Abstract: A road vehicle 10A with a bonnet or engine compartment 14A and engine 32A is provided with pedestrian protection structure 42. This is formed by first assessing the structure of the vehicle 10A to determine the ability of the structure to provide at least partial absorption of a pre-defined impact to the vehicle (such as a simulated head or leg impact). The additional structure 42 is mounted on the vehicle 10A to provide partial absorption of the initial impact, at least sufficient for the vehicle structure to absorb any remaining energy of impact.

Abstract: An energy absorbing structure comprises a body of material such as a foamed polyurethane or polystyrene. The body is covered by a cover. The body is relatively brittle, as compared with the cover member. An impact from a body results in cracks appearing preferentially in the body, rather than in the cover member. The cracks propagate through the body to absorb energy from the impact.

Abstract: By combining an armature which may be formed from a metal or plastics material or cardboard material with a contact assembly generally in the form of foams or other energy absorbing materials it is possible to create a sufficiently robust structure for general installation on a motor vehicle. The armature will deform under impact loads in association with the contact assembly in order to provide an acceptable energy absorption profile under impact loads such as a result of collision contact between a pedestrian and the impact protection arrangement secured to a vehicle.

Abstract: A safety system for a vehicle is incorporated within the structure of the vehicle. The system includes an energy absorbing structure which may collapse, crumple, deform or otherwise absorb energy under impact. A mounting arrangement moves the structure relative to the vehicle in the event that an imminent collision is sensed by a sensor. In one example, the structure is moved forward, relative to the vehicle, to leave a gap between the structure and hard components of the vehicle, such as the radiator, engine block or the like. This increase in distance results in a greater amount of energy being absorbed from the person, before the person can impact the hard components.