Abstract: Provided in an energy absorber (1) for bumpers (2, 3) of motor vehicles are stiffening elements (5), which have 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.

Abstract: A nozzle arrangement for a fluid assisted injection molding apparatus has a central passage connected to an injection molding machine at one end and a section of the passage forming an outer sleeve at its opposite end. A channel at the opposite end of the nozzle connects the outer sleeve with an inlet runner leading to the mold cavity through which plasticized resin material can be injected. A pressurized fluid conduit coaxial with the nozzle forms an inner sleeve movable into and out of telescoping engagement with the outer sleeve for respectively blocking and opening the connection between the outer sleeve and its connecting channel. The conduit has a connecting passage, and it central passage is closed at its inner end.

Abstract: An apparatus for the production of molded shells and bodies of plastic material by a rotational molding procedure within an electroplate mold includes a double-walled hollow body which is heated up and cooled down by a heating and cooling medium. A box which contains plastic material can be fitted on to the mold. The mold and the box are jointly pivotable so that the plastic material can pass into the mold and fuse at the wall of the mold. At its rear wall, which is remote from the internal contour which produces the molding action, the double-walled hollow body has a multiplicity of intake and discharge openings for the heating and cooling medium so that heating and cooling can be effected specifically and quickly. The total discharge cross-section is greater than the total feed cross-section whereby the hollow body remains substantially pressure-less.

Abstract: A protective band, e.g. a vehicle bumper cover, is made in the form of a profiled component with a longitudinal groove in its outer surface. Located in the groove is an elastic decorative strip that extends to the ends of the profiled component and through clearances in the end walls of the groove to an area with pocket-like covers. The groove is undercut and the strip is provided with a longitudinal web so as to form a clip connection with the groove. Moreover, the cross section of the strip is constant and safety clamps are attached to its ends. The ends of the elastic strip together with the clamps can be passed through the clearances into the pocket-like cover areas and fastened there under tension by flaps on the clamps.