Abstract: A tip-up trailer includes an ICC bumper that has been structurally enhanced to support the entire load of a loaded shipping container jointly with the rearward-most axle of the trailer. The bumper includes a rotatable bearing on a lower member, which permits the lower member to travel along the ground as the tipped-up trailer is lowered after loading. The method of the invention includes the initial step of connecting a container to a tip-up trailer with the doors of the container oriented towards the forward end of the trailer. The doors are opened and the forward end of the trailer is raised. The container is then loaded with bulk material. Once the container doors are closed, the forward end of the trailer is lowered while bearings on the bumper roll on the ground.

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: An active vehicle front structure for energy management including a bumper movable from a retracted position during low speed maneuvering and parking to an extended position during operation of the vehicle over a pre-defined threshold speed. The bumper in the extended position serves to extend the crumple zone, reducing overall vehicle damage, and to increase the time over which vehicle decelerates during a collision, reducing the likelihood and severity of injuries to occupants of the 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: An active bumper assembly for mounting to a vehicle is disclosed. The active bumper assembly includes a bumper that may be hingedly connected to a vehicle. When the bumper is in the inactivated position it is disposed behind the outer edge of the vehicle. When activated, the bumper is moved to an activated position, which is lower with respect to the inactivated position and extends below the outer edge of the vehicle. A sensing system detects an impending collision and generates a signal to which an actuator responds, moving the bumper from the inactivated position to the activated position. A locking member, configured to be interconnected between the bumper and the vehicle frame, then secures the bumper in the activated position.

Abstract: An active vehicle front structure for energy management including a bumper movable from a retracted position during low speed maneuvering and parking to an extended position during operation of the vehicle over a pre-defined threshold speed. The bumper in the extended position serves to extend the crumple zone, reducing overall vehicle damage, and to increase the time over which the vehicle decelerates during a collision, reducing the likelihood and severity of injuries to occupants of the vehicle.

Abstract: A pre-impact mode of a bumper system is provided by extending a bumper member outwardly and extending a stiffener member downwardly. Both the bumper member and the stiffener member are separately adapted to engage an object. The bumper system includes a bumper member movable between a retracted position and a laterally extended position. A stiffener member is movable between a retracted position and a downwardly extended position. An actuator mechanism is adapted to move the bumper member between the retracted and laterally extended positions and to cause the stiffener member to move between the retracted and downwardly extended positions as a result of moving the bumper member.

Abstract: An extendible bumper system for a vehicle includes a controller system configured to: determine a distance of travel of a first end of a bumper structure using a signal from a position sensor in a first motor, determine a distance of travel of a second end of the bumper structure using a signal from a position sensor in a second motor, and independently adjust at least one of rotational speed and torque output of rotors in the first and second motors in response to the distances of travel. The rotational speed or torque output of the first and second rotors may be independently adjusted in response to a difference in the distances of travel of the first and second ends of the bumper structure, and the rotational speed or torque output of the first and second rotors may be accelerated or decelerated during predetermined distances of travel. A bumper energy absorber for supporting the bumper structure relative to a vehicle includes an inner tube, outer tube, lead screw, nut and motor.

Abstract: An active bumper assembly for mounting to a vehicle is disclosed. The active bumper assembly includes a bumper that may be hingedly connected to a vehicle. When the bumper is in the inactivated position it is disposed behind the outer edge of the vehicle. When activated, the bumper is moved to an activated position, which is lower with respect to the inactivated position and extends below the outer edge of the vehicle. A sensing system detects an impending collision and generates a signal to which an actuator responds, moving the bumper from the inactivated position to the activated position. A locking member, configured to be interconnected between the bumper and the vehicle frame, then secures the bumper in the activated position.

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: A truck grille guard mounting bracket consisting of a first laterally elongated clevis having front and rear arms, the front arm being adapted for fixed attachment to a truck bumper, the rear arm being adapted for fixed attachment to truck spring hangers, truck chassis members, or to a truck tow hook arm; the distal end of the rear arm of the first laterally elongated clevis forming a plurality of second devises, each second clevis being adapted for nesting receipt of and fixed attachment to truck chassis members or to truck spring hangers; and a plurality of third devises extending forwardly from the front arm of the first laterally elongated clevis, the second clevis being adapted for support of and pivoting attachment of a truck grille guard.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling articulating motion of an article such as a truck grille guard, the apparatus having a clevis having left and right arms; an article support axle extending laterally through a lower end of the clevis; a second laterally extending axle spanning between the arms of the clevis at the clevis's upper end; an upper guy having an upper end pivotally mounted upon the second axle, a lower guy having an upper end pivotally mounted upon a lower end of the upper guy, and an article supporting hinge sleeve fixedly mounted upon a lower end of the lower guy, the upper and lower guys being alternately flexible and extendable between an upwardly articulated article position and a downwardly articulated article position.

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

Abstract: An improved bumper system includes a pair of brackets connected to the spaced frame members of a motor vehicle. A support arm is pivotally connected at one end to each of the brackets. The opposite end of each support arm is connected to a transverse beam that forms separate first and second bumper sections. The brackets support the support arms and bumper sections at a desired height above the ground. Each support arm is maintained relative to the respective bracket by gravity. A shear pin provides a redundant retention of the arm relative to the bracket. The arms and bumper sections of the improved bumper system remain in position relative to the bracket even in the event of a horizontal impact. A vertical impact of one or both bumper sections by obstacles or terrain causes the shear pin to be severed, allowing the bumper section(s) to pivot relative to the bracket, rather than to bend or deform.

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

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

Abstract: The trailer has a deck assembly that includes a level main deck portion and a tail hinged to the main deck for vertical swinging movement between a level transport position, a downwardly and rearwardly inclined ground-loading position, and an upwardly and rearwardly inclined dock-loading position. Raising and lowering of the tail between such positions is carried out by fore-and-aft movement of the shiftable undercarriage of the trailer, such undercarriage being located under the tail and generally behind the hinge when the trailer is in its roading position with the tail in its transport position. When the undercarriage is shifted forwardly beyond a lost motion segment of travel, the tail is allowed to progressively descend by gravity to its ground-loading position. Returning the undercarriage to its roading position beneath the tail causes the tail to be raised back to its transport position.

Abstract: A pedestrian protection apparatus for a truck is provided. The apparatus includes a bumper member mounted to a vehicle, a linkage, a stiffener, an extendible cross-member and an actuator. The extendible cross-member is mounted on a stiffener which in turn is mounted at each end at a first linkage and a second linkage respectively. The pedestrian protection apparatus may extend out from under the vehicle at speeds greater than a predetermined speed in order to prevent injury to a pedestrian in a collision. The linkages are disposed between the extendible cross-member and the bumper.

Abstract: A front face (10) for a motor vehicle comprises a protective trim (26) which is integral with the front face (10) via linking means (30, 32) allowing shifting of the protective trim between a position (P1) close to the front face and a position (P2) spaced away from the front face, which makes it possible to construct an assembly ready to be fitted. Application to motor vehicles.

Abstract: A tractor (20) for unloading a trailer (12) from a railcar (14) is disclosed. The tractor (20) comprises a trigger actuator (34) and a bumper (30). The trigger actuator (34) is fixably mounted to the tractor (20) and remains stationary. The bumper (30) of the tractor (20) may be operated between an extended position and a retracted position. When the bumper (30) is in the extended position and the tractor (20) is adjacent to a stanchion (16), the trigger actuator (34) does not engage the trigger of the stanchion (16). When the bumper (30) is in the retracted position and the tractor (20) is adjacent to the stanchion (16), the trigger actuator (34) engages the trigger (28) of the stanchion (16) to operate the stanchion (16) from the raised position to the lowered position, thereby transferring the trailer (12) from the stanchion (16) to the tractor (20).

Abstract: A shock-absorbing system for as automotive vehicle. the system comprises a hydraulic oil circuit which includes a storage tank for storing hydraulic oil, electric motor for driving the pump. Front and rear bumper subsystems for respectively extending and retracting of front rear bumpers, a pressure, a electric circuit subsystem for controlling valves, and valves control subsystem.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel bumper assembly for a vehicle, such as a truck, truck body or a trailer, that allows the bumper of the bumper assembly to be moved from a lowered position suitable for driving on the road, to a raised, hidden position at the rear end of the vehicle that is suitable for off the road activity, i.e., the lowering of the rear end of the vehicle to the ground to allow for the loading or unloading of cargo from the vehicle.

Abstract: This invention refers to a road block which is mounted at the rear end of a road vehicle (1) and comprises a vertical warning panel (7) for protecting a site of road works, and a crash attenuator (4), the latter being tiltable about a transversal axis (6) from a horizontal operative position into a vertical rest position suited for transportation, whereas the warning panel (7) can be moved between guidance means (9) substantially in a translational motion from an upper operational position and to a lower rest position.

Abstract: This invention relates to a motor vehicle protector against car intrusion into its bottom. It mainly comprises two stationary frames (i.e., steady rests), two pendant arms (i.e., pending arms) and a pipe frame, wherein the upper end of the pendant arms is connected to the rear end of the stationary frame while the pipe frame is connected at the lower and rear side of the two pendant arms. The pipe frame is composed of an upper horizontal annular pipe, a lower horizontal annular pipe, a plurality of upright pipes, and multi-group piling pipes. Additionally, an warning alarm is provided at the rear end of the upper horizontal annular pipe, and a strip front fender is fixed at the internal side of the upright pipe and the lower horizontal annular pipe.

Abstract: A front protection bow on a motor vehicle front end is supported by bending-resistant rod profiles on supporting components of the motor vehicle body. The rod profiles of the front protection bow, which together are closed to form a frame and which are largely situated in the overlapping area with the motor vehicle front end comprising a forward front wall and an elastically flexible bumper, extend at least along a predominant portion of the width and the height of the motor vehicle front end. The front wall of the motor vehicle front end has a front end contour which is adapted to the course or curve of the frame and which has at least one section which is embedded in the front wall and in which at least one rod profile of the frame is to be arranged in a sunk manner at least by a partial cross-section. The frame of the front protection bow, when the rod profile is lowered, is arranged to be offset toward the rear with respect to the forward side of the bumper.

Abstract: An extendible bumper for an extendible tilt bed roll off truck is pivotally attached to a single hydraulic cylinder which is pivotally attached to the truck frame. The hydraulic cylinder is centrally positioned on the extendible bumper. A pair of guide rods extend from the extendible bumper and telescope into and out of a pair of guide rod holders, one on each side of the hydraulic cylinder. Because the bumper assembly is attached to the truck frame as opposed to the extendible tilt bed, the assembly is provided with a certain amount of clearance before the bumper requires retraction. Indication means for indicating when the extendible bumper is in its fully retracted position may be provided by an indicator switch which becomes depressed when the extendible bumper abuts the truck's stationary bumper. The depressed indicator switch actuates a cab indicator light for indicating full retraction.

Abstract: An energy-absorbing deformation system for a motor vehicle has at least one collapsing section movable with energy absorption from an extended absorption position into a telescoped deformation position. The at least one collapsing section is held in the normal resting position in its deformation position, and a drive device is associated with the at least one collapsing section. The collapsing section can be moved abruptly into an absorption position when the drive device is activated.

Abstract: There is disclosed a mobile unit operative for securely storing and placing markers onto a surface, comprising a bed coupled to a portion of the mobile unit comprising a planar surface for storing the markers; a well area coupled to a rear portion of the bed and having an at least one well structure coupled to the first planar surface, the well structure having a bottom and side walls for housing a person for placing or retrieving said markers on the surface, wherein the at least one well structure and the first planar surface are positionally aligned to permit retrieval/storage of a marker from the first planar surface for placement/retrieval on the surface via said person located within the well.

Abstract: bumper arrangement for a motor vehicle includes a bumper mounted in such a way that it can be moved between a rest position and an operating position. A spring acts on the bumper and is prestressed in the rest position. A locking device holds the bumper in the rest and/or operating position. A control unit actuates the locking device as a function of signals from an accident detection sensor system. When the locking device is unlocked, the spring moves the bumper abruptly into the operating position in which the bumper absorbs impact loads resulting from relative velocities up to a predetermined limit in a substantially elastic manner.

Abstract: A horizontal impact member for use with a rear impact guard on a semi-trailer truck is disclosed. The horizontal impact member is connected to a standard rear impact guard by a hinge. This design is for use with a liftgate that is mounted to the rear of the semi-trailer truck. As the liftgate travels in a downwardly vertical direction it contacts the horizontal member which rotates along its hinge point. The addition of a roller to the horizontal member reduces the amount of wear upon the horizontal member and the liftgate.

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

Abstract: A stiffener assembly for a bumper system of a motor vehicle includes a stiffener operatively connected to the bumper system and movable between an up position and a down position based on a speed of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A mountable underride protector for absorbing energy generated by a collision between vehicles, through deformation, includes a crushable link, a horizontal barrier member depending therefrom, or both. The horizontal barrier member and crushable link are positioned beneath and depending from the underdeck of a trailer or semi-trailer. Placement of the device beneath the underdeck is dependent upon and will vary with the particular design of the trailer or semi-trailer and may be accomplished through the use of both permanent and detachable mounting techniques.

Abstract: A crash bar assembly for a vehicle having an auxiliary equipment carrying mode with, for example, a forklift extending beyond its rearmost portion. The impact absorbing bar forming part of the assembly is movable outwardly to adjacent the rearmost end of the forklift on bars in sockets. A forklift may have a crash bar assembly mounted on itself.

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

Abstract: A motor vehicle bumper energy absorber including an outer tube on a body of the motor vehicle, an inner tube and a bumper bar supported on the outer tube for linear translation between a retracted position and an extended position, an actuator for translating the inner tube and bumper bar, and a resistance medium for converting into work a fraction of the kinetic energy of an impact on the bumper bar. The actuator includes a shuttle on the inner tube, an actuator rod connected to the shuttle, and a plurality of spheres in wedge-shaped grooves in the inner tube. The actuator rod pushes the shuttle against the inner tube to translate the bumper bar from its retracted to its extended position. An impact on the bumper bar in its extended position causes the spheres to wedge against the outer tube.

Abstract: An elongated, tubular shaped plastic case housing (13A) with an attached opening door (13) and its mounting (16) retains an elongated impact absorbing pad (1) and its inner retracting cord mechanism (4). Pad (1) when placed on vehicle works as a barrier between a vehicle door being struck and the other striking. Magnets (3) inside pad (1) attracts pad to vehicle panels.

Abstract: A motor vehicle has a rigid vehicle body structure with a compartment for passengers and payload. The vehicle body structure has a front, a back, and sides. An exterior skin is connected to the vehicle body structure and includes a plurality of aerial exterior skin portions. At least one impact protection unit is connected to the vehicle body structure and one of the aerial exterior skin portions for moving the one exterior skin portion from a retracted position at the vehicle body structure into an extended position in which a base surface area defined by the outer contour of the motor vehicle is enlarged. The impact protection unit upon impact reduces a deceleration of the compartment due to a movement of the impact protection unit toward the vehicle body structure.

Abstract: A pivoting tail light bar system is attached beneath the rear of the deck of a movable-deck trailer and includes a tail light bar which pivots upwards as it contacts the ground during tilting of the trailer deck. The tail light bar automatically returns from its upper position to a normal trailering position as the deck is returned from the tilted to a horizontal transport position. The pivoting tail light bar is attached to a pair of shock absorbing support arms which absorb impacts directed at the tail light bar from the rear of the trailer. In an alternative embodiment, tail lights are conventionally placed on the rear of the trailer deck and a pivoting bumper system is provided which pivots upwards to cover and protect the lights when the deck is placed in the tilted position.

Abstract: A new spring step for the rear ends of vehicles for facilitating access to the back ends of high vehicles, such as trucks and utility vehicles. The spring step includes a step member having a horizontal upper surface. A pair of semi-rigid members, preferably coil springs, are attached to the step member and extend vertically upward from the upper surface. The ends of the semi-rigid members are removably attached to a channel member which is used to secure the step member and semi-rigid members to a support structure, such as a rear bumper, of the vehicle. The semi-rigid members are stiff enough to permit an individual to stand on the step member without significant deflection of the semi-rigid members, so that the step functions similarly to conventional steps on the rear ends of vehicles. However, if the step encounters an obstacle or obstruction while the vehicle is backing up, the semi-rigid members resiliently flex so that the step member deflects. Thus, little or no damage is done to the step.

Abstract: The bumper mountable camper stand includes a pair of base members each having first and second feet extending longitudinally opposite, and having a pillar extending perpendicularly therefrom, a lateral cross member and having a pair of tubes extending perpendicularly therefrom, first mounting apparatus for releasable mounting the first feet in sliding engagement to a mounting member on a frame of a vehicle, second mounting apparatus for releasable mounting the tubes in sliding engagement to the second feet, and third mounting apparatus for releasable mounting the tubes in sliding engagement to the pillars.

Abstract: A crash attenuator adapted to be mounted on a vehicle to attenuate some of the energy of an impact, the crash attenuator includes a frame adapted to be mounted on a vehicle; a slider mounted on the frame to slide in response relative to the frame toward the vehicle in response to an impact; a collapsible, energy-absorbing member positioned between the slider and the frame to absorb energy as the slider telescopes relative to the frame; and a crushable, energy-absorbing crash cushion on the outboard side of the slider.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle with a vehicle body surrounding a storage area and a storage surface has a bumper with a concealable step side and a fascia side. The bumper is mounted to the vehicle for movement between a fascia position and a step position. In the fascia position, the fascia side is substantially vertical and rearwardly facing, and the step side is substantially concealed from view with respect to the vehicle body. In the step position, the step side is presented substantially horizontal and vertically below the storage area surface to permit step access to the storage surface. The bumper is releasably latched to the vehicle when in the fascia position.

Abstract: A movable bumper used on a load carrying vehicle such as an eighteen wheeler truck-trailer. The three bumpers sections are connected together with the upper section having a one-way hinged connection and biasing springs with pulley/cable connectors. When the bumper's lower section is struck by an obstruction with sufficient impact, that section and a connected vertical support section pivot upwardly and outwardly out of the way on the hinged connection against the biasing action of the upper section's springs and connected pulleys/cables. After the obstruction is removed, the bumpers two lower sections return to their normally vertical disposed positions. Support struts with internal springs may be used as additional bumper support and protection between the bumper and the vehicle's or trailer's undercarriage.

Abstract: A truck bed lift system is provided that includes elements for positioning a truck bed at a predetermined height and angle. The system has means for sliding the truck bed relative to the truck frame, means for lifting the truck bed, and means for tilting the truck bed about a pivot point. In addition, elements are provided for retracting a bumper guard so that it does not impede a downward tilting movement of the truck bed. Methods are also provided for transferring an object between a loading platform and the truck bed when the truck frame and the loading platform are noncoplanar.

Abstract: An auxiliary protection device is attached to the rear of a semitrailer wh resists the tendency of passenger vehicles to go under a trailer upon impact in order to provide an increased measure of safety. In addition, the device to will absorb energy incrementally so as to minimize vehicle damage at low speeds but have sufficient energy absorption to safely prevent incursion at moderate speeds. The device can be moved to a retracted position to allow the trailer to back up a ramp or into a plane with the protection device retracted so as to avoid injury to the ramp.

Abstract: A drop down bumper suitable for attachment to a frame of a transportable container or to a truck. The drop down bumper is equipped with loading rollers and is movable between a folded position and an extended position. When the drop down bumper is in the extended position it serves as a conventional rear bumper to help prevent cars and other small vehicles from riding under the rear of the truck, or container loaded on a truck. When the drop down bumper is in the folded position it allows access to the rear portions of the truck, and provides rolling support for the transportable container when the transportable container is being loaded and unloaded. The drop down bumper comprises an impact protection bar, attached loading rollers, and a foldable linkage connecting the impact protection bar with the frame.

Abstract: The protective fence of the invention comprises a first and a second arms that are pivoted at the opposite ends of a frame member that is placed in lieu of the bumper of a school bus. When children are entering or exiting the school bus, the bus driver can activate the arms that alternately pivot into an outwardly-projecting extended position. The arms are linked at their outer ends by a foldable band that is stretched between the two arms. The area directly in front of the school bus hood is circumscribed by the arms and the foldable band, and is thus not readily accessible by any of the children. Consequently, it is much less likely that a child will stand in this area in front of the school bus hood when the bus driver drives off, and disastrous accidents can be avoided.