Plural Impact Bars Vertically Spaced In Impact Plane Patents (Class 293/146)
  • Patent number: 11753113
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure describe a snowmobile including a chassis, a tunnel, an engine, a drive track and a drivetrain. The tunnel is attached to the chassis and includes running boards located on either side of the tunnel. The engine is attached to the chassis and within an engine bay. The drivetrain is operatively connected to the engine to deliver propulsive power to the drive track, wherein the running boards extend forward alongside at least a portion of the engine bay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: ARCTIC CAT INC
    Inventor: David L. Vigen
  • Patent number: 10696256
    Abstract: A bumper protection apparatus, the apparatus comprising: an anchor body having an exterior top wall, an exterior bottom wall, and an exterior side wall extending therebetween; the top wall comprising a top recessed annular section with top interior peripheral wall, and a bottom recessed annular section with bottom interior peripheral wall, and an annular shoulder separating the top interior peripheral wall and the bottom interior peripheral wall, to form a generally graduated cylindrical void bottom within the anchor body; a base wall formed with bottom interior peripheral wall, the base wall being opposite to exterior bottom wall; the base wall having an aperture extending therefrom to exterior bottom wall; and a cover comprising an exterior cover wall and an interior cover wall with an edge wall therebetween, the cover dimensioned to fit snugly in the anchor body within the top recessed annular section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Inventor: Robert Krensky
  • Publication number: 20150115572
    Abstract: Disclosed are a tubular back beam assembly for a vehicle and a method of manufacturing the tubular back beam assembly. The tubular back beam assembly may include a plurality of main members, each of which is formed by cold rolling and hot stamping. The plurality of main members may be coupled to form a vertically stacked structure with flat portions coupled in a surface contact fashion. Or the tubular back beam assembly may include a main member and at least one support member that are directly coupled to form a vertically stacked structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Applicant: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Hyun Gyung KIM, Seok Jae Park, Dong Hak Kim
  • Patent number: 8864198
    Abstract: A tubular back beam for a vehicle is provided to effectively cope with crashes, including a head-on crash, an offset crash, etc., thus promoting excellent crashworthiness, and thereby maximally reducing damage to a vehicle body, in addition to maximally mitigating injuries to a pedestrian and a passenger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corp.
    Inventor: Hyun Gyung Kim
  • Patent number: 8556286
    Abstract: A crash attenuator includes a crash cushion having a front end, a rear end, and a trailer hitch component disposed adjacent the front end. The trailer hitch component is capable of being secured to a mating hitch component located on a towing vehicle, such that the hitch components are capable of being rotated relative to each other about a substantially vertical axis. The crash attenuator further includes at least one wheel supporting the crash cushion. The wheel is rotatable about a substantially horizontal axis and is spaced rearwardly from the hitch component. A pair of tethers are positioned on opposite sides of the hitch component and are moveable relative to one or more retraction mechanisms connected to the crash cushion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Energy Absorption Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Bret Eckert, Michael J. Buehler, James B. Welch
  • Publication number: 20130187396
    Abstract: In a method for producing a motor vehicle bending cross member bending a double-U-profile is initially formed from a metal plank. The double-U-profile has two U-shaped longitudinal sections which are connected by a web. The outer legs of the double-U-profile are longer than the inner legs which are connected by the web.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2012
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: Benteler Automobiltechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Franz Ulrich Brockhoff, Stefan Grottke, Stefan Schmitz, Holger Diersmann
  • Patent number: 8453786
    Abstract: A front section for a motor vehicle body features a main frame that includes, but is not limited to an upper bumper carrier, a lower reinforcing element for the bumper that extends underneath the upper bumper carrier and a sub-frame that is elastically fixed on the main frame by means of a buffer. The buffer is held between an end piece of the reinforcing element and the main frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Theobald Hock, Viet-Hung Nguyen, Martin Leonhard Sachs
  • Patent number: 8439412
    Abstract: A motor vehicle forward structure is provided with at least two vehicle chassis beams, at least two crash boxes, which are arranged at the front ends of the vehicle chassis beams, and at least one transverse beam structure, which is secured to the crash boxes. The transverse beam structure exhibits two transverse bumper carriers with a first transverse bumper carrier above the crash boxes, and a second transverse bumper carrier below the crash boxes. The crash boxes are fixed in a left and right end area of the transverse beam structure, between the transverse bumper carriers and at the ends of the vehicle chassis beams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Stanislaw Klimek
  • Patent number: 8388012
    Abstract: A crash attenuator includes a crash cushion having a front end, a rear end, and a trailer hitch component disposed adjacent the front end. The trailer hitch component is capable of being secured to a mating hitch component located on the towing vehicle, such that hitch components are capable of being rotated relative to each other about a substantially vertical axis. The crash attenuator further includes at least one wheel supporting the crash cushion. The wheel is rotatable about a substantially horizontal axis and is spaced rearwardly from hitch component. One or more tethers are positioned on opposite sides of the hitch component and are moveable relative to one or more guides connected to the crash cushion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Energy Absorption Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Buehler, Bret Eckert, James B. Welch
  • Patent number: 8276953
    Abstract: A bumper system for a motor vehicle includes, but is not limited to, a bumper cross member, which is fixed to a stiff frame of the motor vehicle, a pliable bumper shell, a compressible structure which is formed between an upper area of the shell and the cross member and one support section which supports the lower area of the shell, which, together with a crash box holding the cross member is anchored to the flange plates of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Matthias Erzgräber, Theobald Hock, Heino Wentzien, Stefan Glaser, Andreas Wüst
  • Patent number: 8251437
    Abstract: The assembly is of the type comprising two pairs of front longitudinal members of a chassis of a motor vehicle and support and fixing mounting plates arranged at the front ends of the longitudinal members and comprising a front bumper shield comprising a one-piece plastics material frame consisting of an upper bumper beam and a lower bumper beam and two vertical members connecting the upper and lower bumper beams, the vertical members of the frame being configured to act as impact absorbers and fixed resting directly against the mounting plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Faurecia Bloc Avant
    Inventors: Vincent Gonin, Julien Dufee, Laurent Droz Bartholet
  • Patent number: 8172286
    Abstract: A motor vehicle front structure is provided with at least one front frame having two side members and an impact cross member structure. Two crash boxes are fixed between the respective front end of the side members and the impact cross member structure. Each of the crash boxes includes, but is not limited to a first and a second leg that are jointly fixed to the front end of each side member and in the shape of a V in the direction of the impact cross member structure turn into ends spread from each other The spread ends are fixed on end regions of the impact cross member structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Stanislaw Klimek
  • Patent number: 8152211
    Abstract: A motor vehicle front structure is provided with at least one front frame having two side members and an impact cross member structure. Two crash boxes are fixed between the respective front end of the side members and the impact cross member structure. Each of the crash boxes includes, but is not limited to a first and a second leg that are jointly fixed to the front end of each side member and in the shape of a V merge with ends spread from each other in the direction of the impact cross member structure. The spread ends are fixed on end regions of the impact cross member structure. A connecting structure with honeycomb construction is arranged between the legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Stanislaw Klimek
  • Patent number: 8136830
    Abstract: A crash attenuator includes a crash cushion having a front end and a rear end, and a restraint element disposed adjacent the front end and capable of being coupled to a towing vehicle. The crash attenuator further includes at least one wheel supporting the crash cushion. The restraint element is operable between at least an impact condition and a non-impact condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Energy Absorption Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Buehler, Bret Eckert, James B. Welch
  • Patent number: 8100444
    Abstract: A bumper system for a motor vehicle includes, but is not limited to, a bumper cross member, which is fixed to a stiff frame of the motor vehicle, a pliable bumper shell, a compressible structure which is formed between an upper area of the shell and the cross member and one support section which supports the lower area of the shell, which, together with a crash box holding the cross member is anchored to the flange plates of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Matthias Erzgräber, Theobald Hock, Heino Wentzien, Stefan Glaser, Andreas Wüst
  • Publication number: 20110115241
    Abstract: This assembly is of the type comprising at least two pairs of front longitudinal members (12, 16) and supporting and attachment plates (20) positioned at the front ends of the longitudinal members (12, 16), a front bumper shield (8) comprising a one-piece frame (22) in plastic material formed with an upper bumper beam (24) and a lower bumper beam (26) and two uprights (28) connecting the upper (24) and lower (26) bumper beams, the shield (8) further comprising an additional beam (40) made with the frame (22) in the same material, said additional beam (40) comprising means for attaching at least one piece of auxiliary equipment of the motor vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Applicant: FAURECIA BLOC AVANT
    Inventor: VINCENT GONIN
  • Publication number: 20110031769
    Abstract: The present invention refers to a bumper cross beam (1) which includes several sections having an increased height in the (Z) direction due to a vertical displacement of the central partial region 3 of the bumper cross beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2008
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Applicant: PEGUFORM GMBH
    Inventor: Mike Löeffler
  • Patent number: 7874572
    Abstract: A crash attenuator includes a crash cushion having a front end, a rear end, and a trailer hitch component disposed adjacent the front end. The trailer hitch component is capable of being secured to a mating hitch component located on the towing vehicle, such that hitch components are capable of being rotated relative to each other about a substantially vertical axis. The crash attenuator further includes at least one wheel supporting the crash cushion. The wheel is rotatable about a substantially horizontal axis and is spaced rearwardly from the substantially vertical axis. The crash attenuator further includes at least one restraint element operable between at least a disengaged condition, wherein the crash cushion is capable of rotating about the substantially vertical axis, and an engaged condition, wherein the at least one restraint element constrains rotation of the crash cushion about the substantially vertical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Energy Absorption Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Buehler, Bret Eckert, James B. Welch
  • Patent number: 7810870
    Abstract: A vehicle body stricture includes a vehicle frame having a pair of longitudinally extending first frame members spaced apart from one another supporting opposite lower side portions of a vehicle and a laterally extending second frame member extending between respective front portions of the first frame members. A vehicle body is supported on the vehicle frame. A bumper assembly is supported by at least one of the first frame members and the second frame member having a front bumper facia member with a lower edge that extends downward toward an underside of the second frame member. A compatibility member extends laterally between the first frame members, with at least a portion of the compatibility member extending below the second frame member. The compatibility member has at least one attachment point fixed to the second frame member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Nissan Technical Center North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian C Shepard, Dave Coakley
  • Publication number: 20100127520
    Abstract: The invention provides an impact absorber module (10) for a motor vehicle, the module comprising: a top transverse element (12) for bearing against an impact beam (32) of the vehicle; a bottom transverse element (14) and two uprights (16a, 16b) connecting the top and bottom transverse elements (12, 14) together so as to form substantially a frame (18) referred to as an absorber frame, the bottom transverse element (14) or one of the two uprights (16a, 16b) being designed to bear against a bottom structural part (36) of the vehicle; and a wall (30) forming an air guide and extending from the top transverse element (12) towards a radiator (54) of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Applicant: COMPAGNIE PLASTIC OMNIUM
    Inventors: Stephane Ginja, Sebastien Charnaux, Philippe Gilotte
  • Patent number: 7699347
    Abstract: A system for absorbing impact energy includes a container formed with a plurality of faces. An energy absorbing material is substantially contained within the container. A first elongated member has a proximate end and a distal end. The proximate end is proximate and approximately perpendicular to a first face of the container. A long axis of the first elongated member intersects the first face. A first bumper is connected to the distal end of the first elongated member. A second elongated member has a proximate end and a distal end. The proximate end is proximate and approximately perpendicular to a second face of the container. A long axis of the second elongated member intersects the second face. The second elongated member is approximately perpendicular to the first elongated member. A second bumper connected to the distal end of the second elongated member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Inventor: Stephen D. Shoap
  • Patent number: 7695018
    Abstract: A system for absorbing impact energy includes a container formed with a plurality of faces. An energy absorbing material is substantially contained within the container. A first elongated member has a proximate end and a distal end. The proximate end is proximate and approximately perpendicular to a first face of the container. A long axis of the first elongated member intersects the first face. A first bumper is connected to the distal end of the first elongated member. A second elongated member has a proximate end and a distal end. The proximate end is proximate and approximately perpendicular to a second face of the container. A long axis of the second elongated member intersects the second face. The second elongated member is approximately perpendicular to the first elongated member. A second bumper connected to the distal end of the second elongated member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Inventor: Stephen D. Shoap
  • Publication number: 20090050395
    Abstract: A colliding object determination device for a vehicle having a bumper reinforcement member (12) includes a sensor (20) and a determination circuit (40). The sensor (20) is located in a front portion of a vehicle for measuring a collision state quantity correlating with a collision load generated in a collision of a colliding body with the vehicle. The determination circuit (40) determines whether the colliding body is a pedestrian based on the measured collision state quantity. The sensor (20) is located on an upper half region of a front end face of the bumper reinforcement member (12). Thus, accuracy of discriminating the pedestrian from other objects can be improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2006
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Applicants: Denso Corporation, TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Toshio Hosokawa, Yujiro Miyata, Motomi Iyoda, Ryotaro Kachu, Hiroyuki Takahashi
  • Patent number: 7287788
    Abstract: A single component bumper beam and lower frame midrail structure, is formed through a hydroforming process to create a uniform “B-shaped” cross-sectional configuration with internal crash triggers to enhance crash performance. The mounting legs of the integral bumper structure are formed with a reduced cross-section at the terminal ends thereof to facilitate insertion into lower frame midrails formed from a pair of horizontally disposed tubes. The terminal end portions of the mounting legs are formed with a longitudinally extending slot to receive a central co-joined wall member formed through the welding of the two vertically oriented tubular members in the lower frame midrails. The single component bumper and longitudinally extending mounting leg structure can be formed by welding together two vertically oriented tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignees: Ford Global Technologies, LLC, Vari-Form, Inc.
    Inventors: Ari Caliskan, Dean Gericke
  • Patent number: 7255378
    Abstract: A bumper system for an automotive vehicle includes a unitary bumper beam substrate which defines upper and lower channel sections which are capped for part of their length by stiffening elements which provide localized increased strength and resistance to elastic buckling and collapsing of the bumper beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ridha Baccouche, Chelliah Madasamy, David Wagner, Hikmat Mahmood
  • Patent number: 7044516
    Abstract: A bumper beam assembly for a vehicle comprises a bumper beam having at least two round pipes, a bracket, first and second support members, first and second side frames, and a bracket formed into a rounded shape to match the external shape of the round pipes. The round pipes are arranged vertically and the sum of the diameters of the round pipes is smaller than the height of the bumper beam. The first and second support members have arc-shaped recesses which conform to the external shape of the round pipes and support the round pipes to connect the side frame to the round pipes, and one of the round pipes is positioned below a central point of the first and second side frames, and one of the round pipes is positioned above the central point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignees: Suzuki Motor Corporation, Kohzu Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akira Kobayashi, Hidekazu Takahashi, Isao Hakamata, Masaaki Suzuki
  • Patent number: 7007989
    Abstract: A back beam structure of an automobile bumper in which the back beam is shaped to have the predetermined spaces respectively on top and bottom by bending one panel many times so that both ends of the panel meet at the front center of the back beam. The ends of the panel meeting at the front center of the back beam are bent to a round shape so that they contact the inner surface of the rear side of the panel. Multiple brackets are installed in intervals connecting the upper and lower parts of the back beam at the front side of the back beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Byung Kyu Yoon
  • Patent number: 6971692
    Abstract: Protective structure for vehicles, suitable for being used, in particular, in the case of collision between a vehicle and a pedestrian, of the type comprising at least a bumper strip (2), for the protection of the vehicle, comprising a lower portion (21) and an upper portion (22). The upper portion protrudes outwards with respect to the lower portion and comprises a buffer (T). The structure also comprises at least one reinforcement (3) situated inside said lower portion of the bumper strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignees: ADLEV S.r.l., Plastal S.p.A
    Inventors: Pasquale Gioia, Marco Luga Righini, Mario Vismara, Alessandro Riva, Jean Louis Toneatti
  • Patent number: 6874831
    Abstract: A front structure for a motor vehicle having a bumper cross-member and a grille, the structure being fabricated as a unitary piece of plastics material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: Compagnie Plastic Omnium
    Inventors: Laurent Pouget, Thierry Gourlot
  • Patent number: 6592158
    Abstract: In a method of making a steel crossbeam for use as component of a bumper for motor vehicles, a composite element is formed by attaching sheet metal strips in parallel disposition onto a broadside of a steel sheet strand across an entire length thereof, whereby the sheet metal strips have a width which is narrower than a width of the steel sheet strand. The composite element is then shaped through roll-forming in a direction transverse to the longitudinal extent of the composite element into a crossbeam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Benteler AG
    Inventors: Markus Kettler, Udo Klasfauseweh, Peter Goer
  • Patent number: 6578904
    Abstract: A motor vehicle structure including at least two upper side-members arranged at the level of the bumper, at least two lower side-members connected to the upper side-members by two linking supports, and a cross-member linking the two lower side-members at their front end. The front ends of the lower side-members are substantially in line with the front ends of the upper side-members and the two linking supports are arranged substantially between the front ends of the upper and lower side-members. The rear end of the lower side-members is designed to be supported on a stop portion of a structural element in a case of a head-on impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: Renault
    Inventors: Marc Yvetot, Emmanuel Boudard
  • Patent number: 6540275
    Abstract: The invention provides a structure of a front part of a vehicle body that is simple and free from the risk of maloperation. In the event of a collision between the vehicle and a pedestrian, a projecting part sweeps the pedestrian by parts of his or her legs lower than the knees in the event of a collision between the vehicle and the pedestrian, causing the pedestrian to be thrown over toward the vehicle, and after an energy-absorbing member has absorbed impact energy exerted on the legs, the pedestrian is caused to drop onto the top of a hood and protected from secondary damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Tatsuhiko Iwamoto, Arihiro Furumoto, Yutaka Tsukiji, Masao Hara, Yushi Matsuda, Daisaburou Adachi, Masanori Ogawa, Takayuki Nakamae, Sakayu Terada, Kazuma Kondou
  • Patent number: 6474708
    Abstract: A bumper arrangement for a front end or a rear end of an automobile having a bumper cover enclosing the bumper arrangement has a transverse support having a first and a second end. First and second spacer consoles are connected to the first and second ends of the transverse support, respectively. First and second stop plates are connected to the first and second spacer consoles opposite the transverse support. The first and second stop plates secure the bumper arrangement to longitudinal support beams of the car body extending in the longitudinal direction of the automobile. A transverse beam is positioned below the transverse support in a mounted position of the bumper arrangement. Spacer stays connect the transverse beam to the stop plates and are positioned below the spacer consoles. The transverse support and/or the spacer consoles, at least over portions thereof, have two or more deformation areas arranged next to one another in the longitudinal direction of the automobile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Benteler AG
    Inventors: Ludger Gehringhoff, Wulf Härtel, Knut Schöne, Ralf Schmidt, Dieter Braun
  • Patent number: 6435577
    Abstract: The inventive combination comprises a front bumper skin (34) pertaining to a motor vehicle and an inner closing part (12) pertaining to an engine compartment, mounted to the rear of said skin in relation to the principal direction in which the vehicle travels. The closing part (12) comprises a front transversal profiled section (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Peguform France
    Inventor: Thierry Renault
  • Publication number: 20020047281
    Abstract: A bumper arrangement for a vehicle has a transverse support to be connected transversely to longitudinal supports of a frame of a vehicle. The transverse support has a shell member of a U-shaped cross-section with a stay and two legs connected to opposite sides of the stay. The legs have a grate structure comprised of several adjacently positioned and spaced apart ribs defining adjacently positioned openings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2001
    Publication date: April 25, 2002
    Applicant: Benteler Automobiltechnik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Wulf Hartel, Hendrik Korinth
  • Patent number: 6290272
    Abstract: Provided in an energy absorber (1) for bumpers (2, 3) of motor vehicles are stiffening elements (5), which have free-standing front sides (6) facing away from a rear mounting structure (4). The stiffening elements (5) have in the longitudinal direction a lateral center-to-center distance from one another that corresponds to the standard dimensions of a human leg. Side faces of the stiffening elements (5) which face one another are designed such that, in the event of collision with a leg, the stiffening elements (5) are deformable independently of one another, and in the event of collision with an object larger than a leg, the stiffening elements (5) engage one another at their side faces in a manner hindering deformation with an abrupt increase in the stiffness of the energy absorber (1). By this means, braking with a relatively low deceleration is achieved in a collision with the leg, whereas the energy absorber (1) is adequately stiff in a collision with a larger object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: Peguform GmbH
    Inventor: Stefan Braun
  • Patent number: 6203078
    Abstract: The invention provides a bumper for a pickup truck or other utility vehicle and which can be adapted to receive and support an accessory such as a crane, winch or carrying rack. The bumper includes an elongate rigid support frame for positioning transversely of the length of the truck, support frame having a vertically extended central portion, and tapered side portions. Optionally, at least one accessory receiver is rigidly attached to the support frame for receiving and supporting an accessory. Bracket members are rigidly attached to the frame for attachment to a vehicle. The bumper resists downward rotational and translational deflection relative to a utility vehicle when an accessory is in use on the bumper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Inventor: Robert B. Karrer
  • Patent number: 6176530
    Abstract: Apparatus is dislosed for protecting vehicles including a crossbeam and a console mounting the crossbeam to the frame of the vehicle at a location which corresponds to the expected point of impact of a force generated by a collision, the console including an upper portion connected to the frame and comprising a hardened portion thereof, a lower portion comprising a non-hardened portion of the console, and a boundary area between these upper and lower portions comprising a weakened area of the console whereby upon impact the console is adapted to pivot about the weakened area for deformation of the console thereabout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Assignee: Volvo Lastvagnar AB
    Inventor: Peter Gollungberg
  • Patent number: 6176529
    Abstract: An energy absorption device designed to be mounted on the rear of a high elevation vehicle (e.g. a truck, cargo carrier, trailer or semi-trailer). More particularly, a torsional under-ride guard for use with a high elevation vehicle, which torsional under-ride guard reduces the likelihood that another vehicle will under-ride the high elevation vehicle and absorbs some of the impact energy created when another vehicle collides with the torsional under-ride guard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Assignee: Henschen div. of QDS Components
    Inventors: James A. Kitzmiller, Terry D. Campbell
  • Patent number: 6022057
    Abstract: A device for fixing to the front part of a vehicle, comprises a support construction which is assembled from profile parts manufactured from metal plate material and provided with attachment points for fixing thereof to the vehicle, a plastic cover element for separately covering the sides of each profile part facing away from the vehicle, and connecting members connecting the cover element to the support construction, wherein between the profile parts of the support construction and the cover element free spaces are present and the cover element is manufactured from deformable plastic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Assignee: Kelowna Hectares B.V.
    Inventor: Jan Willem Vermeulen
  • Patent number: 5779289
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Inventor: William Haston Alexander, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5407239
    Abstract: A bumper beam for a vehicle bumper, having a base beam preferably made of an extruded aluminum alloy, and an impact beam attached to an outer surface of the base beam with these members joined together by sliding engagement in an axial direction of the base beam. The bumper beam and the impact beam can be made of straight linear members each having a relatively small cross sectional area. In particular, the base beam may have a pair of vertically spaced identical members extending in a mutually parallel relationship which are joined together by the impact beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1995
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takeo Arai, Yasuo Muraoka, Fumiaki Fukuchi
  • Patent number: 5277465
    Abstract: A grill guard which can be adapted to different vehicles includes a pair of horizontal tubes fastened to a pair of vertical side plates. The side plates are attached to the bumper of a vehicle by an L-shaped bracket attached to the lower end of each side plate, a triangular plate attached near the middle of each side plate, and an L-shaped bracket connecting each triangular plate to the bumper. Each side plate has a plurality of regularly shaped holes along the rear edge thereof for adjusting the vertical spacing of the triangular plate from the lower L-shaped bracket. A dog fastens the tubes to the side plates at each intersection thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 11, 1994
    Assignee: Quality S Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis E. Weir
  • Patent number: 5215343
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1993
    Assignee: Jib Engineering Ltd.
    Inventor: William C. Fortune
  • Patent number: 5094469
    Abstract: In a trailer hitch device for a motor vehicle wherein a trailer hitch is mounted on a member beam, the improvement comprising the fact that the member beam has both its ends respectively fixed to right and left rear bumper stays and is covered with a rear bumper face, and that the trailer hitch is fixed to the member beam and has its coupling bowl portion at its distal end protruded rearward of the vehicle body of the vehicle through an opening provided in the bumper face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1992
    Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Akihito Yamamoto, Michihiro Kawamura, Yasunori Kumagai, Kenichi Sato
  • Patent number: 5031947
    Abstract: A vehicular bumper assembly is formed of an outer bumper with one or more arcuate faces and one or more resilient pipes having outer surfaces conforming to the arcuate faces. The pipes are located adjacent to the faces and serve a buffering function when the outer bumper moves rearwardly in a collision. A buffer spring assembly absorbs an initial first portion of a collision force. The pipes then absorb a second portion of the collision force. The assembly also has a touch switch for enabling the vehicle's horn during a collision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1991
    Inventor: Ming-Tang Chen
  • Patent number: 4721333
    Abstract: An arrangement for forming a bumper structure of an automobile having a rear door mounted on a body thereof to be openable and closing includes a bumper divided into a lower member fixed to a rear end portion of the body at a position lower than the rear door and an upper member attached to a lower end portion of the rear door. The upper member has end portions elongating oppositely in the direction of the width of the body beyond the rear door. A pair of receiving members are attached to the rear end portion of the body so as to face respectively the end portions of the upper member of the bumper elongating oppositely beyond the rear door when the rear door is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1988
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventor: Akie Morio
  • Patent number: 4201000
    Abstract: A snow plow attachment includes a first part for engagement with a bumper of a stalled vehicle and detachably attachable to the blade of the snow plow and a rearwardly disposed second part engageable with the central portion of the blade, vertically considered, to brace the first part in its bumper-engaging position. In one embodiment of the invention, the attachment is secured to the upper portion of the plow blade and in another, the attachment is secured to both upper and lower portions thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1978
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1980
    Inventor: George H. Stanford
  • Patent number: 4168855
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1978
    Date of Patent: September 25, 1979
    Inventor: Kevin E. Koch