US4078837A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Energy absorbing bumper
Assignee: ACTION RES DEV CORP
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Filing: 1975-12-08
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Granted: 1978-03-14
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Expires: 1995-12-08
Abstract
Abstract An energy absorbing bumper for attachment to vehicles, such as automobiles, is disclosed. The energy absorbing bumper includes a low density foamed plastic having a semi-rigid cellular structure, so that upon impact greater than a pre-determined minimum impact the energy absorbing material collapses, and absorbs substantially the entire impact, without any increase in its density. In particular, low density foamed plastics, such as urethane, are empolyed, having a density of less than 7 pounds per cubic foot. The bumper disclosed includes means for permitting collapse of the foamed plastic without any substantial increase in its density, so that the plastic itself absorbs substantially the entire force of impact upon the bumper.
Inventors
- 👤 Paul Auth
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 22:24
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60R; B60R19/00; B60R19/02; B60R19/18; B60R19/22
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
199 words
An energy absorbing bumper for attachment to vehicles comprising: (a) A housing defined by an inner support member attached to said vehicle, and an outer casing mounted with respect to said inner support member for parallel linear movement in horizontal direction with respect to said inner support member, (b) An energy absorbing material disposed within said housing, said energy absorbing material comprising a low density foamed plastic material having a density of less than about 7 lb/ft 3 , and including a plurality of void spaces therewithin, such that said energy absorbing material collapses upon the exertion of more than a predetermined amount of impact upon said outer casing, and (c) Means for providing unrestrained movement of said low density foamed plastic material in a vertical direction so that upon movement of said outer casing towards said inner support member and the collapse of said foamed plastic material, said foamed plastic material is compressed in said horizontal direction and is unrestrained to move from said housing in said vertical direction, so that said energy absorbing material absorbs substantially the entire force of said impact and return of said housing to its initial position subsequent to said impact is avoided.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
199 words
An energy absorbing bumper for attachment to vehicles comprising: (a) A housing defined by an inner support member attached to said vehicle, and an outer casing mounted with respect to said inner support member for parallel linear movement in horizontal direction with respect to said inner support member, (b) An energy absorbing material disposed within said housing, said energy absorbing material comprising a low density foamed plastic material having a density of less than about 7 lb/ft 3 , and including a plurality of void spaces therewithin, such that said energy absorbing material collapses upon the exertion of more than a predetermined amount of impact upon said outer casing, and (c) Means for providing unrestrained movement of said low density foamed plastic material in a vertical direction so that upon movement of said outer casing towards said inner support member and the collapse of said foamed plastic material, said foamed plastic material is compressed in said horizontal direction and is unrestrained to move from said housing in said vertical direction, so that said energy absorbing material absorbs substantially the entire force of said impact and return of said housing to its initial position subsequent to said impact is avoided.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
49 words
The energy absorbing bumper of claim 1 wherein said means for permitting the unrestrained movement of said foamed plastic material in said vertical direction comprises a top closure member disposed transversely to said inner support member and said outer casing, said top closure member hingedly attached to said housing.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
24 words
The energy absorbing bumper of claim 1 wherein said foam plastic material has a density of between about 1 and 6 lb/ft 3 .
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
The energy absorbing bumper of claim 1 wherein said low density foam plastic material has a rigid predominantly closed cellular structure.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
19 words
The energy absorbing bumper of claim 4 wherein said closed cellular structure comprises at least about 90% closed cells.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
24 words
The energy absorbing bumper of claim 1 including means for maintaining said energy absorbing material in a stabilized position with respect to said vehicle.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
31 words
The energy absorbing bumper of claim 1 wherein said low density foam plastic material is selected from the group consisting of foamed urethane, styrofoam, polystyrene, epoxy, cellulose acetate, and mixtures thereof.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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Cited
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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) | 1981-03-13 | 1981-09-12 | 1982-03-14 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1985-03-13 | 1985-09-12 | 1986-03-14 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1989-03-13 | 1989-09-12 | 1990-03-14 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |