Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

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.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim