Abstract: An impact energy transmitting arrangement (10) for transmitting energy, which arises during impact between a vehicle (12) on which the arrangement (10) is mounted and a foreign body, to a vehicle structure (14). The arrangement includes first means (18) displaceable in a first direction, and second means (20) adapted for co-operation with the first means. The first and second means are operable such that the arrangement, below a first predetermined value of a parameter representative of the energy to be transmitted, presents a first resistance-to-displacement value and, above the first predetermined value, presents a second resistance-to-displacement value. The first resistance-to-displacement value is greater than the second resistance-to-displacement value. In this manner, a bumper assembly which is stiff at very low speeds is rendered less stiff at higher speeds which otherwise could cause injury to pedestrians.

Abstract: An impact energy transmitting arrangement (10) for transmitting energy, which arises during impact between a vehicle (12) on which the arrangement (10) is mounted and a foreign body, to a vehicle structure (14). The arrangement includes first means (18) displaceable in a first direction, and second means (20) adapted for co-operation with the first means. The first and second means are operable such that the arrangement, below a first predetermined value of a parameter representative of the energy to be transmitted, presents a first resistance-to-displacement value and, above the first predetermined value, presents a second resistance-to-displacement value. The first resistance-to-displacement value is greater than the second resistance-to-displacement value. In this manner, a bumper assembly which is stiff at very low speeds is rendered less stiff at higher speeds which otherwise could cause injury to pedestrians.

Abstract: A pedestrian safety device for automotive vehicle (1) having a hood (2) being hinged and releasably latched to the vehicle body. An actuator member (6) is arranged transversally inside the upper forward region of the vehicle (1) and the ends of the actuator member respectively slideably hinged (11) in a respective inclining guide track (12a) extending rearwards within the vehicle (1). The hinges (11) are arranged to carry a respective first lifting member (14) arranged to carry a respective first lifting member (14) arranged for vertical sliding in respect to the vehicle body. The first lifting members (14) are arranged below the hood (2) such that they will be brought to uplift the hood (2) in the region of its leading edge (2a) upon the hinges (11) carrying it being translated up the inclining guide tracks (12a) as a result of collision impact on the actuator member (6).

Abstract: The present patent application relates to a pedestrian safety device for automotive vehicles (1) having a hood (2) being hinged and releasably latched to the vehicle body. An actuator member (6) is arranged transversally inside the upper forward region of said vehicle (1) and the ends of the actuator member respectively slideably hinged (11) in a respective inclining guide track (12a) extending rearwards within said vehicle (1). The hinges (11) are arranged to carry a respective first lifting member (14) arranged for vertical sliding in respect to the vehicle body. The first lifting members (14) are arranged below the hood (2) such that they will be brought to uplift the hood (2) in the region of its leading edge (2a) upon said hinges (11) carrying it being translated up said inclining guide tracks (12a) as a result of collision impact on said actuator member (6).

Abstract: A pedestrian protection headlamp assembly for a motor vehicle allows the headlamp to yield rearward in a controlled, energy-absorbing manner in order to cushion the impact experienced by a pedestrian struck by the vehicle. The headlamp assembly comprises a headlamp mountable to the vehicle to form a front corner of the vehicle, a pivot mechanism disposed adjacent the outboard end of the headlamp for mounting the headlamp to the vehicle and defining a generally vertical pivot axis about which the headlamp may rotate relative to the vehicle, and a damper disposed inboard of the pivot mechanism. When a pedestrian strikes the headlamp, the damper compresses and allows controlled rearward movement of the inboard end of the headlamp as the headlamp rotates about the pivot mechanism. The damper is located adjacent an inboard end of the headlamp and a trigger prevents rotation of the headlamp about the pivot when the force applied to the headlamp is below a threshold value.

Abstract: A pedestrian protection apparatus for a motor vehicle includes left and right A-pillar covers hingingly attached to respective A-pillars. The A-pillar covers have a retracted condition wherein they lie close to respective vehicle A-pillars, and are movable to a deployed condition wherein they are spaced forwardly from the respective A-pillars. In the deployed condition, the A-pillar covers are able to deform and/or move rearward when struck by a pedestrian so as to absorb impact energy and thereby lessen the likelihood and/or severity of injury, as compared with direct impact with a conventional, stationary A-pillar. An actuator system includes a contact or non-contact sensor for indicating an actual or imminent collision with a pedestrian, and pyrotechnic devices that urge the A-pillar covers to the deployed condition prior to a pedestrian impact with the A-pillar covers. The hood and/or windshield may also deploy to a pedestrian-friendly position in conjunction with deployment of the A-pillar covers.