Energy absorbing device

Claim 2

An energy absorbing device, comprising: a. an energy absorbing elastomeric member having a surface; b. a carrier member confronting said surface of the elastomeric member, the members being capable or relative movement in a direction along said surface; c. indenting means carried by the carrier member for movement therewith relative to the elastomeric member, the indenting means pressing into the elastomeric member; d. and at least one restraining means for a portion of the elastomeric member spaced beyond the range of movement of the indenting means with respect to the elastomeric member and preventing movement of said restrained portion of said elastomeric member in said direction; e. the portion of the elastomeric member between the indenting means and the restraining means including an unrestrained portion free to move in said direction and deformable to effect distributed energy absorption upon movement of the indenting means relative to the elastomeric member in said direction, whereby the elastomeric member not only absorbs energy in the region of indentation by the indenting means, but also absorbs energy throughout the region between the indenting means and the restraining means.

Claim 3

An energy absorbing device as defined in claim 1, wherein: a. the energy absorbing member and carrier member are cylindrical; and, b. the indenting means is a circumferentially distributed set of indenting elements.

Claim 4

An energy absorbing device as defined in claim 1, wherein: a. the energy absorbing member and carrier members are cylindrical; and, b. the indenting means is circular.

Claim 5

An energy absorbing device as defined in claim 1, wherein: a. the indenting means is a set of rollers disposed in angular relation.

Claim 6

An energy absorbing device as defined in claim 1, wherein: a. the energy absorbing member and carrier member are flat; and b. the indenting means is a roller.

Claim 7

An energy absorbing device as defined in claim 1, wherein: A. the elastomeric Member has a second surface opposite from the carrier member; b. a supporting member confronts the second surface of the elastomeric member; c. said restraining means is carried by the supporting member; d. and said indenting means presses the elastomeric member into frictional contact with the supporting member.

Claim 8

An energy absorbing device as defined in claim 1, wherein: a. the carrier member and indenting means move longitudinally as a unit relative to the energy absorbing member.

Claim 9

An energy absorbing device as defined in claim 1, wherein: a. the carrier member and its indenting means move rotationally as a unit relative to the energy absorbing member.

Claim 10

An energy absorbing device as defined in claim 1, wherein: a. the energy absorbing member includes a region clearing the indenting means, whereby within said region, the indenting means is freely movable relative to the energy absorbing member.

Claim 11

An energy absorbing device as defined in claim 1, wherein: a. the indenting means is a set spherical indenting elements; b. and the carrier member has a wall backing the indenting elements disposed in sloping relation to the energy absorbing member, whereby the indenting elements are operative when the indenting elements and energy absorbing member move relatively in one direction and are inoperative when the indenting elements and energy absorbing member move relatively in the opposite direction.

Claim 12

An energy absorbing device as defined in claim 1, wherein: a. the spacing of the energy absorbing member varies with respect to the indenting means thereby to effect a corresponding variation in the amount of energy absorbed during relative movement.

Claim 13

An energy absorbing device as defined in claim 1, wherein: a. the energy absorbing member also has a second surface, opposite from the carrier member; b. a supporting member confronts the second surface; c. the energy absorbing member and its supporting member as one unit and the carrier member and its indenting means as a second unnit are arranged to move longitudinally with respect to each other.

Claim 14

An energy absorbing device as defined in claim 1, wherein: a. the energy absorbing member also has a second surface, opposite from the carrier member; b. a supporting member confronts the second surface; c. the elastomeric member and its supporting member as one unit and the carrier and its indenting means as a second unit are arranged to rotate with respect to each other.

Claim 15

An energy absorbing device as defined in claim 1, wherein: a. the elastomeric member and its supporting member are tapered with respect to the carrier and its indenting means and move longitudinally relative thereto to change the extent of indentation thereby to change the energy absorbed by the elastomeric member in the course of relative movement.

Claim 16

An energy absorbing device as defined in claim 1, wherein: a. the carrier member includes a tapered recess for the indenting means whereby, on movement relative to the elastomeric member in one direction, the indenting means is operative; whereas, on movement relative to the elastomeric member in the opposite direction, the indenting means is inoperative.

Claim 17

An energy absorbing means as defined in claim 1, wherein: a. a first and second restraining means are disposed at opposite sides of the indenting means in spaced relation thereto, thereby forming two portions of the elastomeric member subjected to distributed energy absorbing deformation.

Claim 18

An energy absorbing device, comprising: a. an energy absorbing elastomeric tubular member; b. a supporting member having at least a portion thereof slidably extending within said elastomeric tubular member; c. means restraining at least one end of said elastomeric tubular member relative to said supporting member; d. a carrier member having indenting means pressing into the outer surface of the elastomeric tubular meMber to deform it into pressure contact with said supporting member; whereby, upon relative axial movement of said supporting member and said indenting means, the elastomeric tubular member absorbs energy in the localized regions of pressure by the indenting means and is also deformed in the region between the indenting means and the restraining means to absorb energy.

Claim 19

An energy absorbing device, comprising: a. an energy absorbing elastomeric tubular member; b. a supporting member having at least a portion thereof slidably extending within said elastomeric tubular member; c. means restraining at least one end of said elastomeric tubular member relative to said supporting member; d. a carrier member having indenting means pressing into the outer surface of the elastomeric tubular meMber to deform it into pressure contact with said supporting member; whereby, upon relative axial movement of said supporting member and said indenting means, the elastomeric tubular member absorbs energy in the localized regions of pressure by the indenting means and is also deformed in the region between the indenting means and the restraining means to absorb energy.

Claim 20

An energy absorbing device as defined in claim 27, wherein: a. the other end of said elastomeric tubular member abuts a shoulder on said supporting member, whereby upon relative axial movement of said supporting member and said indenting means the elastomeric tubular member absorbs energy in the localized regions of pressure by the indenting means and also absorbs energy in the distributed regions at opposite sides thereof between the restraining means and the shoulder.

Claim 21

An energy absorbing device as defined in claim 17, wherein: a. the relative movement of the indenting means and its carrier member with respect to the elastomeric tubular member is longitudinal.

Claim 22

An energy absorbing device as defined in claim 17, wherein: a. the relative movement of the indenting means and its carrier member with respect to the elastomeric tubular member is rotational.

Claim 23

An energy absorbing device as defined in claim 17, wherein: a. the carrier member includes a retaining means for the indenting means, the retaining means having a wall tapering with respect to the elastomeric tubular member whereby relative movement in one direction renders the indenting means operative and in the opposite direction inoperative.

Claim 24

An energy absorbing device as defined in claim 17, wherein: a. the carrier member includes a retaining means for the indenting means, the retaining means being adjustable with respect to the carrier member to change the extent of indentation of the indenting means into the elastomeric tubular member, thereby to change the energy absorption of the elastomeric tubular member.

Claim 25

An energy absorbing device as defined in claim 17, wherein: a. the restraining means secures an end of the elastomeric member relative to the supporting member against movement in either direction, whereby the region of the elastomeric member between the restraining means and indenting means may be subject to compression or tension.

Claim 26

An energy absorbing device, comprising: a. a mandrel rod; b. a first attachment fitting at one end of the mandrel rod; c. an energy absorbing elastomeric sleeve slidably received on the mandrel rod; d. means at opposite ends of the sleeve for restraining the ends of the sleeve against movement relative to the mandrel, the sleeve being axially movable on the mandrel between its ends; e. a tubular housing slidably received over the sleeve and including an end having an internal groove movable relative to the sleeve between points adjacent the ends of the sleeve; f. a ring of balls received in the groove and dimensioned to indent the sleeve and press the sleeve locally against the mandrel; g. a second attachment fitting carried by the housing for cooperation with the first attachment fitting to effect relative movement of the indenting balls and sleeve; h. the indenting balls upon such relative movement causing local absorption of energy by the elastomeric sleeve; the remaining portions of the sleeve between the indenting balls and the restraining means at the ends of the sleeve causing at least energy absorbing compression of the sleeve throughout a region between the indenting balls and one of the restraining means.

Claim 27

An energy absorbing device, comprising: a. a mandrel rod; b. a first attachment fitting at one end of the mandrel rod; c. an energy absorbing elastomeric sleeve slidably received on the mandrel rod; d. means at opposite ends of the sleeve for restraining the ends of the sleeve against movement relative to the mandrel, the sleeve being axially movable on the mandrel between its ends; e. a tubular housing slidably received over the sleeve and including an end having an internal groove movable relative to the sleeve between points adjacent the ends of the sleeve; f. a ring of balls received in the groove and dimensioned to indent the sleeve and press the sleeve locally against the mandrel; g. a second attachment fitting carried by the housing for cooperation with the first attachment fitting to effect relative movement of the indenting balls and sleeve; h. the indenting balls upon such relative movement causing local absorption of energy by the elastomeric sleeve; the remaining portions of the sleeve between the indenting balls and the restraining means at the ends of the sleeve causing at least energy absorbing compression of the sleeve throughout a region between the indenting balls and one of the restraining means.

Claim 28

An energy absorbing device as defined in claim 24, wherein: a. one of the retaining means secures the sleeve against tension loads whereby the portion of the sleeve between the indenting balls and said retaining means is subject to energy absorbing tension.

Claim 29

An energy absorbing device, as defined in claim 24, wherein: a. the elastomeric sleeve differs in diameter at vArious portions thereof to alter the energy absorption thereof in accordance with a predetermined pattern during relative movement of the balls and sleeve.

Claim 30

An energy absorbing device, as defined in claim 24, wherein: a. the groove is provided with a conical slope causing the balls to recede radially when moving in one direction with respect to the sleeve to reduce energy absorption and to advance radially when moving in the opposite direction with respect to the sleeve to increase energy absorption.

Claim 31

An energy absorbing device, as defined in claim 24, wherein: a. the housing includes portions defining the groove which are adjustable axially to change the width of the groove, and the groove includes a conical wall whereby the depth of penetration of the balls and hence the energy absorption of the elastomeric sleeve is adjustable.

Claim 32

An energy absorbing device, comprising: a. an elongated mandrel having a first attachment fitting at one end thereof; b. an energy absorbing member secured to and covering the mandrel; c. a tubular housing slidably received over the energy absorbing member and having a second attachment fitting; d. a cap screwthreaded to an end of the housing, the cap and housing defining an annular groove confronting the energy absorbing member; e. and a ring of balls disposed in the groove and indenting the energy absorbing member thereby to cause local absorption of energy by the energy absorbing member upon movement of the balls along the energy absorbing member; the balls being movable radially, upon adjustment of the cap relative to the housing member, thereby to change the amount of energy absorption.

Claim 33

An energy absorbing device, comprising: a. an elongated mandrel having a first attachment fitting at one end thereof; b. an energy absorbing member secured to and covering the mandrel; c. a tubular housing slidably received over the energy absorbing member and having a second attachment fitting; d. a cap screwthreaded to an end of the housing, the cap and housing defining an annular groove confronting the energy absorbing member; e. and a ring of balls disposed in the groove and indenting the energy absorbing member thereby to cause local absorption of energy by the energy absorbing member upon movement of the balls along the energy absorbing member; the balls being movable radially, upon adjustment of the cap relative to the housing member, thereby to change the amount of energy absorption.

Claim 34

An energy absorbing device, comprising: a. supporting member; b. an energy absorbing elastomeric member confronting the supporting member; c. a carrier member having retainer means confronting the opposite side of the elastomeric member from the supporting member; d. and a set of indenting means received in the retainer means and adapted to press into the elastomeric member to effect energy absorbing compression of the sleeve upon movement of the carrier and indenting means with respect to the elastomeric sleeve; e. said retainer means being adjustable with respect to the carrier member to change the extent of indentation of the indenting means into the elastomeric member, thereby to change energy absorption of the elastomeric member.

Claim 35

An energy absorbing device, comprising: a. supporting member; b. an energy absorbing elastomeric member confronting the supporting member; c. a carrier member having retainer means confronting the opposite side of the elastomeric member from the supporting member; d. and a set of indenting means received in the retainer means and adapted to press into the elastomeric member to effect energy absorbing compression of the sleeve upon movement of the carrier and indenting means with respect to the elastomeric sleeve; e. said retainer means being adjustable with respect to the carrier member to change the extent of indentation of the indenting means into the elastomeric member, thereby to change energy absorption of the elastomeric member.

Claim 36

An energy absorbing device, comprising: a. supporting member; b. an energy absorbing longitudinally extending elastomeric member confronting the supporting member; c. a carrier member movable longitudinally relative to the elastomeric member having retainer means confronting the opposite side of the elastomeric member from the supporting member; d. and a set of indenting means received in the retainer means and adapted to press into the elastomeric member to effect energy absorbing compression of the sleeve upon movement of the carrier and indenting means with respect to the elastomeric sleeve; e. the retainer means having a wall tapering with respect to the elastomeric member to permit movement of the indenting means between an operative position and an inoperative position, thereby to permit free relative movement in one relative direction and energy absorbing movement in the opposite direction; f. and a spring for exerting a force in a direction to cause the energy absorbing movement.

Claim 37

An energy absorbing device, comprising: a. supporting member; b. an energy absorbing longitudinally extending elastomeric member confronting the supporting member; c. a carrier member movable longitudinally relative to the elastomeric member having retainer means confronting the opposite side of the elastomeric member from the supporting member; d. and a set of indenting means received in the retainer means and adapted to press into the elastomeric member to effect energy absorbing compression of the sleeve upon movement of the carrier and indenting means with respect to the elastomeric sleeve; e. the retainer means having a wall tapering with respect to the elastomeric member to permit movement of the indenting means between an operative position and an inoperative position, thereby to permit free relative movement in one relative direction and energy absorbing movement in the opposite direction; f. and a spring for exerting a force in a direction to cause the energy absorbing movement.

Claim 38

An energy absorbing device, comprising: a. a supporting member; b. an energy absorbing elastomeric member retained by the supporting member against translational movement but otherwise capable of sliding movement thereon within its elastic limits to effect distributed stretch and compression; c. a carrier member confronting the side of the elastomeric member opposite from the supporting member; d. indenting means carried by the carrier member and locally compressing the elastomeric member against thE supporting member; e. the elastomeric member, upon movement thereof relative to the carrier member and its indenting means, adapted to undergo localized energy absorption in the region of the indenting means as well as distributed energy absorption at either side thereof by reason of movement relative to the supporting member and resulting stretch and compression of portions of the elastomeric member; f. the carrier member including means for adjusting the indenting means to and from the elastomeric member to change the energy absorbing effect thereof.

Claim 39

An energy absorbing device, comprising: a. a supporting member; b. an energy absorbing elastomeric member retained by the supporting member against translational movement but otherwise capable of sliding movement thereon within its elastic limits to effect distributed stretch and compression; c. a carrier member confronting the side of the elastomeric member opposite from the supporting member; d. indenting means carried by the carrier member and locally compressing the elastomeric member against thE supporting member; e. the elastomeric member, upon movement thereof relative to the carrier member and its indenting means, adapted to undergo localized energy absorption in the region of the indenting means as well as distributed energy absorption at either side thereof by reason of movement relative to the supporting member and resulting stretch and compression of portions of the elastomeric member; f. the carrier member including means for adjusting the indenting means to and from the elastomeric member to change the energy absorbing effect thereof.