Abstract: An energy absorbing system with one or more energy absorbing assemblies is provided to reduce or eliminate the severity of a collision between a moving motor vehicle and a roadway hazard. The energy absorbing system may be modified for use at a fixed roadside hazard such as the end of a concrete barrier or attached to the rear portion of a highway service vehicle. The energy absorbing system preferably includes an impact attenuator having at least one cutter and at least one energy absorbing element which are slidably disposed relative to each other. An impact plate is also attached to one end of the impact attenuator such that a collision by the motor vehicle with the impact plate will result in the cutter shearing the energy absorbing element to dissipate energy from the impact of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A multi-fabric layer, resin matrix laminated composite tube is disclosed having an end portion adapted for crush initiation by the provision of slits in the fabric of at least the innermost fabric layers of said tube, the lengths of said slits preferably decreasing in progressively outer fabric layers of the laminated material.

Abstract: A bumper and front rail assembly includes first and second front rails with a steel cross-member extending therebetween. The steel cross-member has a substantially U-shaped cross-section. A steel forward member is secured to the cross-member and spans the length thereof. The forward member is configured to act as a spring for elastic deformation against the cross-member in a low energy impact. First and second steel crush cans are disposed in the cross-member adjacent the first and second front rails, respectively. The crush cans are configured for improved energy management.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for isolating and absorbing energy associated with shock forces that are exerted upon an object, such as the energy attendant to shock forces experienced during and immediately following a mild to severe impact. The apparatus generally having: (a) a housing defining an enclosure; (b) at least one segment of non-liquid material contained within the enclosure; and (c) a piston placed within the enclosure. When the shock or impact force is applied to either the piston or housing, the piston urges the non-liquid material to pass or extrude through an aperture, orifice, channel or slot located either within the piston or the housing. The non-liquid material passes or extrudes through the aperture, orifice, channel or slot in a direction that is generally transverse to the relative movement of the piston within the enclosure.

Abstract: A crash impact attenuator designed to be mounted on a service truck or other vehicle including a perimeter band, preferably with an elongated profile having generally arcuate ends spaced from each other and interconnected by opposing links of side walls. At substantially the center of the side walls, a loop of cable or similar high tension material is provided to limit any separation of the side walls from each other. Considering one of the two arcuate ends of the perimeter band as constituting the front of the crash impact attenuator and the other of the two arcuate ends of the perimeter band as constituting the back of the crash impact attenuator, the front of the attenuator is bolted or otherwise connected to the service vehicle to be protected it from impact and the rear of the impact attenuator cantilevers out from the rear of the service vehicle and spaced above the surface over which the service vehicle is traveling.

Abstract: A motor vehicle has a rigid vehicle body structure with a compartment for passengers and payload. The vehicle body structure has a front, a back, and sides. An exterior skin is connected to the vehicle body structure and includes a plurality of aerial exterior skin portions. At least one impact protection unit is connected to the vehicle body structure and one of the aerial exterior skin portions for moving the one exterior skin portion from a retracted position at the vehicle body structure into an extended position in which a base surface area defined by the outer contour of the motor vehicle is enlarged. The impact protection unit upon impact reduces a deceleration of the compartment due to a movement of the impact protection unit toward the vehicle body structure.

Abstract: A structure for mounting a bumper beam 2 extending transversely of a vehicle covered with a bumper face 6 and mounted to a chassis 3 through a support 4, in which the bumper beam 2 is formed into a hollow body made of high-tension steel, the front end of the support 4 extends forward beyond the rear portion of the bumper beam 2. Thus, when a large collision energy works on the lightweight bumper beam formed into a hollow body made of high-tension steel, the collision energy is quickly transferred to the vehicle chassis through the front end of the beam.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bumper for a vehicle body having two side members (11, 12), said bumper consisting of a bumper bracket (13) extending over the width of the body, with two deformation members (14, 15) projecting at right angles from the back at a distance from one another, said members being integral with bumper bracket (13) and being connectable by bolt connections (20) with side members (11, 12). The deformation members (14, 15) are more resistant to deformation than bumper bracket (13), so that they deform to absorb additional energy only when the ability of bumper bracket (13) to deform is exhausted.

Abstract: A collision damping arrangement for absorbing energy in a possible head-on and/or rear end collision of a motor vehicle, having respectively a bumper-side cross member (1; 18) and longitudinal members (4, 5; 19) which are arranged on the cross member and which are also connected to the corresponding passenger compartment, with at least one collision damper (2, 3; 15, 16; 17) being arranged on a respective longitudinal member (4, 5; 19). In order to permit the collision damper (2, 3; 15, 16; 17) to be produced in a straightforward manner and at reasonable cost, and a precise matching of a predeterminable collision behavior of the vehicle in a simple manner, the collision damper (2, 3; 15, 16; 17) is comprised of an extruded section whose profile extends transversely to the longitudinal axis (6) of the longitudinal member (4, 5; 19) for the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A collision energy absorbing structure of an automobile is provided with an energy absorbing space between an inner panel of a vehicle structure member and an interior trim material covering the inner panel in the inward thereof and has a grid-like non-metal energy absorber (10) disposed within the energy absorbing space, the energy absorber (10) including one or a plurality of longitudinal ribs (32)and a plurality of lateral ribs (34). Each longitudinal rib (32) of the energy absorber has notches (36) on the inward side confronting the interior trim material directed toward a junction (33) where each longitudinal rib intersects each lateral rib and joined together.

Abstract: An energy absorber is provided which can primarily be used as a replaceable energy absorbing bumper support structure. The structure includes a hollow cylinder with a stamped pattern on the cylinder wall for initiating an indented buckling pattern during crush of the cylinder. Holes in the patterned cylinder also allow for crash control of the buckling cylinder. The energy absorber is staged to provide for an increase in crush force as it progressively crashes each stage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an absorption element for absorbing kinetic energy, in particular that of vehicles, such as for example motor vehicles. The absorption element is particularly suitable as part of an absorption system of vehicle bumpers which absorb energy released during a collision, in order to prevent structural deformations of the bumper or vehicle. The absorption element can also be used as part of a seat structure or other passive safety elements.

Abstract: Disclosed is an energy absorbing structure (10) for decelerating an object that impacts the structure. The structure has at least one energy absorbing member (20). Each member includes a stranded structure such as expanded metal (22) which provides the energy absorbing structure (10) with the characteristic of energy absorption according to a near square wave characteristic.

Abstract: The sacrificial tube shock attenuation device services as a deformable energy absorbing system designed to be employed between a bumper receiving a potentially destructive force and a payload which is to be protected from the force. The device is composed of a tube assembly running through and aligning apertures of a maul, or series of mauls, which is (are) attached to the bumper and the apertures of a pair of stators, or multiple pairs of stators, that each maul is situated between. The stators are attached to the payload. When overloaded the maul(s) moves relative to the stators causing a misalignment of their respective apertures resulting in deformation of the tube assembly. A simple tube assembly may be comprised of a single tube. A more complex tube assembly may be comprised of multiple tubes within tubes depending on the anticipated overload. In a multi-tube assembly the inner tubes receive the load consecutively as the misalignment of the apertures of the maul and stators progresses.

Abstract: A crash attenuator adapted to be mounted on a vehicle to attenuate some of the energy of an impact, the crash attenuator includes a frame adapted to be mounted on a vehicle; a slider mounted on the frame to slide in response relative to the frame toward the vehicle in response to an impact; a collapsible, energy-absorbing member positioned between the slider and the frame to absorb energy as the slider telescopes relative to the frame; and a crushable, energy-absorbing crash cushion on the outboard side of the slider.

Abstract: An impact bumper apparatus and method for absorbing an impact delivered to a vehicle comprising a pair of contiguous, generally hollow longitudinal tubular members adapted to absorbing an impact by crumpling, interconnected by at least one spacer, at least one trapezoidal shaped guide assembly, and at least one support assembly. The guide assembly absorbs impact and effects an upward change in the direction of the impact, and the support assembly absorbs impact and effects a downward change in the direction of the impact.

Abstract: A system for limiting the movement of a pipe due to a seismic event is disclosed, including an energy absorbing device for restraining the pipe in the event of the seismic event, and a clamp adapted be attached about the pipe at a point where the anticipated unrestrained movement due to a seismic event is greater than the anticipated thermal movement of the pipe. The energy absorbing device is connected at one of its ends to the clamp, and the opposite end of the energy absorbing device is adapted to be connected to a substantially immovable support structure or wall. The device includes a first elongated member having a hollow portion therein and a second member mounted within the hollow portion of the first member. One of the first and second members has its front end fixedly connected to the clamp, and the other one of the members has its rear end adapted to be connected fixedly to the support structure.

Abstract: The invention concerns impact-absorber devices, an impact-absorption method, and a framework and a vehicle including such impact-absorber devices. According to the invention, the impact-absorber device comprises at least one longitudinal member absorbing by deformation the energy generated by an impact in a given direction, which member is made from thin plate, having a generally triangular cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the direction of impact. Applications to rail vehicles, for example.

Abstract: An upset tube for accommodating impact energy in a motor vehicle, preferably head-on collisions, which may be used both in the bumper bar or propeller shaft of a motor vehicle, has one bead angled with sides with different angular values. The angles enable a predetermination of the region of nominal fracture. After having been sheared off, the upset tube is able to destroy a defined amount of friction energy.

Abstract: A vehicle and vehicle bumper provide protection against other vehicles underriding the vehicle. The bumper uses breakable links which break at a predetermined force. The bumper structure has a pivoting arrangement such that, upon breakage of the breakable links, the pivoting of the bumper tends to lift the rear of the vehicle which is being hit and tends to smash downward on the front end of the impinging vehicle, which might otherwise underride the vehicle having the present bumper. A method of using the bumper to prevent underride includes the smashing down and lifting up features.

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 dual resistance cylinder responsive to the energies present in low speed collisions to return the bumper without damage and responsive to the energies present in high speed collisions to offer greater protection to the vehicle passengers. The cylinder employs members having telescoping side walls which offer a first (low) resistance against compression and, when locked together, offer a second (high) resistance against compression. The side walls are locked together by way of an electronic solenoid.

Abstract: An air cell bumper device includes a mounting base mounted on a mounting track being fixed to the body of a motor vehicle, and a rubber air bag fastened to the mounting base for impact protection, the rubber air bag having an inflatable big air bag and small air-tight air bags separated around the big air bag by partition walls, and whereby when the rubber air bag is compressed by an impact, the partition walls will be torn permitting air to rapidly move from the big air chamber into the small air chamber to buffer the impact.

Abstract: An impact damper for supporting a bumper of a vehicle on the latter's chassis consists of two tubes one guided within the other, the external tube having at least one inwards-directed projection reinforced by a reinforcement ring and engaging with a suited depression of the internal tube. A deformation face is formed on the projection and tapers towards the axis of the tubes.

Abstract: The invention concerns an impact-absorption device, particularly for vehicles, which is attached on one side to the bumper and on the other side to the longitudinal girder or another part of the vehicle-body structure. The device has a non-regenerative deforming unit designed to absorb energy when acted on by a force with a component in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the longitudinal girder. The deforming unit has at least two hollow deforming elements which engage one inside the other, one of which being attached to the bumper while the other is attached to the longitudinal girder of the vehicle. If the device is crushed by a force component acting along its longitudinal axis, the deforming elements are telescoped into each other, deforming the material. The hollow deforming elements (12, 14) have a non-circular, preferably oval or angular, cross-section. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the hollow elements have ribs.

Abstract: An energy absorbing device for use alongside a roadway to decelerate an impacting vehicle includes first and second elements. The first element extends in an axial direction and includes a threaded portion that defines a multitude of projecting ridges. The second element is movable relative to the first element in the axial direction, and the first and second elements are sized to create an interference fit such that relative axial movement of the second element applies a shear load to the first element to progressively deform successive ones of the projecting elements. This progressive deformation of the projecting elements retards relative axial movement between the first and second elements.

Abstract: A front body section of a vehicle which is provided with a front-side member and a crush box. The crush box includes a front section and a rear section, which are disposed in front of the front-side member so as to be axially aligned and connected thereto. An upper plate, a lower plate, an outer plate, and an inner plate, all of which form the front section, are prepared so as to provide a lower level of total plastic characteristic, when under load, than those plate members which form the rear section. The crush box thereby exhibits a total plastic characteristic, when under load, in two stages.

Abstract: A deformation member having an eversion portion includes a central deformation portion made of unreinforced thermoplastic synthetic material and end portions made of fiber-reinforced synthetic material providing connections to neighboring parts. This permits simple manufacture by injection molding.

Abstract: The present invention includes a mounting assembly for securing an energy absorber unit to vehicular support. A collar having a hub portion is secured to the energy absorber. The hub portion includes at least one circumferential ramp and flange. A mounting plate having at least one tab is secured to the vehicular support. As the collar is placed adjacent the mounting plate, the ramp is rotated into a slip fit with the tab. Preferably, a locking projection of the mounting plate is received in an opening on the flange of the collar to prevent inadvertent rotation of the collar out of a secured position. Also, an alignment key and notch can be formed on the mounting plate and collar, respectively, to facilitate proper orientation of the collar during installation.

Abstract: An energy absorbing roadside crash barrier includes a scissors linkage having first and second ends. The scissors linkage is movable between an extended position and a collapsed position. A mounting element is coupled to the first end of the scissors linkage to mount the scissors linkage to a roadside obstacle. Deformable energy absorbing elements are mounted to the scissors linkage and positioned such that movement of the scissors linkage from the extended to the collapsed positions deforms the energy absorbing elements, and the energy absorbing elements thereby progressively resist collapse of the scissors linkage. A tension member is secured to the scissors linkage to apply a restraining force to hold the scissors linkage in the extended position, until forces tending to collapse the linkage exceed a pre-set range of values.

Abstract: A method and device for constructing a auxiliary hull, exterior to the primary hull of a ship, which has the capacity to absorb impact energy preventing primary hull puncture, and can be easily retrofitted to existing ship hulls. This method and device involves the use of energy absorbing members arranged in a truss-like formation to support the auxiliary hull shell. The auxiliary hull shell can be laminated to weaken interlaminar shear strength and further increase energy absorption during impact and thus prevent auxiliary hull puncture. This method and device also allows for the void spaces created between the primary and auxiliary hull shells to be filled with material which will, distribute the impact forces to the primary hull over a wider primary hull area, serve to support the auxiliary hull shell under hydrostatic forces and provide additional buoyancy forces if the auxiliary hull shell is punctured.

Abstract: An automotive bumper includes a closed cross section impact bar having at least one open end. An insert formed as a plurality of interconnected molded cells is received in the open end and spans the distance between front and rear walls of the impact bar. A positioning rib prevents overtravel of the insert and tuning bumps are provided to create an interference fit between the insert and the impact bar. An energy absorber can be mounted on the impact bar and fitted with the positioning rib of the insert.

Abstract: An energy absorbing member (12) is installed in a bumper reinforcement (4) so that one end of the energy absorbing member (12) faces the side member (3) of an automobile. During an accident, if a force is applied to the bumper apparatus (2), the energy absorbing member (12) collapses like a bellows in order to absorb this shock. The energy absorbing member (12) will reliably collapse in this desired manner under many conditions, for example, where the automobile is large and heavy or where the accident occurs under a high-speed condition. The energy absorbing member (12) is of a tubular shape with smooth and straight surfaces so that the energy absorbing member (12) can be easily produced by an extraction forming method or the like. Furthermore, the energy absorbing member (12) is installed within the bumper reinforcement (14) so that the bumper apparatus (2) projects less from an automobile body (1) in comparison to conventional bumpers.

Abstract: A fold-back deformation arrangement includes a deformation tube of plastically deformable material and a support arrangement with a fold-back surface engaging one end of the tube. The arrangement is designed so that relative angular motions between the fold-back surface and the deformation tube are possible without tending to buckle the tube.

Abstract: An impact attenuating device such as a truck mounted attenuator includes at least two cartridges, which are secured together by flanges and angled backing elements on adjacent portions of the upper and lower sheets of the cartridges. The forwardmost bay of the impact attenuating device includes stiffening elements on the lower surface and deformable elements which come closely adjacent to the lower surface of the impact attenuating device in order to urge an impacting vehicle with having a low bumper height upwardly, toward the center of the impact attenuating device. The end of the impact attenuating device initially struck by an impacting vehicle is covered by a resilient collapsible element having parallel pleats and recessed corners, such that the collapsible element can absorb low energy impacts without damage to the impact attenuating device.

Abstract: A reversible impact damper is in series with an additionally provided irreversible deformation damper. The impact damper is a usual solid damper. The deformation damper has a deformation piston bearing against a piston rod of the impact damper on the one hand and on the other hand against crimps, which are formed in the wall of a slide tube displaceable relative to the housing of the impact damper and which are deformable.

Abstract: An impact or recoil member possessing a plurality of gas cushions which are arranged within each other, and which are activatable in sequence in response to a triggering sensor. A comparatively hard assumption of a load by the outer gas cushion is permitted up to a pressure rise beyond its bursting limit; with at least one inner gas cushion which is designed for the assumption of the residual energy of the mass which is to be caught under a hard or stiff spring characteristic. The individual gas cushions are activated staggered in time from the outside towards the inside over a period of time from a triggering apparatus which is centrally provided for all gas cushions either in or behind the mounting support for the inflation of the still folded-in cushion casings in a specified time sequence, whereby the actuation of the triggering apparatus is implemented through the triggering or tripping sensor which is correlated with the loading scenario.

Abstract: An inexpensive damper adapted to the stress frequency in the form of a shock absorber, in particular for vehicle seats, consists of an abutment (8), in which an absorber sleeve (2) of a thermoplastic material with a piston (1) guided therein with expansion bead (10) is clamped, wherein the absorber sleeve (2) is composed of a thermoplastic material having a tensile strength .sigma..sub.R of at least 40 MPa, an elongation at break .epsilon..sub.R of at least 60%, a tensile stress at yield .sigma..sub.S of at least 40 MPa and an elongation at yield .epsilon..sub.S of at least 3.5% (according to ISO/R 527 or DIN 53 455 in each case).

Abstract: Shock absorber for motor vehicles having an outside tube and at least one inside tube, the tube lying on the inside projecting out of the outside tube and the part of the inside tube lying within the outside tube having a larger outside diameter than the inside diameter of the outside tube interacting with it. The tube lying on the outside has two bores going through it perpendicular to its lengthwise axis, and at least one of the bores is placed in the area containing the inside tube, and the inside tube has, in the area of this bore in the outside tube, continuous lengthwise slots that overlap the borehole. Holes are present on the car body that overlap the crosswise bores and screws are provided that go through the holes on the car body and the crosswise bores. The shock absorber absorbs force through deformation of the outside tube by the inside tube as it is pushed by an impact on a free end of the inside tube which may carry a vehicle bumper, for example.

Abstract: A bumper arrangement for motor vehicles, particularly passenger cars, having a bumper which is held on the vehicle body by flexible fastening devices. Impact absorbing tubes are arranged between the vehicle body and the bumper which cannot regenerate, and consist of at least one fiber composite, the fibers of which are at least essentially arranged in the longitudinal direction of the tube.

Abstract: An impact absorber between a bumper and the base of a vehicle has ribs which progressively shear away against the flange during impact, this flange being originally connected and in one piece with the cylindrical body formed with the ribs and being separated therefrom by a weakened zone defined by an annular groove or notch formed in the weakened zone opposite the end of the body connected to the bumper.

Abstract: A motor vehicle bumper has a crossmember fixed to the body and an impact-confronting collision part. Non-regenerable deformation members are arranged between the collision part and the crossmember, at least in the region of support points, and the impact-confronting collision part is secured to the crossmember via fastening bolts passing through the deformation members. During a deformation of the non-regenerable deformation members, the collision part is displaceable in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle in order to increase the deformation capacity, while preserving the indicator effect of the support points. The collision part is designed as a trim part encasing, at least in the region of the support points, a core consisting of elastically deformable foam. With the exception of the region of the support points, the bumper has a gap on the energy-absorber side.

Abstract: This invention relates to a reinforcement member to be mounted internally in the doors of an automobile, and more particularly to the member comprising two parallel flat members and one or two corrugated members which connect said two parallel members in such a manner as to position the ridges of folds thereof perpendicular to the surfaces of the plate members. The reinforcement member is mounted internally in car doors. When the car receives an impact from the side of the door, the corrugated surfaces of the member can distribute the impact evenly by deforming themselves into a fan-like shape to thereby prevent the door from being abruptly folded at one point.

Abstract: A vehicular bumper assembly is formed of an outer bumper with one or more arcuate faces and one or more resilient pipes having outer surfaces conforming to the arcuate faces. The pipes are located adjacent to the faces and serve a buffering function when the outer bumper moves rearwardly in a collision. A buffer spring assembly absorbs an initial first portion of a collision force. The pipes then absorb a second portion of the collision force. The assembly also has a touch switch for enabling the vehicle's horn during a collision.

Abstract: An impact absorber for a motor vehicle comprises a pair of telescopingly interfitted tubes which receive the impact energy axially and in which either the inner or outer tube is plastically deformed as the tubes are telescopingly contacted by the impact force. The outer tube receives a smaller diameter portion of the inner tube at one end and the outer tube projects at this end to have a large diameter portion whose diameter is greater than the inner diameter of the outer tube and is connected to the small diameter portion by a conical transition region.

Abstract: An impact damper or an energy absorbing device having at least two tubes which telescope one into the other and are configured especially for motor vehicles for the dampening of forces on a vehicle which crashes into an obstacle. In the inner space or interior of the impact damper, there may be included at least one dampening fluid which is filled through a filling device; a throttling point; and at least one component which confines the at least one dampening fluid in the inner space.

Abstract: A front end structure of a vehicle body includes a pair of front side members and a pair of bumper mounting brackets secured to front ends of the side members. A pair of shock absorbers are interposed between a bumper and the respective bumper mounting brackets to interconnect the same. The bumper mounting brackets are constructed so that a maximum compressive load thereof is smaller than that of the side members and larger than a maximum opposing force of the shock absorbers.

Abstract: A plastic bumper for use in an automobile includes a front wall member generally having a U-shape cross-section, and a rear wall member having a mid portion intermittently indented to form a plurality of pyramid frustum shaped recesses. An outer end face of each pyramid frustum recess is adhered to an inside face of said front wall member. Thus, the bumper is reinforced with respect to vertical and horizontal impacts.

Abstract: A vehicle bumper includes an elongated shell member for attachment to an end portion of a vehicle. An impact member is received within the shell member for limited lateral sliding movement and is biased outwardly through an elongated opening in the shell member. A coil spring biases the impact member outwardly from the shell member and a shock absorber dampens lateral movement of the impact member. An air bag is received in an outwardly opening elongated cavity in the impact member and is inflatable upon a severe impact. A resilient cover which surrounds the impact member and encloses the air bag includes a pair of inwardly extending elongated ribs in frictional engagement with a pair of parallel grooves provided in an outer portion of the impact member. The cover has a padded outer portion for absorbing minor impacts and is released from engagement with the impact member upon inflation of the air bag. An air spoiler may be secured to the shell member.

Abstract: An impact absorber is disclosed herein having a single or a pair of box-beam inflatable members arranged in guided sliding relationship. Elongated slots and shear bolts cooperate to releasably couple the inflatable members together so as to absorb shock prior to shearing. A resilient inflatable block is carried on the forward terminating end of one beam member while a resilient pad is carried on the terminating end of the other beam member in alignment to interfere with the sliding movement of the first member. The various impact-absorbing elements are arranged in a series for sequential actuation upon application of an impact. The inflatable block absorbs shock first, followed by the shear bolts and finally the resilient pad.