Laminated loop dampening and shield structure

Abstract

A dampening and shield structure such as a fender with a plurality of resilient laminated bumpers. A plurality of these bumpers each have a two or more elastic laminae or layers. In each such multiple layer bumper, at least one of the lamina is folded to enclose at least one other lamina, so that the folded laminae and any laminae they enclose form a laminated loop. Alternate embodiments have a bumper loop that has at least one lamina that is not folded. Some embodiments have substantially different length laminae folded into a laminated loop such that there are definite spaces between one or more adjacent pairs of lamina. The number of laminae comprising the laminated loops can vary. Another embodiment is a mechanically floating fender flexibly mounted to elastically intercede during a collision. The floating fender has a plurality of bumpers which may be single layer or laminated, and the bumper loops are oriented to be continually in contact with the structure on which the fender is mounted. The floating mounting is effected by connecting the fender to the mounting structure (such as a boat hull) with lengths of some flexible connecting material such as chain.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.