characteristics of the elastomer and to orient its molecular structure. The spring is particularly useful as a bumper spring for an automotive vehicle.

Abstract: An energy-absorbing bumper assembly includes an impact beam having a front vertical wall with a central inwardly projecting channel. A molded energy absorber formed as a multi-sectioned cellular unit includes mounting towers integrally formed with the unit. Resilient tabs on the mounting towers spring outwardly into complementary openings in the channel when the mounting towers are inserted into the channel, thereby removably attaching the energy absorber to the impact beam.

Abstract: An air spring has pair of spaced end members for mounting the spring at spaced locations on a structure. A flexible sleeve of elastomeric material is sealingly engaged with the end members and forms a pressurized fluid chamber therebetween. A post is mounted on one of the end members and extends into the fluid chamber. A shock absorbing bumper formed of a high strength plastic is snap-fitted on an enlarged top of the post. A plurality of circumferentially arranged flexible fingers define an opening in a base of the bumper, and are snap-fitted over the enlarged top of the post which extends into the opening and seat into an annular undercut formed in the post beneath the enlarged top. The snap-fitted plastic bumper replaces the heretofore used elastomeric bumper.