Buffer Or Bumper Type Patents (Class 293/102)
  • Patent number: 9302712
    Abstract: In a radiator support connection member, a low rigidity section is provided in a fender bracket side such that rigidity in the fender bracket side is set lower than rigidity of a radiator support. Because the fender bracket side of the radiator support connection member is likely to be plastically deformed, it is possible to secure energy absorbing performance. In addition, it is possible to make a rigidity of a coupling section of the radiator support connection member an appropriate rigidity by coupling a side section of the radiator support connection member in the radiator support side with high rigidity to a side section of the radiator support at a plurality of coupling spots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Norimasa Yano
  • Patent number: 9227583
    Abstract: A shock absorbing apparatus for a vehicle may include a first coil provided in a bumper of the vehicle, a second coil provided on a vehicle body and facing the first coil, and a control unit applying voltage to generate a repulsive force between the first and second coils when a change in voltage may be detected by a movement of the first coil in an event of a vehicle collision, wherein an electric current flows between the control unit and the first and second coils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Hyun Gyung Kim, Seung Mok Lee, Phil Jung Jeong, Dong Eun Cha
  • Patent number: 9227584
    Abstract: In various embodiments, a support device is provided for at least one covering element, in particular of a bumper device of a motor vehicle having at least one support body, on which at least one covering element can be arranged or is arranged, and having at least one support unit, which can be fixed or is fixed to the support body and to a vehicle structure or an impact device, which supports the support body when a load acting on the support body is less than a defined load and which releases the support body for a movement when the load acting on the support body exceeds the defined load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Benjamin Buenger, Andreas Woisnitza, Heiko Schultheiss, Martin Leonhard Sachs
  • Patent number: 9186800
    Abstract: A bumper assembly of a mobile robot includes a sliding member which is installed to be movable in front and rear directions with respect to a robot body, a first elastic member which is coupled to the sliding member and presses the sliding member in the front direction, a first sensor which senses a movement of the sliding member when the sliding member moves in the rear direction, a front plate which is disposed at a front side of the sliding member, rotatably coupled to the sliding member, and moves integrally with the sliding member when the sliding member moves in the front and rear directions, and a second sensor which senses a rotation of the front plate when the front plate rotates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: YUJIN ROBOT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kyung Chul Shin, Seong Ju Park, No Soo Lee
  • Patent number: 9187054
    Abstract: A cross member for arrangement on a bumper system for a motor vehicle includes a single-piece open profile part made of uniform material and having a U-shaped cross section to define a first opening. The profile part has a curvature directed in a travel direction of the motor vehicle and includes a center zone having a second opening which is configured to point backwards in the travel direction, and end zones which have each an attachment area for a crash box and in which the first opening is configured to point forwards in the travel direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: BENTELER AUTOMOBILTECHNIK GMBH
    Inventors: Christian Handing, Michael Roll, Dariusz Straznikiewicz, Tobias Svantesson Kavik
  • Patent number: 9139148
    Abstract: A fascia assembly including a bumper beam, a bumper cover, and a sensor assembly is provided. The sensor assembly may include a bracket and a sensor. The sensor assembly is disposed between the beam and cover. The bracket may define a base bonded to a surface of the cover and a key hole. The sensor may include a connector, clip, and key for the hole. The sensor may be configured to rotate between first and second positions such that the clip prevents connector access in the first but not the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jayagopal Appukutty, Steven Yellin Schondorf, Erich Kemnitz
  • Patent number: 9114767
    Abstract: A bumper back beam for a vehicle includes an impact part positioned in a center portion, and tower parts formed at rear portions of both sides of the impact part so as to be fixed to crush boxes on the front ends of side members of a vehicle body, and is characterized in that the impact part is formed such that the section of the impact part has an inner space which is open towards the opposite inside portions of a bumper, and a stiffener is received in the inner space, wherein the inner space and the stiffener are formed with a curvature which is smaller than that of the back beam such that clearances are formed at both sides between the inner space and the stiffener. The bumper back beam improves impact resistance and maintains appropriate deformation while preventing damage to the side members, when a bumper is impacted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: UN DEOK JEONG
    Inventors: Un Deok Jeong, Joon Yub Sung
  • Patent number: 9050939
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an energy absorber, comprises: a plurality of crush lobes including a base and sides extending from the base to an outer wall; and a composite insert in the energy absorber. The insert comprises a second plastic material and reinforcement. The second plastic material is different than the crush lobe material. The insert is located at an area of the crush lobes, and wherein the area is the side and/or the outer wall. In another embodiment, an energy absorber comprises: a plastic frame; thermoplastic crush lobes extending from the frame, wherein the crush lobes comprise an outer wall, an extending wall, and a base; and a plastic insert located at an area having a volume of the crush lobes, wherein the insert occupies less than or equal to 90% of the area volume. The insert comprises reinforcement and a plastic material different than the thermoplastic crush lobes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: SABIC GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES B.V.
    Inventors: Sudhakar Ramamoorthy Marur, Dhanendra Kumar Nagwanshi
  • Publication number: 20150102613
    Abstract: A structural beam includes a reinforcement beam having a length and mounts at ends of the beam and cross sectional shapes at various locations along the length, including a first cross sectional shape near ends of the beam providing a first bending moment and a second cross sectional shape at a center of the beam providing a second bending moment different than the first bending moment, and further including intermediate cross sectional shapes between the ends and center having intermediate bending moments between the first and second bending moments. The cross sections may define open C-shapes or may include a tubular shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Applicant: Shape Corp.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Johnson, Brian E. Malkowski, Brian P. Oxley
  • Publication number: 20150102614
    Abstract: A bumper crossbeam for a motor vehicle includes a shell-shaped longitudinal member having an upper leg and a lower leg. A face plate is arranged on an open side of the longitudinal member and configured to connect the upper and lower legs of the longitudinal member at joints disposed in a longitudinal direction of the longitudinal member in spaced-apart relationship along an upper longitudinal edge and a lower longitudinal edge of the face plate. Openings are provided between the joints such that the openings along the upper longitudinal edge and the openings along the lower longitudinal edge are arranged in staggered relationship.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventor: Wilhelm Arns
  • Publication number: 20150097385
    Abstract: A fascia assembly including a bumper beam, a bumper cover, and a sensor assembly is provided. The sensor assembly may include a bracket and a sensor. The sensor assembly is disposed between the beam and cover. The bracket may define a base bonded to a surface of the cover and a key hole. The sensor may include a connector, clip, and key for the hole. The sensor may be configured to rotate between first and second positions such that the clip prevents connector access in the first but not the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventors: Jayagopal Appukutty, Steven Yellin Schondorf, Erich Kemnitz
  • Publication number: 20150097384
    Abstract: A beam for a vehicle bumper is formed from a continuous web of material as a closed tubular body. The body has top and bottom walls connected by inner and outer walls. A support extends between the inner and outer walls and a reinforcement overlies at least a portion of the outer wall between the support and the bottom wall to provide a double walled structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: Multimatic Inc.
    Inventor: Bryan Jeffrey CONROD
  • Patent number: 8998293
    Abstract: An airflow control device is mounted to the front end of an automotive vehicle and includes an upper air scoop section having a scoop channel disposed rearward of a bumper assembly and oriented to direct airflow entering a bumper intake opening toward an air-receiving powertrain component. A lower air dam section extends downwardly from the upper section to be positioned below a lower extent of the bumper assembly to deflect airflow away from an underside of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: David Brian Glickman
  • Publication number: 20150084355
    Abstract: The present invention provides a bumper reinforcement made of a hollow material, including: a rear wall facing a vehicle body; an upper wall extending forward from a top of the rear wall; a lower wall extending forward from a bottom of the rear wall; a front wall supported only by the upper wall and the lower wall; an upper reinforcing wall extending from a middle in a height direction of the rear wall up to a middle in a front-rear direction of the upper wall; and a lower reinforcing wall extending from the middle in the height direction of the rear wall up to a middle in the front-rear direction of the lower wall, wherein: the front wall is located frontward of a virtual line passing through a foremost of the upper reinforcing wall and a foremost of the lower reinforcing wall in a cross section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Inventors: Taichi Terada, Shigenori Saito, Shoji Mochizuki
  • Patent number: 8985649
    Abstract: A material handling vehicle includes a laminated bumper that provides both durability and reduced energy transmissibility. The laminated bumper includes at least a first bumper layer and a second bumper layer, such that at least one of the first bumper layer and second bumper layer of the laminate bumper are allowed to translate upon bumper contact with an object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: The Raymond Corporation
    Inventors: Kurt Richard Lutz, Brian Matthew Warner
  • Publication number: 20150069770
    Abstract: There is provided a bumper beam that is formed of a 7000 series aluminum alloy hollow extrusion, has a crushed longitudinal portion, and locally has a low-hardness region in a bumper stay joint section. A portion (portion to be heated) of end portions of the bumper beam formed of a tempered member of a heat-treatable aluminum alloy extrusion is subjected to reversion treatment, thereby forming a heat-affected zone in a bumper stay joint section. An end region (portion to be crushed) of the heated portion is subjected to cold crushing, and then the whole bumper beam is subjected to age hardening. The heated portion and a non-heat-affected zone are hardened through the age hardening, thereby forming a low-hardness region that overlaps the joint section in a portion of the heat-affected zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha Kobe Seiko Sho (Kobe Steel, Ltd.)
    Inventors: Narikazu HASHIMOTO, Tsunetake TSUYOSHI, Takahiro SHIKAMA, Hiroyuki KAJIWARA
  • Patent number: 8973957
    Abstract: A vehicle bumper system comprises a bumper reinforcement beam and an energy absorber with top and bottom rows of similarly-shaped spaced-apart crush lobes in alternating relation for uniform impact resistance across the bumper system. The illustrated top row of crush lobes provides a high first force-deflection curve for high impact forces, and the bottom row of crush lobes provides a lower second force-deflection curve, for pedestrian reduced injury. An elongated sensor is positioned under shear walls of the top and bottom crush lobes, and is retained by tabs on the energy absorber. This positively retains the sensor in position on the bumper system, with few (or zero) separate fasteners, while facilitating quick assembly and reliable operation of the sensor tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Shape Corp.
    Inventors: Cort Corwin, Joseph Matecki, Craig Oomen
  • Patent number: 8967687
    Abstract: A bumper reinforcement structure capable of achieving a weight reduction while still securing required bending strength in a bumper reinforcement structure with closed cross-section structure configured by joining together an inside member and an outside member. A bumper reinforcement is formed with two closed cross-sections configured by joining together three top-to-bottom flanges of an inner panel to three top-to-bottom flanges of an outer panel. The flanges of the inner panel are disposed in the same front-rear direction position as that of the wall portions that configure the closed cross-sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Naoya Kosaka, Shinji Miwa, Keisuke Shibata
  • Patent number: 8960741
    Abstract: The assembly is for mounting to a motor vehicle having a bumper skin and it comprises a body part forming at least a portion of a bumper skin. The body part is defined by bottom and top edges. The top edge includes a first portion to be masked by a member of the vehicle that is to be fitted to the body part. The assembly includes at least a first masking element masking at least one portion of the bottom edge and at least a second masking element masking at least one second portion of the top edge of the body part, complementary to the at least one first portion of the top edge of the body part. The first and second masking elements are fixed relative to the body part once the assembly is mounted to the motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Compagnie Plastic Omnium
    Inventors: Fabien Delwal, Hugues Cheron
  • Patent number: 8950793
    Abstract: The device may have a plurality of upright supports where the supports may include a mounting plate with mounting openings, a plurality of vertical members that may be in non-welded communication with the extruded back mounting plate and a plurality of horizontal members where the vertical members provide strength and support to the supports. The horizontal under-run prevention beam may include mounting openings that correspond to the horizontal beam mounting openings and a removable reflective strip that correspond to reflective strip openings in the beam. The vertical and horizontal members may be stacked extruded rectangles of the desired widths and lengths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Sapa Extrusions Inc.
    Inventor: Malcolm Deighton
  • Patent number: 8944225
    Abstract: A structure for absorbing energy from impacts thereon, the structure being plastically deformable by an impact, with, if appropriate, the possibility that it is at least to some extent disrupted. The structure can include a) ribs for reinforcement, the ribs arranged with respect to one another at an angle with respect to the axial direction such that on failure of a rib a force acting on the structure is immediately absorbed axially by another rib, b) ribs running axially, the ribs being in essence corrugated or of zigzag shape, c) at least one rib running axially in a first plane and connected to at least two ribs running axially in a second plane rotated with respect to the first plane. The structure includes, in the direction of impact, at least two layers, each of which has different compressibility properties and different failure properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: BASF SE
    Inventors: Andreas Wuest, Stefan Glaser, Daniel Fertig, Torsten Hensel, Uwe Gleiter
  • Patent number: 8939479
    Abstract: A bumper absorber (9) has a squared U-shaped cross section formed of: a vertical face (11) extending in a top-bottom direction and a vehicle width direction, and a top face (12) and a bottom face (13) respectively extending rearward from a top end and a bottom end of the vertical face (11). The bumper absorber (9) is configured such that the top face (12) and the bottom face (13) thereof are supported by the bumper reinforcement (10) via multiple attachment members (23 to 27), and an interval between the attachment members adjacent to each other in the vehicle width direction is set to decrease from end portions (9b) in the vehicle width direction toward a central portion (9a) in the vehicle width direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hotaka Ashiya, Kazumi Hisajima, Teruaki Aoki, Takuji Kugaya, Takahide Ishida, Kunji Nagae, Daisuke Oiki, Tarou Ikeda, Masaru Tsuruta, Yasuo Yotsunaga, Shunsuke Ehara, Norimasa Mizutani, Sylvain David, Nobuhiro Iwai
  • Patent number: 8936285
    Abstract: A bumper structure, that can mitigate impact when a collision body collides with a vehicle transverse direction end portion of an impact absorbing member, is obtained. A bumper structure has a bumper reinforcement that extends along a vehicle transverse direction at a vehicle front-rear direction end portion; an impact absorbing member that is provided at a vehicle front-rear direction outer side of this bumper reinforcement, and at which an outer side surface of a vehicle transverse direction end portion is made to be an inclined surface that is inclined toward a vehicle transverse direction outer side, from a vehicle front-rear direction outer side toward a vehicle front-rear direction inner side; and a plate-shaped member that is provided along the inclined surface, and whose rigidity is higher than the impact absorbing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Katsuya Inoue
  • Patent number: 8915025
    Abstract: A method of creating a bend in a construction component for use in a transportation vehicle. The method comprises providing a plurality of cuts in the construction component so as to create a region of increased flexibility in the construction component. The method further comprises bending the construction component in the region of increased flexibility so as to cause the construction component to acquire a bent shape, and then rigidifying the construction component in the region of increased flexibility so as to cause said construction component to maintain the acquired bent shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Bombardier Transportation GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Laflamme, Nicolas Bernier, Mario L'Allier, Alain Robichaud, Gabriel Côté
  • Publication number: 20140361558
    Abstract: A bumper reinforcement beam provides improved bending stiffness and strength, while reducing weight and maintaining functional bending impact strength. The illustrated beam is roll formed and includes a B-shaped cross section with upper and lower tubular sections sharing a common horizontal wall. A first material of the lower tubular section, including the common horizontal wall, is thinner than a second material forming a remainder of the upper tubular section. By using this arrangement for bumper beams that are likely to be impacted above a centerline, beam weight can be reduced by 2.5% to 6.7% or greater; while the stroke (intrusion into the vehicle) of impactors is generally maintained and maximum load capability (beam bending strength) is maintained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2014
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Applicant: Shape Corp.
    Inventors: Brian Malkowski, Joe Matecki
  • Patent number: 8905445
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle that includes a hood and a bumper. The hood is provided with open position and a closed position. The bumper is provided with an intermediate bumper portion, a first end cap, and a second end cap. The first and second bumper end caps are supported by the hood and are moveable with the hood as the hood transitions between the open and closed positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Volvo Group North America, LLC
    Inventor: David John Critchley
  • Patent number: 8851538
    Abstract: A bumper rail assembled into a bumper of a vehicle includes a bumper rail, a reinforcing member, and a forming part. A bumper rail is disposed at front. The reinforcing member is disposed at the rear side of the bumper rail and forming a closed section together with the bumper rail. The forming part is integrally formed at an inner side of the bumper rail and is disposed parallel along the longitudinal direction of the bumper rail to increase a stiffness of the bumper rail, the forming part having a pipe shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Hee Dae Oh
  • Patent number: 8833815
    Abstract: A bumper integrated forward radar mounting system for use with a vehicle is disclosed. The system includes a radar module, a bumper attachment bracket and a bumper extension. The radar module is attached to the bumper attachment bracket. The radar module may comprise one or both of a medium range radar component and a long range radar component. The bumper attachment bracket may be composed of a metal or of a polymerized material selected from one of several plastics, fiberglass or nylon. The bumper extension fitted over the radar module extends from the existing bumper. Radio waves emitted from and received by the radar module must be able to readily pass through the bumper extension without being altered. To be suitable for covering the radar module the bumper extension must be of a uniform thickness, fairly flat and non-metallic with no metal or chrome to interfere with its beam patch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Muhammad Azhar Aleem, Brian Fath, Scott Howard Gaboury
  • Patent number: 8827353
    Abstract: A front body structure of a vehicle in which rigidity of a back beam may be significantly improved through being coupled with an energy absorber, an airbag cushion is extended to protrude forward while tearing only a front bumper, and the energy absorber is made of steel in order to improve rigidity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Hyun Gyung Kim
  • Patent number: 8827333
    Abstract: There is provided a vehicle bumper structure. The vehicle bumper structure includes a bumper face exposed outward from a vehicle at a front end of a vehicle body, and a load transmission member having a front end opposing a surface of the bumper face at a vehicle rear side and a rear end secured to a vehicle body structural member. The load transmission member has a groove in either of an upper portion and a lower portion thereof. The groove serves as a starting point for bending the load transmission member in response to a compressive load in the lengthwise direction of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Ota, Yoshiyuki Hashimoto, Kentaro Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 8801059
    Abstract: An impact absorbing device for a vehicle may include a bumper beam having a hollow cross section which extends in a traverse direction of the vehicle, and crash boxes interposed between the bumper beam and a vehicle body in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle at both distal portions of the bumper beam, wherein rear surfaces of the both distal portions in the bumper beam include an opening formed so as to communicate with the hollow cross section of the bumper beam, wherein a rib may be formed at the opening of the bumper beam in a traverse direction of the opening, and wherein the crash box includes a front tip end inserted through the opening while being fitted to the rib to extend up to an inside of the hollow cross section, and a rear tip end mounted to the vehicle body in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Jun Hyoung Kim, Daekun Seo
  • Publication number: 20140203576
    Abstract: A cross member for arrangement on a bumper system for a motor vehicle includes a single-piece open profile part made of uniform material and having a U-shaped cross section to define a first opening. The profile part has a curvature directed in a travel direction of the motor vehicle and includes a center zone having a second opening which is configured to point backwards in the travel direction, and end zones which have each an attachment area for a crash box and in which the first opening is configured to point forwards in the travel direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2014
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: Benteler Automobiltechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Christian Handing, Michael Roll, Dariusz Straznikiewicz, Tobias Svantesson Kavik
  • Patent number: 8770636
    Abstract: Providing a bumper absorbing large amount of impact energy with respect to both a light collision and a heavy collision, and preventing the reinforcement beam from bending and protruding backward at a portion where an obstacle collides and from displacing backward in this protruding state. Provided is a bumper for vehicles including a reinforcement beam made of metal and a pair of support members having a hollow cross section, protruding from a vehicle frame, and supporting the reinforcement beam therebetween. A quenched region is provide over a portion including a middle of the reinforcement beam. Unquenched portions are provided on the pair of connecting portions or a pair of adjacent portions inside the pair of connecting portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Asteer Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Koji Shimotsu
  • Patent number: 8764080
    Abstract: A modular reconfigurable bumper system for an off road vehicle includes a center base mountable to the front of the vehicle. The center base has ends, a top face, and a front face. A pair of first mounting locations having associated mounting holes are located on the front face of the center base adjacent its ends and a pair of second mounting locations having associated mounting holes are located on the top face adjacent the ends of the center base. A pair of third mounting locations are located on the ends of the center base. A plurality of optional accessories including end plates, end extenders, an overrider, a prerunner, a stinger, and D-rings are selectively mountable to the center base, all via the first, second, and third mounting locations. The system also includes a rear bumper assembly mountable to the back of the vehicle and having a hinged spare tire carrier and D-rings selectively attachable to the rear bumper via common fourth mounting locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Omix-Ada
    Inventors: David E. Hardy, Patrick W. Bennett
  • Patent number: 8746761
    Abstract: A bumper reinforcement includes a front wall portion, an upper wall portion, and a lower wall portion. The front wall portion constitutes the front portion of the bumper reinforcement. The upper wall portion constitutes the upper half of the rear portion of the bumper reinforcement. The lower wall portion, connected to the lower edge of the front wall portion, constitutes the lower half of the rear portion. Outer grooves, formed by denting the front wall portion rearward, extend along the vehicle width direction. Upper grooves, formed by denting downward a top wall of the upper wall portion, are located intermittently along the width direction and extend in the longitudinal direction. The lower wall portion comprises a bottom wall constituting the bottom of the lower wall portion. Lower grooves, formed by denting the lower wall portion upward, are located intermittently along the width direction and extend in the longitudinal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignees: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha, Aisin Keikinzoku Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shinichi Haneda, Kiyoichi Kita, Jun Shobo, Tamaki Obayashi
  • Publication number: 20140151140
    Abstract: A bumper assembly is disclosed for use with a mobile machine. The bumper assembly may have a heat exchanger, and a bumper configured to support the heat exchanger. The bumper may have a recess formed in an upper surface and located to provide a clearance space around a lower portion of the heat exchanger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Inventors: Iain J. GILES-BROWN, Ian H. MEARNS
  • Publication number: 20140152029
    Abstract: A bumper reinforcement for a vehicle having projecting portions apart from each other in a vehicle up-down direction, and projecting toward a vehicle outer side, and the bumper reinforcement includes a linear portion at center in the width direction, a pair of inclined portions at respective ends, and a pair of curved portions smoothly connecting the linear portion and the inclined portions in a plan view seen from above. The curved portions are provided symmetrically with respect to a center in the width direction, inside a pair of support portions fixed to a vehicle body. The curved portions are low strength portions, in each of which a width in the up-down direction is expanded, and the number of the projecting portions is relatively small or a projecting dimension of the projecting portion is reduced. The linear portion and the inclined portion are not the low strength portions but general portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: TOYODA IRON WORKS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Takeshi Taniguchi
  • Patent number: 8740268
    Abstract: A bumper structure includes a bumper beam that extends in a vehicle width direction and a bumper absorber that is provided along a front surface of the bumper beam and that has an opening in a top center portion of the bumper absorber in the vehicle width direction. The bumper beam includes a center portion that extends parallel to the vehicle width direction and a pair of oblique portions that obliquely extend backward and outward in the vehicle width direction from respective ends of the center portion. The bumper absorber includes a pair of load receiving portions outside the opening in the vehicle width direction, and the load receiving portions are arranged at positions corresponding to a pair of bent portions that are formed at boundaries between the center portion and the respective oblique portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Ebara, Kosuke Katsumata
  • Patent number: 8716624
    Abstract: A roll former for forming a sheet into a continuous multi-tubular reinforcement beam. The roll former includes a first set of rollers that are configured to bend the sheet to form a common center wall in generally perpendicular orientation relative to first and second lateral portions of the sheet that extend in opposing directions from respective first and second radiused ends of the common center wall. The first set of rollers also form radiused edges on the first and second lateral portions. A second set of rollers is configured to form a channel rib longitudinally along each of the first and second lateral portions. A third set of rollers is configured to bend the first and second lateral portions simultaneously and equally to abut the first and second radiused edges with the respective first and second radiused ends of the common center wall to define adjacent tubes of the beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Shape Corp.
    Inventors: Thomas Johnson, Doug Witte, Daniel Gatti, Brian Oxley, Brian Malkowski
  • Patent number: 8708379
    Abstract: A rear bumper includes a bumper central part configured to cover a rear end portion of a vehicle, a pair of bumper side parts configured to extend from both ends of the bumper central part toward respective wheel housings, a wheel arch portion disposed at an end of each of the bumper side parts, a flange formed integrally with an inner surface of each of the bumper side parts, and a wheel arch bracket disposed on the flange and configured to support fender components. The wheel arch bracket includes a component supporting portion configured to support the fender components, a flange mount portion disposed opposite to the component supporting portion and attached to the flange, and a plurality of vertical walls configured to extend from the component supporting portion toward the flange mount portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshitaka Hirose
  • Patent number: 8708380
    Abstract: A bumper reinforcement includes end portions and an intermediate portion, wherein the bumper reinforcement is made of a light alloy extruded material including a hollow cross-section and is configured to be arranged at a vehicle, the bumper reinforcement is configured to be assembled on and supported by a supporting member at each of the end portions bent toward a vehicle body side, the hollow cross-section includes a closed cross-section at the intermediate portion and includes an open cross-section provided with an opening at each of the end portions, each of the end portions is formed in a manner that a thickness of the hollow cross-section thereof in a vehicle front-rear direction is gradually reduced toward an end, and each of the openings is configured to be at least partially closed with a connecting portion of the supporting member and is restricted from being expanded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignees: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha, Aisin Keikinzoku Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yasuhisa Tsuchida, Kiyoichi Kita, Tamaki Obayashi, Kyosuke Matsui
  • Patent number: 8690207
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing an impact absorbing member, starting with a closed or substantially closed hollow section with a mid section and two end sections, wherein at least one the end sections is bent to form a supporting member, whereby at least one imprint is made in the part of the section to be deformed by the bending operation. The invention also relates to an improved impact absorbing member formed by a manufacturing process including bending.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Norsk Hydro ASA
    Inventors: Denis Gaisne, Olivier Grandsire, Jean-Philippe Leclerq, Odd-Perry Sovik, Alejandro Velasquez
  • Patent number: 8684427
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an energy absorber, comprises: a plurality of crush lobes including a base and sides extending from the base to an outer wall; and a composite insert in the energy absorber. The insert comprises a second plastic material and reinforcement. The second plastic material is different than the crush lobe material. The insert is located at an area of the crush lobes, and wherein the area is the side and/or the outer wall. In another embodiment, an energy absorber comprises: a plastic frame; thermoplastic crush lobes extending from the frame, wherein the crush lobes comprise an outer wall, an extending wall, and a base; and a plastic insert located at an area having a volume of the crush lobes, wherein the insert occupies less than or equal to 90% of the area volume. The insert comprises reinforcement and a plastic material different than the thermoplastic crush lobes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Sabic Innovative Plastics IP B.V.
    Inventors: Sudhakar Ramamoorthy Marur, Dhanendra Kumar Nagwanshi
  • Patent number: 8672371
    Abstract: A plug for enclosing a bumper compartment of a vehicle which will maintain the compartment pest free, allow air flow therethrough and securely retain accessories placed therein. The plug includes a front, a body and a rear, with the front and rear attached to the body. The front defines a pair of openings while the body and the rear define a pair of cavities. The front openings are in communication with the body cavities to provide a handle for easily grasping the plug for removal and insertion. Apertures are formed in the rear to allow for air flow and also act as an insect screen. The plug also includes grippers attached to the exterior of the body for frictional engagement with the inside of the bumper compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Comco Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey R. Russell, John R. Bussard
  • Publication number: 20140070552
    Abstract: A bumper for vehicles having a high productivity and a large energy absorption amount in which the reinforcement beam is prevented from buckling. The bumper includes a reinforcement beam made of steel and support members protruding from a vehicle frame and supporting the reinforcement beam therebetween. The reinforcement beam is provided with a quenched portion provided at least over a portion where an obstacle hits the reinforcement beam. The reinforcement beam is further provided with unquenched portions next to the portion where the obstacle hits the reinforcement beam to sandwich the quenched portion. A mechanical strength of the unquenched portions is smaller than the mechanical strength of the quenched portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: Asteer Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Koji Shimotsu
  • Patent number: 8657350
    Abstract: An impact protection device for a motor-vehicle member mounted protrudingly beneath the body thereof, including a fairing element configured to be rigidly connected to at least one structural body element of the motor vehicle located between one extremity of the motor vehicle from which an obstacle may appear during a maneuver of the motor vehicle and the motor-vehicle member. The fairing element includes a lower support surface extending beneath the body substantially between the extremity of the motor vehicle and the motor-vehicle member along a negative incline, such that the low point of the lower support surface is lower than the low point of the motor-vehicle member along a vertical axis of the motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Renault S.A.S.
    Inventor: Jose Cabo
  • Patent number: 8651559
    Abstract: A vehicle body front structure includes a pair of side members and disposed behind a front bumper; a bumper member; a clearance behind the bumper member; an absorber disposed in front of the bumper member, the absorber being configured to absorb an impact from the front of the vehicle; and an upper member disposed above the bumper member, a front end of the upper member being located, in a front-rear direction of the vehicle, slightly behind the bumper member, wherein the bumper member is formed of a single plate and forms a protrusion protruding toward the front of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Suzuki Motor Corporation
    Inventor: Toshiharu Kitaizumi
  • Patent number: 8632107
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a rear bumper that extends in a vehicle width direction at a rear section of a vehicle body and that has a recess bulging toward a front side of the vehicle body, and a reflector attached to the recess. The recess has an opening for fixing the reflector to the rear bumper. The reflector has an attachment portion attached to the opening and a guide wall portion extending in the vertical direction. The recess has a first return hole at a position corresponding to an area below the vertical wall portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshitaka Hirose
  • Patent number: 8628129
    Abstract: Provided is a connection module, which is designed as an extension of a fastening rail and is configured for connection to a vehicle bumper covering. The connection module includes a fastening arm which is configured for locking engagement to a flange of the bumper covering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Decoma (Germany) GmbH
    Inventor: Volker Holderle
  • Patent number: 8590950
    Abstract: A bumper assembly for a vehicle to which a towing hook member can be removably coupled includes a bumper beam having a cavity defined at least partially by a first wall and a second wall. The first and second walls are separated at a distance. Also, the bumper assembly includes a receiver having a receiver opening operable to removably couple to and removably receive the towing hook member. The receiver opening is exposed from the bumper beam, and the receiver also has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is removably coupled to the first wall of the bumper beam, and the second portion is removably coupled to the second wall of the bumper beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventors: Michael C. Hermanson, Dennis E. Runyon, Alfred J. Gryn, Ronald S. Lazarevich