Foam Filled Impact Means Patents (Class 293/109)
  • Patent number: 11840135
    Abstract: A battery pack support assembly includes a plurality of isolators disposed between an outer support frame of a battery pack and longitudinal rails of a vehicle frame. Each isolator includes a housing, an elastic body and a fastener. The housing defines a central opening and opposed flanges. The opposed flanges are secured to a respective longitudinal rail. The elastic body is disposed within the central opening of the housing. The fastener extends laterally through the central opening of the housing and secures the elastic body to the outer support frame of the battery pack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Ronald Bohmer, Alexander Thomas Arena, Hari Krishna Addanki, Kevin A. Montgomery, Ajay Kumar Gupta, Yulie Liu, Henry W. Hausler, John Wesley Stanley, Eric Layton Stratten, Phil Lenius, Carl Montgomery, Erik Billimoria
  • Patent number: 11820219
    Abstract: A body floor (1) for an electric vehicle (2) has a battery frame (3) that receives battery modules (4). An interior cover (5) separates an interior (6) from the battery modules (4). At least one crossmember (7, 8) extends transverse to a vehicle longitudinal direction (9) and is on the battery side of the interior cover (5). A seat attachment (10) for connecting a vehicle seat (11) is arranged on the interior side of the interior cover (5). The battery modules (4) are attached to the crossmember (7, 8) by the battery frame (3), and the body floor (1) is a supporting component of the body structure of a vehicle (2). The seat attachment (10) is attached to the body floor (1) on the battery side of the interior cover (5). With this construction, the vehicle seat is low while simultaneously arranging battery modules below the vehicle seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h. c. F. Porsche AG
    Inventors: Jasmin Ostertag, Erwin Götz
  • Patent number: 11590911
    Abstract: A hybrid bumper assembly for a vehicle includes a steel reinforcement beam and aluminum crush cans attached to end portions of the steel reinforcement beam. The reinforcement beam has a multi-tubular shape that is formed by a high-strength steel sheet that is roll formed to provide at least two tubular portions. A crush can has an interfacing portion that is coupled to an end portion of the reinforcement beam. The end portions of the reinforcement beam and the interfacing portion of the crush cans may be configured to attach together using a select joining technology in a manner that minimizes or eliminates bimetallic or galvanic corrosion between the reinforcement beam and the crush cans.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: Shape Corp.
    Inventor: Joseph R. Matecki
  • Patent number: 11052844
    Abstract: A bumper arrangement of a passenger car has an upper and a lower load path. A spring element is provided on the transverse support of the lower load path, which, in the event of a collision of a pedestrian with the passenger car, exerts an additional force on the lower leg of the pedestrian, so as to support the movement of the pedestrian in the direction of the front hood of the passenger car.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Gerhard Fichtinger, Martin Gross, Mazdak Novine, Tim Rudolph
  • Patent number: 11046269
    Abstract: A vehicle bumper assembly (12) that includes a first energy absorbing member (22), a second energy absorbing member (24) and a vehicle facia member (26). The first energy absorbing member (22) is made of non-expanded polypropylene and is configured to directly attach to a vehicle body structure (14). The second energy absorbing member (24) is made of expanded polypropylene and is directly attached to a portion of the first energy absorbing member (22) spaced apart from the vehicle body structure (14). The vehicle facia member (26) is shaped and contoured for a predetermined vehicle body style. Further, the vehicle facia member (26) is configured to attach to the vehicle body structure (14). The vehicle facia member (26) covers and at least partially conceals the first energy absorbing member (22) and the second energy absorbing member (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Alejandro Rangel, Juvenal Vite
  • Patent number: 11007956
    Abstract: A bumper arrangement of a passenger car has an upper and a lower load path. A spring element is provided on the transverse support of the lower load path, which, in the event of a collision of a pedestrian with the passenger car, exerts an additional force on the lower leg of the pedestrian, so as to support the movement of the pedestrian in the direction of the front hood of the passenger car.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Gerhard Fichtinger, Martin Gross, Mazdak Novine, Tim Rudolph
  • Patent number: 10850695
    Abstract: A vehicle front structure includes a crash box and an absorber. The crash box is provided between a front end of a front side member extending in a vehicle front-rear direction, and a bumper reinforcement extending in a vehicle width direction. The absorber is provided forward of the bumper reinforcement in the vehicle front-rear direction and extends in the vehicle width direction. In the vehicle width direction, an outer end of the crash box in the vehicle width direction is positioned outward of an outer end of the bumper reinforcement in the vehicle width direction, and in the vehicle width direction, an outer end of the absorber in the vehicle width direction is positioned outward of the outer end of the bumper reinforcement in the vehicle width direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yuki Tomomatsu
  • Patent number: 10703028
    Abstract: An in-mold foam molded article has a foam body made from olefin-based resin pre-expanded beads and an insert member having an elongated connecting portion and movement resisting portions provided apart from one another in the elongated connecting portion. The insert member is subjected to insert molding upon in-mold foam molding using the olefin-based resin pre-expanded beads. The foam body has a movement facilitating structure that facilitates relative movement between the insert member and the foam body during shrinkage of the in-mold foam molded article after release from a mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: KANEKA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masahiko Sameshima, Yuki Tobimatsu, Takayuki Ebina
  • Patent number: 10471883
    Abstract: A lighting unit for a passenger motor vehicle is disclosed. The lighting unit includes a housing having a lens fastened to the housing and having a sealing element supported on the housing which has a receiver to support a bumper of the passenger motor vehicle. The sealing element is fastened to the housing by a support element fastened to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: Daimler AG
    Inventors: Eberhard Baur, Alexander Guenther
  • Patent number: 10464511
    Abstract: A bumper reinforcement (10) includes a first member (1), and a second member (2). The first member (1) includes a first flat sheet (11), and two first parts (12). The first parts (12) are respectively connected to two side edges of the first flat sheet (11). The second member (2) includes a second plate (24), two wall parts (22), two flanges (21), and two second parts (23). The wall parts (22) are respectively connected to two side edges of the second plate (24). The flanges (21) are respectively connected to the two wall parts (22). The second parts (23) are respectively connected to side edges of the two flanges (21), and are provided so as to correspond to the first parts (23). The two flanges (21) of the second member (2) are joined with the first flat sheet (11) of the first member (1). The first parts (23) stand up toward the second member (2) side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: NIPPON STEEL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Atsuo Koga, Yoshiaki Nakazawa
  • Patent number: 10358102
    Abstract: A protective radiator shroud for a motor vehicle that is provided with a receiving area for a license plate holder and with a license plate holder. A deformable, plate-shaped energy absorber is arranged between the receiving area of the protective radiator shroud and the and the license plate holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: AUDI AG
    Inventor: Andreas Bischoff
  • Patent number: 10300872
    Abstract: A bumper beam formed of fiber reinforced resin containing continuous fibers oriented at least in the vehicle width direction sufficiently absorbs the collision energy of a high-speed collision in the fiber reinforced resin. The bumper beam also has a center portion positioned in the center in the vehicle width direction and protruding outward in the front-back direction, and right and left outer portions inclined from the respective ends of the center portion seen in the vehicle width direction toward the inner side in the front-back direction. The outer portions each have a resin foam member protruding outward in front-back direction. Thus, at the time of a low speed collision, the resin foam member is crushed to absorb part of the collision energy so that the energy is absorbed and distributed over the center and outer portions, protecting the car body frame from deformation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tomoya Yabu, Shigeto Yasuhara, Tadayuki Uchida, Akira Hojo, Masakazu Kashiwagi, Junichiro Araki
  • Patent number: 10223919
    Abstract: A system and method to enhance pedestrian safety that include accessing pedestrian data and vehicle system data and determining a current location and a speed of a vehicle based on the vehicle system data. The system and method also include determining a current location and a speed of a pedestrian based on the pedestrian data and building at least one vehicle polygon that represents a predicted path of the vehicle. The system and method additionally include building at least one pedestrian polygon that represents a predicted path of the pedestrian. The system and method further include determining if the at least one pedestrian polygon intersects the at least one vehicle polygon and actuating a warning based on an intersection of the at least one pedestrian polygon with the at least one vehicle polygon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Xue Bai, Radovan Miucic
  • Patent number: 10207665
    Abstract: A variable shear control energy absorption system for a vehicle is provided. The system may include a vehicle frame component and a primary deformable impact absorber located adjacent the vehicle frame component. The vehicle frame component may be a bumper reinforcement member. The system may include a plurality of secondary deformable impact chambers located within the primary deformable impact absorber, each secondary deformable impact chamber including a shear thickening fluid that exhibits an increasing or decreasing viscosity responsive to an impact force. At least one elastic relief chamber is provided in fluid communication with the plurality of secondary deformable impact chambers. The elastic relief chamber is configured to temporarily accept the shear thickening fluid from the plurality of secondary deformable impact chambers during low force impacts, and to redirect the shear thickening fluid back to the secondary deformable impact chambers after the low impact force recedes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Umesh N. Gandhi, Yuyang Song, Shardul S. Panwar
  • Patent number: 10131301
    Abstract: An energy absorber is disclosed that includes a container that receives a plurality of tubular segments and at least one spacer. The container includes one side that is adapted to receive an impact from a first direction. The tubular segments are assembled into the container in a parallel array with a cylindrical axis-C of the segments oriented perpendicular to the first direction. The spacer is placed in the container with the tubular segments being arranged to be displaced within the container so that they compress the spacer when the impact force is received on the one side. The method of making the energy absorber comprises assembling the plurality of tubular segments having in a container and assembling at least one spacer inside the container to hold the tubular segments in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY, LLC
    Inventors: Mohammed Omar Faruque, James Chih Cheng
  • Patent number: 10046723
    Abstract: A passive energy absorber to be supported by a bumper of a vehicle is disclosed. The passive energy absorber may include a base extending laterally, multiple fins, and multiple stoppers. Each fin may extend longitudinally from the base and be spaced laterally from adjacent fins to form lateral gaps therebetween. Each stopper may form, with a corresponding portion of the base, a triangular prism in a different lateral gap. The base, multiple fins, and multiple stoppers may be formed of polymeric material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Mohammed Omar Faruque, James Chih Cheng
  • Patent number: 10017140
    Abstract: A bumper module for a vehicle has a cross member including at least one shell made of fiber-reinforced plastic which is stiffened by plastic material, in particular ribs, injection molded between mutually opposite walls of the shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Fabian Fuerst, Tommy Hechtel, Theobald Hock, Stefan Holderried
  • Patent number: 9994176
    Abstract: A bumper module for a vehicle includes a cross beam and two fastening flanges for fastening the cross beam to a longitudinal body beam. A layer included of fiber-reinforced plastic extends continuously from the cross beam until into the fastening flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Stefan Holderried, Fabian Fuerst, Tommy Hechtel, Theobald Hock
  • Patent number: 9932005
    Abstract: A vehicle bumper assembly is provided having an energy absorber, a bracket, a step pad and a bumper fascia. The energy absorber includes an upper horizontal surface wherein the upper horizontal surface may define a deformable structure. The deformable structure may be in the form of flexible fins. The bracket may be mounted to the vehicle frame on a first end of the bracket and the energy absorber affixed to a second end of the bracket. The step pad may be affixed to the energy absorber. The bumper fascia may be affixed to either or both the step pad and the energy absorber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: FLEX-N-GATE ADVANCED PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT LLC.
    Inventors: Steven Perucca, John Chiang, Paul Martini
  • Patent number: 9922564
    Abstract: The systems and methods are directed to a vehicle control system for use with: a vehicle communications network, at least one source of pedestrian data relevant to at least one pedestrian's location, and at least one source of vehicle system data relevant to the vehicle's location and movement. The control system can include a processor that is configured to determine a vehicle's current location and speed based on the vehicle system data, build a predetermined number of vehicle polygons hardcoded into an application for representing a predicted path of the vehicle, build at least one pedestrian polygon representing a predicted path for at least one pedestrian detected in pedestrian data, and define a plurality of warning zones based on the vehicle polygons, and determine if one or more of the pedestrian polygons intersects at least one of the predetermined number of hardcoded vehicle polygons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Xue Bai, Radovan Miucic
  • Patent number: 9786178
    Abstract: The systems and methods are directed to a vehicle control system for use with: a vehicle communications network, at least one source of pedestrian data relevant to at least one pedestrian's location, and at least one source of vehicle system data relevant to the vehicle's location and movement. The control system can include a processor that is configured to determine a vehicle's current location and speed based on the vehicle system data, build a predetermined number of vehicle polygons hardcoded into an application for representing a predicted path of the vehicle, build at least one pedestrian polygon representing a predicted path for at least one pedestrian detected in pedestrian data, and define a plurality of warning zones based on the vehicle polygons, and determine if one or more of the pedestrian polygons intersects at least one of the predetermined number of hardcoded vehicle polygons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Xue Bai, Radovan Miucic
  • Patent number: 9610909
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a crash-resistant structural part for an automobile, the crash-resistant structural part including a beam element for receiving an impact force during a crash of the automobile is provided. The method comprises a step of arranging at least one layer of fibers having a length of 100 mm or more, and a step of mixing components required to form a thermoplastic polymer resin, the components including a reactive monomer, thereby forming a liquid precursor mixture of the thermoplastic polymer resin. At least one layer of fibers is impregnated with the liquid precursor mixture, and the beam element is formed by an in-situ polymerization reaction of the liquid precursor mixture having impregnated the at least one layer of fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA MOTORS CORPORATION, HYUNDAI MOTOR EUROPE TECHNICAL CENTER GMBH
    Inventors: Julien Richeton, Dae Seok Jeong, Jerome Coulton, Stephane Ringenbach
  • Patent number: 9598114
    Abstract: An energy absorption member coupled between a vehicle front fender and a vehicle side structural member providing peak impact force resistance and energy absorption during an impact force imposed on the front fender. The energy absorption member extends continuously along the length of the front fender opposed from the side structural member to provide constant load along the entire length of the front fender. The energy absorption member may be a foamed block, a vertical, or horizontal oriented honeycomb structure or spaced hollow crush lobes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Aaron Richard Steinhilb
  • Patent number: 9580030
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a vehicle support member at an underside of the vehicle. A bumper assembly is at a front of the vehicle and includes a bumper fascia and a bumper reinforcement beam covered by the bumper fascia providing an upper projecting bumper portion. A lower reinforcement member is connected to the vehicle support member at a location below the bumper reinforcement beam in a vehicle vertical direction that is covered by the bumper fascia providing a lower projecting bumper portion. The lower reinforcement member includes a reinforcement body having a rear end connected to the vehicle support member and a front end opposite the rear end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremiah T. Hammer, Aaron R. Steinhilb
  • Patent number: 9573542
    Abstract: Provided is a bumper reinforcement to be mounted to side members arranged at both end portions of a vehicle in a vehicle width direction so as to extend in a vehicle front-and-rear direction, the bumper reinforcement including: a body section formed into a tubular shape so as to extend in the vehicle width direction of the vehicle, the body section having both end portions in the vehicle width direction, which are formed so as to extend in the vehicle width direction, and an intermediate portion in the vehicle width direction, which is formed in a protruding manner toward one of a front of the vehicle and a rear of the vehicle; and a mounting section to be mounted to one of a front end surface and a rear end surface of each of the side members, the mounting section being formed into a tubular shape extending in the vehicle width direction integrally with a side surface portion of each of the both end portions of the body section in the vehicle width direction, the side surface portion being opposed to the eac
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignees: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha, Aisin Keikinzoku Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takanobu Kaneko, Jun Shobo, Kazutaka Mori
  • Patent number: 9481333
    Abstract: A bumper back beam for a vehicle may include side portions connected to a vehicle body and formed of general plastic on both sides and an intermediate portion connecting the side portions on both sides and formed of high-strength plastic and a predetermined section, both ends of which encroach into the side portions to form overlap sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, LG Hausys, Ltd.
    Inventors: Seung Mok Lee, Phil Jung Jeong, Hyun Gyung Kim, Dong Eun Cha, Hee June Kim, Yong Kil Kil, Tae Hwa Lee, Kang Hyun Song
  • Patent number: 9328859
    Abstract: This invention relates to rigid isocyanate-based polymer foam and composites thereof comprising a carbon black component comprising at least 50 weight percent of a fluorinated carbon black. Said foam having improved thermal properties, specifically, rigid polyurethane and/or polyisocyanurate foams for use in said insulation applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Yige Yin, Jing G. Chen, Beilei Wang, Li Ye, Vanni Parenti
  • Patent number: 9267035
    Abstract: This invention relates to rigid isocyanate-based polymer foam comprising a carbon black component comprising at least 50 weight percent of a fluorinated carbon black. Said foam having improved thermal properties, specifically, rigid polyurethane and/or polyisocyanurate foams for use in insulation applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Yige Yin, Jing G. Chen, Beilei Wang, Li Ye, Vanni Parenti, Li Mu, Yahong Zhang
  • Patent number: 9121470
    Abstract: Assemblies, methods and systems useful for reducing the noise and vibration characteristics associated with hollow spaces or cavities of vehicles by positioning damping foam material within and spanning the space between a first substrate surface and a second substrate surface. The damping foam material is comprised of a first region and a second region, wherein the first region has an E? value at ?10° C. that is lower than the E? value at ?10° C. of the second region and an E? value at 25° C. that is higher than the E? value at 25° C. of the second region; and the second region has a variable cross-sectional width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: Henkel AG & Co. KGaA
    Inventors: Michael J. Flener, Bradley Gallagher, Eric Seifferlein, David Stotera
  • Publication number: 20150136512
    Abstract: A vehicle comprises a bumper reinforcement extending in a vehicle width direction and a shock absorbing member fixed to a front face of the bumper reinforcement and extending in the vehicle width direction along the bumper reinforcement. The shock absorbing member comprises a base portion extending vertically along the front face of the bumper reinforcement and a projection portion extending forward from a lower end portion of the base portion and being resiliently-downward deformable relative to the base portion. Thus, the vehicle comprising the shock absorbing member provided in front of the bumper reinforcement with the leg-flicking function for the pedestrian protection can be provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Applicant: MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kuniyoshi TASHIRO, Arihiro FURUMOTO, Ryo ANDO, Masayuki FURUTANI, Masaru CHIKITA, Koji MIYAMOTO
  • Publication number: 20150118426
    Abstract: An in-situ molded foam core structural plastic article having an outer shell with an interior cavity filled with expandable polymer beads which when expanded substantially fill the interior cavity forming a thermal bond with the shell. The bead and shell are of a similar plastic composition enabling the articles to be reground and recycled. Various articles are disclosed including structural panels, and automotive seat, load floor, interior panel, bumper and running board components. An apparatus for forming the articles and an associated method of manufacture are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2013
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventor: Richard W. ROBERTS
  • Patent number: 9016737
    Abstract: A sensor assembly for a motor vehicle adapted for sensing impacts including pedestrian impacts. The sensor assembly includes first and second energy absorbing elements formed of differing materials which couple an applied force to the vehicle to a compressive force acting on a compressive sensor element. The first and second energy absorbers are combined in a manner to tune the response between the applied force and forces acting on the compressive sensor to provide desired response characteristics. The first and second energy absorbers can be configured to produce force flow paths which further aid in response tuning. Another embodiment utilizes an energy absorber having a shaped cross section which focuses and balances impact force is applied to the compressive sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventor: William M. Leach
  • Patent number: 8861901
    Abstract: An impact sensor of an active hood system includes a rear member, optical fiber sensors, a front member and membrane switch. Each of the optical fiber sensors is disposed on upper and lower portions of a front of the rear member and senses an impact force delivered from a bumper at the time of a crash with a pedestrian. The front member is disposed at the front of the rear member and has a protrusion part pressing the optical fiber sensors by the impact force delivered from the bumper at the time of the crash with the pedestrian. The membrane switch is disposed between the front member and the optical fiber sensor, divided into a plurality of regions from a left of the front member to a right thereof, and configured to sense a region which is pressed when the pedestrian crashes with the region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: In Hwang
  • Publication number: 20140292006
    Abstract: A bumper system for a vehicle includes a fascia having an integral energy absorber portion configured to dissipate an amount of energy due to an impact upon the fascia. The energy absorber portion includes multiple spaced formations configured to extend rearward and forward when the bumper system is installed on the vehicle. The bumper system may also include an impact beam. The fascia can be secured to the vehicle so that the fascia is positioned immediately adjacent the impact beam. The bumper system can also include a valence that covers the energy absorber portion from view, so that only a remaining display portion of the bumper system is visible from outside of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2013
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Wesley D. Francis, Nenad Eror, Burns MacGibbon
  • Patent number: 8840819
    Abstract: An energy management system for use with a vehicle having an interior includes an elongated plastic member having a wall defining a cavity. Disposed within the cavity is an elongated first in-situ foam core member, which has a first thermal bond to the wall. The wall having a first portion facing towards the vehicle interior and a second portion opposed to the first portion. A second in-situ foam core member is connected to at least a portion of the elongated plastic member forming the energy management system. The energy management system is capable of passing a 5-mph crash test passing Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 215 (FMVSS 215) Phase II.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Inventor: Richard W. Roberts, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8585106
    Abstract: An energy absorption system for installation between a bumper and a transverse beam of a vehicle has a front soft part that faces the bumper, and a rear hard part that faces the transverse beam. Both the hard and soft parts extend over the width of the vehicle and are interlocked with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Faurecia Exteriors GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Gukkenberger, Norbert Sandner, Ralf Kolnsberg, Andreas Gund, Frank Hesse
  • Patent number: 8408613
    Abstract: An energy absorber for an automotive bumper assembly having an impact beam includes a first component positioned adjacent the impact beam. The energy absorber also includes a second component positioned such that the first component is disposed substantially between the second component and the impact beam. The energy absorber additionally includes a locking feature configured to join the first component and the second component. A vehicle having a bumper assembly with such an energy absorber is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Laura L. Tanton
  • Patent number: 8141305
    Abstract: Side seal member for a loading dock seal are disclosed. An example truck loading dock seal comprising a resiliently compressible side pad supported by a relatively rigid backer and encased within a pliable cover includes at least one flexible lip protruding from the cover to seal a gap that might exist between the backer and the wall to which the backer is mounted. In some cases, the lip is part of the cover and is located where a rear vertical edge of the side pad meets the wall. The flexibility of the lip enables the lip to sealingly conform to a wall having an irregular surface. For additional sealing, a back sheet of the pliable cover includes a touch-and-hold fastener and/or overlapping layers of material that can provide a compressible seal between the wall and the backer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Rite-Hite Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Charles J. Digmann, Timothy J. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 8113554
    Abstract: A system for absorbing impact energy includes a container formed with a plurality of faces, wherein the container is attached to a vehicle. An energy-absorbing material is substantially contained within the container. At least one elongated member having a proximate end and a distal end is included, wherein the proximate end is proximate to a first face of the container. A long axis of the at least one elongated member may intersect the first face. A bumper may be connected to the distal end of the at least one elongated member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Inventor: Stephen D. Shoap
  • Patent number: 7963378
    Abstract: An energy absorbing tubular structure is formed of a molded or extruded polymer. The tube has a quadrangular cross-section with rounded corners. The walls of tube are corrugated with alternating convex and concave corrugations surfaces having a continuous constant radius, preferably with no flat spots. The corrugated walls have a constant thickness. The corrugations progressively deform during impact thereby providing a near perfect square wave force vs. deflection energy absorption curve at any predetermined nearly constant force level. The tube may be filled with polymer foam to vary the impact performance of the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: O-Flex Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul C. Glance, Sidney T. Winter, Robert J. Bauer, Eddy R. Finch, Bryant A. Tokarz
  • Patent number: 7874572
    Abstract: A crash attenuator includes a crash cushion having a front end, a rear end, and a trailer hitch component disposed adjacent the front end. The trailer hitch component is capable of being secured to a mating hitch component located on the towing vehicle, such that hitch components are capable of being rotated relative to each other about a substantially vertical axis. The crash attenuator further includes at least one wheel supporting the crash cushion. The wheel is rotatable about a substantially horizontal axis and is spaced rearwardly from the substantially vertical axis. The crash attenuator further includes at least one restraint element operable between at least a disengaged condition, wherein the crash cushion is capable of rotating about the substantially vertical axis, and an engaged condition, wherein the at least one restraint element constrains rotation of the crash cushion about the substantially vertical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Energy Absorption Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Buehler, Bret Eckert, James B. Welch
  • Patent number: 7779954
    Abstract: A readily transportable and rapidly deployable vehicle immobilization device is provided. The exhaust of an internal combustion engine is obstructed, resulting in choking off and stopping of the engine. In an aspect, a plug is provided having an extension fixed to the plug for human grasping, and facilitating insertion into an end of a vehicle exhaust pipe. In an aspect the plug expands upon being heated and is adhesive to the exhaust pipe for at least partially sealing the exhaust pipe. In another aspect, a length of adhesive material is attached to the front of a pursuing vehicle and engages an end of an exhaust pipe of a fleeing vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Inventor: Jeffrey Wax
  • Patent number: 7699347
    Abstract: A system for absorbing impact energy includes a container formed with a plurality of faces. An energy absorbing material is substantially contained within the container. A first elongated member has a proximate end and a distal end. The proximate end is proximate and approximately perpendicular to a first face of the container. A long axis of the first elongated member intersects the first face. A first bumper is connected to the distal end of the first elongated member. A second elongated member has a proximate end and a distal end. The proximate end is proximate and approximately perpendicular to a second face of the container. A long axis of the second elongated member intersects the second face. The second elongated member is approximately perpendicular to the first elongated member. A second bumper connected to the distal end of the second elongated member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Inventor: Stephen D. Shoap
  • Patent number: 7695018
    Abstract: A system for absorbing impact energy includes a container formed with a plurality of faces. An energy absorbing material is substantially contained within the container. A first elongated member has a proximate end and a distal end. The proximate end is proximate and approximately perpendicular to a first face of the container. A long axis of the first elongated member intersects the first face. A first bumper is connected to the distal end of the first elongated member. A second elongated member has a proximate end and a distal end. The proximate end is proximate and approximately perpendicular to a second face of the container. A long axis of the second elongated member intersects the second face. The second elongated member is approximately perpendicular to the first elongated member. A second bumper connected to the distal end of the second elongated member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Inventor: Stephen D. Shoap
  • Patent number: 7581769
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a bumper absorber that is provided on an automobile between a bumper reinforcement and a bumper fascia, comprising a first energy absorbing portion formed by foaming a resin molded material; the first energy absorbing portion extending from the bumper reinforcement toward the bumper fascia; a second energy absorbing portion formed by a resin molded material; the second energy absorbing portion extending from the bumper reinforcement toward the bumper fascia at a position where a space that permits buckling is formed between the first energy absorbing portion and the second energy absorbing portion on the bumper reinforcement side; a crosslinking portion disposed facing a vehicle interior side of the bumper fascia; and the crosslinking portion fastening the first energy absorbing portion and the second energy absorbing portion together while sealing an opening between the first energy absorbing portion and the second energy absorbing portion on the bumper fascia side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignees: Hayashi Telempu Co., Ltd., JSP Corporation
    Inventors: Kohsuke Wakabayashi, Takahiko Taniguchi, Satoru Shioya, Masakazu Sakaguchi
  • Publication number: 20090140533
    Abstract: A removable device magnetically attached to a vehicle exterior to guard against dings, dents and scuffs imposed by doors of adjacent vehicles in parking lot environments. The guard incorporates a vinyl covering for added durability and customization potential as well as beveled, ergonomic end caps for improved design aesthetics and efficient placement of the device on the vehicle body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2007
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Inventors: Robert Frank Keough, James Douglas Keough
  • Publication number: 20090039661
    Abstract: An automobile bumper system including an isolator disposed adjacent a cross beam of an automobile frame, and a bumper edge guard strip mounted adjacent upper and/or lower edges of the cross beam. The bumper edge guard strip may include an upper extension fixedly engaged with an upper surface of the cross beam and a lower extension fixedly engaged with a frontal surface of the cross beam, with the upper extension having a length greater than the lower extension for distributing impact energy in a predetermined manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2008
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventors: Gregory S. Frederick, Conrad M. Kudelko
  • Patent number: 7451851
    Abstract: A readily transportable and rapidly deployed vehicle immobilization device is provided. The exhaust of an internal combustion engine is obstructed, resulting in choking off and stopping of the engine. In an aspect, a plug is provided having an extension fixed to the plug for human grasping, and facilitating insertion into an end of a vehicle exhaust pipe. In an aspect the plug expands upon being heated and is adhesive to the exhaust pipe for at least partially sealing the exhaust pipe. In another aspect, a length of adhesive material is attached to the front of a pursuing vehicle and engages an end of an exhaust pipe of a fleeing vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Inventor: Jeffrey Wax
  • Patent number: 7410018
    Abstract: A lower member of a radiator core support includes a front end module formed so as to protrude forward, so that a protruding portion of the lower member is used as an impact absorbing frame member. A lower end portion of a bumper face may be superimposed fixedly on a lower surface of the protruding portion. A lower impact absorbing portion may be made of foamed resin and may be accommodated in the interior of a lower protruding portion, and this lower impact absorbing portion may be fixedly provided at a front end surface of the protruding portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kenichi Satou
  • Patent number: 7261345
    Abstract: A crash cushion including a cushion filled with material; and a back plate including at least one recess communicating with a back of the cushion such that material from the cushion fills the recess; wherein the back plate is configured so that when a force is applied to said cushion, the material within the at least one recess breaks a portion of the bumper plate and exits the recess. A crash cushion including a cushion filled with material; a back plate, including at least one opening communicating with a back of the cushion such that the material from the cushion is capable of filling the recess; and at least one valve; wherein the at least one valve is configured so that when a force is applied to the cushion, a portion of the material within the cushion opens the valve and exits the cushion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Inventor: Osman E. Akad