Patent ID: 6601886
Filing Date: 2003-08-05
Classification: B60R,F16F

Abstract:
An energy absorbing composite tube for use in mounting a first impact member to a second impact member and absorbing impact energy when one of said impact member is impacted, said energy absorbing composite tube comprising:A) a composite tube having a longitudinal axis, said composite tube comprising: a) a mounting portion comprising a first impact member mounting end that is insertable within a receptacle located in said first impact member, said mounting portion comprising fibers embedded in a resin matrix to form said mounting portion having an outer perimeter; b) a main tubular body portion that is integral with said mounting portion, said main tubular body portion comprising an end that is mountable to said second impact member, said main tubular body portion comprising fibers embedded in a resin matrix to form a main tubular body portion having an outer perimeter that is larger than the outer perimeter of said mounting portion to provide a shoulder around the perimeter of said mounting portion where it joins said main tubular body portion; and B) a delamination wedge located around the perimeter of said mounting portion adjacent to said shoulder, said delamination wedge shaped to provide delamination of said main tubular body portion when said delamination wedge is forced against said shoulder by said first impact member during an impact in which said first and second impact members move towards each other along the longitudinal axis of said composite tube, said delamination of said main tubular body portion providing absorption of said impact energy.