US7160621B2
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Energy absorbing articles
Assignee: SABIC Global Technologies BV
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Filing: 2004-06-28
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Granted: 2007-01-09
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Expires: 2024-06-28
Abstract
Abstract An article comprises a plurality of auxetic structures wherein the auxetic structures are of size greater than about 1 mm. The article also comprises at least one cell boundary that is structurally coupled to the auxetic structures. The cell boundary is configured to resist a deformation of the auxetic structures. An automotive energy absorber comprises a plurality of auxetic structures wherein the auxetic structures are of size greater than about 1 mm.
Inventors
- 👤 Tansen Dhananjay Chaudhari
- 👤 Chinniah Thiagarajan
- 👤 Poovanna Kushalappa Theethira
- 👤 Stephen Shuler
- 👤 Eric Jon Jaarda
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 11:17
CPC Classifications
B; B32; B32B; B32B3/00; B32B3/26; B60; B60R; B60R19/00; B60R19/02; B60R19/18; F; F16; F16F; F16F7/00; F16F7/12; F16F7/121; B60R2019/1806; B60R2019/186; B60R2019/1866; B60R21/00; B60R21/02; B60R21/04; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T428/00; Y10T428/31504; Y10T428/31507; Y10T428/31725; Y10T428/31786; Y10T428/31855
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 41
Claim 1
Independent Claim
86 words
An article comprising: a plurality of auxetic structures, said auxetic structures having a size greater than about 1 mm; and at least one cell boundary structurally coupled to the auxetic structures, said at least one cell boundary configured to resist a deformation of said auxetic structures, said at least one cell boundary at least partially surrounding the plurality of auxetic structures collectively and including a plurality of connectors extending into the auxetic structures to structurally couple the at least one cell boundary to the auxetic structures.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
86 words
An article comprising: a plurality of auxetic structures, said auxetic structures having a size greater than about 1 mm; and at least one cell boundary structurally coupled to the auxetic structures, said at least one cell boundary configured to resist a deformation of said auxetic structures, said at least one cell boundary at least partially surrounding the plurality of auxetic structures collectively and including a plurality of connectors extending into the auxetic structures to structurally couple the at least one cell boundary to the auxetic structures.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
13 words
The article of claim 1 , further comprising at least one plastic material.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
The article of claim 2 , wherein said plastic material is selected from the group consisting of thermoplastics and thermosets.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
59 words
The article of claim 2 , wherein said plastic material is selected from the group consisting of polycarbonate ABS blends, polycarbonate-poly(butylene terephthalate)blends, polyphenylene ethers, blends comprising polyphenylene ethers, high density polyethylene, polyalkylenes, polypropylenes, polyethylenes, polycarbonates, polyamides, olefin polymers, polyesters, polyestercarbonates, polysulfones, polyethers, polyetherimides, polyimides, silicone polymers, mixtures of the foregoing polymers, copolymers of the foregoing polymers, and mixtures thereof.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
13 words
The article of claim 4 , wherein said plastic material is a polycarbonate.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
12 words
The article of claim 5 , wherein said plastic material is bisphenol-A-polycarbonate.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
12 words
The article of claim 1 , further comprising at least one metal.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
27 words
The article of claim 7 , wherein said metal is selected from the group consisting of aluminum, nickel, magnesium, copper, iron, molybdenum, tungsten, steel and mixtures thereof.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
11 words
The article of claim 7 , wherein said metal is aluminum.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
12 words
The article of claim 2 , further comprising at least one metal.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
25 words
The article of claim 10 , wherein said auxetic structure comprises at least one plastic material and said cell boundary comprises at least one metal.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
25 words
The article of claim 10 , wherein said auxetic structure comprises at least one metal and said cell boundary comprises at least one plastic material.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
12 words
The article of claim 1 , comprising at least one composite material.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
18 words
The article of claim 13 , wherein said composite material comprises at least one thermoplastic or thermoset material.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
39 words
The article of claim 14 , wherein said composite further comprises at least one material selected from the group consisting of polymers, glass fibers, carbon fibers, aramid fibers, carbon nanotubes, metals, metal powders, intermetallics, organoclays, inorganic clays, and ceramics.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
11 words
The article of claim 1 , which is a vehicle part.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
29 words
The article of claim 16 , wherein said vehicle part is selected from the group consisting of energy absorbers, bumpers, knee bolsters, head rests, instrument panels, seats and cushions.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
17 words
The article claim 17 , wherein said vehicle part is an energy absorber for an automotive bumper.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
28 words
The article of clam 18 , wherein said energy absorber comprises at least one material selected from the group consisting of plastic materials, metallic materials and composite materials.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
28 words
The article of clam 18 , wherein said energy absorber comprises at least one material selected from the group consisting of plastic materials, metallic materials and composite materials.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
64 words
The article of claim 19 , wherein said energy absorber comprises at least one plastic material selected from the group consisting of polycarbonate-ABS blends, polycarbonate-poly(butylene terephthalate) blends, polyphenylene ethers, blends comprising polyphenylene ethers, high density polyethylene, polyalkylenes, polypropylenes, polyethylenes, polycarbonates, polyamides, olefin polymers, polyesters, polyestercarbonates, polysulfones, polyethers, polyetherimides, polyimides, silicone polymers, mixtures of the foregoing polymers, copolymers of the foregoing polymers, and mixtures thereof.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
21 words
The article of claim 16 , wherein said automotive part is a knee bolster disposed within the interior of a vehicle.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
14 words
The article of claim 1 , which is an article of personal protective equipment.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
11 words
The article of claim 1 , which is a construction material.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
90 words
An energy absorbing plastic article comprising: a plurality of auxetic structures, said auxetic structures having a size greater than about 1 mm; and at least one cell boundary structurally coupled to the auxetic structures, said at least one cell boundary configured to resist of a deformation of said auxetic structures, said at least one cell boundary at least partially surrounding the plurality of auxetic structures collectively and including a plurality of connectors extending into the auxetic structures to structurally couple the at least one cell boundary to the auxetic structures.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
90 words
An energy absorbing plastic article comprising: a plurality of auxetic structures, said auxetic structures having a size greater than about 1 mm; and at least one cell boundary structurally coupled to the auxetic structures, said at least one cell boundary configured to resist of a deformation of said auxetic structures, said at least one cell boundary at least partially surrounding the plurality of auxetic structures collectively and including a plurality of connectors extending into the auxetic structures to structurally couple the at least one cell boundary to the auxetic structures.
Claim 28
Independent Claim
129 words
A method of manufacturing an energy absorbing plastic article, wherein the article comprises a plurality of auxetic structures, said auxetic structures having a size greater than about 1 mm, and at least one cell boundary structurally coupled to the auxetic structures, said at least one cell boundary configured to resist a deformation of said auxetic structures, said at least one cell boundary at least partially surrounding the plurality of auxetic structures collectively and including a plurality of connectors extending into the auxetic structures to structurally couple the at least one cell boundary to the auxetic structures, the method comprising: injection molding a plastic material to form the article, by injecting the plastic material into a mold, the mold comprising cavities corresponding to the auxetic structures and the cell boundary.
Claim 29
Independent Claim
129 words
A method of manufacturing an energy absorbing plastic article, wherein the article comprises a plurality of auxetic structures, said auxetic structures having a size greater than about 1 mm, and at least one cell boundary structurally coupled to the auxetic structures, said at least one cell boundary configured to resist a deformation of said auxetic structures, said at least one cell boundary at least partially surrounding the plurality of auxetic structures collectively and including a plurality of connectors extending into the auxetic structures to structurally couple the at least one cell boundary to the auxetic structures, the method comprising: injection molding a plastic material to form the article, by injecting the plastic material into a mold, the mold comprising cavities corresponding to the auxetic structures and the cell boundary.
Claim 30
Independent Claim
140 words
A method of manufacturing an energy absorbing plastic article, wherein the article comprises a plurality of auxetic structures having dimensions of length, width and depth, at least one of said dimensions being greater than 1 mm, and at least one cell boundary structurally coupled to the auxetic structures, said at least one cell boundary configured to resist a deformation of said auxetic structures, said at least one cell boundary at least partially surrounding the plurality of auxetic structures collectively and including a plurality of connectors extending into the auxetic structures to structurally couple the at least one cell boundary to the auxetic structures, the method comprising: extruding a plastic material to form the article, wherein said extrusion comprises forcing the plastic material through a die, the die comprising a cross section complimentary to the auxetic structures and the cell boundary.
Claim 31
Independent Claim
140 words
A method of manufacturing an energy absorbing plastic article, wherein the article comprises a plurality of auxetic structures having dimensions of length, width and depth, at least one of said dimensions being greater than 1 mm, and at least one cell boundary structurally coupled to the auxetic structures, said at least one cell boundary configured to resist a deformation of said auxetic structures, said at least one cell boundary at least partially surrounding the plurality of auxetic structures collectively and including a plurality of connectors extending into the auxetic structures to structurally couple the at least one cell boundary to the auxetic structures, the method comprising: extruding a plastic material to form the article, wherein said extrusion comprises forcing the plastic material through a die, the die comprising a cross section complimentary to the auxetic structures and the cell boundary.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
88 words
An automotive energy absorber comprising a plurality of auxetic structures, and at least one cell boundary structurally coupled to the auxetic structures, said auxetic structures having a size greater than about 1 mm, said at least one cell boundary configured to resist a deformation of said auxetic structures, said at least one cell boundary at least partially surrounding the plurality of auxetic structures collectively and including a plurality of connectors extending into the auxetic structures to structurally couple the at least one cell boundary to the auxetic structures.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
88 words
An automotive energy absorber comprising a plurality of auxetic structures, and at least one cell boundary structurally coupled to the auxetic structures, said auxetic structures having a size greater than about 1 mm, said at least one cell boundary configured to resist a deformation of said auxetic structures, said at least one cell boundary at least partially surrounding the plurality of auxetic structures collectively and including a plurality of connectors extending into the auxetic structures to structurally couple the at least one cell boundary to the auxetic structures.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
14 words
The energy absorber of claim 27 , further comprising at least one plastic material.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
21 words
The energy absorber of claim 28 , wherein said plastic material is selected from the group consisting of thermoplastics and thermosets.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
44 words
The energy absorber of claim 29 , wherein said plastic material is selected from the group consisting of polycarbonates, polyamides, olefin polymers, polyesters, polyestercarbonates, polysulfones, polyethers, polyetherimides, polyimides, silicone polymers, mixtures of the foregoing polymers, copolymers, copolymers of the foregoing polymers, and mixtures thereof.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
19 words
The energy absorber of claim 29 , wherein said plastic material is a blend comprising polycarbonate and poly(butylene terephthalate).
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
94 words
An automotive bumper comprising an energy absorber, said energy absorber comprising a plurality of auxetic structures and at least one cell boundary structurally coupled to the auxetic structures, said auxetic structures having a size greater than about 1 mm, said at least one cell boundary configured to resist a deformation of said auxetic structures, said at least one cell boundary at least partially surrounding the plurality of auxetic structures collectively and including a plurality of connectors extending into the auxetic structures to structurally couple the at least one cell boundary to the auxetic structures.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
94 words
An automotive bumper comprising an energy absorber, said energy absorber comprising a plurality of auxetic structures and at least one cell boundary structurally coupled to the auxetic structures, said auxetic structures having a size greater than about 1 mm, said at least one cell boundary configured to resist a deformation of said auxetic structures, said at least one cell boundary at least partially surrounding the plurality of auxetic structures collectively and including a plurality of connectors extending into the auxetic structures to structurally couple the at least one cell boundary to the auxetic structures.
Claim 40
Independent Claim
126 words
A method of manufacturing an automotive energy absorber comprising a plurality of auxetic structures and at least one cell boundary structurally coupled to the auxetic structures, said auxetic structures having a size greater than 1 mm, said at least one cell boundary configured to resist a deformation of said auxetic structures, said at least one cell boundary at least partially surrounding the plurality of auxetic structures collectively and including a plurality of connectors extending into the auxetic structures to structurally couple the at least one cell boundary to the auxetic structures, the method comprising: extruding a plastic material to form the automotive energy absorber, wherein said extrusion comprises forcing the plastic material through a die, the die comprising a cross section complimentary to the auxetic structures.
Claim 41
Independent Claim
126 words
A method of manufacturing an automotive energy absorber comprising a plurality of auxetic structures and at least one cell boundary structurally coupled to the auxetic structures, said auxetic structures having a size greater than 1 mm, said at least one cell boundary configured to resist a deformation of said auxetic structures, said at least one cell boundary at least partially surrounding the plurality of auxetic structures collectively and including a plurality of connectors extending into the auxetic structures to structurally couple the at least one cell boundary to the auxetic structures, the method comprising: extruding a plastic material to form the automotive energy absorber, wherein said extrusion comprises forcing the plastic material through a die, the die comprising a cross section complimentary to the auxetic structures.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2010-01-08 | 2010-07-10 | 2011-01-09 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2014-01-08 | 2014-07-10 | 2015-01-09 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2018-01-08 | 2018-07-10 | 2019-01-09 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |