Patent ID: 7393029
Filing Date: 2008-07-01
Classification: B60N,B60R,B66B,F16F

Abstract:
1. An energy management tube adapted to reliably and predictably absorb substantial impact energy when impacted longitudinally, comprising: a polymeric first tube section; a polymeric second tube section aligned with the first tube section; and a polymeric intermediate tube section with first and second end portions integrally connecting the first and second tube sections, respectively; the first and second tube sections being dimensionally different in size and the intermediate tube section having a shape transitioning from the first tube section to the second tube section; the first tube section being larger in size than the second tube section and including an outer surface defining a tubular boundary, the first end portion including a continuous band of material which acts to support and maintain a columnar strength of the first tube section upon longitudinal impact, the second end portion contrastingly being configured to initiate a telescoping rolling of the second tube section during impact as the first tube section maintains its columnar strength.