Vehicle fenders – Buffer or bumper type – Having fluid means within impact means to absorb energy
Reexamination Certificate
2000-07-07
2001-08-07
Pedder, Dennis H. (Department: 3612)
Vehicle fenders
Buffer or bumper type
Having fluid means within impact means to absorb energy
C251S076000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06270130
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates in general to bumpers for shock absorption, and in particular, to a bumper having an inflatable bladder and pressure relieve valves for the inflatable bladder.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Prior art bumpers have been used for both moving vehicles, and on stationary guards and guardrails, for absorbing shock and the impact from collisions to prevent injury to persons and damage to property. Such bumpers have included metal frame members, some of which have resilient members such as springs and elastomeric materials for absorbing shock. Other bumpers have included inflatable bladders, usually allowing air to flow from within the inflatable bladders upon impact. During high energy collisions, the inflatable bladders will usually undergo dramatic increases in pressure until a maximum pressure is exceeded, at which point the fluid pressure of the air within the inflatable bladders is released, often allowing air to be expelled from within the inflatable bladders.
Some prior art air bumpers are self-inflating after impact, having resilient members which will rebound after impact to cause the inflatable bladders to reinflate. Self-inflating prior art air bumpers have been provided which restrict the air flow back into the inflatable bladders, preventing shock from rapid rebounding of the resilient members. Other bumpers allow users to simply inject more air within the inflatable bladders to reinflate such bladders after an impact. However, a violent impact may damage components of such air bumpers, so that although the bumper may appear to be in proper working order, servicing and repair is required. Unlike conventional steel component bumpers which exhibit clearly visible indications of deterioration or damage after impact, air bumpers which may be reinflated by users without inspection after an impact, or which are self inflating after impact, may allow reinflation with damaged components without the user being aware of the deteriorated condition of such bumpers components.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A bumper is provided having a bumper frame for securing to an automobile frame, a stationary guardrail, or the like. An inflatable bladder is mounted to the bumper frame to extend exteriorly of the bumper frame. Fluid flow ports extend from the inflatable bladder, in fluid communication with the interior of the inflatable bladder. Inlet valves and pressure relief valves are mounted in the flow ports for sealing air within the inflatable bladder. Two impact members are mounted to the bumper frame, extending outwardly from the bumper frame and interiorly within the inflatable bladder. The impact members are connected to respective ones of the pressure relief valves, such that inward movement of the impact members will open the pressure relief valves to allow fluid flow from within the inflatable bladder. Latch members are located adjacent to the pressure relief valves for securing the valves in open positions after impact. An activator stem is secured adjacent to an inward end of a stem of one of the pressure relief valves, and is moved inward of the bumper frame by contact with the stem of the pressure relief valve during an impact. A pressure relief valve is also provided which includes a plug member having a plurality of seal grooves for receiving elastomeric seal elements, the number of grooves which are used being selected to determine a maximum pressure for release of the plug member from within a flow port. The plug member is secured to the flow port by a tether member.
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Howison, Chauza, Thoma, Handley & Arnott LLP
Murray Mickki
Pedder Dennis H.
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