Patent ID: 7625036
Filing Date: 2009-12-01
Classification: B60R

Abstract:
1. A multi-sectional, modular energy absorber comprising: one or more modules, one or more of the one or more modules having: one or more energy absorbing units, at least one of the one or more energy absorbing units having a first section and a second section that are folded about a hinge region to form one of the one or more energy absorbing units; a first flange and second flange extending from one or both of the first section and second section; means for locating the first and second flanges in relation to each other; means for coordinating the one or more energy absorbing units in at least one of the one or more modules, the means for coordinating having a topography including a number (n) of apertures defined therein, where n is an integer≧0, the means for coordinating positioning the one or more energy absorbing units in relation to each other before and during relative motion between an incident object and the modular energy absorber, so that impact forces resulting therefrom are at least partially absorbed by the one or more energy absorbing units, one or more of the one or more energy absorbing units including wherein at least some of the one or more energy absorbing units are oriented such that their intermediate walls are inclined to a major incident component of the impacting force, and wherein some of the one or more energy absorbing units cooperate with the means for coordinating to afford mutual support in decelerating an object that imparts the impacting force.