Abstract: An elongated housing for use with an airbag module is provided. The housing comprises a first wall, a second wall, a bottom wall joining the first and second walls such that a first width is defined by the housing, and a cushion deployment opening opposite the bottom wall. The cushion deployment opening is between a first edge of the first wall and a second edge of the second wall. The cushion deployment opening has a second width that is between about 90 percent of the first width and about 30 percent of the first width.

Abstract: An elongated housing for use with an airbag module is provided. The housing comprises a first wall, a second wall, a bottom wall joining the first and second walls such that a first width is defined by the housing, and a cushion deployment opening opposite the bottom wall. The cushion deployment opening is between a first edge of the first wall and a second edge of the second wall. The cushion deployment opening has a second width that is between about 90 percent of the first width and about 30 percent of the first width.

Abstract: An elongated housing for use with an airbag module is provided. The housing comprises a first wall, a second wall, a bottom wall joining the first and second walls such that a first width is defined by the housing, and a cushion deployment opening opposite the bottom wall. The cushion deployment opening is between a first edge of the first wall and a second edge of the second wall. The cushion deployment opening has a second width that is between about 90 percent of the first width and about 30 percent of the first width.

Abstract: An impact beam includes front, rear, top and bottom side walls connected to form a closed cross section. A foam gusset is formed in place and secured inside the impact beam, preferably along the midpoint of the impact beam. The gusset spans the distance between the front and rear walls, as well as the distance between the side walls to provide increased resistance to deformation.

Abstract: An energy-absorbing bumper assembly includes an impact beam having a front vertical wall with a central inwardly projecting channel. A molded energy absorber formed as a multi-sectioned cellular unit includes mounting towers integrally formed with the unit. Resilient tabs on the mounting towers spring outwardly into complementary openings in the channel when the mounting towers are inserted into the channel, thereby removably attaching the energy absorber to the impact beam.

Abstract: An automotive bumper includes a closed cross section impact bar having at least one open end. An insert formed as a plurality of interconnected molded cells is received in the open end and spans the distance between front and rear walls of the impact bar. A positioning rib prevents overtravel of the insert and tuning bumps are provided to create an interference fit between the insert and the impact bar. An energy absorber can be mounted on the impact bar and fitted with the positioning rib of the insert.

Abstract: A bumper assembly for a vehicle includes an elongated impact bar mounted on the vehicle having inner and outer surfaces. A rib, integrally formed at a central portion of the impact bar, projects outwardly from the outer surface and extends a substantial portion of the length of the impact bar. A reinforcing member is mounted on the outer surface of the impact bar and covers a substantial portion of the length of the rib. An energy-absorbing medium is mounted on the outer surface of the impact bar and covers a substantial portion of the lengths of the reinforcing member and the ribs. A fascia is attached to the vehicle and covers the energy-absorbing medium.

Abstract: A high strength and low mass hard bar bumper assembly which has an interior bulk head to maximize beam face support for minimizing face dishing which maintains beam section shape by tying the flanges together and which transfers the impact loads from the beam face to the beam flanges. In the preferred embodiment, a hollow cylinder is used as the tie bolt and a resilient opened-celled bulkhead spacer is used to transfer loads from the face through the hollow tie bolt to the flanges.

Abstract: A substantially rigid bumper is mounted to vehicle frame by special spring brackets which allow bumper movement relative to frame on impact. Cellular energy absorbing media housed within the brackets absorb impact energy and cooperate with bracket for improved bumper support.

Abstract: Cellular energy-absorbing unit for vehicle bumpers formed with a plurality of sections interconnected by live hinges to permit the relative displacement of the sections to facilitate attachment of the unit to its support.