Abstract: A pneumatic bumper system for the protection of moving vehicles and passengers therein is used with a passenger safety device such as an inflatable air bag. A pressurized gas container has a flexible portion with an impact surface. The pressure of the compressible gas in this container increases upon impact with an object and causes a valve to open, directing the passage of compressed gas to inflate the air bag.

Abstract: An energy absorbing bumper system for protection of moving vehicles. The system comprises a flexible section and a rigid section, each containing compressed air, and an orifice passage or valve for controlling the flow of air between the flexible section and the rigid section. The flexible section is contoured for a generally flat impact surface to provide efficient operation and compact size, and to yield an aesthetically pleasing shape, and is held in shape by dividing the flexible section or bag into a large number of compartments lying adjacent to each other along the direction of the surface to be protected, and by introducing compressed air into each compartment. Each one of the compartments of the bag is connected to the rigid section by means of an orifice, or by a relief valve.

Abstract: An energy absorbing bumper system for protection of moving vehicles uses a pneumatic container that is partially flexible and partially rigid. The functional volume of air necessary on a specific bumper is enclosed within the flexible and rigid sections which are interconnected and contain air normally at the same pressure. Impact energy is absorbed by deflection of the flexible section and compression of the air. In order to limit rebound, means may be provided to control the air flow from the rigid section to the flexible section. The flexible section is contoured for a generally flat impact surface to provide efficient operation and compact size, and to yield an aesthetically pleasing shape, and is held in shape by dividing the flexible section or bag into a large number of compartments lying adjacent to each other along the direction of the surface to be protected.