Patent ID: 7377577
Filing Date: 2008-05-27
Classification: A62B,B29C,B29L,B32B,B60N,B60R,B65D,F16F

Abstract:
1. A method for making a modular energy absorber comprising the steps of: providing one or more energy absorbing modules, one or more of which have: means for coordinating energy absorbing units of the one or more modules, the means for coordinating having a pre-defined, contoured topography including a number (n) of apertures for weight reduction and attachment defined in a central region of the means for coordinating, where n≧1; locating one or more crushable energy absorbing units associated with the means for coordinating so that the apertures do not underlie the units, the means for coordinating positioning and supporting the one or more units in relation to each other before, during and after relative motion between an incident object and the energy absorber, so that impact forces resulting therefrom are at least partially absorbed; and defining within the one or more crushable energy absorbing units a number (m) of breaches before impact for tuning, where m≧1 at least some of the units having an upper extremity that defines an upper perimeter, a lower extremity that defines a lower perimeter and an intermediate section extending therebetween, the breaches being defined in a central region of the intermediate section, at least some of the crushable units at least partially collapsing during absorption to a crushed configuration.