US3876243A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Energy absorbing bumpers for vehicles
Assignee: BMW UK Holdings Ltd
•
Filing: 1973-06-04
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Granted: 1975-04-08
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Expires: 1993-06-04
Abstract
Abstract An energy absorbing bumper comprises a rigid structural member and an outwardly directed elastomeric member. The elastomeric member has a concave interior surface from which deformable webs extend to contact with, or lie closely adjacent to, the structural member. Deformation of the elastomeric member absorbs substantial amounts of energy and return of the member to the original shape when the cause of deformation is removed.
Inventors
- 👤 Gordon Bell
- 👤 Arthur Edwin Ballard
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 16:45
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60Q; B60Q1/00; B60Q1/26; B60R; B60R19/00; B60R19/02; B60R19/18
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
146 words
An energy absorbing bumper assembly comprising: a. an elongated elastomeric member secured to an elongated structural member, the elastomeric member having an inner gradually concave surface from which integral resiliently deformable webs extend to points at least closely adjacent to the structural member in a direction transverse to said structural member to provide a deformable cellular structure; and b. at least one bumper rider assembly with a further elastomeric member having limbs in the form of a truncated V with the separated ends of the limbs secured to the structural member and the joined ends or apex of the limbs being adapted to receive the impact whose energy is to be absorbed; the further elastomeric member having integral resiliently deformable side walls which extend to points at least closely adjacent to, the structural member to enclose the free volume between the limbs of the truncated V.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
146 words
An energy absorbing bumper assembly comprising: a. an elongated elastomeric member secured to an elongated structural member, the elastomeric member having an inner gradually concave surface from which integral resiliently deformable webs extend to points at least closely adjacent to the structural member in a direction transverse to said structural member to provide a deformable cellular structure; and b. at least one bumper rider assembly with a further elastomeric member having limbs in the form of a truncated V with the separated ends of the limbs secured to the structural member and the joined ends or apex of the limbs being adapted to receive the impact whose energy is to be absorbed; the further elastomeric member having integral resiliently deformable side walls which extend to points at least closely adjacent to, the structural member to enclose the free volume between the limbs of the truncated V.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
An energy absorbing bumper assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein the elastomeric member is of self-skimming polyurethane foam.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
An energy absorbing bumper assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein the further elastomeric member is of self-skimming polyurethane foam.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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US2188082A
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US2910033A
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US3335689A
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US3493257A
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US3638985A
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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) | 1978-04-07 | 1978-10-07 | 1979-04-08 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-04-07 | 1982-10-07 | 1983-04-08 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-04-07 | 1986-10-07 | 1987-04-08 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |