Abstract: A pneumatic spring-loaded damping or shock absorbing apparatus provided with a venting port and a seal activated by a piston for automatically sealing the port when the apparatus approaches its fully expanded position for maintaining residual pressure within the apparatus.

Abstract: A fender for protecting support structures against shocks applied thereto, of an alongside fender type, comprising a rubber piece with appropriate profile adapted for absorbing the shocks and distributing them uniformly over the structure to be protected, which rubber piece is firmly secured by hot galvanization to a rubber frame whose radius is substantially equal to the radius of the structure to be protected, the assembly formed by the piece carried by a frame being fixed to the structure by fixing member integral with the latter, associated possibly with a fixing member integral with the piece and/or with the frame.

Abstract: A shock attenuation structure having a breadth greater than its thickness and a breadthwise cross section comprising a series of layers arranged side-by-side. The series of layers comprises a first plurality of layers of shock-absorbing material having a relatively high resistance to compression and a second plurality of layers of shock-absorbing material having a lower resistance to compression, the layers of the second plurality alternating with the layers of the first plurality across the breadth of the structure and providing lateral support to the layers of the first plurality. The structure is adapted to be mounted with its breadth generally perpendicular to the direction of impact force for broadside loading of the structure during an impact, the layers in the area of impact being adapted to deform for attenuating the shock resulting from the impact.

Abstract: An energy absorbing bumper mounting arrangement including a longitudinally extending tubular member having a forward portion secured to a vehicle bumper and an aft portion slidably received in a circular opening formed in a vehicle frame portion. A cylindrical capsule of thermoplastic polyester elastomer material has a central passage telescopically receiving the tubular member aft portion. Abutment means fixed on the tubular member engages an intermediate frame wall preventing its forward travel. A preloaded coil spring is concentrically disposed about the tubular member between the forward end of the capsule and the abutment means. The capsule is surrounded by a chamber defined by wall means formed in the frame. A predetermined impact load on the bumper causes the capsule to elastically and plastically deform in a radially outward manner such that upon contacting the chamber walls a permanent set corrugated-like undulation is formed resulting in the dissipation of impact energy.

Abstract: A bumper for the wheel well of a dolly or cart consists of a single element molded of flexible plastic material to include a cap, a lock and a hinge connecting the cap to the lock. The wheel well is adapted to receive a swivel shaft that extends through an aligned aperture in the cap to limit movement of the bumper. Further, movement of the bumper is also restricted by cooperation of the lock and the mounting bracket of which the wheel well is a part. The hinge permits the lock to be reversely bent from a first position in which the bumper is molded to a second position where the lock is captured between the wheel well and ears of the bracket that mounts the wheel well to the cart.

Abstract: A throttle cushion of a portable power-driven machine has a sleeve-like elastic cushioning member fitted on the portion of a trigger engageable with a throttle valve actuating rod.

Abstract: A marine fender comprising a hollow tapered body of an elastic material, either small-diameter side or large-diameter side of which being a shock-receiving side and the other being a fastening side is disclosed. In this marine fender, the thickness of the hollow tapered body is gradually thickened from the large-diameter side toward the small-diameter side, and the hollow tapered body is provided at the outer periphery with a groove formed at a given position near the shock-receiving side end, and has a truncated pyramidal form at either the inner surface or the outer surface or both surfaces thereof.

Abstract: Hardbar bumper assembly is supported by and elastically isolated from the vehicle body by resilient energy absorber so that the bumper functions as a mechanical damper for damping internal vibrations occurring within the vehicle during engine operation including idle. The energy absorber effectively dissipates energy of impact loads including frontal corner and side impacts displacing the bumper from a normal operating position.

Abstract: A quadrilateral is secured to horizontally extending and vertically spaced supports adjacent a water covered area. A support frame is secured to the quadrilateral in a downward, parallel relationship thereon and projects forwardly of the quadrilateral. A longitudinally extending elongated elastomer body bumper is removably secured on the support frame, and a stabbing guide is provided adjacent the lower end of the quadrilateral which includes a forward portion spaced laterally relative to the quadrilateral and which extends upwardly and outwardly therefrom to serve as a guide to receive and support the lower end of the support frame as it and the elongated elastomer body bumper thereon are lowered longitudinally of the quadrilateral in a water covered area to be positioned on and supported by the quadrilateral in the water covered area.

Abstract: A bumper for a vehicle is provided with an inner beam member. Two longitudinally separated bumper supports affix the inner beam member to the vehicle. An outer beam member having interbeam support means positioned longitudinally displaced from the bumper supports affixes the outer beam member to the inner beam member in a spaced apart relationship. The interbeam supports and the bumper supports do not align in the transverse plane of the beam member. The outer beam member sustains the initial impact force in a collision.

Abstract: A marine fender is disclosed, which comprises a hollow cylindrical body composed of rubber or rubbery elastic material, each end of which being provided with a flange for a quay wall or a shock receiving member, an annular rigid reinforcing plate embedded in each flange, and a fillet reinforcement provided on a foot portion of each flange. In the marine fender, an annular groove is further formed in a region adjacent to the fillet reinforcement at each end of the body.

Abstract: A bumper/energy absorber system is resiliently mounted at the body mounting location to allow the bumper/energy absorber system to vibrate freely both vertically and in pitch at its natural frequency. The mounting spring rate is selected to use the dynamic energy of the bumper/energy absorbing system to attenuate steering column vibrations excited through the vehicle body structure by the shaking forces of the engine within a predetermined speed range. The mounting is designed to minimize bumper movement relative to the body from forces directly applied to the bumper from loads such as bumper jacking.

Abstract: A fender system for a floating structure such as an off-shore platform wherein a column supporting the platform has a plurality of vertically spaced rail members that are interconnected by a plurality of horizontally spaced and vertically extending bumpers that can be contacted by a vessel for transmitting the force therefrom to the fender system. The rail members support a plurality of spaced shafts on which are mounted pairs of interconnected torsion spring members that are operative to exert opposing forces while bearing on the column to absorb the forces exerted on the fender system.

Abstract: A shock-absorbing joint absorbs shock forces by distortion of elastomeric material under torque. One form of the shock-absorbing joint has an inner cylinder fitting within an outer cylinder so as to extend longitudinally beyond each end of the outer cylinder and provide an annular space between the cylinders. A body of elastomeric material, such as rubber, fills the annular space and is affixed to the inside surface of the outer cylinder and the outside surface of the inner cylinder. Inner and outer cylinder pivot members are affixed to the inner and outer cylinder, respectively, and are perpendicular to the common pivot axis of the cylinders. Two or three of such shock-absorbing joints may be used to form a shock-absorbing assembly that is particularly useful in protecting marine platforms.

Abstract: A car body guard comprising a flexible rubber strap rolled up in a housing which is mounted in one of the wheel wells of the car. The strap may be unwound from the housing and extended across the side of the car and its free end fastened to an attachment member in the other wheel well on that side of the car. A return spring holds the strap taut along the side of the car and rolls it up again in the housing after it is detached from the attachment member in the other wheel well.

Abstract: An impact damping or cushioning means is provided to overcome the noise occasioned when a reciprocating slide block member, to which steering rods are secured, is limited in motion by engaging the ends of a housing slot in which the member slides. Such slide block is secured to a drive rod in the housing, which may be a pinion driven rack or operated by a pressure piston, and protrudes through the slot for connection to steering rods. The construction effects a damped or cushioned initial impact engagement of increasing resilient resistance up to the point of metallic non-yielding engagement of either end of the slide block with the respective end of the slot. Thus, the cushioning means at each end of the travel is of deforming, compressible rubber-like plastic material compressed in comfinement during initial impact in a recess which may be in the slide block or in the housing slot edge.

Abstract: The bearing housing of a railway vehicle includes a pair of stop members spaced from respective pedestals of the truck frame and engageable with such pedestals to absorb lateral thrust loads upon relative movement between the bearing housings and truck frame. Each stop member includes an elastomer pad mounted to the bearing housing and a wear plate engageable with the pedestal of the truck frame.

Abstract: This invention relates to a Wharf fender assembly for use with wharves or docks made generally from resiliently deformable material.The Wharf Fender assembly includes an elongate tubular bender body attachable to adjacent wharf which is generally progressively increasing width or transverse dimensions from one end to the other end thereby providing a larger end and a smaller end. There is also included buffer means operatively associated with the fender body which may withstand an impact from a ship or other vessel when the fender body is attached to the wharf. The invention also includes within its scope a fender body per se.

Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to a force-absorbing member which is formed of a resilient plastic material having a relatively high tensile strength mounted in a suitable restraining member. The force-absorbing member includes an annular mounting flange which is of sufficient size and the material of the force-absorbing member of sufficient strength to permit the force-absorbing member to readily deflect to one side of its axis during use, and the mounting of the flange is such that the flange will not rupture or pull through the member restraining it against movement. The force-absorbing member may be utilized, inter alia, as a bumper per se, as a support for a bumper, as a combined boat rub-rail and line-attaching member, or as part of a shock-absorbing unit of a tow unit, such as a tow chain.

Abstract: An impact damper for use, for example, between the stationary and reciprocating parts of a stamping machine to reduce the noise produced at the end of each stamping operation, consists of a two-stage telescopic gas pressure cylinder 10. A base 3 of the cylinder is fixed on the stationary part of the machine and the head 33 of an internal piston 14 is in permanent engagement with the reciprocating part 6. As the part 6 moves downwards, the piston 14 is retracted, but at first an external piston 13 remains stationary. There is therefore a small resistance to movement of the part 6. As the part 6 approaches the end of its downward movement at which noise is generated at the end of a stamping operation, the head 33 engages a ring 34 at the upper end of the external piston 3 so that the external piston also then starts to be retracted.

Abstract: The invention comprises a guard for disposition adjacent an offshore structure to protect the structure from impact. The guard comprises a tubular body of resilient material, at least one flexible positioning line extending longitudinally through the bore of the tubular body, and a pair of connectors joined to the positioning line or lines and disposed adjacent axially opposite ends of the tubular body for connection to the offshore structure.

Abstract: A device for absorbing kinetic energy derived from an element oscillating in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the device. The device has a housing coupled to the oscillating member and defining a chamber bounded by opposite inner end walls and an inner lateral wall of the housing. The inner end walls are generally transverse to and the inner lateral wall is generally parallel with the axis of the device. An oscillation quencher body which is situated in the chamber, has opposite end faces oriented towards respective inner end walls and a lateral face oriented towards the inner lateral wall. A resiliently deformable impact member is situated between each end face of the body and a respective inner end wall of the housing. Further, at least one groove is provided in the lateral face of the body. The groove has a length generally transverse to and a width generally parallel with the device axis.

Abstract: An energy-absorbing shock cell for mounting bumper or barrier devices on legs or other members of offshore oil rig structures having inner and outer metal tubes connected by an intervening rubber sleevelike body is provided with snubbing means engageable between limit members rigidly mounted in spaced relation on the inner and outer tubes to prevent telescopic outward movement of said inner tube from the outer tube beyond a certain predetermined location, thereby preventing the inner tube from being pulled completely out of the outer tube by external forces which would destroy the shock cell.

Abstract: An energy absorber in which impact energy is converted into heat and stored elastic energy in a multitude of individual elastomeric fibers or the like which are disposed individually in tension about a plurality of mechanical members that are moved by the impact to effect distortion of the fibers or the like and provide energy dissipation and containment.

Abstract: A shock absorbing bumper system assembly (10) is provided for attachment to an offshore structure (12). Assembly (10) utilizes a vertical column (34) supported from arms (20, 22). An outer protector (38) surrounds the column (34) and is eccentrically positioned relative to the column (34). A pair of resilient ring elements (42, 44) are positioned in an axially spaced relationship, bonded to the column (36), and conform to the annular shape formed between protector (38) and column (36). Resilient connectors (30, 32) may also be used and comprise rings (54), which are similar in construction to the resilient ring elements (42, 44).

Abstract: A cushioning fender assembly for cushioning the impact or shock applied from an impact applying element to an impact receiving element which comprises an elongated impact receiving member of rigid material and at least one pair of elastically deformable fenders. Each of the fenders comprises an elongated body of one-piece construction having a buffer block having an outer surface formed integrally with a shoulder portion protruding outwards therefrom in a direction parallel to the buffer block, and a support wall constituted by a leg section depending from the buffer block in a direction away from the buffer block and a heel section on one side of the leg section remote from the buffer block and having a fitting flange outwardly protruding therefrom in a direction opposite to the direction of protrusion of the shoulder portion and in parallel to the shoulder portion. The respective fenders are rigidly connected to the impact receiving member with the shoulder portions anchored thereto.

Abstract: A shock absorbing bumper system assembly (10) is provided for attachment to a structural member (12) of an offshore platform. The assembly (10) utilizes a vertical column (34) supported from arms (20) and (22). An outer protector (32) surrounds the column (34) and is eccentric to the protector. A pair of resilient ring elements (38) and (40) are positioned in an axially spaced relationship and bonded onto the column (34). The rings (38) and (40) conform to the annular space formed between protector (32) and column (34). Resilient connectors (26) and (28) can be used and comprise rings (44) similar in construction to rings (38) and (40). The system can be fabricated by forming subassemblies (62) comprising rings bonded onto the exterior of short lengths of pipe.

Abstract: A pneumatic marine fender composed of a cylindrical barrel serving as a shock receiving face, which comprises a composite inner reinforcement composed of two kinds of cord layers which consist of an axially extending cord layer and a circumferentially extending cord layer whose cords are slightly inclined and symmetrically arranged with respect to the circumferential line of the cylindrical shell in reverse directions and helically wound around the cylindrical shell.

Abstract: A rub rail assembly for a vehicle such as a boat is the subject of the present invention. An extrusion presents a channel that receives a resilient bumper strip. The bumper strip is designed so that deformation of it in an inwardly direction will actually lodge the strip more firmly within the channel. An integral extension of the channel presents a coupling for securing a line to the rail assembly. A second coupling is adapted to be complementally joined with the first coupling for attaching the line.

Abstract: A marine fender comprises a sheet of resilient material that is curved in horizontal cross section and that is attached along opposite vertical edges to a support, such as a piling, so as to provide a deflection space between the sheet and the support. An elastomeric core is mounted on the support within the deflection space, spaced from the sheet, so that the sheet may deflect under impact before engaging the core. Multiple curved sheets may be employed so as to provide a deflection space between successive sheets as well as between a sheet and the support.

Abstract: A cushioning fender adapted to be mounted on one or both of the hull of a ship and a shore installation, such as pier, wharf, quay, dock, float or the like structure for cushioning the impact of the ship against the shore installation, which generally comprises a substantially cup-like body including a circular buffer block having an impact receiving surface and a hollow support wall depending from the buffer block so as to diverge from each other in a direction away from the buffer block. A cushioning fender comprising a substantially annular body including an annular buffer block having an impact receiving surface and outer and inner support walls depending from the annular buffer block and protruding so as to diverge from each other in a direction away from the buffer block is also disclosed.

Abstract: An elastically deformable fender adapted to be mounted on one or both of the hull of a ship and a shore installation such as pier, wharf, quay, dock, float or the like structure for cushioning the impact of the ship against the shore installation, which generally comprises an elongated body of one-piece construction made of an elastic material. The body includes a buffer block, an outer surface of which forms an impact receiving surface, and a pair of opposed support walls depending from the buffer block so as to diverge from each other in a direction away from the buffer block. Each of the support walls is bent widthwise and is constituted by leg and heel sections respectively positioned adjacent to and remote from the buffer block, the heel sections of the respective support walls being spaced from each other a maximum span within the range of (0.75.times.W) to (1.5.times.W), W representing the width of the buffer block.

Abstract: A marine fender comprising a hollow cylindrical body formed of a resilient rubber block and an annular groove circumferentially extending along at least one end of the cylindrical inner wall of the hollow cylindrical body.

Abstract: A generally cylindrical member and a vertically extending H-member with mounting brackets for fixed mounting relative to a support member such as a piling in a boat docking area are provided, the H-member is fixed as by bolts in a vertical relation to the side of a piling which would normally contact a boat, docked adjacent thereto. The cylindrical member includes a normally deformed T-slot vertically along a vertical inner side thereof for frictional sliding engagement over the outer T-portion of the H-member. One or more of the cylindrical members may be supported in an end to end relation to extend to any desired depth in the water and distance above the water surface on a single elongated H-member to accommodate the depth of the water as well as the extremes of tidal flow and wave action in any particular locale.

Abstract: This specification discloses a polymer spring including an elongated shank having a first end with a longitudinal slit and an enlarged portion, an integral enlarged head at a second end of the shank opposite from the first end, and an integral, cupped flange for providing a biasing force surrounding the shank and opening toward the first end. Deflection of the flange creates a biasing force tending to cause the flange to return to an undeflected state.

Abstract: An inflatable protective cushion for positioning around a pole or the like, such as on a ski lift which prevents skiers from striking the pole.

Abstract: An energy attenuator for absorbing impact of a foreign object against a body to be protected. The energy attenuator comprising a plurality of layers in a desired form or shape and each layer may be separated from the adjacent layer by films of high temperature resistant thermoplastic materials, which are neither soluble in nor compatible with or modified by the molding conditions encountered in processing the laminates or layers. The energy attenuator may be manufactured by either a buildup process whereby each layer is formed, then separated by a separating material, another layer is then deposited upon the material forming a laminate structure which may be made to the desired thickness by continually forming layers with separators between each layer or the separate layers may be formed individually and then assembled by stacking them into a laminated structure.

Abstract: Soft face bumper for vehicles incorporating a resilient energy absorbing cellular matrix molded from a plastic material and having walls of longitudinally extending cells stepped in thickness to provide at least two serially arranged working zones to form a staged energy absorber.

Abstract: A heavy duty fender structure is disclosed which is particularly adapted for marine use. The fender includes an extruded elastomeric core having a chain extending along its axis and providing free end portions at the ends of the core for mounting the fender. A plurality of molded elastomeric discs are positioned around the core and provide the exterior surface of the fender. The discs are formed with an outer layer of elastomeric material selected for wear and non-marking properties. The inner portion of the disc is formed of elastomeric material selected for its cushioning characteristics. In some illustrated embodiments the inner portions of the discs are formed with openings of various shapes selected and arranged to provide the desired cushioning characteristics of the assembled fender. Rods extend through the discs to secure the discs together around the core.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for restraining lateral movement of large underwater equipment, such as a blowout preventer (BOP) stack for use on subsea wells, when retrieving or running such equipment through the well of a floating vessel. A plurality of rollers are angularly positioned about the well, each roller being capable of rolling longitudinally (vertically) along the equipment. Each roller is connected to shock absorbers for cushioning lateral movement of the equipment and to a piston cylinder for moving each roller toward and away from the equipment.

Abstract: An improved shock absorber and shock absorber assembly, particularly suited for table games, which cushions the impact of a player figure against the surface of a journal in which the player figure shaft is mounted. It includes a shock absorber body molded of relatively dense rubber and a low coefficient of friction-bearing element molded unitarily therewith. A bore through the member has a cement which grips the shaft and another segment whose inner surface is spaced radially from the shaft. The external shape of the member is frusto-conical with the smaller end facing the playing figure.

Abstract: Shock absorber effectively absorbs shock to bumper of automobile by compressive deformation of cushion, regardless of direction from which shock comes. Shock absorber comprises hollow tubular cushion placed within cylinder having one end closed. Plunger fits within open end of cylinder to compress and deform hollow tubular cushion. Shock applied to plunger is mitigated by resistance provided by hollow tubular cushion. Particular structure between cylinder and plunger inhibits sudden return of plunger to original position while providing little resistance on downstroke of plunger.

Abstract: A shock cell for a bumper fending off vehicles traveling adjacent a fixed structure is provided wherein an outer cylinder extends horizontally from the structure. An inner cylinder coupled to the bumper extends into the open end of the outer cylinder. An annular rubber cylinder is bonded to the inner surface of the outer cylinder and to the outer surface of the inner cylinder for a distance of the order of the diameter of the inner cylinder and with the outer and inner ends having truncated surfaces conical with reference to apexes outside the outer cylinder and inside said inner cylinder respectively. A shearable stop plate is secured inside the outer cylinder spaced inwardly from the end of the inner cylinder a distance slightly greater than the thickness of the annular body.

Abstract: A shock absorbing body for protecting an object, such as an automobile, has an outer wall and end walls, that are attached to a rigid support. The outer wall is deformable on impact, but has a high tensile strength due to a flexible belt imbedded in it. In the area between the outer wall and the rigid support, hollow spaces are formed by pairs of reinforcing walls located throughout the region. The reinforcing walls extend across the region from the outer wall, but do not contact the rigid support. During an impact on the shock absorbing body the outer wall is first deformed until the pairs of reinforcing walls contact the rigid support, thus increasing the strength of the shock absorbing body. If more force is applied, the pairs of reinforcing walls in the area buckle against each other, thereby increasing their strength.

Abstract: A bumper assembly for fending off vessels floating adjacent a marine structure includes bumper rings having flat lower surfaces and uniquely relieved upper outer surfaces. In a further aspect, an assembly includes a spring support element at one end thereof.

Abstract: Shock absorber characterized in that a hollow tubular cushion is placed within a cylinder with one end closed. A plunger fits within the open end of the cylinder to compress and deform the cushion. Shock applied to the plunger is mitigated by the resistance provided by the cushion. Resistance means between the cylinder and the plunger inhibits sudden return of the plunger to its original position while providing little resistance on the down stroke of the plunger.

Abstract: A shock absorber has a cylindrical housing which encloses a plurality of axially aligned chambers. Each chamber is defined by two distinct partition walls disposed perpendicular to the axis of the housing. One partition wall of each chamber is axially fixed and the other is axially displaceable relative thereto. Each chamber is filled with a pad or pads of compressible foamed plastic material, and pads of material having different densities are disposed in each chamber or in different ones of the several chambers.

Abstract: A shock load absorbing load cell with relatively longitudinally movable structural members interconnected by a plurality of shear load elastomeric segments, each having spaced plates bonded to opposite surfaces of an intervening flexible molded block of elastomeric material. Molded shape memory of the elastomeric material blocks resiliently urges the spaced plates back to their original position after they have been displaced in absorbing a shock load.

Abstract: A shock absorber constructed as elastomer hollow spring which is arranged between a vehicle bumper and a fixed vehicle part, and which is supported under prestress at these parts; the shock absorber includes at its end near the vehicle a socket having an inner area abutting at the shock absorber and an outer area abutting at the inner sides of sections of the bumper which are directed inwardly of the vehicle; each outer area thereby includes friction structures supported under prestress at the inner sides of the bumper sections.

Abstract: An energy absorbing bumper for protecting an object from a collision is disclosed which has a compressible cellular core having a plurality of relatively large spaced apart cavities extending from the back side at least partially through the cellular core and a resilient outer skin enclosing the compressible core.