A dynamic analysis is presented relating the principal design parameters of a constant force type, dissipative shock absorber to the forces experienced by a resilient lading. The analysis, which correlates the effects of coupler force, lading force, cushion travel, closure time, impact speed, and friction, represents an application of classical mechanics to a dynamical system with sliding friction (Coulomb damping). Although a lumped-parameter analysis forms the basis of the derivation, a procedure is described which takes into account the mass- and compliance distribution within the lading.