| 摘要 |
An energy absorber 10 that has a spine 12 which has a relaxed configuration and a deployment configuration. In the deployment configuration, the spine 12 lies proximate to a substrate 14 to protect the substrate 14 from an impacting object 16. Preferably, the spine 12 is bendable to conform to the substrate 14. The spine includes a number (N) of energy absorbing modules 18, 20, 22, 24, . . ., where 1<=N<=1000. At least some of the modules have a number (L) of mutually supporting energy absorbing vertebral members 30, where 1<=L<=100. Each vertebral member 30 includes a number (U) of coalesced energy absorbing units 32,34, were 2<=U<=10. At least some of the energy absorbing units 32, 34 have a base 36 that preferably but not necessarily is oriented toward the impacting object 16. |
| 主权项 |
1. An energy absorber in combination with a seat component and a substrate to be protected, the energy absorber having
a spine with a relaxed configuration and a deployment configuration, so that in the deployment configuration, the spine lies adjacent to the substrate to protect the substrate from an impacting object, the spine being bendable to conform to the substrate, the relaxed configuration of the spine having a longitudinal axis, a lateral axis and an orthogonal axis, the spine comprising a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and including a number (N) of energy absorbing modules, where 1<=N<=1000, at least some of the modules having
a number (L) of mutually supporting energy absorbing vertebral members, where 1<=L<=100;at least some of the vertebral members, including a number (U) of coalesced energy absorbing units, were 2<=U<=10, at least some of the energy absorbing units including
a base that is oriented toward the impacting object,a curvilinear wall extending from the base in a direction away from the impacting object, anda bottom that extends across the curvilinear wall at a bottom end thereof so that the bottom can be positioned toward the substrate to be protected;a curved shoulder in at least some vertebral members that lies between adjacent coalesced energy absorbing units, the curved shoulder being adapted to allow the at least some vertebral members to be placed adjacent to the substrate; andone or more living hinges that link adjacent energy absorbing vertebral members, the living hinges being flexible about one or more of the longitudinal axis, the lateral axis and the orthogonal axis of the spine so that in the deployed configuration, the spine can protect the substrate, and absorb forces associated with impact, the substrate including a seat frame with a cylindrical member, a portion of the cylindrical member being placed adjacent to the spine, a pair of spines being provided on opposed sides of the cylindrical member, the seat component being selected from the group consisting of a seat cushion, a seat back, and a headrest, and a tether that extends from a seat component to the substrate. |
