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Energy absorber

  • US 7,461,727 B2
  • Filed: 07/31/2006
  • Issued: 12/09/2008
  • Est. Priority Date: 05/18/2000
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. An energy absorber comprising:

  • fixed attachment means for attaching the energy absorber to a fixed supporting structure;

    load attachment means for attaching the energy absorber to a load element;

    orienting means responsive to a load applied to the load attachment means for maintaining the orientation of the energy absorber in an initial position which is not aligned with the applied load when the applied load is less than a first predetermined tensile load, and allowing the energy absorber to align in the direction of the applied load when the applied load is greater than the first predetermined tensile load;

    a store of plastically deformable material; and

    deployment means for deploying said plastically deformable material in a controlled manner responsive to a second predetermined tensile load applied to the load attachment means whereby said material is permanently plastically deformed during said deployment thereby absorbing the energy created by the second predetermined tensile load.

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