US3847426A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Frangible buffer apparatus for vehicles
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1971-09-17
•
Granted: 1974-11-12
•
Expires: 1991-09-17
Abstract
Abstract An impact absorbing bumper apparatus for motor vehicles in which the bumper is supported on telescoping legs extending from the vehicle, the legs retracting in response to the application of an impact load to the bumper. The retracting movement of the legs is resisted by an energy absorbing means comprising a replaceable cartridge made of a crushable material. A shiftable plate assembly is positioned in the legs. After impact forces have crushed the cartridge, the legs are disassembled to provide access to the shiftable plate assembly for removal of the crushed cartridge and replacement with a new cartridge.
Inventors
- 👤 F Mcgettigan
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 19:00
CPC Classifications
F; F16; F16F; F16F7/00; F16F7/12; F16F7/121; B; B60; B60R; B60R19/00; B60R19/02; B60R19/24; B60R19/26; B60R19/34
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
188 words
A bumper apparatus for motor vehicles such as automobiles or the like comprising a bumper, a pair of elongated telescoping members, at least one of said members being tubular and being open at one end and one of said members being connected to said bumper, means for securing the other of said members to the vehicle to extend generally horizontally from the vehicle frame, energy absorbing means arranged to resist the inward movement of said one member relative to said other member in response to the application of an impact load to said bumper, said energyabsorbing means including a crushable cartridge which is reduced in volume in response to said relative movement of said members, means associated with said non-tubular member for delivering said impact load to said cartridge, said cartridge being insertable into and removable from the interior of said tubular member through said open end, and cartridge removing means within said tubular member at the time of application of said impact load for engaging said cartridge to forcefully remove the same from said tubular member when said cartridge removing means is withdrawn from said tubular member.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
188 words
A bumper apparatus for motor vehicles such as automobiles or the like comprising a bumper, a pair of elongated telescoping members, at least one of said members being tubular and being open at one end and one of said members being connected to said bumper, means for securing the other of said members to the vehicle to extend generally horizontally from the vehicle frame, energy absorbing means arranged to resist the inward movement of said one member relative to said other member in response to the application of an impact load to said bumper, said energyabsorbing means including a crushable cartridge which is reduced in volume in response to said relative movement of said members, means associated with said non-tubular member for delivering said impact load to said cartridge, said cartridge being insertable into and removable from the interior of said tubular member through said open end, and cartridge removing means within said tubular member at the time of application of said impact load for engaging said cartridge to forcefully remove the same from said tubular member when said cartridge removing means is withdrawn from said tubular member.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
29 words
A bumper apparatus according to claim 1 including shearable means for holding said members in a predetermined position prior to the application of an impact load to said bumper.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
35 words
A bumper apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said crushable cartridge is comprised of a cellular configuration, the cavities of which are permenently reduced in size when the cartridge is crushed to a reduced volume.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
54 words
A bumper apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said means for removing said cartridge from said tubular member containing said cartridge includes a plate located at the internal end of said cartridge and a rod extending from said plate through said cartridge for access from the exterior of said tubular member containing said cartridge.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
29 words
A bumper apparatus according to claim 4 including shearable means for holding said members in a predetermined position prior to the application of an impact load to said bumper.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
43 words
A bumper apparatus according to claim 4 including shearable means for holding said members in a predetermined position prior to the application of an impact load to said bumper, said shearable means including at least one shear screw engaging each of said members.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
35 words
A bumper apparatus according to claim 4 wherein said crushable cartridge is comprised of a cellular configuration, the cavities of which are permanently reduced in size when the cartridge is crushed to a reduced volume.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
35 words
A bumper apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said crushable cartridge is comprised of a non-resilient cellular configuration, the cavities of which are reduced in size when the cartridge is crushed to a reduced volume.
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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) | 1977-11-11 | 1978-05-13 | 1978-11-12 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-11-11 | 1982-05-13 | 1982-11-12 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-11-11 | 1986-05-13 | 1986-11-12 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |