Abstract: A bumper system includes a bumper beam having a face and ends, and an energy absorber mounted on the face. The energy absorber has a one-piece injection-molded non-foam piece with box sections and interconnecting straps, and a one-piece or multi-piece foam component securely insert-molded onto the injection-molded non-foam piece. Different foam molds can be used to form differently shaped front surfaces on the foam component. By this arrangement, different energy absorbing systems are provided for vehicles, such as to satisfy the need for different styling and shapes, while still using the same non-foam piece. By this arrangement, the energy absorber is a single unit that can be handled and attached to the bumper beam. At the same time, capital investment in molding dies and tooling is reduced.

Abstract: A bumper system comprising a metal tubular beam, an energy absorber and mounts. The metal tubular beam has a center section having front, rear, top, and bottom walls. The energy absorber includes a rail having a rear surface with a rearwardly-facing C-shaped recess mateably receiving the tubular beam therein, with the energy absorber being configured to crush and absorb impact energy prior to collapse of the tubular beam. The mounts engage a rear of the metal tubular beam.

Abstract: A bumper system includes a bumper beam having a face and ends, and an energy absorber mounted on the face. The energy absorber has a one-piece injection-molded non-foam piece with box sections and interconnecting straps, and a one-piece or multi-piece foam component securely insert-molded onto the injection-molded non-foam piece. Different foam molds can be used to form differently shaped front surfaces on the foam component. By this arrangement, different energy absorbing systems are provided for vehicles, such as to satisfy the need for different styling and shapes, while still using the same non-foam piece. By this arrangement, the energy absorber is a single unit that can be handled and attached to the bumper beam. At the same time, capital investment in molding dies and tooling is reduced.

Abstract: A bumper system includes a tubular beam with flattened end sections, and further includes an energy absorber having a rear recess mateably receiving the tubular beam in a nested relationship, with the recess also including flat mating surfaces engaging the flattened end sections. Mounts engage a rear of the flattened end sections, and fasteners secure the tubular beam and energy absorber to the mounts. In one modified bumper system, corner sections on the energy absorber are shaped to slidingly engage a side surface of the mount and simultaneously an end of the beam upon corner impact of the vehicle. In another modified bumper system, offset ends of the tubular beam fit into a recess in an energy absorber, with its center section being between vehicle mounts.