Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed for a device that can be used as a step on a vehicle. A vehicle step device and system can provide a vehicle step in a use disposition, and can retract and automatically return to the use disposition when impacted. Such a device and system can comprise a bracket that is fixed to a vehicle, such as at the bumper, and a step component that is slidably engaged with the bracket. A biasing component can be coupled between the step component and bracket, to apply a biasing force between the two, thereby keeping the step component in a sue position. Upon impact, the step can retract into the bracket, such as into the bumper, and after impact, the biasing component can return the step to the use position.

Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed for a device that can be used as a step on a vehicle. A vehicle step device and system can provide a vehicle step in a use disposition, and can retract and automatically return to the use disposition when impacted. Such a device and system can comprise a bracket that is fixed to a vehicle, such as at the bumper, and a step component that is slidably engaged with the bracket. A biasing component can be coupled between the step component and bracket, to apply a biasing force between the two, thereby keeping the step component in a sue position. Upon impact, the step can retract into the bracket, such as into the bumper, and after impact, the biasing component can return the step to the use position.

Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed for a device that can be used as a step on a vehicle. A vehicle step device and system can provide a vehicle step in a use disposition, and can retract and automatically return to the use disposition when impacted. Such a device and system can comprise a bracket that is fixed to a vehicle, such as at the bumper, and a step component that is slidably engaged with the bracket. A biasing component can be coupled between the step component and bracket, to apply a biasing force between the two, thereby keeping the step component in a sue position. Upon impact, the step can retract into the bracket, such as into the bumper, and after impact, the biasing component can return the step to the use position.

Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed for a device that can be used as a step on a vehicle. A vehicle step device and system can provide a vehicle step in a use disposition, and can retract and automatically return to the use disposition when impacted. Such a device and system can comprise a bracket that is fixed to a vehicle, such as at the bumper, and a step component that is slidably engaged with the bracket. A biasing component can be coupled between the step component and bracket, to apply a biasing force between the two, thereby keeping the step component in a sue position. Upon impact, the step can retract into the bracket, such as into the bumper, and after impact, the biasing component can return the step to the use position.

Abstract: An energy absorbing bumper (10) includes a back plate (11) which is adapted to be attached to a vehicle. An elastomeric module (12) includes an impact face (13) and upper and lower rails (14, 15) extending from the impact face (13). One or more metallic inserts (30) are molded into the rails (14, 15). Each insert (30) includes a plurality of longitudinally extending, laterally spaced bars (31) which intersect a plurality of laterally extending, longitudinally spaced bars (32) to form adjacent rows of openings (33, 34). A fastener (17) extends through at least one of the openings (33, 34) in each insert (30) to attach the rails (14, 15) to the back plate (11). The inserts (30) minimize the possibility of shearing of the module (12) at the area of fasteners (17).

Abstract: A system (10) for attaching a trailing device (12) to a vehicle includes a bumper assembly (11) having a back structure (13) which carries an energy absorbing module (14). The system (10) includes receiver assemblies (60) which are attached to the bumper back structure (13) and which include a tube (62). The system (10) also includes carrier assemblies (40) which carry the trailing device (12) and which each includes an arm end (42) slidably received in the tubes (62). Shear pins (73) attach the arm ends (42) to the tubes (62) and upon impact to the trailing device (12), a leg (74) of each pin (73) can be sheared allowing relative movement between the arm ends (42) and the tubes (62). As a result, the carrier assemblies (40) contact the energy absorbing bumper module (14) to absorb some of the energy of the impact.

Abstract: An energy absorbing bumper (14) includes an impact face (20) having a plurality of apertures (19) therein. Each aperture (19) receives a housing (10) which carries a proximity sensor (12). The housing (10) has channels (49) extending along an interior cylindrical surface (30) to properly align the proximity sensor (12) relative to the bumper face (20). The housing (10) also has a face surface (42) with a depression (64) to receive the proximity sensor (12) in a recessed manner. A frustoconical surface (32) of the housing (10) slides over the edges of the aperture (18) when the housing (10) is being inserted into the aperture (18) so that the edges of the aperture (18) snap fit into a groove (34) formed in the outer surface of the housing (10).

Abstract: A container (10) includes an upper shell (11) and a lower shell (12) attached thereto by a connection mechanism (39). Corner columns (40,61) are formed between the walls (26,28,30; 46,63,64) of the shells (11,12), respectively. Spaced ribs (42,70) extend inwardly from the walls (26,28,30; 46,63,64), respectively, to assist in supporting an internal container bottle (13). The bottle (13) has a valve assembly (59) which can be exposed through an opening (58) in the front wall (46). A valve access closure mechanism (60), including a door (143), is operable to close the opening (58). A lug (160) and notch (150) arrangement maintains the door (143) open, as desired. The bottom surface (74) of the container (10) is provided with a drainage system (76) having channels (78-81) all sloped toward a drain hole (82) so that any liquid in the container (10) is directed to the drain hole (82). Foot assemblies (14) include hollow, crushable foot members (118) of a predetermined profile.

Abstract: An energy absorbing bumper (20) for a vehicle includes an elastomeric bumper module (24) having a longitudinally extending impact face (25) and upper and lower walls (26,27) extending laterally therefrom toward a rear support plate (21) which is attachable to the vehicle and which engages the upper and lower walls (26,27) of the module (24). A plurality of longitudinally spaced upper ribs (31) extend from the impact face (25) and generally laterally along the upper wall (26) toward the rear support plate (21). A plurality of similarly longitudinally spaced lower ribs (32) extend from the impact face (25) and generally laterally along the lower wall (27) toward the rear support plate (21). A longitudinal rail (34) extends from between the upper and lower ribs (31,32) on the impact face (25) toward the rear support plate (21). Upon impact against the impact face (25), the module (24) thereby absorbs the energy of the impact.