Compartmented Impact Means Patents (Class 293/110)
  • Patent number: 11040680
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: Tesseract Structural Innovations, Inc.
    Inventor: Henry L. Renegar
  • Patent number: 10913416
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Sosuke Kurogi, Takashi Tagaito
  • Patent number: 10899395
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Young-Dae Yoo, Do-Hoi Kim
  • Patent number: 10393204
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: AIRBUS SAS
    Inventors: Caroline Petiot, Didier Mesnage, Michel Bermudez
  • Patent number: 10272860
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: SABIC GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES B.V.
    Inventors: Subhransu Sekhar Mohapatra, Krishna Kishore Gumpina, Somasekhar Bobba, Arunachala Parameshwara, Venkatesha Narayanaswamy
  • Patent number: 10017141
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: Compagnie Plastic Omnium
    Inventors: Stephane Ginja, Frederic Pierrot, Aurelien Seguela
  • Patent number: 9932006
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hiroki Hashimoto, Toshihiro Goto, Shintaro Kitakata, Shigenori Hashida
  • Patent number: 9815424
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignees: Toray Carbon Magic Co., Ltd., Toray Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Akiyoshi Oku, Masanobu Nagasaki, Hiroki Wakabayashi
  • Patent number: 9725057
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corp.
    Inventors: Jeong Ho Lee, Seung Mok Lee, Hyun Gyung Kim, Nam Cheol Kim, Dong Eun Cha
  • Patent number: 9623822
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corp.
    Inventors: Jeong Ho Lee, Seung Mok Lee, Hyun Gyung Kim, Nam Cheol Kim, Dong Eun Cha
  • Patent number: 9616833
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corp.
    Inventors: Jeong Ho Lee, Seung Mok Lee, Hyun Gyung Kim, Nam Cheol Kim, Dong Eun Cha
  • Patent number: 9381880
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: Shape Corp.
    Inventors: Joseph R. Matecki, Daniel Gatti, Brian Malkowski
  • Patent number: 9290139
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA MOTORS CORP.
    Inventors: Jeong Ho Lee, Seung Mok Lee, Hyun Gyung Kim, Nam Cheol Kim, Dong Eun Cha
  • Patent number: 9221411
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Ulrich Rick
  • 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: 8348033
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Nippon Sharyo, Ltd.
    Inventor: Kentaro Hayashi
  • 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: 8016332
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Inventor: Stephen D. Shoap
  • Patent number: 7804414
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Shinichi Kiribayashi
  • Patent number: 7735614
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Impact Absorption, Inc.
    Inventor: Arne Carlsson
  • Publication number: 20090315344
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2007
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Applicant: FAURECIA KUNSTSTOFFE AUTOMOBILSYSTEME GMBH
    Inventor: Pascal Joly-pottuz
  • Publication number: 20090134641
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2008
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Applicants: Kojima Press Industry Co., Ltd., Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Keisuke Noyori, Kuniaki Hasegawa, Yoshihiro Ogura, Soshi Mitsuyama, Takahisa Shiraoka
  • Publication number: 20080296918
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2004
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventors: Christoph Mueller, Jochen Ruf, Josef Sailer, Alfred Schnabel
  • Patent number: 7044514
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Kautex Textron GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Mahmud Al-Haj Mustafa, Roland Grutzner
  • Patent number: 6994384
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Stephen Shuler, Adam Trappe
  • Patent number: 6793256
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: JSP Licenses, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Carley, Steven R. Sopher
  • Patent number: 6688237
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Siemens SGP Verkehrstechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Gunter Bäck, Werner Gödl, Johann P. Schmid, Ewald Brückler, Christian Fellner, Roman Brossschädl
  • Patent number: 6669251
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Adam K. Trappe
  • Publication number: 20030057719
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2002
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventor: Toshio Yamagiwa
  • Patent number: 6443510
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: Alstom
    Inventors: Michel Gibeau, Jean-Jacques Laporte
  • Patent number: 6416093
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Inventor: Phillip Schneider
  • Patent number: 6406081
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Michael Mahfet, Adam Trappe
  • Patent number: 6334639
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2002
    Assignee: Giat Industries
    Inventors: Michel Vives, Philippe Le Breton
  • Patent number: 5780129
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignees: Nippon Steel Chemical Co., Ltd., Nippon Steel Corporation
    Inventor: Akira Ohta
  • Patent number: 5678885
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Inventor: Leroy D. Stirling
  • Patent number: 5564535
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Assignee: United States of America
    Inventor: Joseph N. Kanianthra
  • Patent number: 5431463
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1995
    Inventor: Tong-Jih Chou
  • Patent number: 5404974
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1995
    Assignee: Volkswagen AG
    Inventors: Holger M. Thum, Wolfgang Lange
  • Patent number: 5199755
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1993
    Assignee: Energy Absorption Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: David C. Gertz
  • Patent number: 5181697
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1993
    Assignee: Diehl GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Klaus Rumer
  • Patent number: 5100187
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1992
    Assignee: Milad Limited Partnership
    Inventor: Norman S. Loren
  • Patent number: 4941701
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 17, 1990
    Assignee: Michael Ladney
    Inventor: Norman S. Loren
  • Patent number: 4940270
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 10, 1990
    Assignee: Tonen Sekiyukagaku K.K.
    Inventors: Masayuki Yamazaki, Yutaka Takado, Takashi Mikami
  • Patent number: 4883299
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1989
    Inventor: George D. Bonar
  • Patent number: 4770420
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1988
    Assignee: United Research and Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: William H. Gottwald, Michel N. Bandak, Thomas N. Bitzer
  • Patent number: 4674911
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1987
    Assignee: Energy Absorption Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: David C. Gertz
  • Patent number: 4635981
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1984
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1987
    Assignee: Energy Absorption Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Warren D. Friton
  • Patent number: 4457547
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1982
    Date of Patent: July 3, 1984
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, Asahi Glass Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenichi Sekiyama, Yasuhiro Mishima, Hisao Hiraiwa, Joichiro Segawa
  • Patent number: 4413856
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1981
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1983
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: David R. McMahan, Gary P. Zeller, Ronald W. Slaughter, Martin D. Skirha, Dean M. Bayer
  • Patent number: 4366885
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1980
    Date of Patent: January 4, 1983
    Assignee: Hoogovens Ijmuiden B.V.
    Inventor: Hans G. Vrijburg