Abstract: An attenuation system is connected to a structural portion and includes a first portion, a second portion, and an actuator. The actuator is configured to move the attenuation system between a retracted position and an extended position. The first portion is moved outward relative to the second portion during movement of the attenuation system from the retracted position to the extended position.

Abstract: A deployable step capable of being secured about an exterior portion of a vehicle hitch frame. On the underside portion of the hitch frame is a step capable of being slid beneath the hitch frame when not in use. During a towing event, the deployable step is able to remain secured to the hitch frame without being removed.

Abstract: Lockable storage container systems, such as container systems for food storage or storage of other items, that feature a biometric locking system to help prevent unwanted opening of the container. The systems herein comprise a storage housing and a removable lid, wherein a locking mechanism is controlled by the biometric locking system such that the lid is locked on the housing unless deactivated by the biometric locking system.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a vehicle body having a front and a rear. A vehicle rear bumper assembly is located at the rear of the vehicle body. The vehicle rear bumper assembly includes a bumper beam reinforcement member having an upper part, a lower part and a rearward most part extending between the upper part and the lower part. A bumper cover extends over the upper part. A mechanical extending component is located in the bumper reinforcement member. The mechanical extending component has a retracted configuration located below the bumper cover and an extended configuration where the mechanical extending component penetrates through the bumper cover in response to a low-energy impact to the rearward most part of the bumper beam reinforcement member.

Abstract: A protector that replaceably attaches to, and protects without obscuring, one of a front bumper cover of a vehicle and a rear bumper cover of the vehicle. The front bumper cover of the vehicle has a top and a pair of sides. The rear bumper cover of the vehicle has a top and a pair of sides. The vehicle has a grille, a pair of front wheel wells, a trunk, and a pair of rear wheel wells. The protector includes a body and an attaching apparatus. The body overlies, and protects without obscuring, the one of the front bumper cover of the vehicle and the rear bumper cover of the vehicle. The attaching apparatus is disposed on the body, and replaceably attaches the body to the one of the front bumper cover of the vehicle and the rear bumper cover of the vehicle.

Abstract: A trailer-mounted crash impact attenuator is attachable to a host vehicle, which comprises an anti-rotational attachment system having an internal support tube and a plurality of external support tubes. The internal support tube has a connector on a front end thereof for attachment to a suitable receptacle on the host vehicle, and the plurality of external support tubes each have an anti-rotation support pad on a front end thereof. At least one of the internal support tube and the plurality of external support tubes is comprised of a telescoping construction. A backup frame is disposed on a rear end of the attachment system, and a crash attenuator unit is disposed on an axle and pair of wheels for mobility. When the crash attenuator is impacted by an errant vehicle, the anti-rotational attachment system is actuated to prevent the trailer mounted crash impact attenuator from rotating relative to the host vehicle.

Abstract: An approach is provided to preserve spacing around a vehicle so as to enable movement of the vehicle from a stationary position, and to accommodate one or more lifestyle accessories that may be associated with the vehicle. The approach involves protecting the vehicle from one or more other vehicles or obstructions positioned, or moved into position, near the vehicle by deploying at least a portion of one or more load bearing members supported by a mounting member attached to the vehicle to a predetermined position within a range that includes a fully refracted position and a fully extended position. The approach also involves deploying the one or more load bearing members to a predetermined position and attaching one or more support members associated with the one or more lifestyle accessories to at least one of the one or more load bearing members.

Abstract: A deployable pedestrian protection lower leg stiffen apparatus includes a left and a right linear actuator mountable adjacent to respective left and right forward frame members of a vehicle and a lower leg stiffener attached to and movable by the actuators. The actuators are extendable along respective deployment axes extending forward and downward relative to the vehicle to move the stiffener between a retracted position rearward of a forward surface of a front bumper beam and above a ground clearance plane and a deployed position forward of the retracted position and below the ground clearance plane. The actuators have rotational joints defining a horizontal pivot axis about which at least the forward portions of the piston may rotate upward along with the stiffener to prevent damage to the system if it strikes a road obstacle.

Abstract: Provided is a front structure of a vehicle wherein damage on auxiliary equipment by a millimeter-wave radar is limited at the time of collision, and cooling efficiency for auxiliary equipment using traveling wind is not reduced. A front structure of a vehicle comprises a front right side radar for detecting an obstacle on the front right side of a vehicle by transmitting/receiving a radio wave, a front left side radar for detecting an obstacle on the front left side of a vehicle by transmitting/receiving a radio wave, a bumper reinforcement, right and left crush boxes, and a condenser cooled by traveling wind, wherein the front right side radar is disposed on the outboard side of the right end of the condenser, and the front left side radar is disposed on the outboard side of the left end of the condenser.

Abstract: A machine with a chassis and a push-roller assembly connected to the chassis. The push-roller assembly engages a vehicle, has a support frame with rollers, and support arms with a chassis end connected to the support frame and a linkage end connected to the chassis. The support frame moves relative to the chassis when the support arm pivots with respect to the chassis and the support frame. The machine includes an actuator controller associated with an actuator in the push-roller assembly. The actuator is connected to the support arm, causing the support arm to pivot with respect to the chassis and support frame, displacing the support frame relative to the chassis.

Abstract: A structural part for a motor vehicle includes an inner component having a generally rectangular cross section and configured in the form of a multichamber hollow section made of light metal, and an outer component having a generally rectangular cross section. The inner and outer components are movable in a telescoping manner relative to one another between an idle state and an activated state. A first locking mechanism is provided to lock the idle state and a second locking mechanism is provided to lock the activated state. The movement of the inner and outer components from the idle state to the activated state is hereby realized by an actuator.

Abstract: A vehicle bumper guard and monitoring assembly is provided for protecting the bumper area of a vehicle, monitoring the surrounding area, and providing an alert upon detection of contact with the bumper guard. The assembly includes a sheet having opposed ends. The sheet is configured for conforming to a bumper of a vehicle. A plurality of hooks is coupled to and extends from the sheet. Each hook is configured for securing to the vehicle whereby the sheet is positioned over the bumper of the vehicle. A plurality of sensors is coupled to the sheet. Each sensor is configured to detect contact or imminent contact between an object and the bumper of the vehicle. A transmitter is operationally coupled to the sensors to transmit an alert signal when contact is detected between the object and the bumper of the vehicle.

Abstract: Externally deployed airbag system for a vehicle including one or more inflatable airbags deployable outside of the vehicle, an anticipatory sensor system for assessing the probable severity of an impact involving the vehicle based on data obtained prior to the impact and initiating inflation of the airbag(s) in the event an impact above a threshold severity is assessed, and an inflator coupled to the anticipatory sensor system and the airbag for inflating the airbag when initiated by the anticipatory sensor system. The airbag may be housed in a module mounted along a side of the vehicle, in a side door of the vehicle (both for side impact protection), at a front of the vehicle (for frontal impact protection) or at a rear of the vehicle (for rear impact protection). Also, the externally deployed airbag can be deployed to cushion a pedestrian's impact against the vehicle.

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: 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 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: 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: An impact absorbing device includes an attachment component having one-or-more holes, an impact absorption pipe which absorbs external impacts and arranged so that it can slide axially and coaxially within the attachment component, one-or-more movable resistance bodies arranged so that they can move freely within the one-or-more holes, an impact absorption pipe movement component support component, an impact absorption pipe movement component, a support part having a first section and a second section formed in this order so that a distance between each of the sections and an interior side wall of the attachment component becomes smaller respectively, a support part movement component which provides an energization power to the support part, wherein the first section is in a position which faces the one-or-more holes of the attachment component when the support part comes into contact with a bottom part of the attachment component.

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: An impact absorbing device includes an attachment component having one-or-more holes, an impact absorption pipe which absorbs external impacts and arranged so that it can slide axially and coaxially within the attachment component, one-or-more movable resistance bodies arranged so that they can move freely within the one-or-more holes, an impact absorption pipe movement component support component, an impact absorption pipe movement component, a support part having a first section and a second section formed in this order so that a distance between each of the sections and an interior side wall of the attachment component becomes smaller respectively, a support part movement component which provides an energization power to the support part, wherein the first section is in a position which faces the one-or-more holes of the attachment component when the support part comes into contact with a bottom part of the attachment component.

Abstract: An article 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 the article within the automobile body by electric power. The article for protecting the automobile body is mounted to a second article formed of the same material as the automobile body. The device operates the article into a state in which it protects the automobile body primarily when the automobile is parked. The device stores the article for protecting the automobile body when the automobile is running.

Abstract: A device when activated, disables a fleeing vehicle from within the operator's vehicle. The device mounts directly to the operator's vehicle. This device is controlled by the operator from within the vehicle by way of a control panel. When deemed necessary, the system is armed using a switch mounted on said panel. This allows for deployment upon activation of said switch. Upon positioning of operator car, the switch is activated, extending spike strip laterally. This places the spike strip under the pursued vehicle, in front of one or more of the tires. The operator applies the brakes of said vehicle, causing the spike strip to travel under the pursued vehicle's tire, disabling the vehicle. Upon traveling under the tire, the operator removes pressure from switch, causing the unit to safely stow itself. The system can then be re-deployed at will.

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: There is provided apparatus for protection of a vehicle from damage by other vehicles attempting to undesirably encroach to the front or rear of the vehicle. The apparatus includes extendable and retractable bumper portions that when extended form a safety enclosure for activities at the rear of a vehicle. The apparatus includes sensors for monitoring encroaching objects and may be electrically or hydraulically operated, either automatically or upon demand.

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: 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: 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 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 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: A wheelchair is provided with at least one safety bumper which is mounted to the frame of the wheelchair outwardly of one of the wheels. The outer surface of the bumper functions as a cam surface for contacting a door and maintaining the door open while the wheelchair passes through a doorway. The bumper could be adjustable in length and could be detachably mounted to the wheelchair.

Abstract: An extendable vehicle bumper for external transportation and storage of objects. A horizontal platform is mounted to the underside of a vehicle frame and is attached at one end to the vehicle bumper. The platform is extendable on a horizontal plane between an open position and a closed position. In the closed position, the platform is supported in a horizontal plane within the vehicle framework on the underside of the rear end of the vehicle. The vehicle bumper serves to access the platform by providing a handle for extending the platform outwardly from the vehicle frame. When the platform is in the open position, the platform extends beyond the vehicle profile and is generally in rigid relation with the vehicle. The horizontal platform is extendable between the open and closed position by support arms fixed to the platform opposite the vehicle bumper.

Abstract: Crash attenuator for protecting a truck or stationary structure from damage resulting from impact of an object including a frame mountable to the structure, a bumper having an impact-receiving face adapted to receive an impact from the object, a movable displacement structure interposed between the frame and bumper and having a first position in which the bumper is relatively distant from the frame and a second position in which the bumper is relatively proximate to the frame, and an energy dissipation system coupled to the displacement structure for dissipating impact energy of the object received by the bumper which causes the displacement structure to be moved from the first position toward the second position. The energy dissipation system includes one or more deformable members which deform upon movement of the displacement structure from the first position toward the second position with such deformation causing dissipation of impact energy.

Abstract: Crash attenuator for protecting a truck or stationary structure from damage resulting from impact of an object including a frame mountable to the structure, a bumper having an impact-receiving face adapted to receive an impact from the object, a movable displacement structure interposed between the frame and bumper and having a first position in which the bumper is relatively distant from the frame and a second position in which the bumper is relatively proximate to the frame, and an energy dissipation system coupled to the displacement structure for dissipating impact energy of the object received by the bumper which causes the displacement structure to be moved from the first position toward the second position. The energy dissipation system includes one or more deformable members which deform upon movement of the displacement structure from the first position toward the second position with such deformation causing dissipation of impact energy.

Abstract: A self-locking telescoping device including an outer tube, an inner tube telescoped into the outer tube having a cone-shaped ramp at an inboard end, and a plurality of metal spheres between the ramp and the outer tube. The metal spheres wedge between the ramp and the outer tube when the inner tube is thrust into the outer tube in a collapse direction thereby locking the tubes together. When the thrust is attributable to a severe impact, the spheres plastically deform the outer tube by plowing tracks therein thereby to absorb energy. The self-locking telescoping device further includes an actuator rod, a driver which translates the actuator in the collapse direction and in an expansion direction, a first clutch which translates the inner tube with the actuator rod in the expansion direction, a second clutch which translates the inner tube with the actuator rod in the collapse direction, and a tubular retainer on the actuator rod having a plurality of closed-ended slots around the metal spheres.

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 crash attenuator for protecting a truck or stationary structure from damage resulting from impact of an object such as a vehicle including a fame mountable to a truck or stationary structure, a bumper having an impact-receiving face adapted to receive an impact from an object in a crash, a movable displacement structure coupled to the frame and interposed between the frame and the bumper and having a first position in which the bumper is relatively distant from the frame and a second position in which the bumper is relatively proximate to the frame, and an energy dissipation system coupled to the displacement structure for dissipating the impact energy of the object into the bumper which causes the displacement structure to be moved from the first position toward the second position.

Abstract: A self-locking telescoping device including an outer tube, an inner tube telescoped into the outer tube having a cone-shaped ramp at an inboard end, and a plurality of metal spheres between the ramp and the outer tube. The metal spheres wedge between the ramp and the outer tube when the inner tube is thrust into the outer tube in a collapse direction thereby locking the tubes together. When the thrust is attributable to a severe impact, the spheres plastically deform the outer tube by plowing tracks therein thereby to absorb energy. The self-locking telescoping device further includes an actuator rod, a driver which translates the actuator in the collapse direction and in an expansion direction, a first clutch which translates the inner tube with the actuator rod in the expansion direction, a second clutch which translates the inner tube with the actuator rod in the collapse direction, and a tubular retainer on the actuator rod having a plurality of closed-ended slots around the metal spheres.

Abstract: A crash attenuator for protecting a truck or stationary structure from damage resulting from impact of an object such as a vehicle including a frame mountable to a truck or stationary structure, a bumper having an impact-receiving face adapted to receive an impact from an object in a crash, a movable displacement structure coupled to the frame and interposed between the frame and the bumper and having a first position in which the bumper is relatively distant from the frame and a second position in which the bumper is relatively proximate to the frame, and an energy dissipation system coupled to the displacement structure for dissipating the impact energy of the object into the bumper which causes the displacement structure to be moved from the first position toward the second position.

Abstract: A crossing arm assembly that includes either one or two hollow, tapered fishing rod bodies cantilevered at their butt ends to a beam-mounting portion of a combined pivot/bracket. A crosspiece connects the tips of the rods. The combined pivot/bracket pivotally attaches to a support at the front end of a bus to block pedestrian traffic from crossing immediately in front of the bus when the bus is stopped. The rods are tapered in mass and cross-sectional area from their butt ends to their tips. The taper concentrates rod mass closer to the support to reduce the tendency of cantilevered rods to sag under their own weight and/or to swing forward as the bus decelerates. The taper also increases rod flexibility to prevent plastic rod deformation and to reduce loads on the support when external forces are applied to the rods. A flap is pivotally attached to one of the rods to increase beam visibility without adding significant wind resistance.

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: A crash attenuator for protecting a truck or stationary structure from damage resulting from impact of an object such as a vehicle including a frame mountable to a truck or stationary structure, a bumper having an impact-receiving face adapted to receive an impact from an object in a crash, a movable displacement structure coupled to the frame and interposed between the frame and the bumper and having a first position in which the bumper is relatively distant from the frame and a second position in which the bumper is relatively proximate to the frame, and an energy dissipation system coupled to the displacement structure for dissipating the impact energy of the object into the bumper which causes said displacement structure to be moved from the first position toward the second position.

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: 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 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 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.