US3871636A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Energy absorbing device
Assignee: Davidson Rubber Co Inc
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Filing: 1971-08-03
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Granted: 1975-03-18
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Expires: 1991-08-03
Abstract
Abstract An energy absorbing device including a rigid base member and a flexible covering, the former cooperating with the latter to define an enclosed space which is subdivided by a plurality of resilient laterally spaced rib members. The rib members temporarily buckle upon impact of an object against the flexible covering.
Inventors
- 👤 J Boyle
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 20:52
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60R; B60R21/00; B60R21/02; B60R21/04; B60R21/045; B60K; B60K37/00; B60K37/20; B60R2021/0414
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
101 words
Energy absorbing apparatus comprising: a base member extending laterally across the direction along which an impacting object may be expected to travel towards said apparatus; a flexible covering cooperating with said base member to define an interior chamber, said chamber being subdivided by a plurality of resilient laterally spaced rib members extending between said base member and said covering, the rear edge of each of said rib members being adjacent to said base member and the remaining edges being joined to said covering such that said rib members are adapted to temporarily buckle upon impact of an object against said covering.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
101 words
Energy absorbing apparatus comprising: a base member extending laterally across the direction along which an impacting object may be expected to travel towards said apparatus; a flexible covering cooperating with said base member to define an interior chamber, said chamber being subdivided by a plurality of resilient laterally spaced rib members extending between said base member and said covering, the rear edge of each of said rib members being adjacent to said base member and the remaining edges being joined to said covering such that said rib members are adapted to temporarily buckle upon impact of an object against said covering.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
33 words
The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 comprising additional rib members, the rear edges of which are spaced from said base member and the remaining edges of which are joined to said covering.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said covering and said rib members are molded as a single integral unit.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
29 words
The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein each said rib members has a generally rectangular cross-section with two parallel side surfaces normal to the surface of said covering.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
33 words
The apparatus as claimed in claim 4 wherein at least one of the side surfaces on said rib members is indented at suitable intervals to vary the energy absorption characteristics of the apparatus.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
33 words
The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said rib members are parallel with each other and disposed at an angle relative to the direction of impact of a body against said covering.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
34 words
The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein each of said rib members is provided with a tapered cross-section with the area of maximum thickness being adjacent to the front area of said covering.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
42 words
The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 further characterized by at least one aperture in said base member, and valve means associated with said aperture for controlling the rate at which air may be expelled from and subsequently drawn into said chamber.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
56 words
An energy absorbing device comprising in combination: a rigid base member; a plurality of laterally spaced flexible rib members normal to said base member, each said rib members having a rear edge adjacent to said base member with the remaining peripheral edges of said rib members being joined to and integral with a flexible outer covering.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
56 words
An energy absorbing device comprising in combination: a rigid base member; a plurality of laterally spaced flexible rib members normal to said base member, each said rib members having a rear edge adjacent to said base member with the remaining peripheral edges of said rib members being joined to and integral with a flexible outer covering.
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) | 1978-03-17 | 1978-09-16 | 1979-03-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-03-17 | 1982-09-16 | 1983-03-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-03-17 | 1986-09-16 | 1987-03-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |