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: The safety bumper includes: (a) a bumper basic body (4) having a forward surface; (b) a bumper bar (5); (c) a mounting member (11); (d) a cross-bar (10) of the vehicle, (e) at least one of a deployable energy-absorbing element (9; 32, 33, 39, 41; 52, 60) positioned above the mounting member (11) and a deployable energy-absorbing element (17, 20; 38, 46; 64) positioned below mounting member (11); and (f) an impact sensor (6) located in bumper bar (5). The bumper bar (5) is connected to bumper basic body (4) and extends through to the forward surface of bumper basic body (4), bumper bar (5) is also connected to mounting member (11), and mounting member (11) is located behind bumper basic body (4) and bumper bar (5). The mounting member (11) is connected to cross-bar (10), which is located behind mounting member (11).

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for absorbing impacts, particularly between a mobile machine (1) and an obstacle (2) or between two mobile machines, and comprises an energy absorbing structure (3), which is deployable by means of actuators (4), which are set into action by a way of control. The device is characterized in that the deployable structure (3) comprises at least one compressible beam (6) which, when the structure (3) is in deployed position, absorb energy generated by an impact, produced according to a specific direction (D) by way of the permanent axial compression thereof, the compressible beams (6) being connected to one another and/or to rigid guide elements (7) by joints (8, 9, 11) which allow for the rotational and/or translational movement of the beams (6) during deployment of the structure (3).

Abstract: An energy-absorbing “smart” bumper system features a variably controllable valve which is responsive to impact conditions. The initially closed valve opens upon maximization of the pressure reading upon the bumper, and maintains the same open setting (in other words, the same valve area) during such period of pressure maximization. During the succeeding period of pressure declination from maximum, the valve undergoes ongoing adjustment of its open setting (in other words, ongoing adjustment of its valve area) so that the reaction force of the bumper remains constant. The valve closes (in other words, the valve area becomes zero) when the pressure falls abruptly toward zero (an occurrence which correlates with a similar plummet in reaction force, as well as with near or approximate motionlessness of the impacting body), thereby avoiding or curtailing an unwanted rebound effect.

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: An automobile which affords increased safety to its occupants and sustains minimal damage during a frontal collision includes elongated force-transmitting members that extend between front and rear bumpers in slidably telescopic interaction with the chassis of the automobile. Energy-absorbing springs receive force from a rearwardly displaced rear bumper during a frontal collision, and impart a rearward pulling effect on the automobile. The automobile may also be equipped with a passenger module that moves forwardly and tilts upwardly during a frontal collision. An air bag device may be disposed between the front bumper and the passenger module.

Abstract: An impact protector for motor vehicles, comprising a bumper on at least one connecting part for connection to a chassis of the motor vehicle and an elastomeric impact strip along the bumper to dissipate impact energy in the event of a collision between the motor vehicle and an obstacle. The elastomeric impact strip includes an air hose, which can be filled with air, and a cover, the air hose being connected to an accumulator by a pressure line to form an air cushion. The air pressure in the air hose is controllable by means of a valve, which is connected by an electronic control line to a detection sensor system for detection of the magnitude of the impact to be cushioned immediately before the collision of the motor vehicle, in particular with pedestrians.

Abstract: A shock-absorbing safety apparatus for a vehicle, such as a truck or tanker. The apparatus includes inflatable containers attached to the exterior sides of the vehicle, a plurality of overturning sensors, a controller, and inflation sources corresponding to each inflatable container. The overturning sensors provide a signal indicating an incipient overturning condition to the controller which, upon determination that an overturn is incipient, induces the inflation sources to inflate at least those inflatable Containers disposed on the downward side of the vehicle. The overturning sensors can include pressure sensors detecting pressure between wheels of the vehicle and the road surface as well as tilt or angle sensors detecting the angular orientation of the vehicle with resect to the road. The inflation sources provide gas, which may be a fire-retardant gas. The containers preferably are made of a strong, abrasion resistant material and present a relatively high coefficient of friction.

Abstract: A release device for releasing an inflatable element for protecting a vehicle against impact, which element, once inflated, presents a general shape that fits closely over the region of the vehicle to be protected, said inflatable element being held, in a folded state, in a compartment that includes a wall that is connected in sealed manner to an edge of an opening of said inflatable element, wherein, facing said opening, said wall includes gas release means that are protected during inflation of the inflatable element by a closure flap controlled by actuator means that remove said closure flap once the inflatable element is deployed.

Abstract: A device for protecting a vehicle against impact, the device comprising an inflatable element presenting, once inflated, a bearing surface in contact with the region of the vehicle to be protected, and an impact surface designed to receive the impact directly, wherein said inflatable element includes localized flexible connection elements connecting holding points of the impact surface with fastening points of the bearing surface.

Abstract: An external vehicle airbag system (10), a method of its use and a principal vehicle (10) on which it is mounted involves mounting an airbag (16) at a bottom side (24) of the principal vehicle at a position spaced substantially laterally inwardly from a lateral-side periphery (27) of the principal vehicle. Also involved is a sensor (20) for being mounted on the principal vehicle at a position more laterally outwardly, in a direction toward the lateral-side periphery, than is the airbag. The sensor senses a collision of the principal vehicle with a colliding vehicle and, in response thereto, inflates the airbag below the principal vehicle, along the bottom thereof toward the lateral-side periphery, to thereby absorb energy from the colliding vehicle and prevent under-riding. In one embodiment, the sensor is positioned approximately at the lateral-side periphery and it can be mounted on a rigid under-ride guard.

Abstract: A device for protecting a vehicle against impact, the device comprising an inflatable element which, once inflated, presents a general shape that fits closely over the region of the vehicle to be protected, wherein said inflatable element includes a skin which is deployed by an inflatable reinforcement having a volume that is much smaller than the volume of the skin, pressurizing and deploying said inflatable reinforcement ensuring rapid deployment of said skin and simultaneously causing the internal volume of the inflatable element to be filled with air, by suction, via an air inlet device carried by said skin.

Abstract: The inventive combination comprises a front bumper skin (34) pertaining to a motor vehicle and an inner closing part (12) pertaining to an engine compartment, mounted to the rear of said skin in relation to the principal direction in which the vehicle travels. The closing part (12) comprises a front transversal profiled section (18).

Abstract: This invention is related to an energy dissipating device for an automobile bumper, which includes two or more energy dissipaters, one or more oil tanks and oil pipes. There is a hollow rod-piston in each energy dissipater, which divides the dissipater into two chambers: a front chamber and a back chamber. In each back chamber a hollow oil-pin is installed with damping holes (oil-holes) on it. Energy dissipaters are filled with oil, and the oil-tank is filled with air. This invention can stand heavy force. When automobiles suffer severe bumping, this device can effectively dissipate bumping energy and reduce the damage to vehicles and personnel to a minimum.

Abstract: An energy absorption, rotation and redirection system for use with a vehicle traveling astride a barrier, the vehicle including a front end with a bumper and first and second sides. The system includes a plurality of air bag actuating units mounted at specified locations along the front end and first and second sides of the vehicle. Preferably three air bag units are located at spaced intervals along the front bumper of the vehicle, with individual and additional air bags being located on the sides of the vehicle. An activator mechanism is associated with one or more of the actuating units for selectively instructing the inflation of an exterior air bag associated with the given bag actuating unit. The activator mechanism includes a reflective target strip applied along the barrier, as well as laser emitter/receptor units associated with each of the air bag actuating units.

Abstract: A method is disclosed of improving the structural integrity of a motor vehicle by providing one or more inflated bags within open spaces within the structural framework of such vehicle which inflated bags provide impact cushioning to such vehicle.

Abstract: A release device for releasing an inflatable element for protecting a vehicle against impact, which element, once inflated, presents a general shape that fits closely over the region of the vehicle to be protected, said inflatable element being held, in a folded state, in a compartment that includes a wall that is connected in sealed manner to an edge of an opening of said inflatable element, wherein, facing said opening, said wall includes gas release means that are protected during inflation of the inflatable element by a closure flap controlled by actuator means that remove said closure flap once the inflatable element is deployed.

Abstract: A vehicle bumper with shock-absorbers, including a rigid support attached to a vehicle onto which a bumper shell is fitted, the shock-absorbers including at least two pyrotechnic actuators linking the rigid support to the vehicle, the actuators being connected for activation by a control system including an impact or deceleration sensor, and each pyrotechnic actuator including at least two gas-generating powder tablets to be primed individually by the control system.

Abstract: A device for protecting a vehicle against impact, the device comprising an inflatable element which, once inflated, presents a general shape that fits closely over the region of the vehicle to be protected, wherein said inflatable element includes a skin which is deployed by means of inflatable reinforcement having a volume that is much smaller than the volume of the skin, pressurizing and deploying said inflatable reinforcement ensuring rapid deployment of said skin and simultaneously causing the internal volume of the inflatable element to be filled with air, by suction, via inlet means carried by said skin.

Abstract: A device for protecting a vehicle against impact, the device comprising an inflatable element presenting, once inflated, a bearing surface in contact with the region of the vehicle to be protected, and an impact surface designed to receive the impact directly, wherein said inflatable element includes localized flexible connection elements connecting holding points of the impact surface with fastening points of the bearing surface.

Abstract: An energy-absorbing bumper system features a variably controllable valve which is responsive to impact conditions. The initially closed valve opens upon maximization of the pressure reading upon the bumper, and maintains the same open setting (in other words, the same valve area) during such period of pressure maximization. During the succeeding period of pressure declination from maximum, the valve undergoes ongoing adjustment of its open setting (in other words, ongoing adjustment of its valve area) so that the reaction force of the bumper remains constant. The valve closes (in other words, the valve area becomes zero) when the pressure falls abruptly toward zero (an occurrence which correlates with a similar plummet in reaction force, as well as with near or approximate motionlessness of the impacting body), thereby avoiding or curtailing an unwanted rebound effect.

Abstract: A vehicle shows a vehicle bumper (9) having a first member (10) and a second member (11) connected to a vehicle. Low viscosity liquid (12) is trapped in between members (10 and 11) and on impact of member (10) with an obstacle a frangible membrane (13) can burst causing a high velocity liquid jet to be expelled through channel (11a) thus dissipating the impact energy.

Abstract: A bumper has a bumper frame and an inflatable bladder, which is mounted to the bumper frame to extend exteriorly of the bumper frame. Fluid flow ports extend from the inflatable bladder, in fluid communication with the interior of the inflatable bladder. Inlet valves and pressure relief valves are mounted in the flow ports for sealing air within the inflatable bladder. Two impact members are mounted to the bumper frame, extending outwardly from the bumper frame and interiorly within the inflatable bladder. The impact members are connected to respective ones of the pressure relief valves, such that inward movement of the impact members will open the pressure relief valves to allow fluid flow from within the inflatable bladder. Latch members are located adjacent to the pressure relief valves for securing the valves in open positions after impact.

Abstract: An extendable element absorbs impact energy from a baffle and is capable of being moved by a trigger connected to a collision monitoring system. The device is moved in the longitudinal direction out of an initial position, in which it is received essentially in a vehicle side member, into a working position and is capable of being detained in this position. At the same time, the extendable element is guided in a cylinder arranged in the vehicle side member. The cylinder is connected to the vehicle side member via a turn-up profile arrangement which is capable of being transferred out of a position of rest into a deformation position.

Abstract: An apparatus for limiting injuries and collision damage, intended for mounting on at least one hook located adjacent a rear side of a vehicle, the apparatus being provided with at least one hook-catching element and with an inflatable element pressing the at least one hook-catching element against the at least one hook, the apparatus comprising a functional provision connected to the at least one hook-catching element. The functional provision preferably comprises a bumper, optionally in combination with a detachable bicycle carrier or detachable housing for the storage of objects. An important advantage of the invention is that the crushable zone of the vehicle, rendered inoperative through the presence of the towing hook construction, is operative again after the apparatus according to the invention has been mounted, due to the fact that forces occurring during collisions are transmitted to the rear side of the vehicle again and not, of to a much lesser extent, to the towing hook construction.

Abstract: A safety bumper system provides both impact protection for a vehicle and its occupants, and also provides fire protection for one or more areas of the vehicle after an impact sufficient to collapse the bumper. A first embodiment comprises a safety bumper assembly for the front and/or rear of a vehicle having a movable outer bumper shell, which is affixed to an inner plate with a relatively fixed bumper support member of the vehicle structure in between the outer bumper shell and inner plate, with compression springs urging the outer shell to an extended position away from the bumper support member, and tension springs urging the inner plate toward the bumper support member. A collapsible bladder is positioned between the outer bumper shell and the fixed bumper support portion, and contains a fire suppressant with a nozzle extending from the bladder to one or more critical areas of the vehicle, e.g., fuel tank and engine.

Abstract: A safety system for dissipating the forces involved in a vehicle collision comprises two large friction platforms beneath the vehicle unibody or floor pan, with each platform having an actuator between the platform and the overlying vehicle structure and connected to the platform by a series of struts or arms. The actuators are preferably automated and pyrotechnically actuated to drive the struts outwardly and downwardly, thereby driving the platforms downwardly beneath the vehicle and against the underlying surface to lift the vehicle slightly above the underlying surface. The vehicle may be surrounded by a plurality of bumper-like impact absorbing contact structures, with each structure also linked to a corresponding friction platform. The outer portion of each contact structure telescopes into the inner portion, and drives a series of struts connected to the corresponding friction platform.

Abstract: A bumper has a bumper frame and an inflatable bladder, which is mounted to the bumper frame to extend exteriorly of the bumper frame. Fluid flow ports extend from the inflatable bladder, in fluid communication with the interior of the inflatable bladder. Inlet valves and pressure relief valves are mounted in the flow ports for sealing air within the inflatable bladder. Two impact members are mounted to the bumper frame, extending outwardly from the bumper frame and interiorly within the inflatable bladder. The impact members are connected to respective ones of the pressure relief valves, such that inward movement of the impact members will open the pressure relief valves to allow fluid flow from within the inflatable bladder. Latch members are located adjacent to the pressure relief valves for securing the valves in open positions after impact.

Abstract: A collision damage reduction system to reduce contact velocities between a vehicle and a collidant by use of air bags on the exterior of the vehicle. The vehicle operator or an automatic collision imminence detection system e.g. radar, sonar, or an accelerometer and controller actuates a switch that actuates the air bag inflators when a collision is perceived imminent. The switch or controller can also interrupt vehicle motive power and actuate the brakes. The air bag has vents and shapes to steer it and its collidants. The controller can also actuate vehicle horns and lights to warn collidants when imminent collisions are detected.

Abstract: An external air bag assembly for mounting in a cavity in a bumper of a vehicle is provided. The assembly includes an air bag and deployable shock-absorbing bumper assembly contained within the air bag. In a retracted state, the bumper assembly projects outward only a limited degree. When released in conjunction with air bag deployment, the bumper assembly expands forward and forms an additional shock absorbing region. Because both the air bag and the bumper assembly are stored in an undeployed and retracted state, the entire assembly has a low profile while still providing a high degree of impact absorbing protection.

Abstract: In a device with inflatable members for protecting vehicles against impacts, once inflated, the inflatable members are disposed alongside each other so as to have a general shape substantially identical to the general shape of the area of the vehicle to be protected. The inflatable members each have a general shape enabling them to be interleaved laterally with the two directly adjacent inflatable members.

Abstract: A new Air Bag System For Vehicle Bumpers for absorbing the impact of a collision, thus minimizing damage and preventing serious injuries. The inventive device includes a containment member having a hollow interior and being securable to the front or the rear of a vehicle, and an air bag enclosed within the hollow interior of the containment member, wherein the air bag is inflatable and deployable when the containment member is impacted by an object, such as another vehicle. An inflation system is provided for inflating and deploying the air bag outwardly from the containment member and a triggering system is provided for triggering the inflation system when the containment member is impacted. A control system is operably connected to the triggering system, the inflation system, and the air bag for controlling inflation and deployment of the air bag.

Abstract: A bumper system adapted to be mounted on a vehicle includes an elongated, inflatable bag fastened by its two ends and by opposed longitudinal ribs to and within a shell having a concave front and a forward facing impact support beam behind the shell spacedly attached to the shell. A rotatable impact energy transfer element is connected to the shell so that it is adjacent to the circumference of a wheel of the vehicle, and the axis of rotation of the transfer element is parallel with the axis of rotation of the wheel of the vehicle.

Abstract: An inflatable bumper is disposed about a circular outer wall of a vehicle with a cover urging the bumper into wall engagement. The cover has sleeve portions through which extend cables for drawing the cover snug urging the bumper into wall engagement. Upper and lower ring members on the wall position the bumper and cover and serve to support clamp assemblies for locking the cables in a tensioned condition. A tensioning device includes provision for reception of a wrench for winding of a cable end segment to tension same prior to clamping.

Abstract: A side impact protection apparatus for use on the inner panel of a vehicle door. The apparatus is a cushion including a hollow flexible skin having an inner wall secured to the inner panel, and flexible walls between the skin and the inner wall, some having an orifice formed therein, to prevent the skin from bulging. Air contained in the cushion is adaptable to flow through inner wall orifice(s), prior to discharge through a side wall orifice, when subjected to impact by the vehicle occupant in the event of a high force side impact against the vehicle.

Abstract: Impact is attenuated by a hollow resilient elongated one-piece body formed by a substantially flat reinforced rear wall, a top wall and front, side and bottom walls defining a cavity which is filled with water. A plurality of apertures are provided in the top wall, each of which apertures is defined by resilient walls and is closed by at least one resiliently deformable flap member adjacent to and covering the aperture. In response to a strong impact against the front wall of the body, a series of physical steps occur which result in deflection of the flap members from, followed by water from the cavity upwardly through, the apertures. The flap members return to a position adjacent to and covering the apertures after impact.

Abstract: A side impact protection apparatus for use on the inner panel of a vehicle door. The apparatus is a cushion including a hollow flexible skin having an inner wall secured to the inner panel, flexible ties between the skin and the inner wall or low density open-celled foam to prevent the skin from bulging, a rupturable diaphragm-covered orifice or a coupling having an extrudable elastomeric plug mounted therein connected to the inner wall, and a medium of air under pressure or hydraulic fluid or water or a polygel contained in the cushion and adaptable to discharge by rupturing the diaphragm or extruding the elastomeric plug when subjected to impact by the vehicle occupant in the event of a high force side impact against the vehicle.

Abstract: A protective collision guard for a vehicle includes a continuous hollow member which is attached to the outside of the vehicle and which extends continuously around the outer perimeter thereof. The guard is constructed of an elastomeric material which encloses one or more elongated air chambers therein. The upper edge of the guard extends above the seating surface of the passenger seats inside the vehicle and remains below the lower edge of the access doors to the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle bumper assembly has a fascia covering a layer of compressible energy absorbing plastic material with a cavity formed therein; the cavity contains an inflatable bladder connected at a header plate to a fill port and an exhaust port. The exhaust port is connected to a relief valve and an orifice for controlling exhaust of gas from the inflatable bladder to control the point at which deflation of the air bag starts and the rate of deflation; the fill port is connected to a gas source operative in response to vehicle impact to generate a gas charge for inflating the bladder to fill the cavity and provide energy absorbing capacity in addition to that provided by the compressible energy absorbing plastic material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle bumper which performs an effective function of reducing any impact forces acting on the vehicle and thus protects the safety of the passengers and the vehicle. The bumper according to the present invention comprises a base and a pneumatic cushion connected with the base and filled with gas.

Abstract: A pneumatic energy absorbing arrangement, for use between the bumper and the frame of an automobile, includes a piston and cylinder combination which provides for an increasing amount of force or energy absorbed in relation to an increasing amount of travel between the piston and cylinder combination and, therefore, of the automobile itself. Exhaustion of the air within the piston cylinder combination is accomplished by a decreasing area of vent holes as the travel of the piston and cylinder increases. A specific or variable rate spring is provided to bias the piston and cylinder arrangement in an extended before-impact condition and absorb energy. The energy absorption device provided by this invention is reusable in that it is not destroyed during an impact.

Abstract: An apparatus for absorbing and relieving the shock inflicted from outside at the time of collision of a car which covers the majority of the covering portions that may be contacted from outside by tubular air sheets in which pressed air of helium gas is filled. Each of the front and rear bumpers comprises three bumpers members each for low, medium and high pressure shock absorption with different volumes and gas capacity. Each of the front and rear bumpers and the left and right side panels are interconnected by longitudinal and transverse gas circulation pipes that the gase of each air sheet can be dispersed when the shock is inflicted, thereby enhancing the shock absorption effect thereof. The gas circulation tubes are interconnected by a gas circulation controller which controls the circulation of gas.

Abstract: A vehicle bumper includes an elongated shell member for attachment to an end portion of a vehicle. An impact member is received within the shell member for limited lateral sliding movement and is biased outwardly through an elongated opening in the shell member. A coil spring biases the impact member outwardly from the shell member and a shock absorber dampens lateral movement of the impact member. An air bag is received in an outwardly opening elongated cavity in the impact member and is inflatable upon a severe impact. A resilient cover which surrounds the impact member and encloses the air bag includes a pair of inwardly extending elongated ribs in frictional engagement with a pair of parallel grooves provided in an outer portion of the impact member. The cover has a padded outer portion for absorbing minor impacts and is released from engagement with the impact member upon inflation of the air bag. An air spoiler may be secured to the shell member.

Abstract: A bumper-like member for a vehicle that surrounds the vehicle is formed of a closed flexible, hollow container with a tube or bladder filled with compressed air. The air-filled encompassing bumper is attached to a backing plate. The backing plate is attached to a supporting brace which is mounted to the frame of an automobile employing a rubber spacer to further absorb impact energy. Compressed air for the bumper unit(s) is supplied through a shraeder valve appendage. This surrounding unit serves as a safety device by providing a significant amount of flotation to allow passenger(s) escape if the vehicle enters deep water.

Abstract: A trim guard assembly apparatus to be used in combination with a vehicle body having an outer protective member, an inner base member, and a flexible, intermediate substantially hollow closure provided therebetween. The hollow closure may be selectively filled with or emptied of a fluid, thereby respectively expanding or retracting the protective member. In use, when in a parked position, the protective member is expanded thereby absorbing minor impacts such as outswung doors, protected shopping carts and the like. When the vehicle is in motion, the protective member is retracted, thereby reachieving aerodynamic streamlining of the automotive vehicle.

Abstract: An improved unibody bumper system including a concave back plate welded to the sheet metal of the unibody, to be integral therewith across the front and back of the automobile unibody and wrapped around on the sides. A pressurized, elongated bumper is secured to the back plate by fasteners at either of its sealed ends. The bumper member is formed by taking a length of hose or other flexible tube sized and shaped to conform to the concave back plate and sealing the ends by clamping the walls inward. A mastic-covered flat seal member is provided in the tube at the area of clamping. In a first embodiment, a C-shaped clamp member is bolted against the hose or tube end by a bolt which passes through a hole formed therein, which bolt also serves to secure the end of the bumper element to the backing plate. In a second embodiment, a short section of a close-fitting metal sleeve is placed over the tube and then pressed flat, the sleeve serving to thereafter clamp the walls of the tube end together.

Abstract: A unitized bumper assembly for direct attachment to support structure within a vehicle comprising an elongated resilient blow molded hollow shell with continuous walls made from thermoplastic material to predetermined width and height and forming an air-tight cell. The assembly has laterally spaced bracket means encapsulated in said inner face during blow molding which accommodates fastener means for connection of said shell to a vehicle whereby a load of predetermined magnitude to said shell between said brackets is dissipated by the inward deflection of said shell as a deflecting beam.

Abstract: A collapsible vehicle extension assembly for vehicles and a method for fabrication of such an assembly. The extension has an elastomeric outer shell and an inner structure of flexible non-stretchable membranes which define a plurality of separate air chambers when a gaseous medium is introduced into the outer shell. The interior membranes are semi-permeable to allow gradual equalization of pressures throughout the assembly during inflation while preventing the instantaneous deflation of each chamber from impact on the outer shell. Various interior chamber configurations are shown as well as a plurality of inflation techniques for different purposes.

Abstract: A support system for the body of a motor vehicle, especially a passenger car, is constructed as at least part of a fender, extending between one of the walls of the passenger compartment and one end part of the vehicle. The support system comprises an inner wall component and an outer wall component which are relatively equally subdivided into forward and rear sections along their length. The forward section and rear section of the support system meet in an area at which chassis-connection elements are located and together the wall components define strengthening and force-absorbing structures which extend in a vehicle longitudinal direction, the structures being constructed so as to be less resistant to deformation in the forward section than in the rear section. In accordance with a preferred embodiment the structures comprise at least two superposed, substantially parallel frame-like members.

Abstract: A speed bump for use on roadways which imparts a controlled jar to vehicles as they pass thereover. A retarding force is imparted to a downwardly depressible member responsive to the speed of the vehicle.