Raymond E Elliott

US Patent:

6926265, Aug 9, 2005

Filed:

Oct 17, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/688549

Inventors:

Raymond Elliott - Torrance CA, US

International Classification:

F16M009/00
B60R019/18

US Classification:

267140, 293102, 2483451, 16 86 A

Abstract:

A protective bumper or guard having a substantial thickness of semi-rigid material formed in a geometric configuration, such as a dome, which will not catch or snag personnel or garments moving about structures such as posts having jagged edges or points. The protective bumper or guard incorporates a downwardly depending shaft having one end exposed in the form of a wedge for insertion between crimped portions of the damaged structure, while the opposite end of the shaft includes a head for retaining the shaft in a secured fitting with the semi-rigid pad or body. Preferably, the semi-rigid pad or body is dome-shaped, having a flat bottom, whereby sharp edges and points of damaged structure can impact or slightly penetrate into the material when the wedge has been inserted into the crimped closing of the post or structure. A sufficient portion of the pad or body exists between the secured portion of the shaft with the body so that a person engaging the pad will not feel or snag on the shaft. Weight is reduced by removing material which defines reinforced ribs while maintaining flexibility.