US4545172A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Energy absorbing structure
Assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLC
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Filing: 1981-12-14
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Granted: 1985-10-08
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Expires: 2001-12-14
Abstract
Abstract An energy absorbing structure suitable for example of use in a motor vehicle body panel to absorb impact loads comprises a wall having a plurality of ridges extending in a longitudinal direction corresponding to the expected direction of an applied load, and at least one reinforcement secured to the wall on adjacent ridges. The dimensions of the ridges and the points at which the reinforcement is secured are so arranged that the wall undergoes progressive collapse under impact in the longitudinal direction.
Inventors
- 👤 Gordon A. Wardill
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 07:18
CPC Classifications
B; B62; B62D; B62D21/00; B62D21/15; B62D21/157; B62D21/152; F; F16; F16F; F16F7/00; F16F7/12; F16F7/123
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
93 words
An energy absorbing structure comprising a wall having a plurality of parallel ridges extending in a longitudinal direction, and a plurality of spaced transversely extending reinforcement of longitudinal dimension substantially less than the extent of the wall secured to the wall on or adjacent to each ridge at one or more points along the length of the wall, the dimensions of the ridges and the spacing between the said points and the ends of the wall being such that the wall collapses progressively when a load is applied thereto in the longitudinal direction.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
93 words
An energy absorbing structure comprising a wall having a plurality of parallel ridges extending in a longitudinal direction, and a plurality of spaced transversely extending reinforcement of longitudinal dimension substantially less than the extent of the wall secured to the wall on or adjacent to each ridge at one or more points along the length of the wall, the dimensions of the ridges and the spacing between the said points and the ends of the wall being such that the wall collapses progressively when a load is applied thereto in the longitudinal direction.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
18 words
A structure according to claim 1 wherein the ridges each include at least one longitudinally extending fold line.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
21 words
A structure according to claims 1 wherein at least one ridge is formed by one or more folds in the wall.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
14 words
A structure according to claims 1 or 2, wherein the reinforcement comprises a strap.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
15 words
A structure according to claims 1 or 2, wherein the wall is composed of aluminum.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
12 words
A motor vehicle body panel incorporating a structure according to claim 1.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
36 words
A body panel according to claim 6 in the form of a suspension mounting which in use generally in the fore- and -aft direction of the vehicle, the ridges extending in the fore- and -aft direction.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
32 words
A body panel according to claim 6 in form of a floor pan which in use extends generally in the transverse direction of the vehicle, the ridges extending in the transverse direction.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
93 words
An energy absorbing structure comprising a wall having a plurality of parallel ridges extending in a longitudinal direction, and a plurality of transversely extending spaced reinforcements of longitudinal dimension substantially less than the extent of the wall secured to the wall on or adjacent to each ridge at a plurality of points along the length of the wall, the dimensions of the ridges and the spacing between the said points and the ends of the wall being such that the wall collapses progressively when a load is applied thereto in the longitudinal direction.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
93 words
An energy absorbing structure comprising a wall having a plurality of parallel ridges extending in a longitudinal direction, and a plurality of transversely extending spaced reinforcements of longitudinal dimension substantially less than the extent of the wall secured to the wall on or adjacent to each ridge at a plurality of points along the length of the wall, the dimensions of the ridges and the spacing between the said points and the ends of the wall being such that the wall collapses progressively when a load is applied thereto in the longitudinal direction.
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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) | 1988-10-07 | 1989-04-08 | 1989-10-08 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1992-10-07 | 1993-04-08 | 1993-10-08 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1996-10-07 | 1997-04-08 | 1997-10-08 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |