Impact-absorber devices, impact-absorption method, and framework and vehicle including such impact-aborber devices

An impact-absorber device comprising:

• longitudinal impact-absorbing members, including a first and a second member;
• and
• a first and a second connecting plate;
• each of said members having a common direction of impact, and having a cross-section, in a plane perpendicular to said direction of impact, wherein:
• said cross-section is defined by a three-sided piece and a base;
• said three-sided piece has a middle side, and two other opposite sides which are formed therewith and extend from respective edge portions thereof;
• said base is opposite to and parallel with said middle side;
• and
• said other opposite sides are inclined toward each other, and are connected to said base at respectively spaced positions;
• said base of said first member being perpendicular to said base of said second member, and being connected with said base of said second member by said first connecting plate;
• and
• said middle side of said first member being connected with said middle side of said second member by said second connecting plate;
• and
• each of said longitudinal impact-absorbing members being formed of metal plate, the thickness of which permits collapse, concertina fashion, in said direction of impact;
• whereby said impact absorber device absorbs by deformation impact energy generated by an impact in said given direction.

A safety cage for a vehicle, said safety cage comprising:

• a framework having a rigid ring, and an upper deformable area;
• said upper deformable area being disposed forward of said rigid ring along a general direction of impact;
• said upper deformable area having an upper impact-absorber device comprising:
• longitudinal impact-absorbing upper members, including a first and a second upper member;
• and
• a first and a second upper connecting plate;
• each of said upper members having a common direction of impact, and having a cross-section, in a plane perpendicular to said direction of impact, wherein:
• said cross-section is defined by a three-sided piece and a base;
• said three-sided piece has a middle side and two other opposite sides which are formed therewith and extend from respective edge portions thereof;
• said base is opposite to and parallel with said middle side;
• and
• said other opposite sides are inclined toward each other, and are connected to said base at respectively spaced positions;
• said base of said first upper member being perpendicular to said base of said second upper member, and being connected with said base of said second upper member by said first upper connecting plate;
• and
• said middle side of said first upper member being connected with said middle side of said second upper member by said second upper connecting plate;
• and
• each of said longitudinal impact-absorbing upper members being formed of metal plate, the thickness of which permits collapse, concertina fashion, in said direction of impact;
• whereby said upper impact absorber device absorbs by deformation impact energy generated by an impact in said given direction.