US3672657A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Liquid shock absorbing buffer
Assignee: Energy Absorption Systems Inc
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Filing: 1970-09-23
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Granted: 1972-06-27
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Expires: 1990-09-23
Abstract
Abstract An impact cushioning device for buffering the impact of a vehicle colliding with a stationary vertical surface. The device comprises a wall of liquid filled flexible, collapsible energy absorbing and dissipating cells disposed between the stationary vertical surface and movable articulated and overlapping diaphragm fender panels which are supported on slide plates. At impact, the fluid in the energy absorbing and dissipating cells is forced upward through a sharp-edged orifice which regulates the release of fluid commensurate with the force of impact. The outermost diaphragm panel is composed of a material having a low coefficient of friction to aid in safely redirecting the vehicle safely subsequent to impact.
Inventors
- 👤 Bruce O Young
- 👤 Grant W Walker
- 👤 Duane B Ford
- 👤 Wan Seegmiller
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 01:03
CPC Classifications
E; E01; E01F; E01F15/00; E01F15/14; E01F15/145; F; F16; F16F; F16F5/00; F16F9/00; F16F9/10
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
140 words
An impact absorbing safety barrier for a rigid elongated vertical member such as a restraining wall or the like, comprising: energy absorbing and dissipating means comprising a plurality of collapsible members extending along said vertical member and forwardly thereof in a series of adjacent rows; diaphragm means comprising a plurality of diaphragm panels disposed intermediate preselected ones of said series of rows, the forwardmost of said diaphragm panels in a direction removed from said vertical member being comprised of a multiplicity of panel sections positioned in overlapping relation and resiliently joined to one another for permitting articulation of said panel sections and enhancing the ability of said safety barriers for effecting deflection at a relatively low angle; and non-rigid means coupling said forwardmost diaphragm panel to said vertical member at spaced intervals for retaining said safety barrier in assembled relation.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
140 words
An impact absorbing safety barrier for a rigid elongated vertical member such as a restraining wall or the like, comprising: energy absorbing and dissipating means comprising a plurality of collapsible members extending along said vertical member and forwardly thereof in a series of adjacent rows; diaphragm means comprising a plurality of diaphragm panels disposed intermediate preselected ones of said series of rows, the forwardmost of said diaphragm panels in a direction removed from said vertical member being comprised of a multiplicity of panel sections positioned in overlapping relation and resiliently joined to one another for permitting articulation of said panel sections and enhancing the ability of said safety barriers for effecting deflection at a relatively low angle; and non-rigid means coupling said forwardmost diaphragm panel to said vertical member at spaced intervals for retaining said safety barrier in assembled relation.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
83 words
The impact absorbing safety buffer of claim 1 wherein: said non-rigid means comprises a plurality of restraining cables extending between said vertical member and said forwardmost diaphragm member such that a trapezoidal configuration is formed by said vertical member, said outermost diaphragm fender member, and an adjacent two of said restraining cable means whereby an impact will cause said outermost diaphragm member to move in a forward as well as a lateral direction so as to safely redirect said vehicle subsequent to impact.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
35 words
The impact absorbing safety buffer of claim 1 including: slide plate means positioned beneath said movable diaphragm members whereby an impact will cause said fender members to slide along the surface of said slide plates.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
42 words
The impact absorbing buffer of claim 1 wherein: said collapsible members are flexible cylindrical structures containing an incompressible fluid and each having orifice means therein for releasing said fluid at a rate commensurate with the energy of impact applied to said structures.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
59 words
The impact absorbing safety buffer of claim 4 including: containment means associated with each of said cylindrical structures for capturing and returning the fluid released from each of said cylindrical structures of said energy absorbing and dissipating means whereby fluid is prevented from escaping from said energy absorbing and dissipating means during an impact by entering said containment means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
37 words
The impact absorbing safety buffer of claim 1 wherein: said diaphragm fender members at the outermost position from said vertical member are relatively thicker than said diaphragm fender members at the innermost positions from said vertical member.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
50 words
The impact absorbing safety buffer of claim 6 wherein: the outer vertical surface of the movable diaphragm member furthest removed from said vertical member comprises a material having a relatively low coefficient of friction which aids in effecting delection from said furthest removed diaphragm member at a substantially low angle.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
13 words
The impact absorbing safety buffer of claim 7 wherein said material is fiberglass.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-06-27 | 1975-12-27 | 1976-06-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-06-27 | 1979-12-27 | 1980-06-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-06-27 | 1983-12-27 | 1984-06-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |