US2826788A - Curved barrier - Google Patents

Description

March 18, 195s P, GRAHAM l2,826,788

CURVED BARRIER Filed Aug. 13, 1954 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 March 18, 1958 P. GRAHAM CURVED BARRIER 3 Sheets-Shea?l 2 Filed Aug. 13, 1954 FIG. I7

FIG. IO

FIG. I8

By P/vf//fp Gra/mm ATTORNEY P. GRAHAM CURVED BARRIER March 18,1958

3 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Aug. 13,1954 v expansion and contraction;

United States Patent() Mice CURVED BARRIER Phillip'Graham, Pittsburgh, Pa. Application August 13, 1954, Serial-N0. 449,695 2s claims. (C1. 'zu-ss) This invention relates to a barrier -in the .form of a closure or shield, such as' a door, shutter., or a barricade section, which is curved, light in weight, resilient, and strong, also which is surrounded by acushionseal tomake a 'tight fitwitha frame. The 'door embodying the present invention is of such-construction as to maintain a true bearing edge with the door opening and prevent warping which occurs in many common at doors. This invention isa continuation-impart of my co-pending applications, Serial No. 265,465, now Patent No. 2,770,850, filed January 8, 1952, entitled Curved Closure Device and Ser'- ia1'No.f363,867, filed lune 24, 1953, entitled Curved Closure Device.

A barrier embodying the principles of-this invention offers protection against the effects of violent forces'that may be thrust against it. A Isrnall amount of relatively low cost-material is shaped for optimum use to provide a safety barrier that can offer security against possible fatal injury and property damage from Violent forces. In general the parts are confined and forced to work efficiently. Doors and shutters of this type provide protection'from explosions, including protection in the enormous critical fringe areas of atomic-H-blasts, and hurricane-like winds. Automobiles may be equipped with safety barriers, or closure elements to provide safety cushioning or restraining means which will yieldably slow down and check the momentum of the occupants, when a sudden stoppage during ,a collision would otherwise tend to hurl the occupants forwardly against rigid framing causing injury. The closure-shields may also be attached to the outside of automobiles, to enclose or partially enclose the auomobtiles, to provide'cushioning and restraining means to check momentum of autos when they collide, to lessen or prevent injury to occupants and to lessen or prevent property damage.

An object of my invention' is to provide a low-cost, strong, durable, attractive door, or the like, to yieldngly resist and cushion violent impacts and restrain these forces, and which will resist deterioration from the elements.

Other objects parent from the following description,v` accompanying drawings wherein: Y

Figure 1 is an elevational view of a curved door;

Figure 2 is an enlarged, fragmentary, sectional view taken along line 2;-2 of Figurel; y

Figure 3 is an enlarged, fragmentary, sectional view taken along line 3-3 of Figure 1; f

Figure 4 is an enlarged, fragmentary, sectional view taken along line-44 of Figures 2 and4 3;

Figure 5 is an enlarged, fragmentary, sectional view taken along line 5-5 of Figure 1;-

Figure 6A is a schematicl diagram, showing the control of distortion along the Width of the door shell caused by of my invention will become more aptaken with thel Figure 6B is aschematlc diagram, showing the distortiony alongfthe width of the door shell caused by exterior thrusts; l f

2,826,788 Ptented Mar. 18, 195,8l

Figure 7 is an enlarged, fragmentary, sectional eleva# tional view takenalongfline`7-r-7 of Figure 1; l,

Figure 8 is an enlarged, fragmentary, sectioalview taken along line -8--8 of Figure l; Y

Figure 9 is an enlarged, fragmentary, taken along line 9-4-'9 of YFigure 1';

Figures 10 and 11 ar 'y fragmentary, sectionalgpla'n views, similar to Figure/2, take'n throu'ghamodifed door 'that swingstwo ways;

yFigures .l2 and 13l are'fragiheritary' elevational views showing the lower corners of thev door showninF-i'gures l0 and ll; V

sectional view Figure 14 isafragrnentar'y, sectional 'view'takenfaliig line'1'4-1`4ofFigure1-2, Y j

Figure k15 is afragmentary,'sectional'viewtakenalong line 15'15 of Figure 13; Y

Figure 16 is a fragmentary, sectional Vv'ievv similar to Figure Staken througha'further modie'd door'; v

Figure 17 is a fragmentary, sectional elevationsinilr to Figure 7, taken through' the modified doei-'shown in Figure 1'6; g

4Figure 118 isa fragmentary, sectionalfelevatioiigsiiriilai` to Figure 8, taken througlr the modified door-- shown liii Figure 16;Y 1

Figure 1-9 is a fragmentary, sectional' elevation similar to Figure 9, taken tliroughtliembdied door' show'ii i'ri Figurev 16;

Figure- 20v is a fragmentary, sectional' elevation taken through an automobile showing some usesE ofclosures and shields; Y

Figure 2l vis a'fragmentary, along line 21'-21\of Figure 20;V

Figure 22 is afragmentary, 'sectional"elevationtaken along line 224-22 of Figure 2O;Y and.

, Figure 23 is an enlargeddetailshowing a restraininglink for the'tie rods inthe closure;

Thev door shown inf FiguresV 1l to 9 inclusive' Vis illisv strated as an exterior door'. VIts, arched curved shell!A is bowed out in widthto the exterior` to" allow it to resist violent exterior forces." TheA door`is shown Apo'sitiollel in an opening-in a curved thin shell concrete wall 2.1 It may be usedwith straight-walls` whose edges are beveled at the door opening. The door is symmetrical about its vertical axis except for the hinges and latchingmears; Thisbowed shapeY is strong, and greatly resists'pressure on the convex side of -the archedA shell: The bowed'shape allows the door to yield slightly under h'e'avy loads t sectional velevation taken yieiabie ana cushion the force and Vto divertv the thrust into' the direction of the arch; -Thusan Iexterior thrustv against the curved shell 1 is arcuately transmitted effectively through the shell to the curved wall'2. The bowed shapeloftli shell 1 allows it to yield for expansiony and contraction without objectionable warping or cracking. The'curved shell 1 has a shape that resists forces thattendf to cause it to bend lengthwise.=

The door. is illustrated and described, in general, as being made of plastic.

Since possible loads on the convex surface of anarched shell effect compression in the arch, al door shell may' be constructed ofmaterials that are strong in'resisting co'rii' pression, such as plastics,wood, metal, concrete, 'glass or laminationsfof these and/ or other suitable materials. A door, if made of plastic, and similar materials, maybe'v reinforced with fiber glass, metal or other suitable Vrein forcing, irnpregnated'inA the'doormaterial. A concretew shell may have expanded mica, known in the tradeas vermiculite, in its aggregate to lighten the weight' and for insulation. A strong shell may have relatively weak materials laminated toit for appearance and for insulation. t Y

Referringto'Figures l to`9 inclusive, sides vla of shell 1 are shaped to stiffen'the sideso'fl the door and to form a trim. Ties T may be used to span the chord of the arched shell 1 and connect to the sides 1a. The chain ribs C may be used as stiteners. They may be connectedto theshell 1 with fasteners `F1 and F2. The ends of the ribs C t into sockets in the sides 1a.

Figures and 7 show a top rib 3 and Figure 9 shows a similar rib 4 at the bottom of the door.k Ribs 3 and'4 actas closures in addition to stitfening the door. A fiat cover 5 may be used to cover the inner or chord face of the door. Resilient hinges` 6 are shown in Figures l and 5. A latch 7 is shown in Figure l.

A seal-cushion 8 may be fitted onto the edging around the door perimeter. It acts as a seal, a cushion, an insulator,\and a trim. The seal 8 may be colored to make an attractive trim. The seal 8 prevents ice from forming on the side edges `of wall 2. The seal 8 yields to strip away from ice that may form around its edge and thus the ice may-be sheared off as the door;is opened. The seal 8 may be stretched onto the doorand be cemented to it. A door without `a seal 8 may be made to bear against a seal around the door opening such as the seal 8a shown in Figure 2.

Insulation 9 may be placed in the space between the shell 1 and cover 5. The cover 5 `may be a stiff or a relatively weak covering. It may be a mirror or it may be an insulating cover. A stiff cover 5 may be hinged (not shown) to form a closet space in the door.

As shown in Figure 2, a tie T has two pieces of tie wire 10 which are linked together by the spring 11. An end of each Wire 10 is threaded to engage a nut 10a. 'There are holes` through sides 1a for the wires 10. Sockets in the `,sides 1a provide anchorage for the nuts 10a, and thus the wires 10. Alimit link tube 12 may have `threaded adjustable ends; to straddle the spring 11 to limit the yielding of the spring 11. A tube 13 may be used to cover the wires 10, the spring 11 and the link 12. The tube 13 fits into sockets in the sides 1a. Nuts 10a are turned to adjust the tension of the spring 11. The limit links 12 prevents violent pressures on the concave side of the shell 1 from tending to atten and `then collapse the shell outwardly. Such violent pressures could be from interior explosions, partial I vacuum outside of the building caused by a hurricane eye, or a gust` of windwhen the door is in an opened position. The limit link 12 may have its etfeeive length shortened by adjusting anend, to restrainy the shell 1 from flattening more than slightly after it yields to cushion a load on its convex surface, when weak walls cannot absorb the whole thrust from the shell'l. Thus the hinges 6 and the latches 7a and 7b carry the load onto the stronger oor and ceiling. `The tube 13 besides being a cover, acts as a strut torrestrain the shell 1 from tending to bow in from the tension of spring 11 and from forces on the concave side of the shell. When the cover 5 is omitted from the door, thetubes 13 may be used as hangers for articles, as Well as to make attractive covers for the tie wires and spring. The tubes 13 may be omitted when loading conditions and the like do not warrant their use. Modified ties (not shown) may have spring washers under nuts 10a, thus omitting the springs 11 and the links 12.

As shownin Figures 2, 3 and 4, chain ribs C have intermediate links 14a and 14b and end links 15. Pins 16 connect the links. Fasteners F1 and F2 have clevises 17 and rivets 18 to couple the links 14a, 14b and 15 to the shell 1. The clevises 17 for fasteners F1 may be slotted to allow limited independent side movements of the shell 1 with respect to the ribs. Fasteners F2 are not slotted as they are at fixed anchor points between the shell 1 and the ribs C. Clevises 17 may have a bowed resilient diaphragm, and thus have gaps between the rivets 18 and the links, 14a, 14b and 15,* to allow slight outward and inward movement of the shell 1. Thus slight expansion and contraction in the width of the shell 1 would be allowed without abruptly distorting the shell curvature The link `12 may be used at the fasteners F1 and F2. Therefore, a highly brittle shell 1 would not have to bend as sharply and it would have less tendency to crack.

Clevises 17 may be made non-resilient, if preferred, to prevent the slight bowing.

Modified doors (not shown) may have the links 14a, 14b and 15 bearing directly against the shell 1 Without being attached to it. Suitable pads or wearing plates may be placed at the contact surfaces. Such an arrange ment would be less effective for strength and for controlling distortion.

Ribs 3 and 4 may be attached to the shell 1 with fastenters F2. The ends of ribs 3 and 4 are not fastened to the shell 1. They are held in alignment by tongue and groove bearing surfaces with the sides 1a. The ends of ribs 3 and 4 may be tongued to t grooves in sides la. The ribs 3 and 4 may have resilient separators 3b attached midway between their ends and centers.I The separators 3b have vbearing `contact with thc shell 1, but are not a tying means. Resilient separators 3b allow the shell 1 to bow in and out slightly from the effects of expansion and contraction while contact is maintained. The ribs 3 and 4 are cut back from the contour of the shell 1 between the fasteners F2 and the separators 3b, also between the rib ends and separators 3b to form gaps 3a and 4a. There are similar gaps between the intermediate parts of links 14n, 14b and 15 and the shell 1. The gaps allow further local flattening during the contraction of the shell 1. The gaps 3a and 4a may be left open between the shell 1 and the ribs; or, if desired, an elastic filler 19, such as one made of foam rubber, may be used as a gap filler. To hold the filler 19, the edges on the ribs 3 and 4 are grooved slightly for keying the filler 19 to thc ribs.

The ties T allow the use of a thin shell 1, as they restrain the shell from objectionably liattening and spreading in width, particularly when the door is in an opened position. The ribs 3, 4 and C with their fasteners Fl and F2 and separators 3b bear against the shell `1 to maintain a substantially true arched curvature. When the door is closed and seated to the jambs of wall 2, the chain ribs C may yield and flatten slightly when a strong pressure on the convex side of the shell 1 causes the shell 1 to deflect, the ties T yielding from the effects of the same force. While the ribs C are yielding, they are also restraining the shell 1 from buckling, so as to keep it confined or trapped to force it to act as an arch to divert the strong forces into the arch and thus into the edges of, the curved wall 2.

The-ribs C may yield to an extent under an impact on a local area of the shell 1, thus the ribs C would cushion the shock allowing it to be distributed over a larger area so that it can be checked and its force diverted to the side edges of the wall 2. The ribs C can not bow outwardly past the normal position because the ends of links 14a, 14b and 15 toward the chord linc have offset bearing surfaces contacting each other. The slotted holes in the clevises 17 of fasteners F1 allow the shell 1 to spread sideways slightly when it is flattened slightly. Ribs C actas pin connected arches to absorb some of the load against the shell 1, and divert it into the sides 1a and thus into the edges of the wall 2. Since in general the ends only of the links 14a, 14h and 15 contact and thus take thrusts from the shell l, the ribs C do not act as beams under localized impact loads as wouldribs of conventional ribbed curved doors.

The ribs 3 and 4.21ct similarly to ribs C, as they may yield inwardly and restrain the shell 1 from buckling or from bulging objectionably from non-uniform pressure onthe shell 14. The sloping ends of ribs 3 and 4 bear and slide against the sides la when they are yielding. These sliding contact edges may be waxed to prevent binding action. Thus the ribs 3 and 4 with sloping ends act as Wedges to divert loads on the ribs into the sides 1u and thus into the edges of the Wall 2. Offsets on `the ends of ribs 3 and 4 and onthe engaging edges ofsidcs .zones (not shown) than four.

La llimit the .movements of the rib ,ends .to vprevent excessive movement atan end.` The non-.connecting separators ,3b allow'the shell 1 to'` spread sidewaysslightly when the shell 1 flattens slightly. l f -The curved straps of .the hinges 6 yield to .allow the sh`e1l'1 to carry the archedthrust directly into the wall 2. The seal-cushion 8 along the door side edges would yield under the arched thrust and it would thus make a tighter seal and a continuous bearing surface.

The latches 7, 7a and 7b engage suitable slotted catches on the door opening to allow .the door to spread to bear tighter against the wall when outside pressure is increased.- The latch 7 wouldfbe suicient latching means where the wall edge adjacent the latching side of door is strong enough to take the thrust from the door edge. Latches 7a and 7b may beused in general when the thrust must be transmitted to supports adjacent the ends of side 1a. l

When cover is omitted on a door, ribs 3 and 4 may be omitted, or it" preferred,rwhen loads are light, ribs 3 and 4 may be used and the adjacent ribs C may be omitted. Both types of ribs may be used on a door, particularly when less sturdy ribs 3 and4 are primarily used to close the ends of the door.

A very thin plastic shell, such as shell 1, may be used effectively to carry a greater thrust, by incorporating longitudinal ribs 1u in line with the fasteners F1 and F2. Only one such rib 1n is shown and is indicated by the dot-dashed outline in Figures 2 and 4. Such ribs may be used on either or both shell surfaces. Another means to effectively use a very thin plastic shell, such as shell 1, to eiectively yield and resist a greater thrust, is to have local corrugations 1w between the fasteners F1 and F2, and between fasteners Fland the sidesvla, to prevent excessive'buckling. Corrugations 1w are indicated by the dot-dashed outlines on Figure 2.

Modified doors of limited strength but sufficient for use as closet doors and the like, may be made without ribs, the shell 1 being sprung to the required shape with ties T. The shell may be corrugated in width (not shown).

Another modification for doors of' limited strength embodies only two ribs. If such door is to have a cover S and/or insulation 9, the ribs 3 and 4 Vwould be most suitable.

Modified doors (not shown) may have the cover 5 or the tubes 13 yieldably connected to sides 1a, to act as yieldable ties and struts, thus omittingthe tie wire 10.

The door, with its yieldable means to allow diverting of the abnormal Vthrusts on the door shell 1 into the edges of the wall 2, allows the use of less sturdy walls as the thrust is made in the direction that the wall 2 is strongest. Flat doors, and to an extent non-yielding curved doors, tend to cause shear and bending at the doorjambs.

Figure-6A is a schematic diagram showing the distortion of the door shell 1 along its width, which results from expansion and contraction. The heavy solid curved line 1b indicates the normal contour of the door shell. When resilientV clevises 17 are used with gaps between the shell 1 and the ribs to allow for expansion and contraction, the expansion gaps at clevises 1'7 allow the shell 1 to expand slightly to a bowed shape indicated by the thin line contour 1c. The gaps at clevises 17 also allow the shell 1 to contract to a flatter bowed shape indicated by the light dotted line 1d. There are fixed points FZa at fasteners F2. There are semi-fixed points F1a and Flb, which are located at the ends of the ribs, at-the fasteners F1 and F2 and at the separators 3b.

The points F1a, Flb and F211, divide the shell bending area into four incremental areas or zones.

In modifications there may be moreY or fewer bending Bending zones allow considerable unobjectionable `bending in the arched shell 1, Without causing undesirable warping of the door. The

doorshell 1 .bends locally in width andthe strong curved shape .restrains it from lbending lengthwise'. The door shell is restrained' from spreading or objectionable bulging by the ribs, ties, and door jarnbs. When thedoor shell 1- expandsduey to increased temperature or-in'creased moisture, if absorbent material is used, such as wood', itV takes on the bulging contour in the bending zones between points shown by dashed linel 1e. The cooling of all doors, and drying .outfin wooden' doors, causesv contraction which, without this localization of bending, causesrundesirable wraping and cracking. The curved shell 1 allows the Ycurved .width to flatten out locallyin the bending zones for contraction. .1- shrinks, it assumes the contour indicated by dot-dash line 1f, which attens betv'v'een points.

Figure 6B is a schematic diagram showingthe distortion of .the door shell 1, which results from heavy .pressures 0n the convex side of the shell. The heavy'solid line 1g indicates the normal contour of the doorsh'ell.

` normal conditions, suchV as exterior When the shell is under an evenly distributed load 20, it compresses, yields andy attens to the dashed contour line 1h. The direction of the load 20 is diverted into the arch to convert it-into forces 20a and 20b and thus to forces 291C and 20d in the wall 2.` When a concentrated impact load 20e strikes a local area of the shell, the shell yields to the dotted contour line" 1k. In yielding, the shell distributes'the impact load over a greater shell area, which can resistthe tendency'of the impact toshear through or puncture the shell. The thrust would be diverted into the shell and wall V2. v

In general, the door or closure d vice shown in-'Figures -1 lto 9 inclusive is light-weight, verystrong, `and durable. I-t is relatively low in cost to build,-install, yand maintain. The curved door is strikingly different from conventional building doors; and it is `pleasingly attractive in appearance, since the curved eiect'gives thesimpression of strength and beauty. This curved door would require less material than would common flat doors or other curved doorsof equal strength. This would be an exceptionally efficient door and wall arrangement that would rnakeA optimum use of the stress carrying characteristics of the door and wall materials, so as to make the arrangement capable of resisting forces fromr abexplosions and thel like. The continuous, resilient, sealed cushionl around the edge of the door prevents the passage of air, moisture, insects, rodents, dirt, fumes or odors, sound, light, heat, cold, smoke, flood waters. And, since it retards the progress of tire, it is a'fire seal. It seals in airvfor air-conditioning. In wartime, the seal would prevent ythe passage of warfare types of poisonous gas, smoke, bacteria, and radioactive dust or mist from anatomic blast The seal will yield to break away from ice that forms around the door. A door yequipped with an edge cushioned-seal closes with little noise even when slammed hard. The seal-cushion would also yield to take up the slack caused by discrepancies in the door or door opening. Thus, a less accurate door and required; therefore, an accurate costly door frame or door opening is unnecessary. There lwould evolveyno future door trouble caused by slight settling of the buildin g and untrued door openings due to the settling. Since the seal compensates for minor discrepancies in the door opening, it would allow more tolerance in hangingy the door than Vis possible with ordinary llat doors; The present door can-be more easily and quickly erected. v p

The doors being-light in weight may easily berhandled and erected even by a person frail in build. The lightweight doors rnay be shipped at low cost and would require smaller hinges and supports for the Vhinges cornpared with conventional heavier doors Vof equal strength.v Light-weight plastic .storm doors or shutters may :be stored in quantities in a small` space without overloading a door. tPlastio doorslwould not require paint. Doors may be made of4 attractive colored plastic. .Plasticdoors When the door shell door opening are y .'ging and binding may be transparent, translucent or opaque. Plastic is not atected by atmospheric moisture which causes wooden doors to warp and unprotected steel doors to rust. Plastic doors can be readily cleaned with water. A plastic door would be resistant to damage by rodents, vermin, and the like. Plastic would be particularly suitable for closure devices such as those in warm climates where destructiveelements are prevalent.

A mail slot (not shown) with a be placed in the curved shell.

A window (not shown) with a resilient frame may be placed in the curved shell. Resilient frames would allow for bending in the shell and still maintain a seal. Ialousies (not show may be placed in an opening in the door shell. i While I have shown a door in Figures 1 to 9 inclusive `that `is suitable for plastic construction, a door with the same principles, such as the bowed shell, yieldable ribs and yieldable ties, may be made with other materials, such as wood, metal, glass, concrete and the like, similar to the means described in this application and in my co-pending applications Serial No. 265,465, filed January 8, 1952, entitled Curved Closure Device and Serial No. 363,867, filed lune 24, 1953, entitled Curved Closure Device.

Figures 10 to 15 inclusive show a modification of the `door shown in Figures 1 to 9 inclusive. This modified door may swing in and out in addition to its being similar in its characteristics to the door previously described. The differences are in the modified shell sides 1m, the modied 'edges of the wall 2a, the modified seal- cushions 8b and 8c, `and principally in the hinging system. Hinge plates 21 are attached to the bottom and top of the door. A` hinge pin 21a is attached to the end of hinge plate 21. The pin 21a engages a hole in the sliding plate resilient seal frame may 22. Plates 22 are attached to the licor and ceiling with dowel pins 22a and 22b.` Tubes 23 are imbedded in thc wall 2a. Springs 24 are t positioned in tubes 23. Plate 22 is threaded and it has an adjusting nut attached. The nut or plate 22 `bears against the spring 24, so that the spring tends to force the plate 22 away from the door jamb and thus tend to keep the door from sagto the door jamb. When an abnormal pressure on the convex side of the door spreads the door in width, the springs 24 yield to allow the hinges to slide.

A tapered aligning plate 25 is fastened to the'iioor on the nonghinged side of the door opening, which ta` pers atthe top from the center to the ends. A wearing plate 26 is attached above it to the door side 1m. The plate 25 engages the plate 26 to raise and align the door as it closes, thus correcting any inaccuracy of positioning not accomplished by the spring 24. The hinges and latching are strong enough to hold the door in position while it yields in width under loads on its convex surface. The yielding causes the sides 1m to bind to the edges of wall 2a and then the forces on the door are diverted to the wall edges. Although this modied door is notas etective as the door shown in Figures 1 to 9 inclusive, it is useful where a door is needed that swings in and `outy and yet must resist violent exterior pressures. This door canbe used to swing in only, with its `shell bowed to the exterior to resist violent forces.

Figures 16, 17, 18 and 19 illustrate a modified closure that is similar to the door shown in Figures 1 to 9 inelusive.` This modification has, ribs 27 rather than ribs 3, 4 and C. Ribs 27 are similar to ribs 3 and 4. They differ by being narrower in width. The narrow width allows the ribs 27 to yield under loads without fouling the cover 5.` Modified tiesV T1 are similar to ties T. They havetubes 28 that are similar to tubes 13 except that they are shaped to have `a sliding tit with ribs 27 to'help close the cross area of the door. The ribs 27 are shapedto form gaps 27a similar to gaps 3a between their edgeand'the shell 1. Elastic ller 19 may be inadsense 8 Serted in these gaps 27a. If preferred, for appearance and as a covering,` a rib 3 may be `used at the top in place of a rib 27. When a fixed cover 5 is not used, the intermediate ribs and bottom ribs 27 may be used as shelves, when slats (not shown) are placed above the ribs to keep articles from falling olf.

Figures 20, 2l and 22 show how thin curved shell barriers or closure-shields A1 to A13 inclusive may be used in and on automobiles and the like, to enclose, shield or separate non-compatible elements to effectively act during auto accidents, to prevent injury and death to the people in the accidents and to prevent property damage. These closure-shields act similar to the door shown in Figures 1 to 9 inclusive. The door shown in Figure l would yield and then restrain, without much harm, a would-be intruder who hurls his weight against the door. The closure-shields inside an auto provide cushioning and restraining means which slow down and check the momentum of the occupants of an auto when it is stopped suddenly, such as the stoppage during a collision. The momentum tends to hurl the occupants forwardly until they strike rigid framing. The safety barriers or closureshields catch the occupants being thrown by the momentum, and ease their movement to a stop, thus preventing or lessening injury. These inside closure-shields would also cushion and stop the flight movement of objects such as luggage being transported on the rear seat. These barriers may be used on the outside of automobiles to Contact, cushion and bounce pedestrians andautos that are struck, to lessen injury to the pedestrians and to prevent property damage.

The arrangements shown allows means to adapt these barriers to existing autos, modified arrangements (not shown) may be incorporated into new designs for autos.

The closure-shields A1., A2 and A3 shown in Figures 20 and 2l, are alike in general. They have curved shells 1p which are bowed in height, chain ribs C and ties T2. The modified yicldable tie T2 shown in detail in Figur'e 23, is similar to tie T shown in Figure 2. It may be used for the closureshields as well as for the doors such as previously described. The ties T2 take most of the reaction from the arched thrust from the ends of the sides 1r. The tic T2 has heavy wires or rods 10b, with anchor disks 10c attached to the ends shown. Light springs 11a and heavy spring 11b are enclosed and trappedby the limit tube 12b and the adjustable tube ends 12e. The tube 12b with its ends 12e restrain the ties 10b from yielding after the springs 11a and 11b have reached their depressed limit. Washers 11C separate adjacent springs 11a and 11b. The weaker springs 11a allow readily yielding of the bowed shell 1p to cushion and slow up the initial impact, before the heavy springs 11b increase the resistance against the `thrust on the shell 1p. The limit tube 12b with its ends`12c prevent excessive yielding. Excessive yield would allow the shell 1p to flatten and then buckle and collapse. Springs 11.5 and 11C may bc combined if preferred.

These closures Al,` A2 and A3 arc shown as being mounted to the rear of the iront seats of a two-door sedan. They also may be mounted behind the front seats of a four-door sedan and the like. Since access to the rear seats of a two-door sedan is by tilting the backs of the front seats to allow access space, the safety barrier or closure-shield arrangement is sectioualized rather than being similar to the single closure shown in Figure l. The closure-shields A1, A2 and A3 are hinged at the bottom to supports The tops are latched to slotted catch plates 29. Supports 28 and plates 29 are securely attached to the strong members of the auto framework. Linkage 3d may be used to connect the closure-shield A1 to the top of the hinged backing of the front seat. The closure A3 may also be linked to a back of a front seat section. Closures Al and A3 may be unlatchetLfthen tilted with the back sections of the front seats to allow access to and from the rear seats. When thc closures '29 are slopedto allow forward yieldingmovement. .legs-and feet of peopleweigh thus. ,the forward forces Otlegsland feetfan betestrained more.,Pieces'thatlare fastened together.

y transparent .area to tofseegthrough it. "closurefshiellds A1, ingraddingL suchs thatmade, f foamfrubbenwith suitablelovering'. The `paddi ng, 3 1 may be l fastened electively cushion thefaceftoplQYIlt, [as the face is `forcedbyl momentumfto bearagainst. the

'more effective in reducing injury.`

` to its effectiveness.

shell lpinay be made begcovered withfpadding have a tendency to, buckleunder. the impact-fof a persons "ghar ip. :The adjacem ribs c ofithga .Shields may ,befdoweled or. ad together, to distribute. the. impacts ...dianhragmt the center.

i tThe forwardinterior -part essere Aland. are .in their lathedrositiont-theygsstrsin, with linkage 30, the backs ingdurling a sudden stop.

highenough above the auto oor to allow spac'e b elow f 'the frht Seatlfrtim 'fuld- The Closures.. maybe .mounted A gap is left, above the them for feet of the passengers.

N closures to allow the closures .tospreadas y tlieyyield and ,flatten under impactsexpanding movement.

The slotted plates 2 9 allow this With the arrangement shown, the sideslr transmit the arch thrust of shells 11p to thehinges and latches. as was described for the door show'n in Figv ute l, when itwas to be mounted in aweakwall. 'Ille closure-shields, such as A1, are mosteffective toprevent iniurywhenthey yield,cQnSiderabh/.since theyy slow down a persons body that has been hurled against it. Therev forernore yielding movement iswallowedtm in these closure-shields than in the door shown lin Figure l. Deeper bows to the .shells 1p make themmoreuseful.

.The closure-shields A1, A2. and A3 .are positioned so thatthe 'middle ordinate of, the lbow ofthe she11, that is the deepest part of the ot the thrust is greatest from the rnidsectionof` a persons is an advantage as .the bowed shell can yield a further distance Yin 'this vicinity. 'lhus i it can more effectively ease'the person to a .s tup.r The narch l of theshell is strongest when thethrpstagainst it is Vthe greatest; As the shell yieldsand resistsitheV thrust against it', it .atteus to. adjcgree.

itsstroug Shape as. it Vslows.down zfoc'eotthepersonbearing against Tliustheshell spends and reacts against .the ik The Slots. in Plates much "lessfthan the torso,

with less yieldingof the shelljlp wherethey bear.

The shellplpmaybe one pieceorl it maybe two or allow, all of: the occupants of they car The protective ,characteristics of the Az and As 'may ,bejinreaseaby ,add-

to .manon-transparent convex surfacesfof theshellsjlp. A

Vfsliglitlg/. yieldable transparent lcurvedplastic shell or blister fastened to the shelLlp.' The shellflwould or lessen injury "'shell. The shell `or blisterl'may have s tlylyieldable closed ends to make kan air-filled cushioiithat would be "..The air-mieu. briser drvompresscd. air. .orf ygas tv add The non-transparent v part of the of. Stronger. material than can. be fused fof the yieldable transparentreas Reinforced faz .may be fined with pl'astic'rnay be used, or metalf may be used fort thelower Vpartoifshell 1p. A metalpartof a shell rnay have' j straight ribs fastened to'itjorstrengthening. it. When suoli ribs are onv the convex side oi the shell, they would 31. Since the shell A1p would bodylag'ainst it, a tubular strut 3 3, maybmtastenedbet n "the vribsCto reduce they buckling tendency; The strut 3.3.` W Quld allow thek use of a tljii'rriaeri' more. yeltlable diaeentlosure- `The closuregshields A1', y A2, *f nd A3 act, together as `a l n y offan' automobileQtdresist,the lbuckling effects of aside thrust from a'car colliding into its side. I y

l vO-,tlieauto `has closurefelds A4 and A5, whicharesimilart closurefshields 1 A2 and A3. There mat/be rcurved `doors, 3

l 3.5.1; in the closureshields A4 and AS- -,The ,doors bow, is centered where the. force ,The

'.The .shell 1p .t

facialfeatures fto more .latched together tog/maketh@ yelusive. by rigging, the closure tops wires and struts no-t shown).

65. VAin the form of a Idoor, shutter, lbarricade or the like,

- moresurfac@ Iwarfare to resist Y manually or by the force fof explosions and the like.

means to make these vyield allowance ,ffor cleaning 'I' the. wndshicldagdaggess. .t0

`jtheglt veQcornpartrnent; radio, heater controlsjandy the like. The doors 34b mayy be transparent to allow the driver to View the instrument panel indicators. The doors 34b also allow 4access for cleaning thewindshield and such. T he steering wheel column 35 may pass .through aslot in the shell of the closure-shieldy A5. The

two closures A4 and A5 allow the opaque ribs and riers A8 on the exterior of the auto doors act to protect the occupants as these closures cushion and resist impacts on their` convex. surfacesV duringcollisionsand roll-overs.

be -made for attaching to existing autos and for future 4au tos, tl 1 e se closure-shields maybecombinedto form double bowed yieldable, auto{ doors that are capable of `yielding and thenresisting violent thrusts on |both sides.

The barriers A9 may Ibefastened to Athe sides of the .auto, also at the ends. They may cover only the lower parts of .the auto or they may be made larger to.. cover such as do vthe closures A8. A closurefshield A10 may be used instead of or lalong with a conventionalwindshield. VIt would project theocycupants of theauto aga1nst-missile-like objects that may be hurled against theexterior ofthe closure.

During collisions, objects are torn loose from .the :opposing Iauto and hurled by the momentum to the other car. Sucha closure as A would be kuseful in times-of riotsfand the forces of missiles thrown againstit Barriers A11 and A12 would offer protection for the occupants of convertible type autos as well as those with strong. tops. ,These barriers would cushion and restrain A'persons who are lhurled against the ceiling during roll- `ov ers, collisions and when bumps in the roadway cause `them to hit the ceiling. The floors of autos mayalso 45 havethese barriers for protection during roll-overs.

The barrier A13 along the exterior topsidey of a vehicle would cushion and absorb most of the impact from roll-overs, thus preventing serious injury to the passen- .gersand preventing serious damage to the-auto. 50

fectively when. they have both slidafbly. latched, ,with the ties v body.

Barriers such .as A11, A12 and A13 may be useclef- T2 anchoredto the, auto Convertible .autos with the tops retracted may use vertical barriers or vc :losuressimilar `to A1 to Aminto the auto body with .Thusibarriers maybe attachedin and on autos and the like, yto prevent people from being vmaimed .and killed ,and to prevent property damage.

The steering wheelgand column, are theV only non-shielded objects that `arelikely to cause injury yand death. There are known during collisions. Thus4 it will be. seen that.lhave provided yan ellicient and strong curved safety barrier 'or closure element,

which provides optirntun strength for a given weight, and

Which, by curvature yof panel and yieldable ribs :and ties rnakesit possibleto cushion Iand stop violentfforcesg,

` Lrnent whiohdlave spaced anchoring 'points yacross the also,xl have providednovel :ribslior such closure elewidthloi the closure element, Vand between which anchor- .ing po in ts a. s malkspace is provided between the curved panel of the door and ribs so as to permit free outward Qr inwa r .d ;bov.vir 1g 0f thefpanel portions, suchas'aused side edges of the shellsv by temperature or humidity changes, thereby providing uniform distribution across the width `of the closure element of such bowing. Additionally, I have provided a closure element which may be made of plastic or other suitable materials and which may be provided with a resilient sealing material about its perimeter and the interior of which may be filled with insulating material.

.'hile l have illustrated and described several specic embodiments of my invention, it will be understood that these are by way of illustration only, and that various changes and modifications may be made within the contemplation of my invention and within the scope of the following claims.

l claim:

l. A yieldable barrier comprising an outwardly curved thin panel, a plurality of yieldable tie elements whose extrcmities are fastened adjacent the extremities of said panel on opposite sides thereof, to permit said device to expand in width when pressure is applied to its convex surface; and a plurality of stiifening members extending transversely across said panel along arcuate paths immediately adjacent the inner surface of said panel, said stitfening members each comprising a plurality of elements disposed in end-to-end pivotal relationship.

2. A yieldable barrier comprising an outwardly curved thin panel, a plurality of yieldable tie elements whose extremities are fastened adjacent the extremities of said panel on opposite sides thereof, to permit said device to expand in width when pressure is applied to its convex surface, stiffening members extending transversely across said panel along arcuate paths adjacent the inner surface of said panel, said stiffening members each comprising a plurality of links pivotally connected together in end- -to-end relationship, to allow yieldable stiffening and maintenance of an arc shape by said panel.

3. A yieldable barrier comprising an outwardly curved panel, a plurality of yieldable tie elements whose extremities are fastened adjacent the extremities of said panel on opposite sides thereof, to permit said device to expand in width when pressure is applied to i-ts convex surface, a plurality of transversely extending stiifening `members secured to said panel in spaced `parallel relal tionship, each of said stilfening members comprising a plurality of pivotally interconnected links, said links having projecting portions normally in abutment to limit abnormal outward movements of said links and per mitting inward movement of said links when said panel is flexed inwardly.

4. A yieldable barrier comprising a thin, outwardly bowed panel of substantially rectangular shape and bowed r across the width of the panel, a plurality of yieldable tic elements whose extremities are fastened adjacent the extremities of said panel on opposite sides thereof, to

permit said device to expand in Width when pressure is applied to its convex surface, stitfening members comprising a plurality of pivotally interconnected links. said links having projecting end portions normally in abutment to limit abnormal outward movements of said links and permitting inward movement of said links when said panel is flexed inwardly, said stitfening members being connected to said panel in at least one intermediate point.

5. A yieldable barrier comprising an outwardly bowed panel, a plurality of yieldable tie elements whose extremities arc fastened adjacent the extremities of said panel on opposite sides thereof, to permit said device to expand in width when pressure is applied to its convex surface, a plurality of stiffening members extending transversely across said panel along arcuate paths adjacent the inner surface of said panel, said stiifening members each comprising a plurality of links pivotally con-f thin panel, a plurality of yieldable tie elements whose extremities are fastened adjacent the extremities of said panel on opposite sides thereof, to permit said device to expand in width when pressure is applied to its convex surface, a plurality of stiffening members extending transversely across said panel along arcuate paths adjacent the inner surface of said panel, said stiflening members each comprising a plurality of links pivotally connected together in endto-end relationship, to allow yieldable stiffening and maintenance of an arc shape by said panel, and a strip of resilient material surrounding the perimeter of said outwardly curved panel.

7. A yieldable barrier as recited in claim l wherein said panel has a transparent portion.

8. A yieldable barrier `as recited in claim 2 wherein said panel is ofplastic material.

9. A yieldable barrier as recited in claim 5 wherein insulating material is provided in the space between said flat panel and said outwardly bowed panel.

l0. A yieldable barrier as recited in claim 2, together with a pair of hinges of `yieldable material for hinging said barrier to an opening in a building wall so as to allowan edge of the barrier to bear against an edge of said opening.

l1. A yieldable barrier as recited in claim 1 together with an outer layer of padding on said panel.

l2. A yieldable barrier as recited in claim 2 together with a second outwardly curved thin panel of smaller radius than, anddisposed on the outer surface of, said first mentioned panel.

13. A yieldable barrier as recited in claim l2 wherein said second panel and the confronting portion of said first panel are of transparent material.

14. In a vehicle having a bodyenclosinga compartment for occupants, a safety cushioning device secured to said body having a yieldable barrier comprising a curved thin panel in confronting relationship with said compartment, a yieldable tie whose extremities are fastened adjacent the extremities of said panel on opposite sides thereof, said body including spaced bearing means for said panel extremities, at least one of which allows relative sliding movement with one of said panel ex tremities to permit said device to expand in widthwhen pressure` is applied to its convex surface; and a stiffening member extending transversely across said panel along an arcuate` pathadjacent the inner surface of said panel, said stitening member comprising a plurality of elements disposed in end-to-end pivotal relationship.

l5. In combination with a body portion of a motor driven vehicle including driver and passenger compartments, a safety cushion device disposed immediately in front of an exposed portion of one of said compartments and comprising a yieldable barrier having an inwardly curved thin panel disposed so that its convex portion confronts said last mentioned compartment, a plurality of Vyieldable tie elements whose extremities are fastened adjacent the extremities of said panel on opposite sides thereof, said` body having substantially vertically spaced bearing means for said extremities, at least 60 ',vertical sliding movement with one one of which bearing means allows relative, substantially of said extremities to permit said device to expand in width when pressure 1s applied to its convex surface, stiffening members extending transversely across said panel along arcuate paths adjacent the inner surface of said panel, said stiffening members each comprising a plurality of links pivotally connected together in end-to-end relationship, to allow yieldable stiifening and maintenance of an are shape by said panel.

16. In an automotive vehicle, a body portion in combination with a yieldable barrier secured to the exterior of said body portion and having an outwardly curved thin panel mounted on said body portion in confronting relationship with a compartment for occupants, a plurality of yieldable tie elements whose extremities are fastened adjacent the extremities of said panel on oppo site sides thereof, said body including spaced bearing means for said panel extremities, at least one of which bearing means allows relative sliding movement with one of said panel extremities to permit said device to expand in width when pressure is applied to its convex surface; and a plurality of stiiening members extending transversely across said panel along arcuate paths immediately adjacent the inner surface of said panel, said stiening members each comprising a plurality of yieldable elements' disposed in end-to-end pivotal relationship.

17. In combination with an automobile having driver and passenger compartments separated by a yieldable barrier mounted on said body and located rearwardly of the drivers seat and comprising an outwardly curved thin panel extending in a rearward direction, a plurality of yieldable tie elements whose extremities are fastened adjacent the extremities of said panel on opposite sides thereof, to permit said device to expand in width when pressure is applied to its convex surface; and a plurality of stiifening members extending transversely across said panel along arcuate paths immediately adjacent the inner surface of said panel, said stiifening members each comprising a plurality of links disposed in end-to-end pivotal relationship.

18. A closure element consisting of a yieldable barrier comprising an outwardly curved thin panel, a plurality of yieldable tie elements whose extremities are fastened adjacent the extremities of said panel on opposite sides thereof, to permit said device to expand in width when pressure is applied to its convex surface; and a plurality of stiifening members extending transversely across said panel along arcuate paths immediately adjacent the inner surface of said panel, said stiffening members each comprising a plurality of elements disposed in end-to-end pivotal relationship.

19. A door comprising an outwardly curved thin panel, a plurality of yieldable tie elements whose extremities are fastened adjacent the extremities of said panel on opposite sides thereof, to permit said device to expand in width when pressure is applied to its convex surface stiiening members extending transversely across said panel along arcuate paths adjacent the inner surface of said panel, said stiffening ymembers each comprising a plurality of links pivotally connected together in end-toend relationship, to allow yieldable stiiening and maintenance of an arc shape by said panel.

20. A yieldable barrier comprising an outwardly curved thin panel, yieldable means cooperable with an extremity of said panel to permit said barrier to yieldably expand in width when pressure is applied to its convex surface; and stiffening means extending transversely across said panel along an arcuate path immediately adjacent the inner surface of said panel, said stifening means comprising a plurality of portions disposed in end-to-end pivotal relationship.

21. 'A yieldable barrier for mounting on a conveyance body for protecting occupants in a compartment thereof, comprising a thin panel of convex shape, yieldable means at one ofthe extremities of said panel to permit said panel to yieldably expand in width when pressure is applied to its convex surface, and stiffening means comprising a plurality of yieldable support points in spaced relationship transversely across said panel on the concave side thereof and positioned to limit the extent of radially inward movement of portions of said panel, whereby the panel is prevented from collapsing and the substantially convex curvature of the panel is maintained even after collision of an object against the convex surface.

22. A yieldable barrier as recited in claim 21 wherein at least a portion of said barrier is of transparent material to permit viewing therethrough.

23. A yieldable barrier as recited in claim 2l wherein said convex surface confronts the interior of said compartment and wherein said conveyance body includes bearing means for engaging said one of the extremities of said panel to permit relative movement therebetween and so as to maintain said substantially convex curvature of said panel even during said collision.

24. A yieldable barrier as recited in claim 21 wherein said convex surface projects outwardly of said compartment and wherein said conveyance body includes bearing means for engaging said one of the extremities of said panel to permit relative movement therebetween and so as to maintain said substantially convex curvature of said panel even during said collision.

25. A yieldable barrier as recited in claim 21 wherein said conveyance body includes bearing means adjacent the roof of said compartment against which said one of said extremities of said panel is slidable in a substantially vertical direction, the other of the extremities of said'panel being rigidly secured to a point near and above the floor of said compartment, said convex surface confronting the interior of said compartment, whereby occupants will be thrown thereagainst in the event of a collision but without substantially altering said convex curvature.

References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,715,379 Nicholas June 4, 1929 1,717,533 Ward June 18, 1929 1,973,011 Morrison Sept. 11, 1934 2,111,814 Schulman Mar. 22, 1938 2,326,713 Wesseler Aug. 10, 1943 2,436,461 Tritt et al. Feb. 24, 1948 2,477,933 Labser Aug. 2, 1949 2,715,042 Lancaster Aug. 9, 1955 FOREIGN PATENTS 769,903 France June 18, 1934 207,740 Switzerland Mar. 1, 1940

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