GB678021A - Buffer or like energy-absorbing device - Google Patents

Abstract

678,021. Fenders. TURTON, G., PLATTS & CO., Ltd., and HEWITT, J. L. Dec. 4, 1950 [Dec. 5, 1949], No. 31211/49. Class 113 (i). [Also in Group XXXII] An energy absorbing device for use in a fendering system for docks, jetties, &c., comprises a torsion bar mounted parallel with a supporting surface and adjacent a pile-like impactreceiving and load-transmitting member, a transverse lever rigid with one end of the torsion bar and extending outwardly of the supporting surface at an oblique angle, to constitute a load receiving element, and means spaced from the lever to impart a resistance to twisting of the torsion bar. In the construction shown in Fig. 5, pile-like impact receiving members 17a, 17b fast at their lower ends, are in engagement with respective arms 16a, 16b at opposite ends of a torsion bar 14a. Brackets 12a, 13a, rotatably mount the bar 14a on the dock face 11a. The members 17a, 17b may engage the arms 16a, 16b to apply a pre-load to the bar 14a. Alternatively, Figs. 7, 8 (not shown), stops projecting respectively from the brackets 12a, 13a may support the arms 16a, 16b against movement in a direction opposite to that produced by the load. The extremity of each arm 16a, 16b may be formed with rollers, Figs. 1-3 (not shown), or other antifriction devices. The members 17a, 17b may be formed with a channel to locate the rollers. In the construction shown in Fig. 9, one impact-receiving member 17c is associated with the lever 16d of a torsion bar 14c journalled at 13c and 13d, and held against rotation at 12c. A further torsion bar 14d having a lever 16e, is journalled at 13c and rigidly held at 13d. The levers 16d, 16e are engaged successively by the member 17c. In either case the lever may be in keyed or splined engagement with, or welded to, its torsion bar, which may be solid or tubular. The bar may be similarly connected with the bracket where it is to be held (as at 12c in Fig. 9). Alternatively the bar may be adjustably held in the bracket by a ratchet device. Instead of bearing brackets supporting the bar, a single casing may be used. According to the Provisional Specification, the device may be .disposed vertically or in an inclined position.