Patents Examined by Mickki D. Morray
  • Patent number: 6062634
    Abstract: Automotive front end structure adapted to be mounted on an automotive vehicle frame to absorb impact energy. The structure includes first and second crush hoops each having a central portion and side portions extending rearwardly from the central portion. The rear ends of the side portions of each hoop are connected to brackets and then to first and second crush boxes. Brackets connect the crush boxes to the vehicle frame. The crush hoops and the crush boxes are adapted to crush and collapse to absorb energy in a frontal impact. The central portion of the first crush hoop projects forwardly a greater distance than the central portion of the second crush hoop so that the first crush hoop is first to deform in a front impact. Thereafter, the other hoop begins to load and dissipate energy to provide a smooth, continuous and progressive reaction force to front end deformation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignees: DaimlerChrysler Corporation, Aluminum Company of America
    Inventors: Alan S. Aloe, Keith Redden, James J. Johnson, Richard A. Sokol, Matthew P. Kiley, Andrew B. Trageser, Gerald Budnick, James J. Shavrnoch