Blocks for absorption of collision energy

Abstract

An energy-absorbing block is described for use as (or in conjunction with) bumpers and similar objects used to receive and dissipate large amounts of impact energy. The block includes an inner core at least partially formed of elastomeric materials, such as rubber from discarded vehicle tires, with the core being at least substantially surrounded by an outer shell which is preferably at least partially formed of a rigid thermoplastic material. The block may also contain a reinforcing layer of material, such as glass fiber or fabric, positioned between the core and the shell or interspersed within the shell. The block may be mounted to a bumper such as a guardrail, and / or to a mounting structure such as a guardrail post or loading dock, via a fastener inserted through a mounting bore in the block.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation under 35 U.S.C. §120 of U.S. Utility patent application Ser. No. 10 / 937,620 filed 9 Sep. 2004, which in turn claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application 60 / 501,793 filed 10 Sep. 2003, the entirety of both of these prior applications being incorporated by reference herein.STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY-FUNDED RESEARCH [0002] This invention was made with United States government support awarded by the following agencies: [0003] DOE (Dept. of Energy) Grant No. DE-FC26-00FT40598 [0004] The United States has certain rights in this invention.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0005] The invention is directed to articles for absorbing impact energy, such as offset blocks for mounting between guardrails and guardrail posts; bumpers for use at truck loading docks and marine docks; and other articles which may or will encounter impacts by massive objects, and which should beneficially absor...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010] The core of the block is substantially surrounded by the rigid outer shell. The elastic material of the core provides the compressive strength necessary to absorb impact forces. However, without a rigid shell, the core is vulnerable to excessive buckling upon impact. Therefore, the rigid material of the shell is bonded to the elastic core so as to provide the protection necessary to prevent excessive damage to the core. The shell is preferably at least partially made from recycled materials such as polycarbonate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), and polypropylene. In combination, the rigid shell and elastic core absorb energy from impact forces and distribute such energy evenly across the surface of the block. This helps to provide a uniformly smooth collapse of the block under impact.

[0011] Additionally, the rigid shell helps to improve the life and performance of the block, allowing the core to absorb multiple impacts before needing replacement. Further, the rigid shell provides improved resistance to freezing temperatures, improved moisture stability, and / or an improved resistance to drastic changes in temperature. Thus, the rigid shell helps to prevent deterioration of the block from exposure to environmental conditions.

[0013] The block may be installed in different settings for applications requiring shock absorption. The block preferably includes a mounting bore which extends through the block, thereby allowing a fastener to be inserted to engage the block to a bumper (such as a guardrail) and / or a mounting structure (such as a mounting post for a guardrail). For instance, the block may be mounted on a bumper to enhance its ability to dissipate impact energy, and / or to better protect the bumper from damage upon impact. The block may also be mounted on a mounting structure that is immovably anchored to its surroundings, such as a guardrail or loading dock. In addition, two or more energy absorbing blocks may be used in combination with each other to provide additional protection from impact forces. For instance, multiple blocks may be stacked together and mounted on a bumper, mounted on a mounting structure, interposed between a bumper and an anchored mounting structure (e.g. a sunken post), or positioned in any other desired configuration. Because the block is easily mounted to other blocks or to mounting structures, it can be used in a variety of configurations.

[0014] Further, the block is easy to replace. For instance, a damaged block mounted on a guardrail can be easily replaced with a substitute block without replacing the entire guardrail. By simply removing the fastener, the block can be removed from the mounting structure, reducing labor costs.

Problems solved by technology

However, without a rigid shell, the core is vulnerable to excessive buckling upon impact.

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