Abstract: A radiator grille assembly for an automotive vehicle includes a radiator grille having an upper edge, a lower edge, and an upper portion, the upper edge engaging the hood and the lower edge engaging and adjacent to the vehicle bumper and resilient arms securing the upper portion to the vehicle, the resilient means biasing the upper edge of the radiator grille into engagement with the hood when the hood is in a latched position.

Abstract: A grille bar for a radiator grille of a vehicle includes a grille bar section having a leading profile defining flange portion and a forward or frontal air deflecting surface. The grille bar section also has a rear leg flange portion projecting downwardly from the upper end portion of the leading profile defining flange portion. In addition, the grille bar section has a return flange portion projecting generally rearwardly from the lower end portion of the leading profile defining flange portion. The return flange portion projects preferably rearwardly and upwardly from the lower end portion of the leading profile defining flange portion and extends generally toward the bottom edge of the rear leg flange. The return flange extends in one form to no more than about one-half of the distance between the front of the leading profile defining flange portion and the rear surface of the rear leg.

Abstract: A trim strip has a bar of an at least partially transparent plastic having parallel inner and outer faces, an opaque decor layer laminated to the inner face, and a layer of adhesive on the opaque decor layer. The trim strip is adhered to a board edge with the decor layer against the board edge and the outer face directed away therefrom, and edges of the trim strip at the outer face are machined with removal of material so that the decor layer is left exposed through the bar at the machined edges.

Abstract: In a radiator grill guard mounted on the front of a vehicle, a guard main body is a one-piece molded structure, shaped like a square ring, by using synthetic resin, for example, filler containing polypropylene. The guard main body is hollowed by a known blow molding method. A fog-lamp mounting part is provided at the middle of each of the vertically extending sections of the guard main body. A fog lamp is mounted on each fog-lamp mounting part with the aid of an L-shaped bracket. A plurality of, preferable two, plate-like ribs, that extend parallel to each other, are integrally formed within the inner apace of each vertically extending section, while also extending across that inner space. The plurality of plate-like ribs are longitudinally (vertically) extended between the upper and lower body mounting parts of each of the vertically extending sections.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to prevent an engaging member such as a clip from coming out and to enhance the holding force of the engaging member.In the present invention, there is provided a bracket 4 fixed to a support plate portion 2a on a front fender 2 on the body side and a locking claw 6a formed on a front grille 6 at a position corresponding to the bracket 4. The bracket 4 is provided with a mounting hole 4b engaging with a clip 10 serving as an engaging member and an engaging flange 4a engaging with the locking claw 6a. The clip 10 is inserted in the mounting hole 4b and the locking claw 6a is locked by the engaging flange 4a to mount the front grille 6 to the body without looseness. The bracket 4 is fixed not only to the front fender 2 on the body side but also to a lamp support, which is not shown.

Abstract: A protective assembly for all terrain vehicles comprising a front end protector dimensioned to protect substantially all of the front end. It also comprises side rails having front and back ends which are parallel to and spaced away from the sides of the all terrain vehicle which tubular side rails are shaped to receive and have mounted thereon auxiliary front and rear fenders. There is also present a debris deflecting running board. Optional features are rear wheel mud guards and a high intensity light mounted on the steering assembly and a flood light on the rear of the vehicle.

Abstract: A front end bumper assembly for tractors is constructed from hollow steel fluid reservoir tanks for providing ballast. The bumper assembly has an upper grille for protecting the nose-radiator region of the tractor and two spaced lowermost horizontally disposed bumper arms. The bumper assembly is attached to a tractor by a bracket assembly at a location below the center of gravity of the tractor to concentrate the bumper weight for bearing upon front steering wheels for better traction and steering.

Abstract: A bumper of synthetic resin for use in an automobile includes a core, and an outer layer covering the core. The material for forming the core includes a main component produced by pulverizing a recovered bumper which has been formed using a polyolefin-based resin composition modified by an olefinic elastomer and which has a thermosetting synthetic resin coating film on its surface, and a polyethylene added to the main component. The material for forming the outer layer includes the polyolefin-based resin composition modified by the olefinic elastomer and the polyethylene in a content A.sub.2 which is smaller than a content A.sub.1 of the polyethylene in the core forming material (A.sub.2 <A.sub.1). The impact resistance of the core is enhanced with the addition of the polyethylene, despite the inclusion of the coating film particles. The outer layer is excellent in heat resisting characteristic, because of a smaller content of the polyethylene.

Abstract: A grille guard for an automobile has at least one first grille guard member extending generally horizontally so as to protect a portion of an automobile's front and at least one second grille guard member extending generally vertically and attached to the first grille guard member. Each of the second grille guard members has a first generally planar member and a perpendicular second generally planar member generally defining a T-shaped cross-section. The second generally planar member has a plurality of openings formed therein, generally along the length thereof, the openings having a width which is greater than the width of the first generally planar member. The second generally planar member is attached to the first generally planar member by forming a weld between the second generally planar member and the first generally planar member within a plurality of the openings.

Abstract: A motor vehicle front end protector is provided in which a plurality of vertically spaced protective bars are supported by a pair of laterally spaced uprights. In most cases the ends of the protective bars are also interconnected by upright end pieces, preferably of channel or box-shape in cross-section. Additional spacers can be fitted between the uprights to fix their position relative to each other. The protector is characterised in that all connections between protective bars and uprights; protective bars and upright end pieces; and uprights or upright end pieces and spacer bars are effected by releasable fasteners, usually bolts. This enables damaged parts to be replaced individually as and when required in an easy and effective manner without requiring surface treatment of the assembly.

Abstract: A combination automobile grill guard and tow hitch adapted to be coupled to the end of a motor vehicle, the apparatus comprising: a frame having a central segment formed as a tow hitch and two side segments, each side segment being formed in a planar generally rectangular configuration and including a generally rectangular shaped support shaft, each support shaft including a rearwardly and inwardly extending mounting bracket to permit coupling to a vehicle, each side segment including a locking device affixed thereto; and the central segment of the frame being formed as a tow hitch having a planar upper region and at least two downwardly extending legs, a lower extent of each leg being rotatably coupled to the support brackets of the frame, the upper extent of the tow hitch having a locking assembly to permit coupling with various types of hitch devices, the tow hitch being positioned in a locked vertical orientation with the apparatus being utilized as a brush guard, the tow hitch being positioned in a horiz

Abstract: A four wheeled vehicle has a tubular frame assembly, a front body cover detachably connected to the frame assembly, and a front bumper detachably connected to the frame assembly. The front bumper is of tubular construction and has a pair of spaced-apart side members extending through openings in the front body cover. The front body cover is configured so that water flowing across it will be directed downwardly and discharged away from the seat of the vehicle and away from an induction system air inlet that is disposed beneath the seat.

Abstract: An impact resistent flexible grille is located in an impact zone at a front end of an automobile having a grille support structure and an energy absorbing bumper. The flexible grille is rigidly fastened to the grille support structure and the bumper by rigid attachments that are located so that the flexible grille flexes to avoid damage when the front bumper collapses rearwardly responsive to a front end impact. Elastomeric tethers connect deflected portions of the flexible grille to the grille support structure to guide them back to their original position when the bumper returns to its original position. In one arrangement, the rigid attachments are located along a vertical centerline of the flexible grille and an elastomeric tether connects each upper corner of the flexible grille to the grille support structure.

Abstract: An automobile grille which is selectively chromium plated so as to promote the flexural properties of the grille. By optimizing the flexural properties of the grille, the grille is more readily capable of withstanding a frontal impact without sustaining permanent damage. Preferably, the chromium plating is selectively deposited on exposed surfaces of the grille so as to minimize the detrimental effect which a hard and brittle chromium plating has on the flexural modulus of the grille. As a result, the grille is more readily able to flex under the load of an impact directed into the grille from the front of the automobile. In addition, chromium plating is deposited on surfaces of the grille which predominantly see compressive loading, so as to reduce the likelihood that the chromium plating will crack in tension. The grille is particularly suitable for mounting flush with an impact-absorbing bumper, such that the grille is capable of resiliently deflecting with the stroke of the bumper.

Abstract: An impact resistent flexible grille is located in an impact zone at a front end of an automobile having a grille support structure and an energy absorbing bumper. The flexible grille is rigidly fastened to the grille support structure and the bumper by rigid attachments that are located so that the flexible grille flexes to avoid damage when the front bumper collapses rearwardly responsive to a front end impact. Elastomeric tethers connect deflected portions of the flexible grille to the grille support structure to guide them back to their original position when the bumper returns to its original position. In one arrangement, the rigid attachments are located along a vertical centerline of the flexible grille and an elastomeric tether connects each upper corner of the flexible grille to the grille support structure.

Abstract: A flexible automobile grille, particularly suited for mounting flush with an impact-absorbing bumper, is capable of resiliently deflecting with the stroke of the bumper. The grille is provided with a dual support arrangement by which an upper edge of the grille is resiliently attached directly to the automobile engine hood, while the lower edge is resiliently supported by support members which interconnect the grille's lower edge to the engine hood. The dual support approach of this invention serves to enable greater stroking of the grille during impact, yet contributes additional rigidity to make the grille relatively unsusceptible to road and aerodynamically induced vibrations, and amenable to physical handling during opening and closing of the engine hood.

Abstract: An automobile grille which is selectively chromium plated so as to promote the flexural properties of the grille. By optimizing the flexural properties of the grille, the grille is more readily capable of withstanding a frontal impact without sustaining permanent damage. Preferably, the chromium plating is selectively deposited on exposed surfaces of the grille so as to minimize the detrimental effect which a hard and brittle chromium plating has on the flexural modulus of the grille. As a result, the grille is more readily able to flex under the load of an impact directed into the grille from the front of the automobile. In addition, chromium plating is deposited on surfaces of the grille which predominantly see compressive loading, so as to reduce the likelihood that the chromium plating will crack in tension. The grille is particularly suitable for mounting flush with an impact-absorbing bumper, such that the grille is capable of resiliently deflecting with the stroke of the bumper.

Abstract: Annular grooves having substantially V-shaped cross sections are formed on the front surface and the rear surface of a grille body. A through hole communicating to the front surface and the rear surface of the grille body is also formed so that the front aperture may be smaller than the rear aperture. A protrusion is formed on the rear surface of the grille body, which is located inner than the groove. The grille body is immersed into a chemical plating solution to form a chemical plating layer on the entire surface of the grille body except for the bottoms of the grooves.

Abstract: A moveable radiator grille assembly for an automotive vehicle includes a grille, a bracket member connected to the grille for supporting the grille, support assemblies interconnecting the grille and vehicle structure for allowing movement of the grille relative to vehicle structure.

Abstract: A heavy duty, protective storage bumper (10) mounted to the front or rear of full size and compact pick up tracks, vans and 4 wheel drive vehicles (80) or to the front of semi tractors (90) and other heavy equipment vehicles, providing protection for the vehicle and containing an enclosed compartment used for the storage of tools and emergency road or field equipment. A bumper assembly (10) with a storage compartment consisting of outer (18), inner (14), and bottom walls (16). Side walls (26) extend and angle outward to form protective side panels (30), which cradle and protect the corners of the vehicle's quarter panels (82). A lid is constructed with skid resistant strips (38) on the upper surface and weather seal (58) on the under surface. The lid is mounted to the inner lip (24) of the storage compartment with pin-in-pipe hinges (12) and is latched with lockable latches (44).

Abstract: A connection between frame components (1) and the ends of parallel strips ( 3 ) of structural section in gratings ( 2 ) for special-purpose vehicles. The known connection is welded, and the welds do not withstand impact and abrasion as well as the rest of the material. To render the vicinity of the connection as resistant as the rest, the end of each strip is inserted in a matching aperture (4) in the frame component.

Abstract: Accessories for a pickup truck includes a front brush/grill guard, a tubular rear bumper and a rally bar with lights. The brush guard has upper and lower flanges and offset front and rear mounting brackets which sandwich the flanges therebetween to fasten the guard on the front bumper of the truck. The rear bumper assembly has first and second tubes with angled end portions which angle inward toward the truck body. The ends of the tubes are parallel to the truck body for aesthetic appeal. The tubes provide a license plate mounting area and are mounted using large and small bumper tabs, a frame bracket and a tube bracket. The rally bar assembly includes front and rear rally bars releasably connected by a two member bracket. The bracket has a front member fastened to the front bar and a rear member connected to the rear bar. The bracket also supports a light assembly for projecting light forward of the vehicle.

Abstract: A nudge bar of the kind comprising a pair of spaced vertical bars whose front surfaces provide the most forward parts of the nudge bar, one for either side of the vehicle radiator and a horizontally extending elongate loops connected with the two vertical bars. At least the front part of each vertical bar is formed as a moulding of resilient plastics or rubber material. A particularly suitable material is a semi-rigid, self skinning, foamed polyurethane. Preferably, a metal insert in the form of a strip extends through each moulding to strengthen it and, where appropriate, to facilitate fixing. In a preferred arrangement, each vertical bar comprises a rear metal part and a front moulded part, the metal part providing projecting front edges which mate with corresponding grooves in the moulded part, and a plate is provided in the metal part, adjacent the front edges, and on which the moulded part seats when fitted.

Abstract: A flexible automobile grille which accommodates the movement of an impact-absorbing bumper. The grille is capable of deflecting with the stroke of the impact-absorbing bumper during impact without the need for the grille to be either pivotable about an anchor point or to be mechanically displaceable with special hardware. The material of the grille is selected to have a yield strength which is adequate to sustain a predetermined degree of yielding corresponding to the amount of deflection required with the bumper's stroke. The grille includes a generally elongated body portion having an upper edge and a lower edge which extend horizontally adjacent the engine hood and the bumper, respectively. Both the upper and lower edges may be configured to attach to the automobile.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a front grill fitting structure of an automobile in which clips are installed on an inner face of an upper part of an opening hole formed on a front panel and an upper part of a front grill is fitted to these clips, wherein each clip is composed of U-shaped plates having a pair of opposite faces, a projected part projecting to the inner face side on either one of the opposite faces is formed, and engagement holes which are engaged with the projected parts are formed on the upper face of the front grill, and the upper face of the front grill is inserted between mutual opposite faces of the clips in fitting the front grill.

Abstract: A padded, elastic car grill band or detachably self-attaching strip snugly fits around the exposed, lower portion of a car grill to prevent injury when the lower portion of a car grill becomes exposed and a hazard when the car grill raises up with the car hood, as is true for some cars made by Mercedes-Benz. A connection (such as a rivet) is present at a lower middle portion of the band to act as a stop and prevent further travel by the band up the car grill. This ensures that it is only the lower portion of the car grill, including exposed edges, that is covered. The band may also be adjustable.

Abstract: A vehicle grille mounting bracket is attached to a protrusion of the interior face of a vehicle grille, thereby positioning a mounting screw within the protrusion. A screwdriver engaging recess in the head of the mounting screw is of less width than the space between adjacent substantially vertical spaced apart grille bars. The grille is then positioned in close proximity with the front end of the vehicle. A screwdriver blade is applied to the head of the mounting screw, thereby driving the screw into a nut on a grille mounting structure on the front end of the vehicle, thereby securing the vehicle grille with positive fastening means to the front end of the vehicle. The vehicle grille mounting apparatus is partially hidden from a viewpoint directly in front of the vehicle.

Abstract: A base unit is fixed to the front bumper of a land vehicle, such as a light truck, and a platform is pivotally mounted to that base to move between a deployed position horizontally extending forwardly of the front bumper and a stored position extending upwardly from the front bumper in front of the vehicle grill. A lock keeps the platform in the stored position, and a stop keeps the platform in the deployed position.

Abstract: A movable grill assembly for an automotive vehicle is provided in which a slidable connection is operatively positioned between portions of the grill assembly to permit movement of the grill upon imposition of a load from the vehicle's bumper during impact situations. A stable mounting is provided through pin and slot connections which provide for mounting and grill assembly in stable fashion in its assembled position and for resisting twisting or tilting moments under influence of bumper movement.

Abstract: A universal tow guard for mounting to the front of a towed vehicle. There are first and second planar plastic shield members having a lip around top, bottom, and outer edges thereof. Each has an upper mounting point adjacent the top outer edge and a lower mounting point adjacent the bottom outer edge. Each also has a plurality of horizontal support bracket holes adjacent the bottom edge, a plurality of horizontal strut hole vertical pairs adjacent the top edge, and a plurality of horizontal width adjustment hole vertical pairs adjacent an inner end thereof. The second shield member slidably fits within the lips of the first shield member. There are a pair of adjustable struts for connection between selected ones of the strut hole vertical pairs and a front surface of the vehicle. There are also a pair of support brackets for connection to selected ones of the support bracket holes and for resting on the vehicle bumper.

Abstract: A grill assembly for an automobile is positioned to permit movement of the grill in a substantially horizontal rearward manner as the automobile bumper located forwardly adjacent the grill is stroked under impact. The desired movement is made possible by a four-bar linkage mounting arrangement that is adjustable to facilitate the fitting of the grill with respect to adjacent parts of the body of the vehicle.

Abstract: A movable vehicle grille is provided. The grille is attached to the vehicle by means of a crank structure which causes the grille to pivot and to also move inwardly and upwardly when impacted by the vehicle bumper. The vehicle bumper is of the type mounted on an energy absorbing means to facilitate rearward and upward movement thereof upon impact with another vehicle or a fixed object. Spring means are provided to urge the grille back to its normal position after the bumper retracts.

Abstract: For vehicles, in particular for cross-country vehicles, a front guard bar is provided, which comprises a tube frame protecting the front part of the vehicle as well as at least one carrier on each side of the vehicle, said carrier being attached to said vehicle. In order to facilitate access to the front part, e.g. when the vehicle is being cleaned, the carriers are arranged such that they are adpated to be inserted into holding devices provided on said vehicle, and the front guard bar is, in addition, releasably connected to said vehicle via respective struts on both sides of said vehicle.

Abstract: A radiator grill is provided with a snap-in plug for engagement into a contoured aperture provided in a bumper. The grill is retained at the rearward end of the bumper by means of retaining hooks. The grill is also provided at its rearward portion with slip ramps which are positioned on the upper side of the bumper so as to cause forward pivoting of the grill that eliminates a gap that may otherwise be created between the grill and the bumper at the forward edge of the grill.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to an integrally molded plastic bumper and radiator grille which is attached to a front end of an automotive vehicle. The radiator grille has means for snap fittingly engaging a plurality of resilient wire yokes carried by the front end of the vehicle whereby the yokes connect the radiator grille to the vehicle and function as a stabilizer means to support the radiator grille when connected to the vehicle.

Abstract: In a radiator grille fixing structure having a radiator grille fixing fastener formed of a base plate portion, engaging means provided one each on the opposite sides of the base plate portion and a screw hole bored in the base plate, and a fixing portion of a radiator grille, which fixing portion is provided with a fitting hole for admitting one of the engaging means in the width direction and a perforation provided at a position opposed to the aforementioned screw hole; either the screw hole in the fastener or the perforation in the fitting portion of the radiator grille is elongated in the width direction of the fastener or the fitting portion, permitting the radiator grille which has been brought into temporary attachment to the automobile body through the medium of the aforementioned fastener to be given fine positional adjustment and brought to its exact position relative to the automobile body and finally fixed at that exact position.

Abstract: A front bumper for vehicles which can replace conventional bumpers to a great advantage mechanically.

Abstract: A light-weight resilient vehicle protection bumper assembly comprising resilient bumper bars clamped to a vehicle chassis which extend across the width of the vehicle at its front end (in some cases also at its rear end), the bumper bars being formed from transparent polycarbonate tubing, mounted in rubber.