Blocks for absorption of collision energy

Inactive Publication Date: 2005-09-08
WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

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Benefits of technology

[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

Problems solved by technology

However, without a rigid shell, the core is

Method used

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  • Blocks for absorption of collision energy
  • Blocks for absorption of collision energy

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Embodiment Construction

[0018]FIG. 1 shows an energy-absorbing block 100 having an elastomeric inner core 102 substantially surrounded by an outer shell 104. The core 102 is preferably made at least partially of recycled elastomeric materials, such as rubber from discarded tires. The outer shell 104 is preferably at least partially made of recycled thermoplastic materials, such as polymers from household waste, discarded computer / electronic housings, or other sources. The block 100 also preferably includes a reinforcing layer 108 of fibrous materials, e.g., individual or cabled strands, and / or woven or nonwoven fabrics. The reinforcing layer 108 may separate the inner core 102 from the outer shell 104, or it may be interspersed within the outer shell 104 when it is molded.

[0019] In a preferred version, the block 100 is made by compression molding recycled thermoplastic pellets about the core 102 to form a rigid outer shell 104. While compression molding is a preferred method for forming the outer shell 10...

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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...

Claims

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Application Information

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IPC IPC(8): E01F13/00E01F15/00
CPCE01F15/0438B65G69/001
Inventor VIJAY, P.V.GANGARAO, HOTA V.S.BASTO, JOSE RICARDO
Owner WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY
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