Energy absorbing elements comprising rigid non-elastomeric layer and visco-elastic layer with twisted fiber bundles embedded therein

Abstract

An energy absorbing element such as a spring, shock absorber or vibration damper in the form of a laminated structure comprising at least one rigid non-elastomeric layer such as a reinforced plastic material bonded to a visco-elastic layer such as a vulcanizable elastomer in which twisted fiber bundles are embedded in the visco-elastic layer. Preferably the twisted fiber bundle comprises a steel cord having an elongation at rupture between 1.5 and 8%. An anchoring layer between the visco-elastic layer and the non-elastomeric layer may be employed.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.