Docking buffer

US7476433B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Deutsche Post AG · DE

Inventors

• Rainer Ott · Volkesfeld, DE
• Hans Schmatz · Euskirchen, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Nov 5, 2004
• Grant date: Jan 13, 2009
• Expiry date: Sep 28, 2025

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T428/24198
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

The invention relates to a docking buffer for attaching to ramps, comprising an elastic damping element (3) that is situated between two U-shaped sections (1; 2) consisting of a hard, shock-proof material. The limbs (4; 5) and (6; 7) of said sections are adjacent to one another and can be displaced in relation to one another, the limbs (4; 5) of one U-shaped section (2) converging at an angle α that deviates from 90° in relation to a base surface (9) and the limbs (6; 7) of the other U-shaped section (1) diverging at an angle β that deviates from 90° in relation to a base plate (8). The opening widths between the ends of the limbs (4; 5) and (6; 7) and the sizes of the angles α; β are selected in such a way that the limbs (4; 5) embrace the limbs (6; 7). The advantage of the invention is that it provides a docking buffer with a simple construction that is thus cost-effective to produce, said buffer affording reliable protection even during an off-center collision. The greater width of the mobile section in relation to the fixed section creates a larger impact surface for the docking vehicle.