Abstract: An attachment element for a bumper includes a partially closed profile with a back panel and on each side lateral tension struts, a bottom plate, or a cover, wherein the attachment element is configured as a part of the bumper and the configuration of the attachment element acts as crash absorbing element which can absorb shock impacts of up to 4 km/h in an elastic range and at shock impacts between 4 km/h and 15 km/h the crash absorbing elements deform thereby preventing damage to the vehicle carrier.

Abstract: An impact reduction vehicle bumper system for a vehicle has a pedestrian safety plate, which is connected to a steel bumper beam and occupies the region between a pair of frame rails that are disposed on the front of the vehicle. The bumper beam is connected to side brackets, which are bolted to the vehicle frame rails. Frame rail extensions are located in front of the frame rails and are welded to the side brackets.

Abstract: An energy-absorbing element for absorbing impact in a vehicle bumper has a plurality of independently deformable sections so as to reduce the impact imparted to an object. The invention also relates to a process of manufacturing a vehicle bumper that includes the steps of providing an energy-absorbing element including a plurality of independently deformable sections so as to reduce the impact imparted to an object; and incorporating the energy-absorbing element into a vehicle bumper.

Abstract: A bumper for a vehicle having an extruded light metal alloy hollow section with section walls in the form of a compressive strut and a tensile strut which are spaced apart and a pair of transverse walls joining them. In the interior of the hollow section there is a reinforcing bead provided on at least one of the transverse walls and/or on one of the section walls joining them. This bead is situated in at least one corner region between a transverse wall and the section wall joining them, the latter of which may preferably be a section inner wall facing the vehicle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a motor vehicle bumper with an internal part which can be fastened to a vehicle body, and an external part fastened at least section-wise to the internal part.

Abstract: The invention relates to a motor vehicle bumper with an inside bumper unit which can be fastened to a vehicle body and a bumper outside unit which is fastened section-wise to the bumper inside part. According to the invention the inside bumper unit supports the outside bumper unit solely in the area of its sill portion which is to be arranged under a vehicle trunk lid. Use for lightweight bumpers for motor vehicles.

Abstract: A fully adjustable bumper system that absorbs impact and thereby, avoiding damage to the bumper. The bumper system includes a bumper assembly mounted to a vertically pivoting assembly through horizontally and vertically adjustable assemblies. A stop assembly is attached to the vertically pivoting assembly and allows the bumper assembly to pivot away from an applied force and then causes the bumper assembly to return to its position with the force is removed. The bumper system can be bolted, welded or otherwise fixedly attached to either the frame or rails of a trailer or truck for ease of installation.

Abstract: Methods for making fused film-plastic parts and parts made thereby are disclosed. The paint film covered parts include a show surface section with a paint film laminate overlying the plastic substrate of this section of the part to provide the desired aesthetic appeal. An attachment flange section of the part is provided and is usually hidden from sight when the part is assembled to the auto or truck body structure. The flange serves as a location at which clamps, bolts, rivets or the like can support or attach to the auto to truck structure. A raised portion, such as a boss section, is provided intermediate the show surface section and the attachment flange. This boss is adapted for contiguous or closed spaced positioning adjacent the auto or truck structural part. The boss is completely covered by the paint film with the paint film terminating along the attachment flange.

Abstract: A vehicle body guard for a receiver assembly includes an intermediate body section and a pair of mounting ends carried on that intermediate body section. A protective plastic sleeve may be provided over a portion of the intermediate body section.

Abstract: In a method of making a steel crossbeam for use as component of a bumper for motor vehicles, a composite element is formed by attaching sheet metal strips in parallel disposition onto a broadside of a steel sheet strand across an entire length thereof, whereby the sheet metal strips have a width which is narrower than a width of the steel sheet strand. The composite element is then shaped through roll-forming in a direction transverse to the longitudinal extent of the composite element into a crossbeam.

Abstract: A magnetic repulsion system to prevent collisions of vehicles by use of magnetic forces. The magnetic repulsion system to prevent collisions includes a plurality of mobile vehicles each having a body having an inner surface. Each of a plurality of bars is magnetized and has the same polarity. Each of the bars is coupled to the inner surface of one of the vehicles such that the bars substantially encompass each of the vehicles. The bars on a first of the vehicles are repelled by bars on a second of the vehicles by the magnetic polarity of the bars.

Abstract: A pedestrian safety device for mounting to an automotive vehicle has a relatively low-resistance mechanical response when struck by an object having the approximate width of a human leg, and relatively high-resistance response when struck by an object wider than a human leg. The impact energy management device comprises a backplate attachable the vehicle and a plurality of seesaw elements attached to the backplate for pivoting movement relative to the backplate. Each element has a first and a second contact end spaced forwardly from the beam. When a narrow object like a pedestrian's leg strikes the device, only one end of each seesaw element is urged toward the backplate and the element pivots with respect to the backplate to absorb energy and offer a relatively low resistance. When a wider object strikes the device, both contact ends of a seesaw element are engaged so that the element bends toward the backplate. The strain caused by the bending offering a higher resistance to intrusion by the object.

Abstract: A method, molding device and vehicle component (10) provide for minimized sink marks (30) caused by structural ribs (28) in the molding process. Molten material is injected into a first mold cavity to form a primary vehicle component part (20) having structural ribs (28) on a back side. Typically, sink marks (30) may develop at a front surface of the primary vehicle component part (20), located opposite to the structural ribs (28) on the back side. Molten material is injected into a second molding cavity that is arranged to overmold the front surface (26) of the primary vehicle component part (20) and to cover sink marks (30), if any, in the front surface (26). In this manner, a vehicle component (10) is manufactured with structural ribs (28) and without visible sink marks (30).

Abstract: A shock absorbing construction for a motorcycle that has a dimensional standard suitable for practical use for sufficiently absorbing an impact. A shock absorbing member includes a plurality of cavities and reinforcing ribs for dividing adjacent cavities. All or some of the reinforcing ribs are formed with thinner portions, respectively. The shock absorbing member projects forwardly from the front wheel is provided so that the shock absorbing member absorbs the impact by being collapsed.

Abstract: A bumper reinforcement structure includes a bumper reinforcement element placed at least at the front end or rear end of a vehicle body and fixed to a side member of the vehicle body. The bumper reinforcement element has a closed hollow side cross-section, extends in the vehicle lateral direction and is formed of any one of a light alloy and a steel. A concave or convex portion is formed on at least one surface of the bumper reinforcement element so as to change the shape of the cross-section of the bumper reinforcement along the vehicle lateral direction.

Abstract: A bumper for a motor vehicle that includes a frame attached to the motor vehicle, a covering that covers the frame, and at least one set of self contained gas springs that are for attaching to the motor vehicle. The at least one set of self contained gas springs supporting the frame allows transition of acceleration to be smoothed, both upon initial contact of the bumper until its maximum compression, and between maximum compression of the bumper and end-deformation of the motor vehicle, while lowering deformation to the motor vehicle and shock to its passengers and lowering overall compression distance in the bumper to save the motor vehicle from further damage. The at least one set of self contained gas springs raises deceleration of impact during compression of the bumper, but lowers deceleration during deformation of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bumper bar (2) for a motor vehicle, comprising front (4) and rear (6) walls and an intermediate web (14) extending from the front wall to the rear wall so as to form with the latter an “H”-shaped section. The web has an undulating shape in cross section.

Abstract: An extruded bumper for a vehicle includes a top face, a bottom face generally opposing the top face, a front face, and a rear face generally opposing the front face. A bumper interior cavity is generally bounded by and defined between the top face, the bottom face, the front face, and the rear face. The bumper interior cavity has at least one partition located therein which is aligned in a longitudinal plane defined by a vehicle rail. The bumper can be extruded along either the x-axis or the z-axis.

Abstract: A method and apparatus produces a roll formed bumper member comprising of a metal material. The bumper member has a predetermined transverse cross section and a predetermined curvature. A strip bumper structure is fed into a forming assembly along a line level. The bumper structure has the predetermined transverse cross section and an essentially straight longitudinal configuration. The forming assembly has a driven support roller and a pair of driven cooperating flexing rollers. A first roller of the pair of flexing rollers is positioned to deflect the bumper structure out of the line level. A second roller of the pair of flexing rollers is mounted to revolve about the first roller. The support roller and the pair of cooperating flexing rollers are driven for feeding the bumper structure between the pair of cooperating and counter rotating flexing rollers.

Abstract: An energy absorption system and method comprised of a crush tube, a taper component, and a flare component. The crush tube is inserted into a matching hole in the taper component. As the taper and flare components are moved down over the crush tube, the taper component decreases the diameter of the crush tube and the flare component splits the crush tube in a plurality of petals. The crush tube may include a plurality of initiator slits to aid in the flaring process. When mounted with the longitudinal axis of the crush tube parallel to an axis of an impact, the present invention is capable of absorbing some or all of the crash event by dissipating energy by the tapering, flaring, friction, and other methods.

Abstract: A unitary, stamped bumper beam and a method of fabrication. In a preferred embodiment, the stamped bumper beam has a generally trussed-shaped section. The method for fabricating a unitary, stamped bumper beam having a front shell, with an exterior and interior side, and a rear plate, for use on a vehicle having vehicle, said method generally comprises stamping a blank to form a front shell portion and rear plate portion; punching apertures in appropriate positions in the blank to accommodate vehicle rails or components of the bumper; folding the blank along a longitudinal interface line the separates the rear plate portion from the front shell portion so that at some part of the rear plate portion contacts at least some part of the interior side of the front shell portion; and welding parts of the rear plate portion and the front shell portion that are in contact.

Abstract: A safety attachment for utility pole transport having a mid bracket and an end bracket that attach around a utility pole. The mid bracket is situated along the unsupported length of the pole, and the end bracket is positioned at the rear end of the pole. A plate is attached to the end bracket, covering the end of the utility pole. A horizontal impact beam is situated below the pole, and is attached to the plate with a plurality of vertical members. A pair of diagonal arms extend from the mid bracket to the impact beam and help distribute impact forces on the utility pole. Accordingly, if a vehicle were to collide with the pole, the bumper of the vehicle would strike the impact beam, reducing the severity of damage. Reflectors or lighting devices are positioned along the impact beam to help reduce the chance of a collision.

Abstract: An improved bumper facebar, as well as a method of manufacturing the improved bumper facebar, are disclosed. The bumper facebar includes a steel body having at least one area with improved strength exhibiting selective austinitic-martensitic hardening and a Rockwell hardness greater than 41. Moreover, the steel body includes a metallic coating or plating such as chrome plating to provide a decorative finish. The austinitic-martensitic hardening is not exhibited in the steel at those points providing coupling to other objects. The method of manufacturing the improved bumper facebar includes the steps of stamping a bumper blank from a sheet of steel, forming the desired bumper shape from the bumper blank, and hardening select portions of the bumper shape by heating and cooling the select portions to produce a rockwell hardness greater than 41. The method is well adapted to receive additional steps to improve the facebar hardness and impact characteristics.

Abstract: A bumper system 10 for an automotive vehicle is provided. The bumper system includes a composite valance 12 adapted for attachment to a chassis of the automotive vehicle, where the composite valance includes a reinforcement section 18 formed therein. Preferably, the reinforcement section is formed longitudinally along a central portion of the composite valance, is recessed with respect to a front surface 22 of the composite valance, and includes a plurality of structural ribs 24 provided therein. A cover beam 28, preferably constructed from a metallic material, is adapted for attachment to the composite valance. The cover beam is sized to substantially cover the reinforcement section when attached to the composite valance, and give the bumper system an overall metallic appearance.

Abstract: A bumper for a motor vehicle, includes a cross member for attachment to longitudinal members of a vehicle chassis. The cross member is defined by a length and has a shell element extending over a major part of the length of the cross member, wherein the shell element has incorporated therein at least one deep-drawn reinforcement member of cup shape configuration.

Abstract: A crash energy absorbing element for use in a vehicle has a box beam shape and comprises, in cross section, a high strength support section and a lower strength absorbing section. The high strength support section is adapted to be attached to the body of the vehicle, and the lower strength absorbing section is positioned so as to face away from the vehicle. The box beam shaped element can be made by hydroforming of a tube that is formed of a blank of at least two different sheet parts welded together which form the support section and the crash absorbing section.

Abstract: A lightweight car body energy absorber made of Al alloy which provides a high energy absorption performance. The car body energy absorber comprises a hollow shape with a rectangular sectional profile and a reinforcing shape attached to the front face of the collision plane of the hollow shape, where the hollow shape and the reinforcing shape are aluminum alloy extruded shapes. The reinforcing shape has a hat-shaped open sectional profile, which is composed of a collision wall almost parallel to the collision plane of the hollow shape, plural mutually parallel horizontal ribs which support the collision wall, and vertical flanges provided at the tips of these ribs. The reinforcing shape is joined to the collision plane of the hollow shape through the vertical flanges.

Abstract: A bumper beam assembly comprising a center beam and at least two end caps that mount the center beam between structural components extending outward from a vehicle and a method of selectively altering side or offset impact resistance of a bumper beam assembly separate from the bumper beam assembly's front impact resistance by providing crush zones in the end caps and adjusting parameters for said end caps to alter the side or offset impact resistance.

Abstract: The invention relates to an assemblage of two pieces of bodywork (101, 102) each having a flange (107, 114) for coming into contact with the flange of the other piece, the flange of a first piece having a slot while the flange (114) of a second piece carries a tenon (103, 104, 105) presenting an engagement shape and extending towards the first piece. The assemblage also comprises a fastener member (106) for taking up a position against the flange of the first piece and which has an engagement shape complementary to that of the tenon so as to engage therewith. The invention also provides a piece of bodywork belonging to such an assemblage.

Abstract: A support assembly for an oblique introduction of force and an absorption of kinetic energy during an impact, especially for a motor vehicle, includes a supporting structure and a deformation element. The deformation element rests with at least one side against a support element on the support structure and has a honeycomb matrix body with a longitudinal axis and hollow chambers formed by walls. The deformation element is fixed to the support structure in such a way that at least a part of forces generated during in impact are introduced into the walls at an angle relative to the main direction in which the walls extend. A vehicle bumper system and a method of producing a deformation element are also provided.

Abstract: A straddle type four-wheeled all-terrain vehicle includes: a body frame having a front end part; a front guard joined to the front end part of the body frame; and a winch unit including an electric winch and a guide roller mechanism for guiding a tow rope. The electric winch and the guide roller mechanism are arranged longitudinally from a rear toward a front in that order in a lower part of a space in the front guard.

Abstract: In a method of making a steel crossbeam for use as component of a bumper for motor vehicles, a composite element is formed by attaching sheet metal strips in parallel disposition onto a broadside of a steel sheet strand across an entire length thereof, whereby the sheet metal strips have a width which is narrower than a width of the steel sheet strand. The composite element is then shaped through roll-forming in a direction transverse to the longitudinal extent of the composite element into a crossbeam.

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: There is provided a tactile sensor that is a status sensor that move between inactive and active states. The tactile sensor can cover a large area and can be in the form of long strips. Its construction allows it to cover surfaces that are flat or curved or that include bends. In an exemplary application, these tactile sensors may be used as vehicle bumpers or in other applications where contact with an object, surface or the like needs to be detected. Activation of the sensor, typically coupled to a control system that controls motion of the vehicle, may cause the vehicle to shut off, typically ceasing motion, within a predetermined distance.

Abstract: A vehicle bumper system includes a multi-strand cable secured to opposing plates.

Abstract: An energy absorbing device is formed of natural or synthetic resin material or composite material, wherein energy absorption is provided by a plurality of cup-shaped cells having a thin-walled construction with a circular cross section. The absorber is useful for automotive bumper impact and also for other applications, including automotive padding and general cushion applications.

Abstract: A transverse-member module for a front or rear end of a motor vehicle has a box-shaped flexible member from which protrude two deformation units which are spaced apart and parallel to each other and are intended for connection to a respective longitudinal member of a body-supporting structure of the motor vehicle. The flexible member is formed by two vertical profiles arranged spaced apart and parallel one behind the other in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and by at least two horizontal profiles which extend between the vertical profiles and are arranged spaced apart and parallel one above another in the vertical direction of the vehicle, the horizontal profiles being of structurally identical design.

Abstract: A bumper beam comprises a first and second channel members, a plate, and a mount. Each of the first and the second channel members being an elongated member that has a length between two opposing ends and a generally U-shaped cross section with a web that has two opposing edges and a pair of flanges that project in the same general direction from the two opposing edges of the web to terminal ends. The two web edges and the flanges extending along the length. The plate extends between and connecting the first and the second channel members. The mount is connected with one of the first and the second channel members whereby the bumper beam is connected with a frame member of a vehicle.

Abstract: An automobile bumper covered with a bumper face comprises an upper bumper including an upper bumper beam and an upper energy absorbing member interposed between the bumper face and the upper bumper beam, and a lower bumper provided below the upper bumper and including a lower bumper beam and a lower energy absorbing member interposed between the bumper face and the lower bumper beam. The lower energy absorbing member is established to have a larger longitudinal strength than the lower energy absorbing member. As a result, when the bumper contacts a leg of a pedestrian, the upper bumper has a larger deformation than the lower bumper and a bending angle of a knee can be reduced, thereby the damage to a knee can be alleviated.

Abstract: A tubular bumper beam for automobiles includes a rollformed tubular beam and tubular inserts positioned transversely in end sections of the beam. The illustrated tubular insert includes front and rear ends positioned adjacent the front and rear walls of the tubular beam in a manner that reinforces the front and rear walls for improved corner impact strength. Material is extruded from the beam walls into the ends of the insert to form deformed tubular portions that telescopingly extend into the tubular insert to retain the insert in the beam, and further include radiused annular root sections that connect the tubular portions with the walls of the beam, and still further optionally include dished areas around the root sections that help stabilize the beam walls. A method related to the above is also disclosed.

Abstract: A bumper arrangement for a vehicle has a transverse support to be connected transversely to longitudinal supports of a frame of a vehicle. The transverse support has a shell member of a U-shaped cross-section with a stay and two legs connected to opposite sides of the stay. The legs have a grate structure comprised of several adjacently positioned and spaced apart ribs defining adjacently positioned openings.

Abstract: A bumper reinforcement structure includes a bumper reinforcement element placed at least at the front end or rear end of a vehicle body and fixed to a side member of the vehicle body. The bumper reinforcement element has a closed hollow side cross-section, extends in the vehicle lateral direction and is formed of any one of a light alloy and a steel. A concave or convex portion is formed on at least one surface of the bumper reinforcement element so as to change the shape of the cross-section of the bumper reinforcement along the vehicle lateral direction.

Abstract: A bumper arrangement for a vehicle has a transverse support to be connected transversely to longitudinal supports of a frame of a vehicle. The transverse support has a shell member of a U-shaped cross-section with a stay and two legs connected to opposite sides of the stay. The legs have a grate structure comprised of several adjacently positioned and spaced apart ribs defining adjacently positioned openings.

Abstract: A bumper beam for motor vehicles includes vertical front and rear plates made of at least one metallic material. At least one elongated core made of metallic material is positioned between the two sole plates. An energy absorber is located at each end of the core and formed of a metallic hollow body, the energy absorber being positioned at right angles to the sole plates or to the core. The metallic materials of the core and the energy absorber have a ratio of elastic limit to breaking stress that is lower than that of the sole plate metallic material and lower than 0.9.

Abstract: An arrangement of a frame rail bumper beam combination is provided which has a frame rail for connection with a chassis of an automotive vehicle, and a bumper beam having a tubular cross-sectional shape with a first section connected with the frame rail, and a first upper surface between a front end and a rear end of the bumper beam, and the bumper beam having at least first and second cutouts in the first surface with a web therebetween that causes the rail to plastically deform in the first section of the bumper beam in a crash.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved methods for manufacturing bumper beam assemblies and bumper beam assemblies made by such methods. One method of the invention allows bumper beams of different longitudinal configurations to be made by selecting open cross-sectioned, roll-formed bumper beam members from different sets of beam members and fixing them to bumper beam mounting structures. The mounting structures close off the open cross-section of the bumper beam members. Another method of the invention allows bumper beams for varying applications to be made by selecting bumper beam members from inventory and fixing them to a bumper beam mounting structure.

Abstract: A bumper apparatus for a vehicle includes a first reinforcement, and a second reinforcement extending in the vehicle width-wise direction. The second reinforcement has a first outer wall at a side remote relative to the vehicle body, an inner wall at a near side relative to the vehicle body, and a first top wall and a first bottom wall connecting the first outer wall with the inner wall. The second reinforcement further includes two end portions and an intermediate portion located between the end portions, with both end portions being fixed to the vehicle body via the first reinforcement. At least a portion of the inner wall disposed in the intermediate portion being caved in to gradually approach toward the first outer wall from the both end portions.

Abstract: This invention relates to polyolefin alloys that are receptive to metal plating. These compositions also have enhanced properties and are easily processed into articles by various molding methods. The blends of the invention preferably include polyolefin homopolymers or copolymers, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene polymers, and a blend of at least one styrene monoolefin copolymer and at least one styrene diolefin copolymer. These blends have excellent platability and superior physical properties including enhanced rigidity, toughness, and dimensional stability.

Abstract: A method includes rollforming and sweeping a tubular beam with a constant longitudinal cross section, and then reforming the tubular beam 10 to form a tubular beam having a non-constant cross section. The non-constant cross sections have specific shapes chosen to provide particular structural properties and surfaces along the reshaped beam, and also to provide a stylized appearance, such that the reformed beam is useful as a vehicle bumper. In particular, the reshaped beam includes integrally formed vehicle mounting structure, angled end sections forming aerodynamic but impact-resistant bumper ends, and a high-energy absorbing but flexible center section.

Abstract: A bumper beam assembly comprising a center beam and at least two end caps that mount the center beam between structural components extending outward from a vehicle and a method of selectively altering side or offset impact resistance of a bumper beam assembly separate from the bumper beam assembly's front impact resistance by providing crush zones in the end caps and adjusting parameters for said end caps to alter the side or offset impact resistance.