Impact absorption system

Abstract

The invention relates to an impact absorption system designed to be installed in structures fixed to the ground by means of vertical posts and intended to minimize damage resulting from accidental collisions. The system incorporates a series of rollers arranged vertically and aligned longitudinally, whose function is to allow rotation upon impact to reduce friction and disperse energy. These rollers are supported by a lower longitudinal piece that supports their lower ends and an upper longitudinal piece that supports the upper ends, guaranteeing their stability and turning capacity. Both pieces extend between the posts following the same alignment. The system also includes a lower spring and an upper spring, each one anchored at one end to a post and at the other end to the corresponding longitudinal pieces. This configuration absorbs deformations, improves damping and increases structural safety.

Description

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present application for invention has as its object the registration of a shock absorption system, which incorporates notable innovations and advantages over the techniques used to date.

[0002] More specifically, the invention proposes the development of an impact absorption system, which due to its particular arrangement, allows to improve very notably the impact absorption capacity, which is very useful for its use in any structure or installation susceptible to receive and withstand an impact due to carelessness or accident.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] There are known in the present state of the art multiple types of structures or installations susceptible to receive and withstand an impact by carelessness or accident, such as for example the usual metallic vehicle containment barriers on roads or highways and also known as guardrail fences, SPM containment systems, traffic sign guards on roads, column guards, packaging line guards, manufacturing line machine guards to avoid being hit by forklifts and materials, etc.

[0004] In the case, for example, of crash barriers, in spite of their prevention of further damage in vehicle collisions, they are not so effective in the case of motorcycle collisions, since they are susceptible to causing damage to motorcycle riders, as the latter may impact against the edges of the supports of such barriers.

[0005] The present invention contributes to solving and resolving the present problem, since it makes it possible to improve very notably the impact absorption capacity in multiple types of structures or installations susceptible of receiving and withstanding an impact due to carelessness or accident.DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The present invention has been developed for the purpose of providing an impact absorption system, capable of being arranged and fastened to a structure or installation likely to receive and withstand an impact due to carelessness or accident, in which said structure is fixed to the ground by means of vertical posts arranged successively and longitudinally on the same ground, comprising a plurality of rollers, a longitudinal support piece for the rollers, a longitudinal upper piece, a lower spring and an upper spring; the rollers being arranged sequentially next to each other in a substantially vertical position and mutually parallel to each other; the longitudinal support piece being extended longitudinally between the posts and in the direction established by the successive positioning of the same posts on the ground and said longitudinal support piece being mechanically linked to the rollers at the lower ends thereof and supporting the rollers in their sensibly vertical arrangement, and the lower spring being in a position below the upper spring; wherein at the same time, the other end of the lower spring is mechanically linked to the longitudinal support piece supporting the rollers, and the other end of the upper spring is mechanically linked to the upper longitudinal piece which in turn is arranged on the upper ends of the same rollers.

[0007] Preferably, in the shock absorption system, the longitudinal supporting piece presents an arrangement in the form of a longitudinal profile.

[0008] Preferably, in the shock absorption system, the longitudinal upper piece presents an arrangement in the form of a longitudinal profile.

[0009] Preferably, in the shock absorption system, the lower spring is arranged as a bellows.

[0010] Preferably, in the shock absorption system, the upper spring has an accordion-like arrangement.

[0011] Alternatively, in the shock absorption system, the upper spring consists of two parts arranged in a zig-zag arrangement and arranged and fixed to each other symmetrically.

[0012] Additionally, in the shock absorption system, the two pieces are arranged and fixed to each other by welding.

[0013] Preferably, in the shock absorption system, the lower spring and the upper spring are mechanically linked to the vertical post by means of one or more mechanical parts interposed between the lower spring, the upper spring, and said vertical post.

[0014] Alternatively, in the impact absorption system, the structure or facility capable of receiving and withstanding an impact, in addition to being fixed to the ground by means of the vertical posts, also includes a bionda extending longitudinally between the posts, wherein the upper longitudinal piece is mechanically linked along its longitudinal extension with the bionda.

[0015] Preferably, in the shock absorbing system, the mechanical linkages comprise bolting elements.

[0016] Thanks to the present invention, the impact absorption capacity in crashes against the guardrail biondae is very considerably improved.

[0017] The impact absorption system of the invention provides additional protection on a motorcyclist upon impact against the bionda support posts, thus preventing possible dismemberment thereof.

[0018] The impact of the motorcyclist's body is absorbed much more effectively by means of an elastomeric deformation of the device and its shape.

[0019] The motorcyclist's body is also braked at a prudential distance from the impact zone itself, thanks to the friction with the rollers, thus avoiding a possible return or rebound of the motorcyclist towards the road, which could lead to his being run over.

[0020] Other features and advantages of the impact absorption system will become evident from the description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment illustrated by way of nonlimiting example in the accompanying drawings, in which:BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Figures 1 and 2.- Are schematic views from different perspectives of a preferred embodiment of the shock absorption system of the present invention, fully installed for service. Figures 3, 4 and 5.- Are schematic views of partial assemblies of a preferred embodiment of the shock absorption system of the present invention. Figure 6.- Is a schematic and perspective view of the longitudinal support piece in a preferred embodiment of the shock absorption system of the present invention. Figure 7.- It is a schematic view of the upper spring in a preferred embodiment of the shock absorption system of the present invention. DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0022] The impact absorbing system of the invention is conceived for its arrangement and fastening in multiple types of structures or installations susceptible to receive and withstand an impact by carelessness or accident, such as for example in the usual metallic vehicle containment barriers on roads or highways and also known as guardrail fences, in SPM containment systems, in road traffic sign guards, in column guards, in packaging line guards, in manufacturing line machine guards to avoid being hit by forklift trucks and materials, etc.

[0023] In this preferred embodiment of the impact absorption system of the invention, as can be seen in Figures 1 and 2, said structure on which the impact absorption system of the invention is installed is fixed to the ground by means of vertical posts 1 arranged successively and longitudinally on the same ground, and also includes a bionda 2, one of the usual and well-known in roads, highways or similar in guardrail fences.

[0024] As can also be seen schematically in Figures 1 and 2, the impact absorption system of the invention comprises a plurality of rollers 3, a supporting piece 4 longitudinally of the rollers 3, an upper longitudinal piece 5, a lower spring 6 and an upper spring 7.

[0025] Likewise, as can be seen in figures 1 and 2, and in the partial assembly of figure 3, the longitudinal support piece 4 is extended longitudinally along the direction established by the sequential positioning of the posts 1 and mechanically linked with the rollers 3 at their lower ends and supporting the rollers 3 in their substantially vertical arrangement.

[0026] Likewise, as can also be seen in figures 1, 2 and 3, at the same time the longitudinal upper piece 5 is extended longitudinally along the direction established by the sequential positioning of the same posts 1 and disposed over the upper ends of the same rollers 3 and mechanically linked with them.

[0027] In this preferred embodiment and as can be seen in figure 1, because the structure also includes a bionda 2 extended and fixed between the posts 1, in the manner for example usual and known on roads, highways or the like, furthermore said longitudinal upper piece 5 is mechanically linked at the same time with the bionda 2 and along its longitudinal extension.

[0028] The rollers 3 maintain their rotating capacity in said mechanical linkages with the longitudinal support piece 4 and the longitudinal upper piece 5.

[0029] On the other hand, the lower spring 6 and the upper spring 7 are mechanically linked at one of their ends and both at the same time with the same vertical post 1, as can be seen in particular in figure 1, the lower spring 6 being in a position below the upper spring 7.

[0030] In this embodiment of the shock absorption system of the invention, the lower spring 6 presents an accordion-like arrangement.

[0031] In Figures 3 and 4, it can also be seen how both the lower spring 6 and the upper spring 7 present an amplitude and extension which does not extend along the longitudinal extension of the longitudinal support piece 4 or of the longitudinal upper piece 5, but only present an amplitude limited to the region of the vertical post 1.

[0032] At the same time, the other end of the lower spring 6 is mechanically linked to the longitudinal support piece 4 supporting the rollers 3, and the other end of the upper spring 7 is mechanically linked to the longitudinal upper piece 5 which is in turn arranged on the upper ends of the same rollers 3, as can be seen in particular in figure 1 and deduced from the observation of the partial assembly represented in figure 3.

[0033] In different preferred embodiments of the shock absorption system of the invention, the referred mechanical linkages may be realized by means of hardware elements.

[0034] In other preferred embodiments of the same shock absorption system of the invention, the lower spring 6 and the upper spring 7 may be mechanically linked to the vertical post 1 by means of interposed mechanical parts 8, as can be seen in Figures 1, 3, 4 and 5.

[0035] On the other hand, in the shock absorption system of the invention, the longitudinal support piece 4 and the longitudinal upper piece 5 present an arrangement in the form of a longitudinal profile, as can be seen in figures 1, 3 and 6.

[0036] Also, as can be seen in figure 7, the upper spring 7 may comprise two parts 71, 72 arranged in a zig-zag arrangement, and arranged and fixed to each other symmetrically, for example by welding.

[0037] The impact absorption system of the invention, in the case of its use for example in a structure or installation with bionda 2, such as a guardrail fence on a road or highway, makes it possible to absorb much more effectively the impact of a motorist's body by means of an elastomeric deformation of the device itself and its shape, in particular thanks to the lower spring 6 and the upper spring 7.

[0038] The impact absorption system of the invention, thanks to its lower spring 6 with its bellows-shaped folding, and to its upper spring 7 with its accordion-shaped folding, allows its elements to work together absorbing together the impact, contracting and avoiding a rebound effect.

[0039] The details, shapes, dimensions and other accessory elements, as well as the materials used in the manufacture of the impact absorption system of the invention, may be conveniently substituted by others which are technically equivalent and do not depart from the essentiality of the invention nor from the scope defined by the claims included below.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0022]The impact absorbing system of the invention is conceived for its arrangement and fastening in multiple types of structures or installations susceptible to receive and withstand an impact by carelessness or accident, such as for example in the usual metallic vehicle containment barriers on roads or highways and also known as guardrail fences, in SPM containment systems, in road traffic sign guards, in column guards, in packaging line guards, in manufacturing line machine guards to avoid being hit by forklift trucks and materials, etc.

[0023]In this preferred embodiment of the impact absorption system of the invention, as can be seen in Figures 1 and 2, said structure on which the impact absorption system of the invention is installed is fixed to the ground by means of vertical posts 1 arranged successively and longitudinally on the same ground, and also includes a bionda 2, one of the usual and well-known in roads, highways or similar in guardrail fences.

[0024]As can also be se...

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present application for invention has as its object the registration of a shock absorption system, which incorporates notable innovations and advantages over the techniques used to date.

[0002] More specifically, the invention proposes the development of an impact absorption system, which due to its particular arrangement, allows to improve very notably the impact absorption capacity, which is very useful for its use in any structure or installation susceptible to receive and withstand an impact due to carelessness or accident.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] There are known in the present state of the art multiple types of structures or installations susceptible to receive and withstand an impact by carelessness or accident, such as for example the usual metallic vehicle containment barriers on roads or highways and also known as guardrail fences, SPM containment systems, traffic sign guards on roads, column guards, packaging line guards, manufacturing line machine guards to avoid being hit by forklifts and materials, etc.

[0004] In the case, for example, of crash barriers, in spite of their prevention of further damage in vehicle collisions, they are not so effective in the case of motorcycle collisions, since they are susceptible to causing damage to motorcycle riders, as the latter may impact against the edges of the supports of such barriers.

[0005] The present invention contributes to solving and resolving the present problem, since it makes it possible to improve very notably the impact absorption capacity in multiple types of structures or installations susceptible of receiving and withstanding an impact due to carelessness or accident.DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The present invention has been developed for the purpose of providing an impact absorption system, capable of being arranged and fastened to a structure or installation likely to receive and withstand an impact due to carelessness or accident, in which said structure is fixed to the ground by means of vertical posts arranged successively and longitudinally on the same ground, comprising a plurality of rollers, a longitudinal support piece for the rollers, a longitudinal upper piece, a lower spring and an upper spring; the rollers being arranged sequentially next to each other in a substantially vertical position and mutually parallel to each other; the longitudinal support piece being extended longitudinally between the posts and in the direction established by the successive positioning of the same posts on the ground and said longitudinal support piece being mechanically linked to the rollers at the lower ends thereof and supporting the rollers in their sensibly vertical arrangement, and the lower spring being in a position below the upper spring; wherein at the same time, the other end of the lower spring is mechanically linked to the longitudinal support piece supporting the rollers, and the other end of the upper spring is mechanically linked to the upper longitudinal piece which in turn is arranged on the upper ends of the same rollers.

[0007] Preferably, in the shock absorption system, the longitudinal supporting piece presents an arrangement in the form of a longitudinal profile.

[0008] Preferably, in the shock absorption system, the longitudinal upper piece presents an arrangement in the form of a longitudinal profile.

[0009] Preferably, in the shock absorption system, the lower spring is arranged as a bellows.

[0010] Preferably, in the shock absorption system, the upper spring has an accordion-like arrangement.

[0011] Alternatively, in the shock absorption system, the upper spring consists of two parts arranged in a zig-zag arrangement and arranged and fixed to each other symmetrically.

[0012] Additionally, in the shock absorption system, the two pieces are arranged and fixed to each other by welding.

[0013] Preferably, in the shock absorption system, the lower spring and the upper spring are mechanically linked to the vertical post by means of one or more mechanical parts interposed between the lower spring, the upper spring, and said vertical post.

[0014] Alternatively, in the impact absorption system, the structure or facility capable of receiving and withstanding an impact, in addition to being fixed to the ground by means of the vertical posts, also includes a bionda extending longitudinally between the posts, wherein the upper longitudinal piece is mechanically linked along its longitudinal extension with the bionda.

[0015] Preferably, in the shock absorbing system, the mechanical linkages comprise bolting elements.

[0016] Thanks to the present invention, the impact absorption capacity in crashes against the guardrail biondae is very considerably improved.

[0017] The impact absorption system of the invention provides additional protection on a motorcyclist upon impact against the bionda support posts, thus preventing possible dismemberment thereof.

[0018] The impact of the motorcyclist's body is absorbed much more effectively by means of an elastomeric deformation of the device and its shape.

[0019] The motorcyclist's body is also braked at a prudential distance from the impact zone itself, thanks to the friction with the rollers, thus avoiding a possible return or rebound of the motorcyclist towards the road, which could lead to his being run over.

[0020] Other features and advantages of the impact absorption system will become evident from the description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment illustrated by way of nonlimiting example in the accompanying drawings, in which:BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Figures 1 and 2.- Are schematic views from different perspectives of a preferred embodiment of the shock absorption system of the present invention, fully installed for service. Figures 3, 4 and 5.- Are schematic views of partial assemblies of a preferred embodiment of the shock absorption system of the present invention. Figure 6.- Is a schematic and perspective view of the longitudinal support piece in a preferred embodiment of the shock absorption system of the present invention. Figure 7.- It is a schematic view of the upper spring in a preferred embodiment of the shock absorption system of the present invention. DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0022] The impact absorbing system of the invention is conceived for its arrangement and fastening in multiple types of structures or installations susceptible to receive and withstand an impact by carelessness or accident, such as for example in the usual metallic vehicle containment barriers on roads or highways and also known as guardrail fences, in SPM containment systems, in road traffic sign guards, in column guards, in packaging line guards, in manufacturing line machine guards to avoid being hit by forklift trucks and materials, etc.

[0023] In this preferred embodiment of the impact absorption system of the invention, as can be seen in Figures 1 and 2, said structure on which the impact absorption system of the invention is installed is fixed to the ground by means of vertical posts 1 arranged successively and longitudinally on the same ground, and also includes a bionda 2, one of the usual and well-known in roads, highways or similar in guardrail fences.

[0024] As can also be seen schematically in Figures 1 and 2, the impact absorption system of the invention comprises a plurality of rollers 3, a supporting piece 4 longitudinally of the rollers 3, an upper longitudinal piece 5, a lower spring 6 and an upper spring 7.

[0025] Likewise, as can be seen in figures 1 and 2, and in the partial assembly of figure 3, the longitudinal support piece 4 is extended longitudinally along the direction established by the sequential positioning of the posts 1 and mechanically linked with the rollers 3 at their lower ends and supporting the rollers 3 in their substantially vertical arrangement.

[0026] Likewise, as can also be seen in figures 1, 2 and 3, at the same time the longitudinal upper piece 5 is extended longitudinally along the direction established by the sequential positioning of the same posts 1 and disposed over the upper ends of the same rollers 3 and mechanically linked with them.

[0027] In this preferred embodiment and as can be seen in figure 1, because the structure also includes a bionda 2 extended and fixed between the posts 1, in the manner for example usual and known on roads, highways or the like, furthermore said longitudinal upper piece 5 is mechanically linked at the same time with the bionda 2 and along its longitudinal extension.

[0028] The rollers 3 maintain their rotating capacity in said mechanical linkages with the longitudinal support piece 4 and the longitudinal upper piece 5.

[0029] On the other hand, the lower spring 6 and the upper spring 7 are mechanically linked at one of their ends and both at the same time with the same vertical post 1, as can be seen in particular in figure 1, the lower spring 6 being in a position below the upper spring 7.

[0030] In this embodiment of the shock absorption system of the invention, the lower spring 6 presents an accordion-like arrangement.

[0031] In Figures 3 and 4, it can also be seen how both the lower spring 6 and the upper spring 7 present an amplitude and extension which does not extend along the longitudinal extension of the longitudinal support piece 4 or of the longitudinal upper piece 5, but only present an amplitude limited to the region of the vertical post 1.

[0032] At the same time, the other end of the lower spring 6 is mechanically linked to the longitudinal support piece 4 supporting the rollers 3, and the other end of the upper spring 7 is mechanically linked to the longitudinal upper piece 5 which is in turn arranged on the upper ends of the same rollers 3, as can be seen in particular in figure 1 and deduced from the observation of the partial assembly represented in figure 3.

[0033] In different preferred embodiments of the shock absorption system of the invention, the referred mechanical linkages may be realized by means of hardware elements.

[0034] In other preferred embodiments of the same shock absorption system of the invention, the lower spring 6 and the upper spring 7 may be mechanically linked to the vertical post 1 by means of interposed mechanical parts 8, as can be seen in Figures 1, 3, 4 and 5.

[0035] On the other hand, in the shock absorption system of the invention, the longitudinal support piece 4 and the longitudinal upper piece 5 present an arrangement in the form of a longitudinal profile, as can be seen in figures 1, 3 and 6.

[0036] Also, as can be seen in figure 7, the upper spring 7 may comprise two parts 71, 72 arranged in a zig-zag arrangement, and arranged and fixed to each other symmetrically, for example by welding.

[0037] The impact absorption system of the invention, in the case of its use for example in a structure or installation with bionda 2, such as a guardrail fence on a road or highway, makes it possible to absorb much more effectively the impact of a motorist's body by means of an elastomeric deformation of the device itself and its shape, in particular thanks to the lower spring 6 and the upper spring 7.

[0038] The impact absorption system of the invention, thanks to its lower spring 6 with its bellows-shaped folding, and to its upper spring 7 with its accordion-shaped folding, allows its elements to work together absorbing together the impact, contracting and avoiding a rebound effect.

[0039] The details, shapes, dimensions and other accessory elements, as well as the materials used in the manufacture of the impact absorption system of the invention, may be conveniently substituted by others which are technically equivalent and do not depart from the essentiality of the invention nor from the scope defined by the claims included below.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0022]The impact absorbing system of the invention is conceived for its arrangement and fastening in multiple types of structures or installations susceptible to receive and withstand an impact by carelessness or accident, such as for example in the usual metallic vehicle containment barriers on roads or highways and also known as guardrail fences, in SPM containment systems, in road traffic sign guards, in column guards, in packaging line guards, in manufacturing line machine guards to avoid being hit by forklift trucks and materials, etc.

[0023]In this preferred embodiment of the impact absorption system of the invention, as can be seen in Figures 1 and 2, said structure on which the impact absorption system of the invention is installed is fixed to the ground by means of vertical posts 1 arranged successively and longitudinally on the same ground, and also includes a bionda 2, one of the usual and well-known in roads, highways or similar in guardrail fences.

[0024]As can also be se...

Claims

1. Shock absorption system, enabled to be arranged and fastened to a structure or installation likely to receive and withstand an impact due to carelessness or accident, in which said structure is fixed to the ground by means of vertical posts (1) arranged successively and longitudinally on the same ground, characterized by the fact that it comprises a plurality of rollers (3), a longitudinal supporting piece (4) of the rollers (3), a longitudinal upper piece (5), a lower spring (6) and an upper spring (7); the rollers (3) being sequentially arranged next to each other in a substantially vertical position and mutually parallel to each other; the longitudinal support piece (4) being extended longitudinally between the posts (1) and in the direction established by the successive positioning of the same posts (1) on the ground and said longitudinal support piece (4) being mechanically linked with the rollers (3) at the lower ends thereof and supporting the rollers (3) in their sensibly vertical arrangement, being at the same time the other upper longitudinal piece (5) extended longitudinally also between the same posts (1) and also in the same direction established by the successive positioning of the same posts (1) on the ground and disposed on the upper ends of the same rollers (3) and mechanically linked with them, and keeping the rollers (3) in said mechanical linkages its pivoting capacity; wherein the lower spring (6) and the upper spring (7) are mechanically linked at one end to the same vertical post (1), and with an amplitude and width limited to the region of the vertical post (1), and the lower spring (6) being in a position below the upper spring (7); wherein at the same time, the other end of the lower spring (6) is mechanically linked to the longitudinal support piece (4) supporting the rollers (3), and the other end of the upper spring (7) is mechanically linked to the other longitudinal upper piece (5) which in turn is arranged on the upper ends of the same rollers (3).

2. Shock absorption system according to claim 1, wherein the longitudinal support piece (4) is arranged as a longitudinal profile.

3. Shock absorption system according to claim 1, wherein the longitudinal upper part (5) is arranged as a longitudinal profile.

4. Shock absorption system according to claim 1, wherein the lower spring (6) has a bellows-like arrangement.

5. Shock absorption system according to claim 1, wherein the upper spring (7) has an accordion-like arrangement.

6. Shock absorption system according to claim 1, wherein the upper spring (7) comprises two parts (71, 72) arranged in a zig-zag arrangement and arranged and fixed mutually symmetrically to each other.

7. Shock absorption system according to claim 6, wherein the two pieces (71, 72) are arranged and mutually fixed by welding.

8. Shock absorption system according to claim 1, wherein the lower spring (6) and the upper spring (7) are mechanically linked to the vertical post (1) by means of one or more mechanical parts (8) interposed between the lower spring (6), the upper spring (7), and said vertical post (1).

9. Impact absorption system according to claim 1, wherein the structure or installation capable of receiving and withstanding an impact, in addition to being fixed to the ground by means of the vertical posts (1), also includes a bionda (2) extended longitudinally between the posts (1), wherein the upper longitudinal piece (5) is mechanically linked along its longitudinal extension with the bionda (2).

10. Impact absorption system according to claim 1, wherein the mechanical linkages comprise bolting elements.

Images