Bumper Guard Patents (Class 293/142)
  • Patent number: 11859645
    Abstract: A vehicle including an embossed surface for improving aerodynamic characteristics includes a front bumper member provided at a lower portion of a front surface of a vehicle body of the vehicle. On a surface of a side surface portion of the front bumper member, the embossed surface having a directional pattern for assisting an airflow to direct in one direction along the surface is formed. The one direction is raised rearward relative to a front-rear direction of the vehicle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignees: SUBARU CORPORATION, TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hiroki Aoyanagi, Hideki Hata, Masaya Sato
  • Patent number: 11654847
    Abstract: A crash box may include one or more layers arranged to absorb crash energy. In some embodiments, the crash box includes a first layer having an outer skin defining a periphery of the first layer and at least one of: 1) a rib and web structure, and 2) an array of tubes disposed within the outer skin for absorbing crash energy, and a second layer adjacent to the first layer, the second layer having an outer skin defining a periphery of the second layer and at least one of: 1) a rib and web structure, and 2) an array of tubes disposed within the outer skin for absorbing crash energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: Tesseract Structural Innovations, Inc.
    Inventor: Henry L. Renegar
  • Patent number: 11603055
    Abstract: A license plate frame includes a base portion and a perimeter portion. The base portion includes a plurality of fastener openings, and each of the plurality of fastener openings is configured to receive a fastener for securing the license plate frame and a license plate to a vehicle. The perimeter portion is connected to and extends outwardly from the base portion. The perimeter portion includes a plurality of walls, the plurality of walls includes a first wall, and the first wall includes at least one compression opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: KEYSTONE GLOBAL LLC
    Inventors: Eric Malina, Ronny Malina
  • Patent number: 11560107
    Abstract: An impact-absorbing structure includes: a bumper face; a bumper beam; and an impact-absorbing member interposed to be compressively deformed between the exterior member and the movable-body-side rigid member. The movable-body-side rigid member, in an up-and-down direction of the movable-body-side rigid member, includes: a plurality of recesses recessed toward the movable body; and a protrusion protruding forward the movable body to be formed between the plurality of recesses. The plurality of recesses each have a vertical width gradually tapering toward the movable body, and the impact-absorbing member is fitted into at least two of the plurality of recesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Masakazu Kashiwagi
  • Patent number: 11518326
    Abstract: A bumper assembly of a motor vehicle includes a cross-member which extends in the motor vehicle transverse direction and a front section which is arranged in front of the cross-member in the motor vehicle longitudinal direction. The front section is supported on the cross-member in the motor vehicle vertical direction via a support element. The support element is produced in one piece with the front section and is pivotable between a production position and a mounted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Sebastian Harter
  • Patent number: 11148578
    Abstract: Mounting tabs, kits and methods of using the mounting tabs where none previously existed or for replacing/repairing broken mounting tabs are disclosed. For example, the mounting tabs, kits and methods disclosed herein are well suited for the repair of high value components, including automotive components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Inventor: Maurice Paperi
  • Patent number: 10618572
    Abstract: A multi-purpose vehicle includes a seat provided between front wheels and rear wheels, a load carrying deck provided on a rear side of the seat, a right tail lamp provided on a right lower side of a rear portion of the load carrying deck, a left tail lamp provided on a left lower side of the rear portion of the load carrying deck, a right tail lamp guard provided on rear side of the right tail lamp and connected to the load carrying deck, a left tail lamp guard provided on rear side of the left tail lamp and connected to the load carrying deck, and a rear bumper. The rear bumper is connected to and between the right tail lamp guard and the left tail lamp guard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Satoko Ueno, Takashi Kuramoto, Junichi Fujiwara, Wataru Sasaki
  • Patent number: 9937882
    Abstract: An attachment device for mounting a bumper cross-beam having a vertical front wall and a vertical rear wall spaced apart by a transverse wall onto a vehicle structure, the attachment device having a first end to be fixed to the vehicle structure and a second end configured to be attached to the bumper cross-beam, the attachment device being made from a hollow section profile, the periphery of which includes opposite side walls and substantially parallel opposite outer walls; the second end includes a flange, which can extend substantially beyond the vertical front wall after mounting the bumper cross beam, and on which a component is attached to the flange in front of said vertical front wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: CONSTELLIUM SINGEN GMBH
    Inventors: Matthias Kutscher, Egon Mayr, Christian Muselmann, Ivan Grbavac
  • Patent number: 9919667
    Abstract: A bumper includes a carrier having a wall extending along a longitudinal axis, and a first leg and a second leg extending away from the wall in a first direction. A plurality of fins are movably attached to the carrier between the first leg and the second leg, and are spaced from each other the longitudinal axis. The fins may be moved to a deployed position to reinforce the bumper to improve low-speed damageability of the bumper, and may be moved to an inactive position, which may allow a fascia to more easily deform relative to the deployed position to provide energy absorption for pedestrian impacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Nirmal Muralidharan, S. M. Iskander Farooq, Srinivasan Sundararajan, Mohammed Omar Faruque, Dean M. Jaradi
  • Patent number: 9827931
    Abstract: A vehicle front end includes a bumper and a carrier attached to the bumper. A plurality of fins are movably attached to the carrier and are spaced from each other. The fins taper in a direction transverse to the bumper. The fins may be moved to a deployed position to reinforce the bumper to improve low-speed damageability of the bumper, and may be moved to an inactive position, which may allow a fascia to more easily deform relative to the deployed position to provide energy absorption for pedestrian impacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: S. M. Iskander Farooq, Nirmal Muralidharan, Srinivasan Sundararajan, Sudip Sankar Bhattacharjee, Mohammed Omar Faruque
  • Patent number: 9487170
    Abstract: A retrofitably-attachable pre-formed shell covers exposed steel areas of existing stamped chrome or painted truck bumpers, providing a unique re-useable decorative/protective plastic shell cover, the edges of which are tucked under the existing trim pieces of the bumper as a main attachment mechanism. The formed shells can be used to cover existing minor damage on the bumper. Light-passing images can be incorporated on the bumper shells, and backlit without changes to the bumper or deviation from the original surface profile of the bumper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Inventor: Darin Evans
  • Patent number: 9440607
    Abstract: A bumper includes a bumper reinforcement beam and a reinforcement bracket positioned on a front side of the bumper reinforcement beam at an outboard end of the bumper reinforcement beam. An energy diverting bumper structure is positioned on a front side of the reinforcement bracket. The energy diverting bumper structure is connected directly to the reinforcement bracket and is connected indirectly to the bumper reinforcement beam through the reinforcement bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan Craig Harris, Edgardo Reyes-Crespo, Scott L. Frederick, Palani Palaniappan, Avinash S. Phadatare, Kristin Zwirlein, Sanjeev Gupta
  • Patent number: 9108580
    Abstract: An apron for a vehicle front end comprises a unitary plastic component having a front structure and a rear structure joined by an offset portion. The front and rear structures extend at rearward downward angles and in generally parallel directions, and the offset portion extends at a rearward upward angle. The apron has a relatively constant vertical dimension, such that the angled structures define a wave-shaped envelope. Preferably, a horizontal plane extending from the tip of the front structure stays within the wave-shaped envelope, so that impact forces stay within the boundary in a manner providing improved impact strength and greater energy absorption during an impact. At the same time, the front structure provides a homogeneous structure that distributes local impact stresses uniformly and more widely into the rear structure, thus providing a more uniform impact resistance less sensitive to impact location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: Shape Corp.
    Inventors: Cort Corwin, Devesh Kumar Soni, Craig Oomen
  • Patent number: 9010550
    Abstract: A tool bar for securing under a hood of a car during repair and maintenance is disclosed. A rigid member spanning a substantial portion of the hood is flexibly secured to hooks. The hooks engage edges of the hood and may include a compliant covering. The hooks may secure to the rigid member by means of straps and the straps may be tensioned by means of tensioners secured to one of the hooks and the rigid member. A stabilizer secures to the rigid member and has an end that may be clipped or otherwise fastened to a portion of the hood to resist rotation of the rigid member. One or more tool retaining members secured to the rigid member, such as a socket rack, magnetic bar, hook groove, or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Inventor: Manuel Antonio Figueroa
  • Patent number: 8939478
    Abstract: A vehicle bumper for use with police and other emergency vehicles for pushing another vehicle which is fabricated of a tubular loop defining a generally oval cross-section. The oval cross-section tubular loop is oriented such that the major axis of the oval cross-section extends front to back with respect to the host vehicle while the minor axis extends up and down. The vehicle bumper further supports a plurality of resilient pads to aid in controlling the pushed vehicle and to cushion impact transfer between the bumper and the pushed vehicle. The inventive vehicle bumper is substantially stronger and substantially lighter in weight while simultaneously providing a more attractive front view cross-section when mounted on a host vehicle. A plurality of attachments are secured to the tubular loop and are used in securing the vehicle bumper to a suitable portion of a host vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: J.R. Setina Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Alan Fisher, Terry L. Setina
  • Publication number: 20150021942
    Abstract: A retrofitably-attachable pre-formed shell covers exposed steel areas of existing stamped chrome or painted truck bumpers, providing a unique re-useable decorative/protective plastic shell cover, the edges of which are tucked under the existing trim pieces of the bumper as a main attachment mechanism. The formed shells can be used to cover existing minor damage on the bumper. Light-passing images can be incorporated on the bumper shells, and backlit without changes to the bumper or deviation from the original surface profile of the bumper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventor: Darin Evans
  • Patent number: 8764078
    Abstract: An apparatus for increasing the fuel efficiency of a vehicle is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a bladder forming a deflector to attach to a front bumper of the vehicle to divert air around the vehicle. The deflector works to reduce the drag forces on the vehicle's front bumper by promoting more streamline or laminar air flow around the body of the vehicle. Such drag force reduction translates into greater vehicle fuel efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Inventor: Dimitri Lemonides
  • Patent number: 8473188
    Abstract: A collision detecting system includes a bumper reinforcement member, a crush box disposed between the bumper reinforcement member and a fixing member of the vehicle, a strain inducing member fixed to the crush box so as to distort in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle as the crush box is compressed between the reinforcement member and the fixing member and a strain measuring element fixed to the strain inducing member 5. The strain inducing member has a strain measuring portion having such a shape that stress of the strain inducing member concentrates into the strain measuring portion. The strain measuring element is fixed to the strain measuring portion to measure a component of the strain of the strain measuring portion in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The strain measuring portion has an asymmetrical cross-section in a vertical direction of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Takatoshi Tanabe
  • Publication number: 20130134724
    Abstract: A vehicle bumper for use with police and other emergency vehicles for pushing another vehicle which is fabricated of a tubular loop defining a generally oval cross-section. The oval cross-section tubular loop is oriented such that the major axis of the oval cross-section extends front to back with respect to the host vehicle while the minor axis extends up and down. The vehicle bumper further supports a plurality of resilient pads to aid in controlling the pushed vehicle and to cushion impact transfer between the bumper and the pushed vehicle. The inventive vehicle bumper is substantially stronger and substantially lighter in weight while simultaneously providing a more attractive front view cross-section when mounted on a host vehicle. A plurality of attachments are secured to the tubular loop and are used in securing the vehicle bumper to a suitable portion of a host vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2012
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Inventors: Richard Alan Fisher, Terry L. Setina
  • Patent number: 8348314
    Abstract: There is disclosed a bumper guard device for a vehicle having a hitch mount, the device includes—a bumper guard bar, —a support member having a first and second ends, the first end is fixedly attached to the bumper guard bar, —a housing including a rear movable wall and a front wall attached to the hitch mount, —a plurality of bolts attached to the front wall, and—a plurality of springs. Each spring has an immovable end, put on the corresponding bolt, and a movable end, attached to the rear wall, while the rear wall is fixedly attached to the second end of the support member. The rear wall can preferably move within 1 inch. The plurality of bolts and springs preferably constitutes four elements. The bumper guard device efficiently cushions the external impacts caused by other vehicles or obstacles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Inventor: Garfield Gibbs
  • Publication number: 20120248801
    Abstract: A bumper hitch and guard composed of a hitch bar and transverse bars for vehicles with trailer hitch receivers where the hitch bar is insertable and secured into the trailer hitch receiver of the vehicle, the bumper hitch and guard serving to protect the rear of the vehicle from damage. The bumper hitch and guard are easily removable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Inventor: Yim Man WU
  • Patent number: 8267462
    Abstract: A vehicle body protector of the present invention comprises one or more section, with each of the sections comprising one or more layers of compressible rubbery substance. Each section also comprises a face side, an attachment side, and a holder. The holder is intended for securing one or more sections to the body of a vehicle. At least one of the sections is shaped in the form of a raised visually-recognizable symbol. The method of simultaneously advertising and protecting the vehicle's surface from bumps and scratches, utilizing the vehicle body protector of the present invention is also described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Inventor: Gieorgii Bogdan
  • Patent number: 8235433
    Abstract: The bumper shield for a motor vehicle comprising two main longitudinal members (12), two auxiliary longitudinal members (16) positioned at a lower height, as well as supporting and attachment plates (20) positioned between the ends of the longitudinal members (12, 16), is a single integral piece in plastic material and is formed of two uprights (28) and an upper beam (24) connecting the uprights (28), the uprights (28) being configured so as to bear upon the plates (20) so as to act as impact absorbers, the shield (8) having the shape of an H or an inverted U given by the uprights (28) and the upper beam (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Faurecia Bloc Avant
    Inventor: Vincent Gonin
  • Publication number: 20120187704
    Abstract: There is disclosed a bumper guard device for a vehicle having a hitch mount, the device includes-a bumper guard bar,-a support member having a first and second ends, the first end is fixedly attached to the bumper guard bar,-a housing including a rear movable wall and a front wall attached to the hitch mount,-a plurality of bolts attached to the front wall, and-a plurality of springs. Each spring has an immovable end, put on the corresponding bolt, and a movable end, attached to the rear wall, while the rear wall is fixedly attached to the second end of the support member. The rear wall can preferably move within 1 inch. The plurality of bolts and springs preferably constitutes four elements. The bumper guard device efficiently cushions the external impacts caused by other vehicles or obstacles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2011
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Inventor: Garfield Gibbs
  • Patent number: 8220849
    Abstract: A device, and a kit a parts for forming such a device, for removably attaching an accessory, such as a winch, to a motor vehicle comprises a brush guard in the shape of a frame that provides support for the vehicle accessory. The brush guard is formed by two upright members and at least one cross-member interconnecting and retaining the two upright members in rigid, spaced-apart relationship. Each of the upright members has two substantially horizontally extending mounting bars, one at each end, for its removable attachment to the motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Inventors: Robert L. Beaird, III, Eric M. Beaird
  • Patent number: 8204245
    Abstract: A sound projecting bumper may include a vehicle bumper configured to be attached to a vehicle, the bumper comprising a plurality of uprights and at least one generally horizontal member, the bumper further comprising a horn for emitting sound, the horn comprising a driver, a cone, a speaker and a diaphragm for producing the sound, and wiring to connect the bumper device to the vehicle's electrical system. The horn may be configured to focus sound particularly forward of the vehicle. The driver may be attached to one of the uprights, and the bumper may include a second driver attached to a second one of the uprights. The horn may be generally aligned with one of the uprights, or the horn may be formed in a generally horizontal member. The bumper may further include a channel in the generally horizontal member, wherein the channel extends generally along a portion of the generally horizontal member, turning to form the horn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Lund Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael W. Tobin, Paul A. Lundberg
  • Patent number: 8191944
    Abstract: A bumper attachment (1) for a motor vehicle (3) has: a base attachment part (4) with a front side (5) for installation of a license plate (8) and a rear side (6) for installation of the bumper attachment (1) in a license plate trough (2) of the motor vehicle (3). At least one impact protection element (9, 10) extends from the front (5) of the base attachment part (4) and has a reinforcing insert (11, 12) and a receiving section (13, 14) for receiving the reinforcing insert (11, 12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Gerhard Rinklin
  • Publication number: 20120068483
    Abstract: A vehicle bumper for use with police and other emergency vehicles for pushing another vehicle which is fabricated of a tubular loop defining a generally oval cross-section. The oval cross-section tubular loop is oriented such that the major axis of the oval cross-section extends front to back with respect to the host vehicle while the minor axis extends up and down. The vehicle bumper further supports a plurality of resilient pads to aid in controlling the pushed vehicle and to cushion impact transfer between the bumper and the pushed vehicle. The inventive vehicle bumper is substantially stronger and substantially lighter in weight while simultaneously providing a more attractive front view cross-section when mounted on a host vehicle. A plurality of attachments are secured to the tubular loop and are used in securing the vehicle bumper to a suitable portion of a host vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Inventor: Richard Alan Fisher
  • Patent number: 8118346
    Abstract: The supporting piece is intended to be mounted at the end of a motor vehicle side member, this side member including, in the continuation thereof, a plate for mounting a transverse impact beam. The supporting piece includes a bearing surface for an absorber positioned in front of this bearing surface, the bearing surface being arranged in such a way as to extend under the mounting plate and substantially parallel thereto when the supporting piece is mounted at the end of the side member. The supporting piece is shaped in such a way that it does not deform irreversibly when the vehicle suffers an insurance impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Compagnie Plastic Omnium
    Inventors: Stéphane Ginja, Sébastien Charnaux, Hugues Cheron
  • Patent number: 8047601
    Abstract: A rear bumper protective device containing (i) a base layer of hanging flexible material having a top portion, side portions, and a bottom portion, and having a construction and thickness capable of reducing or preventing damage to a rear portion of a vehicle, and being of sufficient dimensions to at least partially cover a rear portion of a vehicle; and (ii) one or more stabilizing blocks protruding from the top portion of the base layer and positioned colinearly with or along a contour edge of the top portion and being of sufficient rigidity, thickness, width, and length to reduce curling of the rear bumper protective cover. The bumper protective device can include one or more securing features capable of attaching to a rear portion of a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Inventors: Ronny Malina, Eric Malina
  • Publication number: 20110198874
    Abstract: The present invention provides a removable, padded vinyl panel to be fastened over the rear bumper of a vehicle, the intent of which is to protect the bumper from scratches, dents, and dings. Manufactured by the Motor Vehicle Parts and Accessories industry, Standard Industrial Code 3714, the Custom Bumper Protector is produced in a tough, durable, UV-resistant vinyl material, with an interior lining of impact-absorbing cellular synthetic foam. While the Custom Bumper Protector is manufactured in a wide variety of lengths and widths, depending on the model of car, pickup, van, or SUV being fitted, the basic model is tapered, incorporating two side panels approximately three and one half feet in length and approximately five and one half inches in width, which extend to cover the sides of the bumper; and a longer, wider, approximately five and one half feet by approximately nine inch panel which covers the rear of the bumper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Inventors: James Lee, David Lee
  • Publication number: 20110193355
    Abstract: The bumper shield for a motor vehicle comprising two main longitudinal members (12), two auxiliary longitudinal members (16) positioned at a lower height, as well as supporting and attachment plates (20) positioned between the ends of the longitudinal members (12, 16), is a single integral piece in plastic material and is formed of two uprights (28) and an upper beam (24) connecting the uprights (28), the uprights (28) being configured so as to bear upon the plates (20) so as to act as impact absorbers, the shield (8) having the shape of an H or an inverted U given by the uprights (28) and the upper beam (24).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Applicant: FAURECIA BLOC AVANT
    Inventor: Vincent Gonin
  • Patent number: 7950706
    Abstract: A magnetic bumper guard, the guard being constructed such that it may be magnetically mounted onto a structural member to be protected, such as the corner, post, rail or leg of a structure composed of a suitable metal, the guard having a rear wall bounded by a pair of side flanges, a magnet-receiving recess positioned within the rear wall, a hollow interior, a rounded or curved forward wall, and a magnet, whereby frontal force is absorbed by the guard and lateral or angular forces cause the guard to disengage from the structural member, thereby dissipating the force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Inventors: Mark D. Shaw, J. Tad Heyman, Mathias Legros, Thierry Agullo Ponce
  • Publication number: 20110121586
    Abstract: The bumper shield for a motor vehicle comprising two main longitudinal members (12), two auxiliary longitudinal members (16) positioned at a lower height, as well as supporting and attachment plates (20) positioned between the ends of the longitudinal members (12, 16), is a single integral piece in plastic material and is formed of two uprights (28) and an upper beam (24) connecting the uprights (28), the uprights (28) being configured so as to bear upon the plates (20) so as to act as impact absorbers, the shield (8) having the shape of an H or an inverted U given by the uprights (28) and the upper beam (24).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2010
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Applicant: FAURECIA BLOC AVANT
    Inventor: Vincent Gonin
  • Publication number: 20110080012
    Abstract: The invention refers to a mounting system for attachment of a bumper covering at a motor vehicle body which includes a mounting strip, a guide profile and a locking slider which in mounted condition provides connection between the mounting strip and the guide profile, wherein at least the guide profile is configured as a separate component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2010
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Applicant: Peguform GmbH
    Inventor: Jürgen Ruder
  • Publication number: 20110068592
    Abstract: The invention relates to a rear bumper protective device containing (i) a base layer of hanging flexible material having a top portion, side portions, and a bottom portion, and having a construction and thickness capable of reducing or preventing damage to a rear portion of a vehicle, and being of sufficient dimensions to at least partially cover a rear portion of a vehicle; and (ii) one or more stabilizing blocks protruding from the top portion of the base layer and positioned colinearly with or along a contour edge of the top portion and being of sufficient rigidity, thickness, width, and length to reduce curling of the rear bumper protective cover. The bumper protective device can include one or more securing means capable of attaching to a rear portion of a vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2010
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Inventors: Ronny Malina, Eric Malina
  • Patent number: 7866715
    Abstract: A rear bumper protective device that is fitted atop a bumper of a vehicle. The rear bumper protective device including a base layer of flexible material having a top portion, side portions, and a bottom portion, the base layer having a construction and thickness capable of reducing damage to a rear portion of a vehicle, and being of sufficient dimensions to at least partially cover a rear portion of a vehicle when fitted atop the bumper of the vehicle. The bumper protection device further including one or more stabilizing blocks protruding from the top portion of the base layer, the stabilizing blocks positioned substantially colinearly with a contour edge of the top portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Inventors: Ronny Malina, Eric Malina
  • Patent number: 7857366
    Abstract: A removable vehicle protection assembly for installation between first and second edges of a vehicle includes a resilient strip, a first resilient clamping member with a first clamp hook element, and a second hook element. The resilient strip is extendible along its longitudinal axis and is designed to protect the surface of the vehicle. The first resilient clamping member is used to protect a portion of the first vehicle edge and for securely receiving one end of the resilient strip portion. The resilient strip has a first clamp hook element for engaging a portion of the first vehicle edge and a second hook element coupled to the other end of the resilient strip for engaging a portion of the second vehicle edge. When installed on a vehicle, vehicle protection assembly protects the surface of a vehicle from damage when said vehicle is in transit, parked, or being towed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Inventors: Kenneth Michael, Vernon Michael
  • Publication number: 20100276951
    Abstract: An automobile bumper protector device is provided that includes a plurality of impact absorbing members and a coupling component affixed to each impact absorbing member. The coupling component is configured to maintain each impact absorbing member at a spaced distance from one another. The coupling component defines a flexible hinge in the spaced distance region between adjacent impact absorbing members such that each impact absorbing member is movable relative to one another to conform to the surface portion of automobile when detachably affixed thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Inventors: Ronny Malina, Eric Malina
  • Patent number: 7740294
    Abstract: A vehicle protector having an elongated body with a front surface, a back surface, a top, a bottom, and a first and second end, the first and second ends disposed opposite from one another, with first and second top straps disposed on the front surface nearer to the top than the bottom, the first top strap having a distal end extending from the first body end and the second top strap having a distal end extending from the second body end. Upon the application of tensile forces to the first and second top straps and the first and second bottom straps, the top of the body is drawn towards the bottom of the body on the back surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Inventors: Ronny Malina, Eric Malina
  • Patent number: 7740295
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for connecting attachments to a vehicle including in a first embodiment a bumper guard that provides a barrier of protection for vehicle bumpers. The bumper guard includes two pieces, a first piece or bumper guard locator and a second piece or bottom piece. The first piece is attached to a vehicle through the lower holes in a license plate and is secured or locked in place using a locking mechanism. The second piece attaches, or depends from the first piece and is dimensioned and configured to rest over a bumper of the vehicle. The second piece is removably connected to the first piece and may be replaced when damaged or worn. Alternatively, in a second embodiment of the invention, the second piece may be a different component such as a “tailgating platform tray”, or other component module that attaches to a “T” locking system. The bumper guard or platform tray can be easily attached to the vehicle, stored and removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Inventor: Gary Rein
  • Publication number: 20100102581
    Abstract: A front shock absorbing structure of a vehicle includes a bumper reinforcement member that is disposed in a vehicle width direction in a front portion of a vehicle body and is formed as a rigid elongated member, and a shock absorbing member that is positioned on a front surface of the bumper reinforcement member. The shock absorbing member is vertically divided into a first shock absorbing portion and a second shock absorbing portion. The first and second shock absorbing portions are integrally coupled to each other at a forward side, so as to define a space therebetween at a rearward side. The coupling can be broken when an impact is applied by an impactor from ahead. The second shock absorbing portion has a protruding portion that is projected toward the space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2007
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Applicants: TOYOTA SHATAI KABUSHIKI KAISHA, TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Naoki Goda, Naoki Suzuki
  • Patent number: 7703819
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Concept Mouldings Ltd.
    Inventor: Ian Antony Finney
  • Publication number: 20090284030
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for connecting attachments to a vehicle, which generally includes a first piece and a second piece depending thereon. The first piece is a locator piece connected to the vehicle adjacent the license plate or the trunk of a vehicle. For instance, the first piece may be secured or locked to a license plate using a locking mechanism, which includes a cam and rods. In another embodiment, the first piece may be a support bracket dimensioned and configured to rest over a rim of a trunk without interfering with the normal functions of a lock on the trunk. The second piece can include a variety of devices such as and not limited to a bumper guard or a tray. The second piece may depend from and be removably connected to the first piece. By the second piece being removably connectable to the first piece, the second piece can be easily replaced when damaged or worn or interchanged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2009
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Inventor: Gary Rein
  • Publication number: 20090284029
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for connecting attachments to a vehicle including in a first embodiment a bumper guard that provides a barrier of protection for vehicle bumpers. The bumper guard includes two pieces, a first piece or bumper guard locator and a second piece or bottom piece. The first piece is attached to a vehicle through the lower holes in a license plate and is secured or locked in place using a locking mechanism. The second piece attaches, or depends from the first piece and is dimensioned and configured to rest over a bumper of the vehicle. The second piece is removably connected to the first piece and may be replaced when damaged or worn. Alternatively, in a second embodiment of the invention, the second piece may be a different component such as a “tailgating platform tray”, or other component module that attaches to a “T” locking system. The bumper guard or platform tray can be easily attached to the vehicle, stored and removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Inventor: Gary Rein
  • Patent number: 7611176
    Abstract: A safety bumper system for a high profile vehicle, such as a pick-up truck or sport utility vehicle. The system comprises of a pair of vertical members which are coupled to the frame of a high profile vehicle, proximate one of the bumpers. The members are coupled so that they extend downward sufficiently to contact a bumper of a conventional passenger vehicle in the event of a collision between the high profile vehicle and the passenger vehicle. Impact pads are positioned over the vertical members, and bumper covers may be positioned over the pads. The impact pads may slope outwardly and include a plurality of grooves, in order to assist in preventing a conventional passenger vehicle from sliding upwardly or downwardly along the safety bumper system upon impact with the high profile vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Inventor: David Arnt
  • Publication number: 20090250954
    Abstract: A magnetic bumper guard, the guard being constructed such that it may be magnetically mounted onto a structural member to be protected, such as the corner, post, rail or leg of a structure composed of a suitable metal, the guard having a rear channel or slot bounded by a pair of side flanges, a magnet-receiving recess positioned within the rear channel, a hollow interior, a rounded or curved forward wall, and a magnet, whereby frontal force is absorbed by the guard and lateral or angular forces cause the guard to disengage from the structural member, thereby dissipating the force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2009
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Inventors: Mark D. Shaw, J. Tad Heyman, Mathias Legros, Thierry Agullo Ponce
  • Patent number: 7537252
    Abstract: Bumper beam of a closed sectional shape includes: a vehicle-body-side inner wall portion to be mounted on a vehicle body; upper and lower outwardly-extending wall portions that extend from the upper and lower ends of the inner wall portion toward the outside of the vehicle body; an outer wall portion connecting the outwardly-extending wall portions; and at least one horizontal inner rib connecting the outer wall portion and the inner wall portion, the outer wall portion having a vertical wall portion extending vertically downward from the outer end of the upper outwardly-extending wall portion and a slanted wall portion slanted from the lower end of the vertical wall portion toward the vehicle body. Gusset of a closed sectional shape includes a horizontal rib for dispersing an impact force at least to the slanted wall portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignees: Honda Motor Co., Ltd., YKK AP Inc., YKK Corporation
    Inventors: Shigeyuki Nagai, Shigekazu Koga, Keiichi Honda, Kazuyuki Fukagawa, Daisaku Nakazato, Sakae Sato
  • Patent number: 7533912
    Abstract: An automobile bumper system including an isolator disposed adjacent a cross beam of an automobile frame, and a bumper edge guard strip mounted adjacent upper and/or lower edges of the cross beam. The bumper edge guard strip may include an upper extension fixedly engaged with an upper surface of the cross beam and a lower extension fixedly engaged with a frontal surface of the cross beam, with the upper extension having a length greater than the lower extension for distributing impact energy in a predetermined manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gregory S. Frederick, Conrad M. Kudelko
  • Publication number: 20090091145
    Abstract: The invention relates to a rear bumper protective device containing (i) a base layer of hanging flexible material having a top portion, side portions, and a bottom portion, and having a construction and thickness capable of reducing or preventing damage to a rear portion of a vehicle, and being of sufficient dimensions to at least partially cover a rear portion of a vehicle; and (ii) one or more stabilizing blocks protruding from the top portion of the base layer and positioned colinearly with or along a contour edge of the top portion and being of sufficient rigidity, thickness, width, and length to reduce curling of the rear bumper protective cover. The bumper protective device can include one or more securing means capable of attaching to a rear portion of a vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2007
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Inventors: Ronny Malina, Eric Malina