Compartmented Impact Means Patents (Class 293/110)
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Patent number: 11040680Abstract: A crash box may include one or more layers arranged to absorb crash energy. In some embodiments, the crash box includes a first layer having an outer skin defining a periphery of the first layer and at least one of: 1) a rib and web structure, and 2) an array of tubes disposed within the outer skin for absorbing crash energy, and a second layer adjacent to the first layer, the second layer having an outer skin defining a periphery of the second layer and at least one of: 1) a rib and web structure, and 2) an array of tubes disposed within the outer skin for absorbing crash energy.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2017Date of Patent: June 22, 2021Assignee: Tesseract Structural Innovations, Inc.Inventor: Henry L. Renegar
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Patent number: 10913416Abstract: A skeleton structure of a front part of a vehicle has a reinforcement member that has a higher rigidity than a bumper reinforcement and that is housed in an end, in a width direction of the vehicle, of the bumper reinforcement. With this structure, passing-through of the vehicle from a barrier during a small overlap collision is suppressed, and an amount of absorption of collision energy by the skeleton member can be increased.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2019Date of Patent: February 9, 2021Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Sosuke Kurogi, Takashi Tagaito
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Patent number: 10899395Abstract: A unit of a combined front bumper beam and front end module (“CFF unit”) is provided with a configuration in which an impact energy absorbing space formed is as a closed space and a chassis component mounting space is formed as an open space. The impact energy absorbing space and the chassis component mounting space are formed as an integrally formed structure. This structure is divided into a bumper back beam to which impact energy is transmitted, a crash box molded integrally with the bumper back beam to form the impact energy absorbing spaces at both sides of the bumper back beam, respectively, and a front end module carrier (“FEM carrier”) molded integrally with the crash box to form the chassis component mounting space at the inward side of the crash box. The bumper back beam, the crash box and the FEM carrier form the CFF unit.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2019Date of Patent: January 26, 2021Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors CorporationInventors: Young-Dae Yoo, Do-Hoi Kim
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Patent number: 10393204Abstract: A device to absorb kinetic energy caused by an exceptional load includes an outer casing configured to maintain integrity after the exceptional load. A core of the device is made of a compactable material at least partially filling the outer casing. The core material is compacted under an exceptional load and absorbs some of the kinetic energy caused by the load. At least one stiffness element is incorporated into the core. A distribution element includes each stiffness element. An aircraft, a vehicle, an item of equipment and an installation includes such a device.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2015Date of Patent: August 27, 2019Assignee: AIRBUS SASInventors: Caroline Petiot, Didier Mesnage, Michel Bermudez
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Patent number: 10272860Abstract: A rail extension system (16), comprising: a vehicle rail (60); a bumper beam (20); a polymeric rail extension (1) comprising: a base (2) extending from one end of the rail extension having vehicle attachment configured to attach to the vehicle rail (60); a front member 4) configured for attachment to the bumper beam (20); a body (5) extending from the base (2) to the front member (4); an aperture (100) extending from the base (2) to the front member (4); a connection member (102) attached to the bumper beam (20) and extending through the aperture (100) to attach to the vehicle rail (60).Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2015Date of Patent: April 30, 2019Assignee: SABIC GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES B.V.Inventors: Subhransu Sekhar Mohapatra, Krishna Kishore Gumpina, Somasekhar Bobba, Arunachala Parameshwara, Venkatesha Narayanaswamy
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Patent number: 10017141Abstract: The bumper beam of a motor vehicle comprising a chassis and comprising at least one horizontal flank and at least one vertical flank extending longitudinally to the beam comprises at least one bearing member arranged so as to be supported on the chassis and to exert a reaction force in one direction on said at least one horizontal flank during the absorption of an impact by said beam, said bearing member being stronger than said at least one horizontal flank in the direction of the reaction force.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2014Date of Patent: July 10, 2018Assignee: Compagnie Plastic OmniumInventors: Stephane Ginja, Frederic Pierrot, Aurelien Seguela
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Patent number: 9932006Abstract: A vehicular energy absorption structure includes a hollow tubular energy absorption body made from a fiber reinforced resin, an opposing face (e.g., an attachment plate) that is provided facing an axial direction end portion of the energy absorption body, and against which the energy absorption body is crushed from the axial direction end portion during a vehicle collision, and a guide section (e.g., peripheral wall, ribs) that projects from the opposing face and that is disposed in an interior of the energy absorption body. The guide section includes an abutting section (e.g., abutting walls) that contacts a wall of the energy absorption body from the inner side of the wall during the vehicle collision, the abutting section being separated from the opposing face by an opening in the axial direction of the energy absorption body.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2016Date of Patent: April 3, 2018Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Hiroki Hashimoto, Toshihiro Goto, Shintaro Kitakata, Shigenori Hashida
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Patent number: 9815424Abstract: A bumper device for an automobile includes a bumper beam consisting of a fiber-reinforced resin and bumper extensions which consist of a fiber-reinforced resin. The bumper device for an automobile is characterized in that the bumper beam has a ?-shaped cross-section and in that the bumper beam and the bumper extensions are molded integrally. The bumper device for an automobile has desirable strength and rigidity and is capable of exhibiting excellent energy absorption performance when a large load is inputted to the bumper beam.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2014Date of Patent: November 14, 2017Assignees: Toray Carbon Magic Co., Ltd., Toray Industries, Inc.Inventors: Akiyoshi Oku, Masanobu Nagasaki, Hiroki Wakabayashi
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Patent number: 9725057Abstract: A crash box for a vehicle may include a front connection portion that is connected to both ends of a back beam of the vehicle, a rear connection portion that is connected to a side member of the vehicle, an intermediate connection portion for connecting the front connection portion and the rear connection portion, which is formed as a hollow box shape and through which a cut cross-section of a heptangular shape is formed in a vehicle width direction, and a plurality of reinforcement ribs formed at an inner space of the intermediate connection portion.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2016Date of Patent: August 8, 2017Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corp.Inventors: Jeong Ho Lee, Seung Mok Lee, Hyun Gyung Kim, Nam Cheol Kim, Dong Eun Cha
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Patent number: 9623822Abstract: A crash box for a vehicle may include a front connection portion that is connected to both ends of a back beam of the vehicle, a rear connection portion that is connected to a side member of the vehicle, an intermediate connection portion for connecting the front connection portion and the rear connection portion, which is formed as a hollow box shape and through which a cut cross-section of a heptangular shape is formed in a vehicle width direction, and a plurality of reinforcement ribs formed at an inner space of the intermediate connection portion.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2016Date of Patent: April 18, 2017Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corp.Inventors: Jeong Ho Lee, Seung Mok Lee, Hyun Gyung Kim, Nam Cheol Kim, Dong Eun Cha
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Patent number: 9616833Abstract: A crash box for a vehicle may include a front connection portion that is connected to both ends of a back beam of the vehicle, a rear connection portion that is connected to a side member of the vehicle, an intermediate connection portion for connecting the front connection portion and the rear connection portion, which is formed as a hollow box shape and through which a cut cross-section of a heptangular shape is formed in a vehicle width direction, and a plurality of reinforcement ribs formed at an inner space of the intermediate connection portion.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2016Date of Patent: April 11, 2017Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corp.Inventors: Jeong Ho Lee, Seung Mok Lee, Hyun Gyung Kim, Nam Cheol Kim, Dong Eun Cha
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Patent number: 9381880Abstract: A multi-sheet beam includes sheets pre-shaped and/or pre-formed to have integral features and to cause a final beam shape with non-radiused corners and optimal impact properties when assembled, including beams with constant or varied cross sectional shapes. The non-radiused corners offer excellent impact strength over radiused corners. The sheets are selected to have desired (different) thicknesses and material properties for optimal impact results and low beam weight. To assemble, the sheets are fixtured together and welded to form box beam, such as a two-tube monoleg beam, preferably using welding processes having low heat-affected-zones around the weld. The multiple sheets can include grades of aluminum with high tensile strength well above extrudable grades of aluminum. Alternatively, the multiple sheets can be any grade of steel, such as high strength and ultra high strength steels. The fixturing and assembly technique minimizes capital expense on extruding machines and/or roll forming machines.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2015Date of Patent: July 5, 2016Assignee: Shape Corp.Inventors: Joseph R. Matecki, Daniel Gatti, Brian Malkowski
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Patent number: 9290139Abstract: A crash box for a vehicle may include a front connection portion that is connected to both ends of a back beam of the vehicle, a rear connection portion that is connected to a side member of the vehicle, an intermediate connection portion for connecting the front connection portion and the rear connection portion, which is formed as a hollow box shape and through which a cut cross-section of a heptangular shape is formed in a vehicle width direction, and a plurality of reinforcement ribs formed at an inner space of the intermediate connection portion.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2014Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA MOTORS CORP.Inventors: Jeong Ho Lee, Seung Mok Lee, Hyun Gyung Kim, Nam Cheol Kim, Dong Eun Cha
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Patent number: 9221411Abstract: A gasbag for a pneumatic personal protection device on a motor vehicle is provided. The gasbag has a membrane at least locally comprising an inner layer and an outer layer that exhibits a higher tolerance to a frictional load than the inner layer.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2012Date of Patent: December 29, 2015Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventor: Ulrich Rick
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Patent number: 8840819Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 3, 2012Date of Patent: September 23, 2014Inventor: Richard W. Roberts, Jr.
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Patent number: 8348033Abstract: The impact absorbers having different lengths are formed by providing notches in one of opposed surfaces on front end side in a collision direction of a square pipe having a square in cross section. The three impact absorbers are disposed in a width direction while two impact absorbers are disposed in a height direction such that directions of the notches differ from each other, and the impact absorbers are disposed in integrally welded to form the impact-absorbing member.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2009Date of Patent: January 8, 2013Assignee: Nippon Sharyo, Ltd.Inventor: Kentaro Hayashi
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Patent number: 8113554Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 28, 2009Date of Patent: February 14, 2012Inventor: Stephen D. Shoap
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Patent number: 8016332Abstract: A container formed with a plurality of faces. An energy absorbing material is within the container. A plate is located within the container. An elongated member having a proximate end and a distal end is located with the proximate end of the elongated member proximate to the plate. A first bumper is integral with the distal end of the elongated member. A first engagement mechanism is proximate to the plate, wherein the engagement mechanism has a first position that fixes the plate to the elongated member and a second position that uncouples the plate from the elongated member. A first sensor is located to quantify a collision force on said first bumper. The sensor communicates with the first engagement mechanism whereby the position of the engagement mechanism is dependent on a quantity of the collision force sensed.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2010Date of Patent: September 13, 2011Inventor: Stephen D. Shoap
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Patent number: 7804414Abstract: A device for detecting a collision of a vehicle with an obstacle includes an enclosed space positioned behind a front bumper cover. Deformation or displacement of the bumper cover due to a collision is transmitted to the enclosed space. Air pressure in the enclosed space and its temperature are measured by sensors and electrical signals representing the pressure and the temperature are fed to an electronic control unit that determines whether the enclosed space is hermetically closed or not based on the pressure and the temperature of the air in the enclosed space. If the enclosed space becomes non-hermetical due to a collision impact, the air therein leaks and the pressure therein becomes atmospheric pressure irrespective of the temperature of the air in the enclosed space. Therefore, the hermetical condition of the enclosed space is surely detected.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2008Date of Patent: September 28, 2010Assignee: Denso CorporationInventor: Shinichi Kiribayashi
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Patent number: 7735614Abstract: An impact attenuator, which is arranged to be flexible longitudinally as well as sideways, has a rear part with two wheels, an attenuating part, a front part with two pivot wheels, and a coupling part for connection to a vehicle. The coupling part has a damper for dampening part of the force during a collision against the impact attenuator. During a minor collision against the impact attenuator the collision force is mainly absorbed by the damper. The damper regains after a collision its original position and the impact attenuator can remain operative. During a larger collision against the impact attenuator, the collision forces are also absorbed by the attenuating part.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2005Date of Patent: June 15, 2010Assignee: Impact Absorption, Inc.Inventor: Arne Carlsson
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Publication number: 20090315344Abstract: A mounting for the front unit of a motor vehicle has a container integrated in the mounting for holding an operating fluid. The container is arranged in an installation position of the mounting in the motor vehicle at the height of an impact region of a leg or hip of a pedestrian. A front surface of the mounting is formed by a front side of the container. The container acts as an energy absorption body in the case of an impact with a pedestrian on the front of the vehicle. A method for producing the mounting producing the container or one or more container parts and integrating the container or one or more container parts into the mounting. The mounting can be used as a component of a motor vehicle front. The mounting can be part of a device for protecting pedestrians in the case of an impact with a pedestrian on the front of a motor vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2007Publication date: December 24, 2009Applicant: FAURECIA KUNSTSTOFFE AUTOMOBILSYSTEME GMBHInventor: Pascal Joly-pottuz
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Publication number: 20090134641Abstract: A shock absorbing structure for a vehicle including a top wall to which a shock is to be applied and two side walls integrally formed with the top wall and extending from the top wall such that the side walls are opposed to each other, thereby forming an angular U-shaped cross section. The side walls have a waveform in which convex portions and concave portions are alternately and continuously provided. In addition, a bottom plate is integrally formed with an end portion of the respective side walls. The shock absorbing structure further includes a first window portion that is formed over a portion of the each side wall including a part of a bottom portion and parts of opposite side portions of the concave portions and a portion of the bottom plates that is connected to the bottom portion and that is positioned between the opposite side portions.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 12, 2008Publication date: May 28, 2009Applicants: Kojima Press Industry Co., Ltd., Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Keisuke Noyori, Kuniaki Hasegawa, Yoshihiro Ogura, Soshi Mitsuyama, Takahisa Shiraoka
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Publication number: 20080296918Abstract: A motor vehicle shell structure has longitudinal side members which extend from a wheel arch along the outer shell structure in the direction of travel and a bumper arrangement arranged in front of the wheel arch in the direction of travel and having a cross member and an energy absorbing element. A safety device for a motor vehicle shell structure which increases the safety of vehicle occupants is achieved by arranging the energy absorbing element is arranged on the cross member at the height of the wheel arch so that it extends between the cross member and the wheel arch.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 23, 2004Publication date: December 4, 2008Inventors: Christoph Mueller, Jochen Ruf, Josef Sailer, Alfred Schnabel
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Patent number: 7044514Abstract: Described is an energy-absorbent component for a motor vehicle, for example as a bumper, which is in the form of a blow-molded hollow body of thermoplastic material enclosing a foam filling on all sides. The hollow body comprises a plurality of chambers therein. The chambers are each closed in themselves and they each respectively accommodate a foam filling affording a differing energy absorption capability.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2005Date of Patent: May 16, 2006Assignee: Kautex Textron GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Mahmud Al-Haj Mustafa, Roland Grutzner
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Patent number: 6994384Abstract: An unitary bumper unit is adapted for attachment to a vehicle for absorbing forces generated from an impact and comprises a singularly molded part combining a relatively stiff beam portion for attachment to a vehicle and an impact energy absorber integrally molded together with the beam portion wherein the energy absorber faces in a forward direction for absorbing energy due to an impact with the said energy absorber having a crushable forward projecting members adapted to crush upon impact.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2003Date of Patent: February 7, 2006Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Stephen Shuler, Adam Trappe
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Patent number: 6793256Abstract: A vehicle bumper energy absorbing system is provided that includes molded foam and at least one integral reinforcing member. The molded foam surrounds the reinforcing member on at least one side. The molded beam foam is adapted to absorb impact energy and distribute impact forces to the reinforcing member. Preferably, the reinforcing member is at least partially or fully encapsulated in the molded foam. The reinforcing member may be of a plate shape. Fasteners are preferably used to enable the vehicle bumper energy absorbing system to be mounted to a vehicle frame. Preferably, the fasteners are integral to the molded bead foam or integral to the reinforcing member. Preferably, the vehicle bumper energy absorbing system is adapted to be manufactured in a single step process, wherein the thermoplastic bead foam encapsulates the reinforcing member.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2002Date of Patent: September 21, 2004Assignee: JSP Licenses, Inc.Inventors: Michael Carley, Steven R. Sopher
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Patent number: 6688237Abstract: The deformation element (1) of a rail-borne vehicle is disposed in the region of at least one deformation zone located on the end side of the vehicle and comprises at least one tubular hollow space, wherein a structure is attached in a replaceable manner in the rail-borne vehicle and is formed of two metal sheets (2a, 2b), of which at least one is designed as a profiled metal sheet (2a′, 2b′) and which are connected together on mutually facing cross-pieces (3a, 3b) which lie against each other thus forming hollow boxes (4a, 4b) extending in parallel with respect to each other.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2002Date of Patent: February 10, 2004Assignee: Siemens SGP Verkehrstechnik GmbHInventors: Gunter Bäck, Werner Gödl, Johann P. Schmid, Ewald Brückler, Christian Fellner, Roman Brossschädl
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Patent number: 6669251Abstract: A bumper assembly for an automotive vehicle includes a beam and an energy absorber. The energy absorber includes a flanged frame for attachment to the beam and a body extending from the frame. The body includes a first transverse wall, a second transverse wall spaced from the first wall and a plurality of tunable crush boxes extending therebetween. The bumper assembly has greater than fifty percent efficiency.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2002Date of Patent: December 30, 2003Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Adam K. Trappe
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Publication number: 20030057719Abstract: A shock absorber for a two-wheeled vehicle that can absorb large energy generated in case of a collision effectively is easily mounted on the two-wheeled vehicle. A tabular top board and a lattice body are provided including a plurality of plate ribs being reduced in thickness from the proximal ends toward the distal ends and molded integrally with the top board so as to project upwardly thereon and intersectionally with respect to each other. Shock absorbing members of synthetic resin include projecting rib portions that are formed at outermost lattice openings So of the lattice body by extending some of the plate ribs that are disposed intersectionally with respect to each other outwardly and having the top board overhanging outwardly of the outermost lattice openings of the lattice body are disposed in such a manner that the direction of the plate ribs extending from the proximal ends toward the distal ends is oriented along the fore-and-aft direction of the two-wheeled vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2002Publication date: March 27, 2003Inventor: Toshio Yamagiwa
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Patent number: 6443510Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2001Date of Patent: September 3, 2002Assignee: AlstomInventors: Michel Gibeau, Jean-Jacques Laporte
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Patent number: 6416093Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2001Date of Patent: July 9, 2002Inventor: Phillip Schneider
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Patent number: 6406081Abstract: An energy absorbing system for a vehicle includes an elongated energy absorber including a flanged frame for attachment to a reinforcing beam and a body including a plurality of spaced apart tunable crush boxes capable of deformation and progressive collapse upon impact for absorbing the energy of impact.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2001Date of Patent: June 18, 2002Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Michael Mahfet, Adam Trappe
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Patent number: 6334639Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2001Date of Patent: January 1, 2002Assignee: Giat IndustriesInventors: Michel Vives, Philippe Le Breton
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Patent number: 5780129Abstract: There is provided a multi-layer blow-molded article wherein in a multi-layer marginal-wall region formed of a plurality of layers, a convexly crooked portion projecting generally convexly from inside to outside is so formed that the molding shrinkage factor of a resin for use in a more outer layer is larger than that of a resin for use in a more inner layer, and a concavely crooked portion denting generally concavely from outside to inside is so formed that the molding shrinkage factor of a resin for use in a more outer layer is smaller than that of a resin for use in a more inner layer; and all the layers of the molded article are fittingly secured to each other by means of a clamping force resulting from the difference in molding shrinkage factors of the resins constituting the layers and/or portions defined in a circumferential direction in the multi-layer marginal-wall region.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 1996Date of Patent: July 14, 1998Assignees: Nippon Steel Chemical Co., Ltd., Nippon Steel CorporationInventor: Akira Ohta
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Patent number: 5678885Abstract: A vehicle body includes a collapsible nose at the front. Behind the collapsible nose is a motor compartment, and behind the motor compartment is a luggage compartment. The passenger compartment is located rearwardly of the collapsible nose, the engine compartment, and the luggage compartment. The driver's seat is located adjacent the rear of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 1995Date of Patent: October 21, 1997Inventor: Leroy D. Stirling
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Patent number: 5564535Abstract: A shock absorbing pad, preferably for the interior of a vehicle, comprising a series of interconnected fluid reservoirs in the form of spheres partially filled with a fluid. Below a certain level of impact the shock is absorbed as the fluid is forced from one sphere into one or more of the other spheres. Above that level the spheres rupture, thereby absorbing the shock.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 1995Date of Patent: October 15, 1996Assignee: United States of AmericaInventor: Joseph N. Kanianthra
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Patent number: 5431463Abstract: An air cell bumper device includes a mounting base mounted on a mounting track being fixed to the body of a motor vehicle, and a rubber air bag fastened to the mounting base for impact protection, the rubber air bag having an inflatable big air bag and small air-tight air bags separated around the big air bag by partition walls, and whereby when the rubber air bag is compressed by an impact, the partition walls will be torn permitting air to rapidly move from the big air chamber into the small air chamber to buffer the impact.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 1994Date of Patent: July 11, 1995Inventor: Tong-Jih Chou
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Patent number: 5404974Abstract: A transverse support arrangement, consisting of two support sections extending parallel to one another, both of which have closed cross-sections and a common wall, is made in one piece as an extruded member and, in addition, is designed so that, upon impact, a conversion of energy is effected by reverse deformation of a support section.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 1993Date of Patent: April 11, 1995Assignee: Volkswagen AGInventors: Holger M. Thum, Wolfgang Lange
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Patent number: 5199755Abstract: An impact attenuating device such as a truck mounted attenuator includes at least two cartridges, which are secured together by flanges and angled backing elements on adjacent portions of the upper and lower sheets of the cartridges. The forwardmost bay of the impact attenuating device includes stiffening elements on the lower surface and deformable elements which come closely adjacent to the lower surface of the impact attenuating device in order to urge an impacting vehicle with having a low bumper height upwardly, toward the center of the impact attenuating device. The end of the impact attenuating device initially struck by an impacting vehicle is covered by a resilient collapsible element having parallel pleats and recessed corners, such that the collapsible element can absorb low energy impacts without damage to the impact attenuating device.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 1992Date of Patent: April 6, 1993Assignee: Energy Absorption Systems, Inc.Inventor: David C. Gertz
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Patent number: 5181697Abstract: An impact or recoil member possessing a plurality of gas cushions which are arranged within each other, and which are activatable in sequence in response to a triggering sensor. A comparatively hard assumption of a load by the outer gas cushion is permitted up to a pressure rise beyond its bursting limit; with at least one inner gas cushion which is designed for the assumption of the residual energy of the mass which is to be caught under a hard or stiff spring characteristic. The individual gas cushions are activated staggered in time from the outside towards the inside over a period of time from a triggering apparatus which is centrally provided for all gas cushions either in or behind the mounting support for the inflation of the still folded-in cushion casings in a specified time sequence, whereby the actuation of the triggering apparatus is implemented through the triggering or tripping sensor which is correlated with the loading scenario.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 1991Date of Patent: January 26, 1993Assignee: Diehl GmbH & Co.Inventor: Klaus Rumer
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Patent number: 5100187Abstract: An impact energy managing bumper structure having a configuration and component members that cooperatively provide, as a function of position along its length, predetermined levels of resilient opposition to deformation and displacement. A semirigid resilient fascia is spaced forwardly of the bumper structure, and the volume defined therebetween is filled with an integral skin urethane foam that is resiliently deformable and integrally bonded to both members.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 1990Date of Patent: March 31, 1992Assignee: Milad Limited PartnershipInventor: Norman S. Loren
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Patent number: 4941701Abstract: An impact energy managing bumper structure having a configuration and component members that cooperatively provide, as a function of position along its length, predetermined levels of resilient opposition to deformation and displacement. A semirigid resilient fascia is spaced forwardly of the bumper structure, and the volume defined therebetween is filled with an integral skin urethane foam that is resiliently deformable and integrally bonded to both members.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 1987Date of Patent: July 17, 1990Assignee: Michael LadneyInventor: Norman S. Loren
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Patent number: 4940270Abstract: An automoblile bumper comprising a blow-molded hollow body (5) of synthetic resin located between a surface skin (1) and a reinforcement (2), the hollow body (5) having recesses (7) formed by longitudinally extending ribs (6a) and (6a) on either the front or rear side, or on both sides, whereby the bumper uniformly absorbs impact energy when it is hit and thus reduces shocks transmitted to a car body.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 1989Date of Patent: July 10, 1990Assignee: Tonen Sekiyukagaku K.K.Inventors: Masayuki Yamazaki, Yutaka Takado, Takashi Mikami
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Patent number: 4883299Abstract: A cushioned bumper having a plurality of resilient inflated members attached to the outer portion of a conventional vehicle bumper, the enflated members having interconnecting valves therebetween the equalize pressures in all members upon impact of one or more members with another vehicle or other object.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 1988Date of Patent: November 28, 1989Inventor: George D. Bonar
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Patent number: 4770420Abstract: A mounting system for a vehicle-mounted impact absorption box filled with a collapsible open cell network provides a lessened tendency for disintegration when subjected to the vibrations of the vehicle. The system contains a bolt surrounded by a region of transverse cells, with the bolt bonded to the cell walls and passing therethrough in a generally perpendicular direction. A further feature of the system is a pivot bracket constructed in two parts--a rigid portion and a pivot arm, the latter stabilized by springs which absorb torsional impulses on the arm arising from the vehicle vibrations. These two features work in conjunction with each other in reducing shock damage to the interior of the box, and thereby increase the life expectancy of the box as a whole.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 1987Date of Patent: September 13, 1988Assignee: United Research and Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: William H. Gottwald, Michel N. Bandak, Thomas N. Bitzer
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Patent number: 4674911Abstract: A reusable energy absorbing apparatus comprising a plurality of air chambers and valve members. The air chambers and valves are constructed so that the valve members close upon the application of an axial force, thereby sealing air within the air chambers. After the energy absorbing apparatus has reached the end of its compressive stroke, the valve members release sequentially, thereby venting the pressurized air in the air chambers to minimize rebound.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 1985Date of Patent: June 23, 1987Assignee: Energy Absorption Systems, Inc.Inventor: David C. Gertz
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Patent number: 4635981Abstract: An impact attenuating body is disclosed for use on trucks or the like, the impact attenuating body being arranged for engagement by vehicles or the like, the impact attenuating body being further adapted for gradually arresting motion of the vehicle and dissipating its impact energy. The impact attenuating body is formed with a collapsible form including laterally extending members with interconnecting brackets forming rows of compartments, the compartments being generally elongated along the direction of travel of the vehicle, selected compartments being void and different densities of shock absorbing material such as expanded plastic foam being arranged in the other compartments for arresting movement of the vehicle and dissipating its impact energy as the vehicle travels a selected distance after initial engagement with the body, the arrangement of shock absorbing material in the compartments being selected for causing the vehicle to continue generally along its initial travel direction.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 1984Date of Patent: January 13, 1987Assignee: Energy Absorption Systems, Inc.Inventor: Warren D. Friton
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Patent number: 4457547Abstract: The fiberglass reinforced plastics bumper reinforcement fitted with an elastic bumper--which is laterally mounted to the vehicle and which consists, in cross section, of a plurality of rectangular frames stacked in layer--is characterized by forwardly projecting strips formed at the intersections between the front wall of the bumper reinforcement and the top and bottom plates of the reinforcement as well as the horizontally extending webs. These projecting strips on the front wall of the bumper reinforcement alleviate the stress concentrations at these intersections that might be caused when an impact load is applied to the elastic bumper and therefore the bumper reinforcement, thus increasing the fracture strength of the intersections of the bumper reinforcement.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 1982Date of Patent: July 3, 1984Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, Asahi Glass Company, Ltd.Inventors: Kenichi Sekiyama, Yasuhiro Mishima, Hisao Hiraiwa, Joichiro Segawa
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Patent number: 4413856Abstract: A substantially rigid bumper is mounted to vehicle frame by special spring brackets which allow bumper movement relative to frame on impact. Cellular energy absorbing media housed within the brackets absorb impact energy and cooperate with bracket for improved bumper support.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 1981Date of Patent: November 8, 1983Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: David R. McMahan, Gary P. Zeller, Ronald W. Slaughter, Martin D. Skirha, Dean M. Bayer
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Patent number: 4366885Abstract: A protective strip or bumper for a road vehicle has an energy absorbing structure, partly formed of plastics material, mounted on a metal backing member. Within the plastics material body are a plurality of metal crushable elements which are plastically deformable in order to absorb energy when an impact occurs and which are also readily replaceable.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 1980Date of Patent: January 4, 1983Assignee: Hoogovens Ijmuiden B.V.Inventor: Hans G. Vrijburg