Marine cushioning unit

Abstract

Disclosed is an apparatus for cushioning and absorbing force between relatively moving bodies and for dissipating the impact energy, preferably in a marine environment. The apparatus is securable to a structure in a marine environment and typically cushions the impact between a marine means (i.e., barge, boat, etc.) and that structure. The apparatus comprises an upright frame, laterally spaced apart upper shock mounts securing the frame to the structure. Each of the shock mounts includes a shear-type, shock-absorbing, resiliently-deformable member disposed intermediate the upright frame and the structure to which it is secured. The resiliently-deformable members of the upper shock mounts are disposed in an orientation in which they provide both compressive and shear resistance to horizontal loading on the frame. The resiliently-deformable members of the lower shock mounts are disposed to support a major portion of the vertical weight of the frame with compressive resistance, while providing shear resistance to horizontal loading on the frame.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.