Abstract: The present invention provides a wholly blow molded light weight bumper system which provides a double walled vertical blow rib for mounting the bumper to a vehicle and a method for making the same. A first surface projects from one of the molds and is perpendicular to the first and second mold halves. In association with the first surface a second surface is movable between a retracted position and an extended position. To create the vertical rib the second surface is moved from the retracted position to the extended position. The second surface thereby pinching the inflated thermoplastic material between the first surface creating a double walled vertical rib substantially perpendicular to the parting line.

Abstract: An energy absorbing pocket member for a motor vehicle includes at least one rail extending longitudinally and a bumper extending laterally across the at least one rail. The energy absorbing pocket member includes a closed end disposed adjacent the bumper and an open end disposed adjacent the at least one rail and having a cavity to allow the energy absorbing member to crush and absorb energy of an impact on the bumper.

Abstract: A spare tire storage system for an automotive vehicle includes a swing arm having a first end rotatably attached to a first portion of a vehicle undercarriage and a second end detachably engagable to a second portion of a vehicle undercarriage, the swing arm rotatable in a vertical and horizontal plane when in a disengaged state, and a tire attached to the second end of the swing arm.