Abstract: A bumper mounting assembly comprises a support member mountable to a vehicle front and a bumper-carrying member hingedly mounted to the support member to be movable between an upright position and a lowered position. A primary actuator is secured to the support member and the bumper-carrying member and can apply braking force against movement of the bumper-carrying member from the upright position to the lowered position and can preferably move the bumper-carrying member from the lowered position to the upright position. One of the bumper-carrying member and the support member carries a detent and the other carries a movable latch and a latch actuator for moving the latch between an engagement position and a disengagement position, with the latch biased into the engagement position so that the latch can selectively retain the bumper-carrying member in the upright position. A system to maintain pressure in a spare tire is also described.

Abstract: A flip-up bumper assembly for a motor vehicle having a at least one attachment assembly, a support member, a bumper frame, a lift height adjustment member, an extendable member. Additionally, the flip-up bumper assembly may further include a variable height bumper frame and/or a pivot member. The flip up bumper assembly is generally coupled to the motor vehicle. The bumper frame is operably connected to the support member wherein the bumper frame rotates about a pivot point on the support member. The extendable member is coupled to both the attachment member and the bumper frame. The extendable member extends in a generally horizontal direction and causes the bottom of the bumper frame to angularly deflect about the pivot point, resulting in an outward and upward translation. The variable height flip-up bumper assembly of the present invention allows for the use of a plurality of bumper sizes as selected by the vehicle owner.

Abstract: This invention in some embodiments includes a secure material handling apparatus such as a vehicle which provides rear loading of material from material containers, and in some further embodiments provides for such rear loading from curbside or ground level, or from a loading dock. In further embodiments the enclosure utilized is secure in that it may be configured to prevent unauthorized entry into any part of the vehicle.

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.

Abstract: A reusable system for cushioning impacts to a vehicle comprising: a bumper mounted via shock absorbers to the chassis of the vehicle; a remote sensor for detecting location and relative velocity of objects in proximity of the vehicle; a processor; a primary airbag mounted within the bumper, expandable outwards from some bumper upon inflation; an inflator for the primary airbag; a valve for releasing gas from the primary airbag and a retractor for compressing primary airbag, wherein a signal from processor indicating imminent impact triggers inflation of primary airbag beyond bumper protecting bumper and retractor collapses airbag for reuse.

Abstract: A collision mitigation system for a vehicle has a frame assembly including a pair of frame members extending longitudinally along opposite lateral sides of a vehicle. A bumper beam extends across forward end portions of the pair of frame members. The bumper beam has a curved asymmetrical profile for guiding movement of the vehicle during a front-end offset crash event.

Abstract: An industrial vehicle, in particular a trailer or semi-trailer, comprises on its two sides two side-impact guard devices each comprising at least one bar extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and connected to the frame of the vehicle. Set between the bars of the two side-impact guard devices is a housing structure for one or more spare wheels, in such a way that said housing structure and the spare wheel or wheels housed therein contribute, together with the aforesaid bars, to absorbing the energy of a lateral impact.

Abstract: A reusable trailer mounted attenuator with a collapsible scissor frame assembly supported by front, intermediate and rear vertical frames. A self-adjusting shock absorber with staged metering is attached to the scissor frame assembly and controls its collapse under impact in a manner that deceleration of an impacting vehicle does not exceed permitted rates irrespective of the weight and speed of the impacting vehicle within the design range. Guides are provided to permit the scissor frame assembly to collapse without twisting and a replaceable strike plate with vertical fins concealed with a cover plate is attached to the rear vertical frame.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for extending a bumper on a motor vehicle having driven wheels. The apparatus includes a drive to derive power from the rotating wheels, an actuator for extending the bumper, and a controller for connecting the actuator to the drive. When bumper extension is desired, drive power is transferred from the motor vehicle's rotating wheels to the actuator to effect deployment of the bumper.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a vehicle impact mitigation system. The impact mitigation system can be configured to mitigate front impact situations. A main rail and an extendable rail—configured to move with respect to the main rail—are provided. A front module is attached to the extendable rail and attachable to the main rail. A spring is positioned between the front module and main rail, the spring is configured to apply a force to the front module when the front module is detached from the main rail. An actuator is configured to control attachment of the front module to the main rail.

Abstract: An underride compatibility apparatus is provided for a vehicle structure. The apparatus includes a frame arranged to support the vehicle structure. The frame includes an energy absorption portion arranged for absorption of impact energy. The apparatus also includes a beam arranged substantially transverse to the vehicle structure, below the frame, and remote from the energy absorption portion. The apparatus also includes a flexible member configured to carry a tensile load, but not a substantial compressive load. The flexible member distributes the impact energy between the energy absorption portion and the beam when the member is loaded in tension during an underride impact, but does not affect the impact energy absorption of the energy absorption portion during a direct impact.

Abstract: Deflecting device for an offset frontal collision for motor vehicles, the front end of which motor vehicles has a left and a right longitudinal member (2, 3), and the deflecting device being arranged in front of a front wheel (6) and protecting the front wheel in the event of a collision. In order to reliably bring about an engagement embracing the front wheel (6) with minimal structural expenditure, the deflecting device is composed of a jib (12), which is fastened to the front end of the vehicle, and a shield (13) which is moveable on said jib (12) outward transversely with respect to the direction of travel, with the jib (12) extending in front of the wheel (6) substantially transversely with respect to the direction of travel and having a guide (14) for the shield (13) and a force source (15) for moving the shield (13).

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.

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.

Abstract: A vehicle has a forward end fashioned with a vehicle arresting device. The vehicle arresting device includes an elongate flexible member carried by opposed first and second supports having first and second outer ends, respectively. The first and second supports are mounted to the vehicle together for movement between stored and deployed positions relative to the forward end of the vehicle. The first and second outer ends of the first and second supports are disposed forwardly of the forward end of the vehicle in spaced apart relation in the deployed position of the first and second supports suspending the elongate flexible member therebetween.

Abstract: A bumper mounting assembly comprises a support member mountable to a vehicle front and a bumper-carrying member hingedly mounted to the support member to be movable between an upright position and a lowered position. A primary actuator is secured to the support member and the bumper-carrying member and can apply braking force against movement of the bumper-carrying member from the upright position to the lowered position and can preferably move the bumper-carrying member from the lowered position to the upright position. One of the bumper-carrying member and the support member carries a detent and the other carries a movable latch and a latch actuator for moving the latch between an engagement position and a disengagement position, with the latch biased into the engagement position so that the latch can selectively retain the bumper-carrying member in the upright position. A system to maintain pressure in a spare tire is also described.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a vehicle body and a member being mounted with respect to the vehicle body. The member is selectively movable between first and second positions with respect to the vehicle body. An actuator includes an active material that is configured to undergo a change in at least one attribute in response to an activation signal. The active material is operatively connected to the member such that the change in at least one attribute causes the member to move relative to the vehicle body. An impact detection system is configured to detect at least one condition indicative of an impact event and is configured to cause the actuator to move the member from the first position to the second position in response to the at least one condition indicative of an impact event.

Abstract: An industrial vehicle, in particular a trailer or semi-trailer, comprises on its two sides two side-impact guard devices each comprising at least one bar extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and connected to the frame of the vehicle. Set between the bars of the two side-impact guard devices is a housing structure for one or more spare wheels, in such a way that said housing structure and the spare wheel or wheels housed therein contribute, together with the aforesaid bars, to absorbing the energy of a lateral impact.

Abstract: A trailer crash attenuation assembly includes a longitudinal hollow member adapted to act as a hydraulic cylinder at one end, hydraulic fluid disposed in the hydraulic cylinder and a tank connected to the hydraulic cylinder to receive and store said hydraulic fluid expressed from the hydraulic cylinder. A first longitudinal telescopic member is adapted to slide into and out of the longitudinal hollow member and is adapted to act a piston. Two other longitudinal hollow members are positioned substantially parallel to and on either side of the first longitudinal hollow member and are connected to the first longitudinal hollow member. Two telescopic members are adapted to slide into and out of the two other longitudinal hollow members respectively. A casing is connected at its proximal end to all three longitudinal hollow members, is adapted at its distal end to receive a crash cushion; and has a pair of wheels.

Abstract: A reusable trailer mounted attenuator with a collapsible scissor frame assembly supported by front, intermediate and rear vertical frames. A self-adjusting shock absorber with staged metering is attached to the scissor frame assembly and controls its collapse under impact in a manner that deceleration of an impacting vehicle does not exceed permitted rates irrespective of the weight and speed of the impacting vehicle within the design range. Guides are provided to permit the scissor frame assembly to collapse without twisting and a replaceable strike plate with vertical fins concealed with a cover plate is attached to the rear vertical frame.

Abstract: A door edge protection device for a motor vehicle door which comprises a door edge protection member guided movably with respect to the door at at least two points lying one behind the other in a longitudinal direction of the door. The door edge protection member is driven via an eccentric lever mounted rotatably in the door.

Abstract: A vehicle has a forward end fashioned with a vehicle arresting device. The vehicle arresting device includes an elongate flexible member carried by opposed first and second supports having first and second outer ends, respectively. The first and second supports are mounted to the vehicle together for movement between stored and deployed positions relative to the forward end of the vehicle. The first and second outer ends of the first and second supports are disposed forwardly of the forward end of the vehicle in spaced apart relation in the deployed position of the first and second supports suspending the elongate flexible member therebetween.

Abstract: Method and arrangement for moving an underrun protection device for vehicles having a frame (3), an impact element (7) arranged on the vehicle at a location corresponding to an expected loading from a force during a possible collision, and at least one displaceable carrier element (6) connecting the frame (3) and the impact element (7). During displacement of the impact element (7) between at least one first, active position and at least one second, inactive position, at least a part of the displacement occurs in a direction that substantially coincides with a longitudinal axis of the carrier (6).

Abstract: A moveable guard assembly is configured for installation upon an ATV having a horizontal carrier rack. The movable guard assembly comprises a blocking member and a first securement mechanism. The blocking member is configured for attachment to a front end of the all terrain vehicle in a position adjacent to the horizontal carrier rack. The blocking member is adjustable through movement between a first position in which the blocking member is operable to perform a guard function for protecting at least a portion of the front end of the all terrain vehicle, and a second position in which the blocking member is operable to provide additional support for cargo placed upon the horizontal carrier rack. The first securement mechanism is configured to selectively retain the blocking member in at least one of the first position and the second position. An ATV including the moveable guard assembly is also provided.

Abstract: A vehicle has a forward end fashioned with a vehicle arresting device. The vehicle arresting device includes an elongate flexible member carried by opposed first and second supports having first and second outer ends, respectively. The first and second supports are mounted to the vehicle together for movement between stored and deployed positions relative to the forward end of the vehicle. The first and second outer ends of the first and second supports are disposed forwardly of the forward end of the vehicle in spaced apart relation in the deployed position of the first and second supports suspending the elongate flexible member therebetween.

Abstract: A trailer crash attenuation assembly includes a longitudinal hollow member adapted to act as a hydraulic cylinder at one end, hydraulic fluid disposed in the hydraulic cylinder and a tank connected to the hydraulic cylinder to receive and store said hydraulic fluid expressed from the hydraulic cylinder. A first longitudinal telescopic member is adapted to slide into and out of the longitudinal hollow member and is adapted to act a piston. Two other longitudinal hollow members are positioned substantially parallel to and on either side of the first longitudinal hollow member and are connected to the first longitudinal hollow member. Two telescopic members are adapted to slide into and out of the two other longitudinal hollow members respectively. A casing is connected at its proximal end to all three longitudinal hollow members, is adapted at its distal end to receive a crash cushion; and has a pair of wheels.

Abstract: A vehicle side underrun protection having at least one load-bearing member that extends between the wheels or sets of wheels of the vehicle in the vehicle's longitudinal direction. The member(s) extend basically along the outer contour of the vehicle and serves as side impact protection and/or protection to prevent unprotected road-users ending up under the vehicle. The side underrun protection (1) has at least one longitudinal section (12, 13, 14) suspended in at least two first brackets (2, 3) fixed to the vehicle, along which brackets (2, 3) at least one end of each individual section (12, 13, 14) of the side underrun protection (1) is vertically adjustable from at least a first, active position to a second, inactive position. The invention also relates to a vehicle provided with such a side underrun protection.

Abstract: An off-road vehicle, a pickup, or other such vehicle has an underprotection device with an impact plate fitted to the underside of the motor vehicle. To provide an improved underprotection device, the impact plate is fitted to the underside in a manner such that it is movable between retracted and extended positions.

Abstract: Force and deceleration delimiting devices and methods for operating the same in a vehicle.

Abstract: An extendible rail and bumper apparatus is mountable within the base frame lower rails of an automotive frame to provide an improved crash force absorbing bumper apparatus for deployment on either the front or rear bumpers of an automobile. The extendible rail member is mounted for telescopic movement through slidable guide members. A front plate is formed with wedge members positioned next to the extendible rail member. The actuation mechanism includes an electric motor that rotates a threaded rod having a conical member mounted thereon for translational movement thereon. The conical member engages a pair of outwardly projectable tabs that are driven outwardly into engagement with the wedge members when the extendible rail is fully extended. If required to absorb impact energy, the outwardly projected tabs push the wedge members into engagement with the front plate to transfer the energy into the base frame rail apparatus of the vehicle.

Abstract: An extension and ramp assembly for use with the truck beds. The assembly comprises a truck bed floor portion and a cargo bed door portion. The truck bed floor portion mainly includes a plurality of shafts and a motor coupled with a bumper, which provides power to extend and retract the bumper along with the truck bed. The cargo bed door portion mainly includes a cargo bed door that is pivotally attached to the bumper such that it can be moved away from the rear end of the truck bed to form an extension parallel to the truck bed. The truck bed when fully extended can be moved down towards the ground to form a sloping surface. The sloping surface formed by the truck bed in conjunction with the pivotally moved down cargo bed door acts as a ramp-like structure.

Abstract: A moveable guard assembly is configured for installation upon an ATV having a horizontal carrier rack. The movable guard assembly comprises a blocking member and a first securement mechanism. The blocking member is configured for attachment to a front end of the all terrain vehicle in a position adjacent to the horizontal carrier rack. The blocking member is adjustable through movement between a first position in which the blocking member is operable to perform a guard function for protecting at least a portion of the front end of the all terrain vehicle, and a second position in which the blocking member is operable to provide additional support for cargo placed upon the horizontal carrier rack. The first securement mechanism is configured to selectively retain the blocking member in at least one of the first position and the second position. An ATV including the moveable guard assembly is also provided.

Abstract: An article that is mounted for protecting an automobile body is stored within the automobile body by electric power when the automobile body does not need to be protected. A device stores within the automobile body by electric power an article (2) having an article (1) for protecting the automobile body mounted thereto and being of the same material as the automobile body. The device installs by electric power the article for protecting the automobile body into a state in which it protects the automobile body, primarily, when the automobile is parked. The device stores by electric power the article for protecting the automobile body when the automobile is running.

Abstract: A pedestrian protection apparatus particularly adapted for motor vehicle front end structures for mitigating injuries of pedestrians struck by the vehicle. The apparatus incorporates a front grill which is moveable between extended and retracted positions. While it is in its extended position, the grill is designed to absorb energy from a pedestrian impact to reduce pedestrian injuries. The position of the grill is controlled by an actuator which responds to control inputs such as vehicle speed.

Abstract: An underrun protection intended for vehicles, includes a stiff sheet unit attachable to the vehicle including on one hand a first box, which is composed of a bottom wall and a border located along the periphery thereof, and which is articulatedly connected to a fastening unit attached to the vehicle in order to be able to be turned between a folded-down position and a folded-out position in which the space under the platform of the vehicle is made accessible, and on the other hand a second box which is intended for enclosing an information carrier and which includes a transparent sheet and a frame surrounding the same, the frame being articulatedly connected to the border of the first box in order to be able to be turned between a folded-in position in the first box and a folded-out position in which the information carrier is exchangeable.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling stiffness of a vehicle body includes a slide member, a base member, a deformable member and an actuator. The slide member is disposed parallel to a direction of impact force acting on a first end of the slide member. The base member, which is disposed at a second end of the slide member, has a slit into which the slide member moves. The deformable member is disposed at the first end of the slide member. Both ends of the deformable member are connected to the base member and a cross section of the deformable member is substantially U-shaped. The actuator executes one of permitting the slide member to move into the slit and inhibiting the slide member from moving into the slit at a collision.

Abstract: A front bumper for a mobile vehicle that rotates to provide additional access to the vehicle engine. The rotating front bumper is provided in various embodiments, exemplifying possible modes of configuration and operation thereof. Specifically, methods of retaining the front bumper in a non-rotated position are presented, as are methods for preventing over-extension, and linkages that cause the front bumper to rotate when the hood is opened.

Abstract: A moveable bumper arrangement. The moveable bumper arrangement includes an elongated bumper member, an end bumper member, and a mechanism coupled to the end bumper member. The mechanism allows substantially translational movement of the end bumper member with respect to the elongated bumper member from a first position where the end bumper member is positioned at an end of the elongated bumper member to a second position where the end bumper member is spaced apart from the elongated bumper member.

Abstract: A damping device used for motor vehicle safety, for damping the displacement of at least one part set in motion during a collision between a motor vehicle and an external object, the part being, for example, a bumper, a steering column or a bonnet of a motor vehicle, the device comprising an actuator that is able to displace a piston and is characterized in that it includes a wire having one end connected to a fixed portion of the vehicle, the actuator, which is secured to the part to be damped, interacting with the wire in order to retard and then stop the part.

Abstract: A vehicle bumper device is equipped with an energy absorption shaft that is provided at a rear portion of a bumper and protrudes the bumper toward a front of a vehicle; and a protrusion mechanism that is provided at the rear portion of the bumper and protrudes the bumper toward the front of the vehicle, wherein the protrusion mechanism is composed of a ball screw operated by a motor driving force, and the ball screw is arranged in parallel to the energy absorption shaft.

Abstract: An adjustable bumper system that can be easily attached to a vehicle and removed and replaced if damaged. The bumper system includes housings that are mounted to the rails of the vehicle. The housings are independently mounted and thus can be mounted to any vehicle regardless of the spacing of the rails. A vertically extending member is attached to the housing and includes a face plate that is operable to receive a bracket. The bracket and the face plate are used to attach a step portion of the bumper assembly. The combination of the housing and the mounting brackets allow for a bumper system that can be universally mounted to any trailer or vehicle.

Abstract: A fully adjustable bumper system that absorbs impact and thereby, avoiding damage to the bumper. The bumper system includes a bumper assembly mounted to a vertically pivoting assembly through horizontally and vertically adjustable assemblies. A stop assembly is attached to the vertically pivoting assembly and allows the bumper assembly to pivot away from an applied force and then causes the bumper assembly to return to its position with the force is removed. The bumper system can be bolted, welded or otherwise fixedly attached to either the frame or rails of a trailer or truck for ease of installation.

Abstract: A motor vehicle bumper system includes a bumper unit having pairs of hydraulic cylinders controlled to move a bumper between an extended position and a retracted position, a pump controlled to pump the oil from an oil tank to the hydraulic cylinders to move the bumper between the extended position and the retracted position, a pressure-setup pipe unit connected between the hydraulic cylinders, the pump and the oil tank and equipped with a decompression valve and controlled by a direction control valve to let the oil be alternatively pumped to the upper oil chambers and lower oil chambers of the hydraulic cylinders to retract or extend out the bumper, and a pressure-relief pipe unit using a relief valve and an accumulator to release pressure from the hydraulic cylinders and a hydraulic oil pressure sensor to control the explosion time of the air bag of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: An extendable bumper system for a vehicle, the extendable bumper system comprising: a bumper structure; a laterally extending bumper segment slideably located within the bumper structure; and an actuator in operable communication between the bumper structure and the laterally extending bumper segment. An extendable bumper system for a modular vehicle, the extendable bumper system comprising: a bumper structure located on a moveable platform; a laterally extending bumper segment slideably located within the bumper structure; and a lateral bumper rail located on a body pod and configured to receive the laterally extending bumper segment.

Abstract: In a rear bumper structure for a vehicle including a rear opening of a load compartment formed at a rear portion of a vehicle body, there are provided a bumper reinforcement fixed to a rear end of a vehicle body so as to define its fixed position with respect to the vehicle body and extend in a vehicle width direction, and a main body of bumper opening-and-closing portion located in front of the bumper reinforcement to selectively open or close a lower part of the rear opening, and a bumper facer attached to the main body to cover the bumper reinforcement from a vehicle rear side, wherein the main body is moved between the vehicle body and the bumper reinforcement such that the bumper reinforcement is always located between the main body and the bumper facer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a motor vehicle bumper which comprises a shield and a spoiler hinged between two positions of stable equilibrium, namely a high position in which at least a part of the spoiler projects from the shield, and a low position in which the spoiler extends the bumper in a downward direction. The spoiler is suitable for adopting a third position of stable equilibrium, in which it is completely retracted behind the shield.

Abstract: Impact attenuating device for vehicles with frame side members. The attenuator includes an attenuating part, wheels and a connecting part which connects the device to the vehicle either in an operating position or in a transport position. To be able to transport the attenuator between different roadwork areas easily and in a manner safe for traffic, the impact attenuating device is connected like a trailer to the vehicle when in the transport position.

Abstract: A bumper assembly having a movable bumper is disclosed. A crash sensor is attached to the movable bumper. A linkage is provided to attach the movable bumper to a motor vehicle. When the movable bumper is attached to the motor vehicle, the linkage permits the movable bumper to be moved from a first position to a second position that is horizontally displaced from the first position in a direction away from the motor vehicle. Extending the bumper in this manner allows the crash sensor to provide early detection of a collision involving the motor vehicle.

Abstract: An actuator is adapted to selectively extend and retract a bumper member, the actuator is mounted at least partially within a tubular frame rail member of the motor vehicle. The main frame rail member may be of a standard length or of a shortened length. By mounting the actuator inside the tubular frame rail member, the bending stiffness is more effectively impacted by the outer tube of the actuator. An additional tubular frame rail member is optionally attached to the main tubular frame rail member. The actuator is mounted at least partially within the tubular frame rail member and at least partially within the additional tubular frame rail member. The wall thickness and cross-sectional shape of the additional tubular frame rail members may be adjusted to obtain a desired bending stiffness including the effect of the outer tube of the actuator.

Abstract: A bumper assembly securable beneath an extended rear support bed of a vehicle wherein the bed can tilt from a horizontal orientation to a downwardly inclined position and wherein the retractable safety bumper will become retracted when the bed is in the inclined position and will be deployed for safety protection when the bed is in the horizontal position. Movement of the bumper is powered solely by a biasing device such as a spring used in combination with gravitational forces exerted upon the bumper assembly for properly coordinating movement thereof between the deployed and the retracted position with movement of the bed between the horizontal and the inclined position.