US 5,947,538 A · Impact absorbing apparatus

Abstract

An impact absorbing device, preferably for trucks, attenuates the impact of colliding vehicles. A rigid mount secures the apparatus to the truck rear underside. A rigid chassis is suspended from the mount. An impact absorbing bumper exposed for contact at the truck rear controls a displaceable ram that is slidably captivated by the chassis. A wound band assembly suspended beneath the chassis is activated by displacement of the ram. The wound band assembly connects to suitable levers on each side of the chassis that interconnect it with shock absorbers. Energy is dissipated in the shock absorbers over a predetermined compression deflection. This distance is substantially less than the travel distance of the ram, and the mechanical advantage reduction is provided by the combination of the levers and the wound band assembly. When the bumper is forcibly impacted, the ram accelerates longitudinally, tightening the wound band assembly and compressing the shock absorbers through the levers. The shock absorbers are fitted with a plurality of unload restraint assemblies that prevent the impact absorbing apparatus from rebounding to its original state after an impact. The apparatus has a further safety lock to contain the apparatus in a compressed state after an impact until the device can be safely decompressed. This rebound preventer ratcheting dog locks the bumper in its compacted state.

Claims20

Dependent claims

An apparatus for absorbing impact forces, said apparatus comprising:

a chassis adapted to be attached to a vehicle;
an impact absorbing bumper exposed for contact;
a displaceable ram projecting from said bumper and slidably captivated by said chassis;
a wound band assembly activated by said ram;
lever means driven by said wound band assembly;
and,
shock absorber means activated by said lever means;
whereby, when said bumper is forcibly impacted, said ran is displaced longitudinally thereby tightening the wound band assembly and causing the levers to compress the shock absorber means.

5 more elements

An apparatus for absorbing impact forces, said apparatus comprising:

a mounting system attached to a vehicle;
a chassis suspended from the mounting system, said chassis comprising a slide assembly;
an impact absorbing bumper exposed for contact on said vehicle;
a displaceable ram projecting from said bumper and captivated by said slide assembly for longitudinal movements with respect thereto;
an impact absorbing bumper exposed for contact;
a wound band assembly activated by said ram, said wound band assembly comprising a resilient band, a plurality of axles for supporting said resilient band, said resilient band entrained about the axles and comprising a rear end fixedly terminating at the chassis and a front end connected to said ram;
lever means driven by said wound band assembly;
and,
shock absorber means compressed by said lever means when impact with said bumper occurs.

6 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Impact absorbing apparatus

Life of this patent

Impact absorbing apparatus

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20