Patent US3797873A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3797873A
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Energy absorbing apparatus
Assignee: Ethyl Corp
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Filing: 1971-06-28
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Granted: 1974-03-19
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Expires: 1991-06-28
Abstract
Abstract An energy absorbing apparatus for a vehicle including a frame connected to the front end of an automobile chassis. The frame is connected to the vehicle bumper by compressible energy absorbing means.
Inventors
- 👤 C Cook
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 12:34
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60R; B60R19/00; B60R19/02; B60R19/24; B60R19/26; B60R19/36
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 15
Claim 1
Independent Claim
88 words
An energy absorbing apparatus for vehicles comprising: a. load distribution means, b. compressible foamed metal energy absorbing means connected to said load distribution means, c. first frame means connected to said energy absorbing means, d. tension member means connected to said compressible energy absorbing means, said tension member means being located adjacent said first frame means, said tension member means comprising a metal member means extending across said vehicle frame means and beneath said first frame means, and e. vehicle frame means connected to said first frame means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
88 words
An energy absorbing apparatus for vehicles comprising: a. load distribution means, b. compressible foamed metal energy absorbing means connected to said load distribution means, c. first frame means connected to said energy absorbing means, d. tension member means connected to said compressible energy absorbing means, said tension member means being located adjacent said first frame means, said tension member means comprising a metal member means extending across said vehicle frame means and beneath said first frame means, and e. vehicle frame means connected to said first frame means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said load distribution means comprises a member generally shaped like a truncated ''''V''''.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said compressible, energy absorbing means comprises mechanically expanded metal.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said compressible, energy absorbing means comprises foamed aluminum.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said load distribution means has bumper means connected thereto.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said bumper means is connected to said load distribution means by shock absorber means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said first frame means comprises a member generally shaped like a truncated ''''V''''.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said tension member has ends which are perpendicular to said tension member, said ends being connected to said compressible energy absorbing means.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said tension member means is connected to said vehicle frame means and said frame means by shear pin means.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein a connecting bar is connected to the ends of said vehicle frame.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said vehicle frame means has two front members which are connected by a connecting bar.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
67 words
A method for decelerating a moving vehicle having a frame means comprising: a. applying a decelerating force to said vehicle, and b. transmitting said force through compressible energy absorbing means to first frame means causing said first frame means to bend, said bending of said first frame means moving said vehicle frame means outwardly, wherein said outwardly flexing frame means contacts compressible foamed metal energy absorbing means.
Claim 14
Independent Claim
67 words
A method for decelerating a moving vehicle having a frame means comprising: a. applying a decelerating force to said vehicle, and b. transmitting said force through compressible energy absorbing means to first frame means causing said first frame means to bend, said bending of said first frame means moving said vehicle frame means outwardly, wherein said outwardly flexing frame means contacts compressible foamed metal energy absorbing means.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 12 wherein said decelerating force is applied to load distribution meaNs.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-03-18 | 1977-09-17 | 1978-03-19 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-03-18 | 1981-09-17 | 1982-03-19 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-03-18 | 1985-09-17 | 1986-03-19 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |