Abstract: A bumper assembly for mounting on a vehicle and movable between at least a first lower position suitable for highway driving and a second elevated position for off road operations is provided and includes a bumper rotatably mounted to the frame of a vehicle.A piston located on the vehicle moves the bumper between the first lower position suitable for highway driving and the second elevated position for off road operations. An actuator activates the piston for moving the bumper and controls are provided for activating the actuator.

Abstract: A protective assembly and method for use in combination with a vehicle body to protect the side and door panels of the vehicle body comprises an elongated guard movable between a retracted position in which it underlies the vehicle body and an extended position in which it overlies the side of said vehicle body, a bi-directional electric motor for rotatingly driving the guard between its retracted and extended positions, a pair of linkage assemblies pivotally securing the guard within the wheel wells of the vehicle body wherein one of the linkage assemblies is secured to a drive shaft of the motor to define an intermediary through which the motion of the drive shaft is transferred to the guard, an electrical energy source, and wireless control units allowing for the remote activation of the protective assembly.

Abstract: A nesting passenger vehicle designed to improve access to subways and commuter trains by virtue of its reduced parking area requirements. A short cabin and a V shaped frame permit the vehicle to nest or horizontally stack into other vehicles of the same shape in a manner that requires a small amount of parking space per vehicle. The present invention provides a significant parking density advantage compared to conventional, privately owned automobiles.

Abstract: A car catcher is pivotally mounted to an elevated frame structure of a roll-off hoist at an end which protrudes rearwardly from a vehicle beyond the rear wheels thereof. Chains establish a downwardly pivoted operative position of the car catcher by interconnecting the frame with the hoist. A pivotal latch lever moved by the same actuator used to raise the catcher from an operative to an inoperative position is positioned to a confronting relation with a jam lock to prevent unwanted lifting of the catcher from the operative position. The actuator moves the pivotal latch lever free and clear of the jam lock against the stop to allow, under control by an operator, pivotal movement of the car catcher to an inoperative position as desired during loading and off-loading operations by the hoist.

Abstract: The shock-absorbing safety device has lateral protection elements which extend along the sides of a truck. Actuation devices move the lateral protection elements transversely with respect to the truck between a loading position, in which the lateral protection elements are adjacent to the sides of the truck, and a transport position in which the lateral protection elements are spaced therefrom. End protection elements provide, in the transport position, substantial continuity with the lateral protection elements, and control devices detect any collisions transmitted by the lateral protection elements and the end protection elements.

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.

Abstract: This invention discloses an improved body protection device for a vehicle. The body protection device mounts between the front and rear fender wells by the attachment of a flexible attachment to the fender lip in each well. A "L" shaped linkage attaches to each flexible attachment with a pivotal spring retainer attached between the "L" shaped linkage and the flexible attachment linkage. Curved linkage attaches the "L" shaped linkage to a body protection bar which extends between the front and rear attached curved linkage. A stop is mounted on the "L" shaped linkage to limit the movement of the body protection bar against the side of the vehicle when in place. Various adjustments are incorporated to provide means to accommodate various vehicle dimensions.

Abstract: Intermodal transport of the removably attached combination of an underlying drayable chassis with an immediately overlying cargo-carrying container having a forward-end and a rearward-end. In conventional fashion, the container adjacent its forward-end is removably attached to a frontal portion of the drayable chassis. Departing from the prior art, the cargo-carrying container, at a prescribed rearward-length separation from its rearward-end, is removably attached to a single set of transversely aligned plural chassis rear-lock stations. Thus, the container rearward-length extends unconventionally cantileverly rearwardly from and might overlie the container's rearmost attachment station to the underlying drayable chassis.

Abstract: A cover which covers the top and glassed area of a vehicle and includes hard, impact resistant panels to cover windows of the vehicle against breakage. The cover may be associated with bars which are stowed beneath the doors of the vehicle and which are movable upwardly to a position outwardly of the sides of the vehicle. When in the upper position, the bars protect the sides of the vehicle and prevent the doors from being opened. Controlling the bars are cables which are motor driven. Brackets extend outwardly from the cables to mount the bars. A locking latch may also ride within slits in the door and door jam to prevent the door of the vehicle from being opened when the system is in the operative position. With the protection bars in the up position, the cover may be attached thereto.

Abstract: A removable apparatus for preventing abrasions, dents, and dings to the external surface of vehicle doors is provided. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, composite layered padding is provided which is configured to be releasably received by a external surface of a vehicle door and disposed longitudinally thereof. A plurality of magnetic strips is contained within the padding, or a clamp or elastic strap is fixedly attached to the padding for sustaining the disposition thereof relative to the vehicle door. A cable fixedly attached on one end thereof to the padding is releasably attached at its other remote end to a top portion of a vehicle window for preventing the forcible removal of the padding therefrom. Substantially all potential abrasions, dents and dings to the exterior of a vehicle door are thwarted by impacts being absorbed by the padding.

Abstract: A method for providing an extension to the frame of a heavy-duty, off-road vehicle such that the frame is accessible from the posterior area of the vehicle for pushing or pulling. By providing such an extension, the vehicle may pull or be pushed, pulled or bumped without risking damage to the body of the vehicle which typically overhangs the most rearward portion of the frame. In order to allow for rotation of the body to dump loads, the extension is operably coupled to the body and frame such that it is automatically rotated to an out-of-the-way position during the dumping of a load.

Abstract: An automatic brake actuation system for use on a vehicle having an existing braking system is disclosed as including an elongate detector mounted to the vehicle and being controllably extendable from the vehicle to contact objects being approached by the vehicle when at predetermined distances therefrom. A compression sensor is included to sense contact between the elongate detector and an object. Provision is also made to sense vehicle speed, vehicle-object closing speed, and detector position and to extend and retract the detector and actuate the vehicle braking system in response thereto.

Abstract: A shock-absorbing bumper system for an automotive vehicle includes a conduit subsystem for conducting hydraulic fluid therein, a supply subsystem for supplying hydraulic fluid, a pressure-balancing subsystem for regulating the pressure of hydraulic fluid, front and rear bumper subsystems for respectively extending and retracting front and rear bumpers and for absorbing shock, a switching subsystem for directing hydraulic fluid, and a feedback subsystem for absorbing shock.

Abstract: A crash attenuator (10) includes a plurality of layers (22) of fibrous cellular material. Each of the layers is comprised of a plurality of hexagonal elongate cells fabricated of a fibrous cellulose material that has a longitudinal axis that is disposed horizontal to the ground such that the edge of the cell is directed toward the impacting vehicle. A flat sheet of fibrous material (24) is disposed between each of the layers to provide an energy dispersing surface. A rear impact plate (18) is disposed on the impacting end of the crash attenuator (10) and is fabricated from a soft metal. A front mounting plate (20) is disposed on the opposite end thereof and the two secured by tension cables (42). The exterior of the layers (22) is covered by sheets (26) and (46). Thereafter, a layer of moisture proof material (78) is disposed over the surface of the crash attenuator (10) to prevent moisture from entering the interior.

Abstract: In order to prevent a car being run over or run onto by a commercial vehicle with which it collides, an anti-crash system is proposed for commercial vehicles which on the one hand absorbs kinetic energy and on the other hand is able to deflect a colliding car. For this purpose, beneath the conventional bumper, there is provided a spoiler which is either rigidly connected with the commercial vehicle, is curved forwards in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle or is formed by a plurality of components which are able to be moved out forards by a measuring and range finding sensor and a suitable operating system. The components are then so aligned that they are able to deflect the colliding car.

Abstract: An impact-absorption mechanism installable on an automotive vehicle to minimize damage to vehicles involved in street accidents. At the onset of an accident a pressurized gas is introduced into one or more air bags to automatically inflate the bags and move them outwardly from the vehicle body. The inflated bags are impacted by the other vehicle, such that some of the collision force is dissipated without causing damage to the vehicles.

Abstract: A retractable bumper is mounted to the rear of a cotton module transport. The bumper is attached to elongated shafts which are pivoted in tubes. The tubes are mounted upon a bracket which is hinged below the bed of the transport. Before the bed is tilted to a lower position, the bumper is telescoped forward in the tubes and the tubes tilted so that the bumper is moved against the bottom of the bed.

Abstract: Door mounted extendable protectors for protection against damage from bumping by an opening door of another vehicle parked closely adjacent in side by side relation. Resilient bumper elements are mounted outside each car door extended substantially the front to back length of the door. The door extending mechanism is connected via bumper element mounting rods that extend from connection to the extending mechanism out through the outer sheet metal skin of the door to connection with the bumper element. In one embodiment the door bumper extending mechanism is also a retracting mechanism while in another embodiment the bumper element must be manually returned to the retracted state flush against the door when the extending mechanism is not activated.

Abstract: A bumper assembly, for use with a tailgate assembly on a motor vehicle frame, comprising: a bumper bar carrying a pair of laterally projecting, spaced arms, one end of each of the arms being fixed to the bar and the other end being pivotally mounted on the frame of the vehicle; and rigid links connected at one end with the bar and adapted to be connected at the other end with the tailgate assembly, whereby upon lowering the tailgate the bar swings out of the path of the tailgate into a position suspended beneath the frame.

Abstract: A car catcher apparatus is provided which is pivotally mounted to an elevated chassis, a flatbed, or other related structure which protrudes rearwardly beyond the rear wheels of a vehicle such as, for example, a truck. The car catcher includes a frame-like structure which is positioned by an actuator to a raised inoperative position and a lowered operative position. In the lowered operative position, the car catcher is in position to receive impact from automobiles, or the like, during collisions therewith. The car catcher apparatus has particular use with rearwardly-protruding truck structure which is periodically intended to be pivotally lowered to a position at or near ground level. When in the raised inoperative position, the car catcher permits complete and unrestricted downward pivoting of such structure. Furthermore, when positioned the raised inoperative position, the car catcher apparatus permits ready access to the rear wheels, axles, suspension, etc.

Abstract: A truck of the cab-over-engine type is disclosed herein and includes a cab mounted over the truck engine and many of the engine's cooperating components for pivotal movement between an upstanding, operating position and a titled, maintenance position. The truck also includes a frontal nose hood mounted to and in front of the cab for its own pivotal movement between a closed, generally vertical operating position and a tilted, open position for gaining access to certain ones of the components cooperating with the engine. A front bumper assembly is provided in front of the nose hood and includes a first bumper arrangement connected for pivotal movement with and forming part of the frontal nose hood and a second bumper arrangement maintained in a fixed position and unconnected with the first bumper arrangement, whereby when the frontal nose hood and first bumper arrangement are pivoted to an open position, the second bumper arrangement remains in a fixed position.

Abstract: An air-dam skirt is suspended from a car body (4) in a floating state by resilient members (3), and guide members (5) and regulating members (6) projecting vertically from the car body (4) or the air-dam skirt (1) into mutual sliding meshing contact with one another to move vertically in a predetermined orbit. Inverse lifting plates (15) or bottom inverse lifting plates (16) reliably lower the air-dam skirt (1) in front of the front wheels when it is necessary to prevent lifting. The base of each guide member (5) or regulating member (6) is fitted movably and is fixed by a shock absorbing member (17) so as to protect the air-dam skirt (1) against breakage.

Abstract: A hood bumper protector is provided and consists of a bumper member which can be raised to an operative position by a hydraulic mechanism activated by the brake pedal to protect the hood and windshield of the motor vehicle from damage caused by a collision into another object such as a trailer truck.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle safety device wherein the device is pivotally mounted along the lower edge of the vehicle body such that the device may be stored beneath the body when the vehicle is moving and lowered through a pivoting action to block the space between the vehicle body and the ground and in being lowered tends to engage and sweep any object in its path from beneath the vehicle and outwardly of the vehicle wheels.

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.

Abstract: A guard for a school bus which consists of a sheet of flexible material which can be extended into an open planar state and which can be reduced into a compact folded state. A connector is connected to one edge of the sheet and is pivotally connected to a fixed portion of the school bus for movement between a first position in which it is effective to extend the sheet of flexible material and to a second position in which it is effective to cause the sheet of flexible material to be reduced to a its compact state. A selectively actuated driving mechanism moves the connector selectively between to the first and second positions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a spoiler for the air which flows below a moving motor vehicle. The spoiler is rotatably supported by an element rigid with the vehicle body by way of an elastic device, and is characterized by being further connected to the element by way of a vibration damping device.

Abstract: A protective device for a motor vehicle comprises an elongate guard member having a longitudinal axis oriented substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. The guard member is variable in length between a contracted position and an extended position. A pivot assembly operatively connects the guard member to the underside of the vehicle so that the guard member can be moved between a lower position and an upper position along the side of the vehicle. As the guard member is raised to its upper position, the pivot assembly acts on the guard member to extend its length to its extended position, while lowering the guard member causes the pivot assembly to contract the guard member to its contracted position. The pivot assembly includes front and rear "L"-shaped pivot members each having a first arm rotatably mounted in a tube attached to the underside of the vehicle, and a second arm pivotably connected to a telescoping, sliding portion of the guard member.

Abstract: A retractable safety bumper and air brake actuator is provided in which a bumper is carried at the rear of a trailer such that as the bumper is engaged by an obstruction at the rear of the trailer, the bumper drives a piston to which it is attached into a sleeve, activating a switch and solenoid which release air from the trailer emergency air tank, through the trailer triple valve and into the brake pots of the trailer, thereby immediately locking the trailer brakes without affecting the tractor brakes.

Abstract: This invention is an automotive vehicle, including front and rear bumpers, each of which is mounted on a lift pivoted on a chassis frame, so as to be raised or lowered, and includes hydraulic or mechanical members to pivot the lift, and a latch mechanism to secure the bumper in the selected position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preparing a moving vehicle for impending impact with another vehicle or object which incorporates the extending of the air bag to fill in the space between an extendible bumper. A detection apparatus senses a dangerous speed of the vehicle or an approaching object in the path of the vehicle and extends the bumper forwardly or rearwardly from the body of the vehicle while at the same time filling the space between the body and bumper with an inflated air bag. Should the impact not take place, or the dangers facing the vehicle have decreased, the apparatus retracts to its initial inoperative condition. One form incorporates a first filled bag which is filled at all times, and then a second bag which is inflated when the bumper is extended.

Abstract: A two-position bumper for off the road vehicles is movable from a first position adjacent the vehicle frame to provide maximum ground clearance for cross country travel, to a second position deployed rearward and downward from the vehicle frame to serve as a conventional bumper to meet other vehicle bumpers at a proper level and to provide a trailer hitch at a suitable level for towing trailers. The two-position bumper comprises a cam plate affixed to the vehicle frame having a longitudinal slot formed therein and a pivoting longitudinal member having a front end, and a rear end with a cam follower pin laterally projecting from the front end to slidingly and pivotally engage the cam slot to support the front end of the longitudinal member. A rear pivot support is attached to the vehicle frame a distance rearward from the cam plate. An intermediate support arm is pivotally supported at an upper end by the rear pivot support and pivotally attached at a lower end to the pivoting longitudinal member.

Abstract: This invention is a method and apparatus for detecting the impending impact of a moving vehicle with another object whether the moving vehicle is approaching, or being approached by the vehicle containing the apparatus for such detection. It is further characterized by the placement of impact air bags between the body and the forward or rearward bumper of the vehicle and by an apparatus and method for partially filling such air bags so as to prepare such vehicle for impact with another object or vehicle. The actual impact between the vehicle and said other object further rapidly fills the air bag to its fullest capacity in order to allow the minimal damage to the two vehicles and the passengers therewithin.

Abstract: This invention discloses means to protect automobile sides and door panels from scratches, bumps and similar damage, particularly the door panels or sections, by means of an Electric Body Trim Guard, which comprises an extendable trim guard mounted on door panels, and retracting the extended trim by means of electrically activated solenoids.

Abstract: An improved car carrier of the type including a service vehicle having front and rear wheels, a frame, axle springs, and a displaceable platform is disclosed having structure for pivoting and sliding the displaceable platform along a specified path, and a support foot assembly capable of supporting the load on the displaceable platform during a predetermined interval, when the displaceable platform is displaced from a transport position to a load position. The displaceable platform is itself of angled configuration for ramping of a first car to be carried and for aft attachment and clearance of a second car to be towed.

Abstract: A retractable automobile sideguard device includes first and second telescoping assemblies which are extendable from first and second tubular housings attached to the bottom of an automobile. Each telescoping assembly includes a first member which, when fully extended from the tubular housing, pivots and is locked into an upright position and a second member which, when fully extended from the first member, pivots to a horizontal position and engages a like member from the other telescoping mechanism, thereby forming a side rail that prevents damage to the finish of door panels and side panels of the automobile due to careless opening of doors of other cars that are too closely parked to the protected automobile.

Abstract: The invention comprises an improved movable truck bumper that can be raised and lowered vertically from inside the cab of the truck to which the bumper is attached. The bumper includes an electrical control inside the cab to raise and lower the bumper and to signal the bumper height to the operator. The operator can thereby ascertain the height of the bumper without exiting the cab or viewing the bumper with mirrors. In the preferred embodiment, lights identifying the correct bumper heights for various automobile models or body styles are mounted in a control box with the height control adjacent the operator.The mechanical portion of the bumper comprises a vertical support frame attached to the vehicle frame in place of the standard bumper and a vertically movable lift frame nested onto the support frame. A vertically mounted hydraulic cylinder is substantially nested within the support and lift frames providing an exceptionally compact structure that can be mounted very close to the front of the vehicle.

Abstract: Bumper structure for a vehicle having a load carrier member which is angularly movable from a horizontal position to an inclined position. The bumper structure is pivotally attached to the frame of the vehicle and to the load carrier member. The bumper structure is in an active obstructive condition when the load carrier member is horizontal and is in an inactive, retracted, unobstructive condition when the load carrier member is angularly inclined.

Abstract: An air deflector for vehicles to reduce wind resistance while moving. Two flat panels are provided hinged to upright posts, preferably mounted on the bumper of a vehicle. The panels are collapsable or retractable. In one position they are swung outwardly into a v-shaped configuration with the apex at the front. In retracted position they are folded back in a position parallel to each other adapted for parking or storage. Guide means are provided on the back side of the panels to facilitate their being deployed outwardly. The outer edges of the panels are mounted on rotatable posts having sprockets on them and a sprocket chain mechanism is provided with connections to the interior of the automobile so that the panels can be deployed outwardly or retracted from within the vehicle.

Abstract: This invention relates to a luggage carrier for an automobile which has a rear bumper projecting rearwardly therefrom which comprises a pair of support brackets adapted to be mounted on said bumper; and a platform pivotably mounted on said brackets for movement between an upright storage configuration and a horizontal load support configuration, said platform having a first pair of transverse supports extending transversely thereof one on either side of the center of the length of the platform and at least one detachable longitudinal rail extending longitudinally between and detachably connected to said first pair of transverse supports so as to be removable to provide a viewing aperture in said platform proportioned to expose the licence plates of the automobile to view when the platform is in the upright configuration.

Abstract: A bumper apparatus is disclosed herein which includes a bumper mounted to a vehicle frame to be pivotable about a horizontal axis transverse of the vehicle and to have a first, up position and a second, down position. Means are provided for locking the bumper in the up position and which include a locking member pivotably attached to the bumper and pivotable about a vertical axis when the bumper is in the up position. Upon pivoting of the locking member it engages the vehicle frame and holds the bumper up. An arm member is also attached to the locking member to provide for operation of the locking means. A pair of such locking members are included, one on each side of the vehicle. A spare tire is mountable within a tire rack located immediately forward of the bumper, and other equipment may also be similarly located and held therein secure from unauthorized access while being easily accessed by the user of the vehicle.

Abstract: A protector for a differential gear casing of a vehicle including a pair of suspension cylinders for the differential gear casing, the protector being pivotally mounted at its upper end to a frame of the vehicle in such a way that it is pivotable about a horizontal axis at right angles with the advancing direction of the vehicle, the protector having mounted thereon a cushion pad which is urged to contact with the differential gear casing by a pair of springs provided between the lower end of the protector and the differential gear casing.

Abstract: A hydraulically operated tailgate associated with a low bed, semi-trailer vehicle has a pivoted extension that is displaceable between an extended position coplanar with the ramp surface of the tailgate and a bumper position transverse to and underlying the ramp surface. A hydraulic actuating mechanism displacing the extension to the bumper position, simultaneously locks the tailgate mechanically to the frame of the semi-trailer vehicle.

Abstract: A reversible push block-rear bumper assembly for attachment to a motor vehicle is provided in which a support unit having a forwardly inclined downwardly extending surface is secured to the underside of a vehicle in close proximity to the rear end of the vehicle. A block unit having an upper incline surface which can be mated with the forwardly incline downwardly extending surface of the support unit is also provided, such surfaces being adapted so that when the block unit and support unit are secured together, the block unit will either extend downwardly from the support unit in a plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal plane of the vehicle and thus function as a bumper or, upon rotating the block unit 180.degree. into a reverse position, the block unit will extend outwardly from the rear end portion of the vehicle for use as a push block. An extension unit for modifying the length as well, as the angular relationship of the block unit to the support means, is also provided.

Abstract: A device for protecting a coating on door of automobile wherein an operating mechanism provided on a base plate at reverse surface side of a door of automobile is operated by shifting a rod contacting a body of the automobile simultaneous with start of opening operation of the door, and a protector is operated by interlocking with the operating mechanism, and a protector guarding the surface of the coating of outer edge portion of the opening door is caused to project and to turn around the surface side of the edge portion of the opening door thereby protecting the coating on the edge portion of the opening door from the impact or contact with the adjacent parked car or tree or wall or fence and the like, and the protector turns around the reverse surface side of the door by interlocking with the door closing operation and is accommodated inside of the door, so that the protector is not visible from the outside of the automobile which makes this specially equipped automobile look like ordinary automobile.

Abstract: A guard strip disposed on each lateral side of a vehicle for protecting doors, fenders, or the like which is moveably extendable from a first position, in which the strip has the aesthetic appearance of a conventional, decorative (usually chrome) strip found on a vehicle, to a second position away from the lateral surface of the vehicle extending outwardly to establish a spaced guard strip whenever the vehicle is parked.

Abstract: A simplified sturdy and economical side guard or protector for automobiles is manually operated and requires no power assistance. The support frame of the protector is slidable in simple guide brackets secured to the bottom of the vehicle. When extended for use, the active portion of the protector is swung to an upright position where it can protect the most vulnerable areas of the automobile body against denting and scratching commonly caused by the swinging doors of other vehicles. The protector can also support letters or ornamental characters in a provided trackway. Rubber bumpers on the protector engage adjacent side portions of the vehicle.

Abstract: An electrically powered vehicle achieves maximum structural strength with minimum weight by utilizing a combined body and chassis formed entirely of plastic material, molded and bonded into an integral composite structure which includes a central, hollow longitudinal beam, top, bottom, and side panels of the vehicle body portion, and a power unit supporting chamber at the forward end closing the forward end of the beam and tying it to the side panels. The beam holds the batteries, and the chamber contains all of the components of the power unit including the controlling device. The structure is thus as rigid and light as possible, in addition to eliminating any possibility of any unwanted grounding or electrical paths. The only metal in the vehicle is that of the additional components such as road wheels, suspension members, steering, and power unit and the fasteners and brackets used to retain them in mounted position.

Abstract: An anti-nose-dive safety system, for a vehicle having a chassis and a pair of front and axle assemblies, includes a bumper assembly having a frame pivotably mounted on the chassis adjacent to the front end thereof, and a retractable bumper slidably mounted on the frame for movement between a normal, extended position and a retracted position, and a front end suspension assembly including an air piston arrestor pivotably coupled between each of the front end axle assemblies and the bumper assembly frame. Apparatus are coupled to the bumper assembly and chassis for raising the front end of the chassis in response to movement of the bumper from its normal position to its retracted position and apparatus are provided for arresting the air piston arrestors in a relatively rigid non-compressible state also in response to the retraction of the bumper. The safety system is especially suitable for compact cars.

Abstract: A storage box bumper assembly comprising floor, rear wall, front wall and top portions forming a vehicle bumper having a chamber therein, the top portion being hingedly mounted for opening and closing the chamber, and two frame members connected to the bumper and extending outwardly therefrom, the frame members being adapted for attachment to a frame portion of the vehicle.