Patent ID: 6250617
Filing Date: 2001-06-26
Classification: F16F

Abstract:
A compressible shock attenuating apparatus for axial insertion within an elongated hollow member, said shock attenuating apparatus comprising:a single tube of copolyester polymer elastomer having opposed ends and configured with a series of adjacent annular crest and roots between said ends, said crests having substantially equal predetermined diameters, and wherein the configuration of said tube permitting axial compression thereof while maintaining the predetermined crest diameters of said tube to remain relatively constant; andwith each crest of said tube having a closed annular non-metallic ring fixed thereabout, with the rings about the crests of said tube defining a predetermined outer diameter of said apparatus and which are sized relative to an inner diameter of said hollow member so as to facilitate axial sliding movements of and inhibit snaking movements of said tube within said elongated member, with an inner section of each ring being specifically configured to maintain each ring in fixed relation relative to said tube during repeated compression/expansion of said tube, and wherein each ring is configured with a series of reliefs on a periphery thereof for permitting air to move therepast during compression/expansion of said tube.