Composite Bumper Patents (Class 293/120)
  • Patent number: 8517421
    Abstract: Disclosed is a vehicle safety anti-collision device, which includes an outer housing, a buffer material block, a bracket, and a bracket base. Said outer housing is provided with a front end portion, a connecting portion extending from both sides of the front end portion, and a receiving opening formed by said connecting portions and said front end portion. Said bracket is in the shape of an arch bridge and is provided with an arch portion received in said receiving opening and mounting portions on both ends of the arch portion. Said buffer material block is sandwiched between said outer housing and said bracket, and the connecting portions of said outer housing are fixed to the said bracket. With the vehicle safety anti-collision device, the energy generated during a vehicle collision can be absorbed immensely, and the damage caused by collision to the vehicle and people can be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Suzhou Eagle Electric Vehicle Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Xue-qing Zhang
  • Patent number: 8517461
    Abstract: A vehicle body structure includes a bumper fascia panel, a fender body panel and a mounting flange attachment arrangement. The fascia panel includes a fascia mounting flange forming a first outboard abutment edge visible exterior to the vehicle body structure. The fender body panel includes a fender mounting flange forming a second outboard abutment edge visible from the exterior. The mounting flange attachment arrangement includes first and second fastening members overlying the fascia and fender mounting flanges, respectively, and a fastening element coupling the first and second fastening members together while sandwiching the mounting flanges. The fastening element (bolt) has a tool engagement portion (bolt head) at a first end on an inboard side of the attachment arrangement and a second threaded end opposite to the first end, with a center fastening axis extending from the second to first end in an upward slanted direction of the vehicle body structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew Huber
  • Patent number: 8517454
    Abstract: A vehicle front energy absorber includes a back wall section, an upper absorption section and a lower absorption section. The upper absorption section has a first upper surface extending frontward from an upper lengthwise edge of the back wall section with a first upper obtuse angle being defined between the back wall section and the first upper surface. The lower absorption section includes a first lower surface that extends frontward from a lower lengthwise edge of the back wall section with a first lower obtuse angle being defined between the back wall section and the first lower surface. The upper absorption section, the back wall section and the lower absorption section having a transverse U-shape in cross-section that defines a lengthwise concave channel having a longitudinal opening, the first upper surface and the first lower surface diverging away from one another in frontward directions from the back wall section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Huber, Hugo Fortin, Patrick Grattan
  • Publication number: 20130200638
    Abstract: A material handling vehicle includes a laminated bumper that provides both durability and reduced energy transmissibility. The laminated bumper includes at least a first bumper layer and a second bumper layer, such that at least one of the first bumper layer and second bumper layer of the laminate bumper are allowed to translate upon bumper contact with an object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2013
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Inventors: Kurt Richard Lutz, Brian Matthew Warner
  • Publication number: 20130193698
    Abstract: In an embodiment, an energy absorbing assembly comprises a foam stage having a first surface and a second surface, wherein the second surface comprises a recess; and a thermoplastic stage comprising a frame and crush lobes; wherein the crush lobes extend from the frame of the thermoplastic stage into the recess. In another embodiment, a method of making an energy absorbing assembly comprises forming a foam stage having a first surface and a second surface, wherein the second surface comprises recesses; forming a thermoplastic stage having a frame and crush lobes protruding from the frame; and engaging the recesses and the crush lobes to form the energy absorbing assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2012
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: SABIC INNOVATIVE PLASTICS IP B.V.
    Inventors: Dhanendra Kumar Nagwanshi, Poovanna Theethira Kushalappa, Sudhakar Ramamoorthy Marur
  • Publication number: 20130181463
    Abstract: A bumper beam having increased bending strength achieved with a minimum increase in the weight of the bumper beam. The bumper beam (1) is mounted to the front of a vehicle, extends along a reference line (W), and is provided with a beam body (2) and a reinforcing plate (3). In at least one cross section perpendicular to the reference line (W), the reinforcing plate (3) extends linearly and the beam body (2) includes a pair of protrusions (2t, 2s) protruding, while surrounding an inner space, from the reinforcing plate (3) in a direction intersecting the reinforcing plate (3). If the Young's modulus and the density of the beam body (2) are Est and ?st, respectively, and the Young's modulus and the density of the reinforcing plate (3) are E2 and ?2, respectively, the expression (Est/?st3) <(E2/?23) is satisfied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Inventors: Takunori Yamaguchi, Masao Kinefuchi, Tomokazu Nakagawa, Mie Tachibana, Kenichi Watanabe
  • Patent number: 8485574
    Abstract: A vehicle bumper structure includes a bumper beam and an absorber. The bumper beam includes an upper absorber support surface and an upper reinforcing rib. The upper reinforcing rib includes an upper rib body portion and a pair of right and left upper rib bend portions extending from right and left ends of the upper rib body portion so as to bend toward a vehicle inner side. The absorber includes an absorber body, a pair of right and left upper absorber support legs extending from the absorber body across the upper reinforcing rib, and a pair of right and left contact portions extending outward in a vehicle width direction from the upper absorber support legs so as to be in contact with the right and left upper rib bend portions from the vehicle inner side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Junya Harada, Akihiro Shibuya
  • Publication number: 20130175813
    Abstract: An energy absorbing assembly for impact energy absorption can comprise: an elongated plastic member having a major axis, a first side and a second side, comprising a central portion disposed between a first end portion and a second end portion, the second side defines a channel extending from the first end portion to the second end portion; and an elongated insert having a front, edges, tips, and a rear, wherein the insert is configured to flex upon impact, and is removably friction fit within the channel such that the plastic member surrounds the front, and greater than or equal to 50% of the edges and tips. The energy absorbing assembly can be configured to attach to a vehicle to absorb energy absorption impact. A vehicle can comprise: a vehicle rail and the energy absorbing assembly attached to the vehicle rail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2012
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: SABIC INNOVATIVE PLASTICS IP B.V.
    Inventors: Dinesh Mana, Taehoon Kim
  • Patent number: 8480143
    Abstract: A bumper assembly for an automotive vehicle comprises a bumper beam for connection to a frame of the vehicle and an energy absorbing component extending laterally adjacent a front surface of the bumper beam. The energy absorbing component comprises a plurality of laterally-spaced bands, each band comprising an upper wall, a lower wall, and a forward wall. The bands are connected along adjacent rear edges of the upper walls and/or adjacent rear edges of the lower walls, such that the bands are decoupled from one another forward of the rear edges. This construction allows the bands to deform individually during a pedestrian collision, the upper and lower walls buckling to absorb energy in an optimum manner. The energy absorbing component may be attached to the bumper beam by upper and/or lower lateral strips have mounting features for fitting into interference-fit engagement with mating features on the bumper beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew Miinshiou Huang, James Chih Cheng, Marwan Ahmad Elbkaily, Chunyu Wang, James Robert Pederson
  • Patent number: 8449021
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a thermoplastic lower-leg device, comprises: corrugations in a direction perpendicular to an impact direction; and an interior section extending in the impact direction and having an outbound portion having an outbound length D1 extending at an angle, ?1, from the interior section and an inbound portion having an inbound length, D2, extending in a direction opposite the outbound portion at an angle, ?2, from the interior section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: SABIC Innovative Plastics IP B.V.
    Inventors: Dinesh Mana, Somasekhar Venkat Bobba, Dhanendra Kumar Nagwanshi, Matthew Douglas Marks
  • Patent number: 8443950
    Abstract: [PROBLEMS] An impact absorption body for a vehicle can have desired impact absorption performance, exhibits excellent impact absorption performance particularly immediately after an impact is applied to the body, and can maintain high impact absorption performance. [MEANS FOR SOLVING PROBLEMS] The impact absorption body (1) for a vehicle is installed within a vehicle forming member and absorbs impact energy in a collision. The impact absorption body (1) has a first wall (4) placed on the side that receives an impact, a second wall (5) facing the first wall (4) with a hollow section (2) between them, and one or more impact absorption ribs (9) constructed from deep groove sections (15) and shallow groove sections (16). The deep groove sections (15) are formed by depressing the first wall (4) and second wall (5) into groove shapes and integrally joining the top surfaces, which function as fusion bonding surfaces, of the depressions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Kyoraku Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Teruo Tamada
  • Patent number: 8439411
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an energy absorbing component externally mounted to a vehicle having a beam structural member and at least one energy absorber operably connected to the beam structural member. The energy absorber absorbs energy when the vehicle undergoes a collision. Also included is a beam cover plate connected to the beam structural member through the use of resistive implant welding, which simplifies the manufacturing process, and improves manufacturing costs. There are two vehicle attachment plates which are overmolded to the beam cover plate, the vehicle attachment plates allow for the beam cover plate to be attached to a vehicle. The beam cover plate, beam structural member, and energy absorber form a component that is operable to function as a bumper that is connected to a vehicle, which absorbs energy during a collision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Magna International Inc.
    Inventors: Alan C. Cave, Robert Dernovsek, Richard W. Haveman
  • Patent number: 8419091
    Abstract: A bumper for an automobile includes a crossbeam which is formed from at least two separate hollow profiles, wherein the hollow profiles abut one another along a longitudinal wall and are joined with one another. The abutting longitudinal walls form a double web oriented in the longitudinal direction of the automobile. The hollow profiles may have an identical cross-sectional configuration. The hollow profiles may be roll-formed or extruded. The modular construction of the crossbeam from separate hollow profiles allows a lightweight construction and allows the load characteristic of the crossbeam to be functionally adapted to different requirements depending on the vehicle or vehicle class.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Benteler Automobiltechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Roll, Christian Handing, Martin Schröter, Andreas Schiller
  • Patent number: 8419090
    Abstract: A vehicular metal absorber for efficiently absorbing by a short stroke the impact energy received from legs of a pedestrian at the time of a collision between a pedestrian and an automobile, reducing the residual crush, and protecting the legs of the pedestrian, that is, a long vehicular metal absorber comprising a center flange, a top web and bottom web connected to the two sides of the center flange, a top flange connected to the top web, and a bottom flange connected to the bottom web and formed overall into a hat shaped cross-section, wherein an internal angle ?1 formed by the top web with a flange plane including the top flange and bottom flange and an internal angle ?2 formed by the bottom web with the flange plane are respectively over 0 degree to less than 90 degrees, and in that one or both of the top web and bottom web are provided with a recessed or projecting bead substantially parallel to a front-back direction of a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignees: Unipres Corporation, Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal Corporation
    Inventors: Koji Nojima, Isao Satsukawa, Takashi Ariga, Akihiro Uenishi, Toshiyuki Niwa
  • Patent number: 8414069
    Abstract: A vehicle lamp housing includes a main body, a first projection and a retaining structure. The main body has laterally spaced apart inboard and outboard ends. The first projection extends away from the outboard end, is received in a mounting aperture defined by a body panel and engages a peripheral edge of the mounting aperture. The retaining structure is formed at the inboard end and includes a mounting flange and a second projection that extends away from an underside of the mounting flange. The second projection contacts a mounting surface defined by a bumper fascia retainer that is laterally spaced apart from the body panel and the mounting surface faces away from the vehicle lamp housing such that the first and second projections maintain the vehicle lamp housing in a cantilevered self-supported position when the vehicle lamp housing is installed to the body panel and the bumper fascia retainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Contardi, Aron Watt
  • Patent number: 8408636
    Abstract: A motor vehicle includes a first side member having first lower and upper darts. The motor vehicle also includes a second side member parallel with and spaced apart from the first side member, the second side member having second lower and upper darts. The upper darts are positioned between the lower darts and end portions of the respective first or second side members. The motor vehicle further includes first and second bumper brackets coupled to the end portion of the respective first or second side members, a bumper reinforcement member coupled to the first and second bumper brackets, and a counter rotation bracket coupled to the bumper reinforcement member and extending upwards from the bumper reinforcement member. The lower darts and the upper darts form a preferential buckling zone of the first and the second side members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignees: Toyota Motor Corporation, Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Maria-Antonius Slaats, Kanichi Saito, Paxton Steven Williams, Joseph Charles Walusek, Sagar Vilas Kulkarni
  • Patent number: 8408613
    Abstract: An energy absorber for an automotive bumper assembly having an impact beam includes a first component positioned adjacent the impact beam. The energy absorber also includes a second component positioned such that the first component is disposed substantially between the second component and the impact beam. The energy absorber additionally includes a locking feature configured to join the first component and the second component. A vehicle having a bumper assembly with such an energy absorber is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Laura L. Tanton
  • Patent number: 8376426
    Abstract: Disclosed is a plastic composite bumper beam for a vehicle, which can achieve a reduction in weight and cost and has improved mechanical properties, structural strength, and crash performance, load introduction, load distribution to the fixation points, thus reducing the thickness of the bumper, compared to conventional plastic composite bumper beams. Therefore, it is possible to improve the degree of freedom in design and the marketability due to the reduction in thickness of the bumper. More specifically, the plastic composite bumper beam for a vehicle includes a bumper beam body having the shape of a bumper beam and formed of a fiber-reinforced plastic composite material; and an insert reinforcing member inserted into the bumper beam body, the insert reinforcing member having a loop shape and disposed in the longitudinal direction of the bumper beam body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, EELCEE SA
    Inventors: Chihoon Choi, Yohan Hahm, Jan-Anders Manson, Tony Jonsson
  • Publication number: 20130038076
    Abstract: A vehicle bumper assembly includes a polymeric support structure and a metal cover. The polymeric support structure may be one piece or a multi-piece component. The polymeric support structure includes a plurality of ribs formed on a substantially vertical wall. The chrome-plated metal cover is disposed on the one-piece polymeric support structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: FLEX-N-GATE ADVANCED PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT LLC
    Inventors: Guido Benvenuto, Paul Dazey, Aaron Boyer, Steven Perucca
  • Patent number: 8360490
    Abstract: A bumper crossbeam for a motor vehicle includes an outer section configured as a roll-formed hollow profile which is closed at least in some areas. At least one inner section, configured as a separate component, is arranged in the outer section and connected to the outer section. The inner section has at least one wall extending from a front section zone of the outer section to a rear section zone of the outer section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Benteler Automobiltechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Christian Handing, Michael Roll, Stephan Possberg
  • Patent number: 8348313
    Abstract: An energy absorber for a vehicle includes an elongate member having one or more corrugated sections, the corrugated sections including a plurality of channels wherein the channels include a generally planar front wall and a pair of spaced apart vertically extending side walls, and one or two at least partial end walls. The elongate member further includes a base section extending between channels and one or more flanges that may extend from the base. The energy absorber may be tuned for a desired impact and be located between a bumper beam and a fascia at the front or rear end of a vehicle to provide low speed impact protection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: International Automotive Components Group North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Arun Chickmenahalli, Liwu Zhou, Jeffrey E. Leich, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8337971
    Abstract: An impact pad comprising an upper part, a middle part, and a lower part, the said upper part being configured as a single piece with a plurality of protrusions on a under side there of facing the middle part, such that said protrusions are adapted to fit in the grooves provided on the top surface of the middle part, the bottom surface of the middle part being provided with the third part, namely means for fastening impact pads on the main support frame with clamps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Tega Industries Limited
    Inventor: Imam Syed Yaver
  • Patent number: 8333416
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an impact element having at least one carrier and at least one deformation element, wherein the carrier has a strip-shaped insert which is at least partly sheathed with plastic, wherein the strip-shaped insert is slit into at least two strips in at least one profile section and one strip is set back with respect to the other strip by shaping while forming a gap, with the deformation element being able to be fastened or being fastened to the carrier by means of at least one fastening means and the fastening means being guided through the gap between the strips of the insert, with at least one plastic molding being provided which is arranged such that it inhibits and/or prevents a relative movement between the fastening means or the deformation element and the insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Jacob Plastics GmbH
    Inventors: Marco Wacker, Joerg Russ
  • Patent number: 8328251
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an asymmetric energy absorber can comprise: an upper wall and a lower wall defining crush lobes; a flange, wherein the lower wall is between the flange and the upper wall; a base extending between the lower wall and the flange, wherein the flange extends from a first side of the base; and a rib extending along the base toward the flange and away from a second side of the base. In an embodiment, a vehicle bumper system, can comprise: a bumper beam having an outer face and a bottom surface; an asymmetric energy absorber. The asymmetric energy absorber can comprise: a generally triangular shaped section formed by an upper wall extending from an upper wall first end toward a lower wall to a joining area; a base extending from a second end of the lower wall opposite the joining area and in a direction away from the upper wall; a flange extending away from the base, below the lower wall; and a rib extending from the base along the bottom surface of the bumper beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Sabic Innovative Plastics IP B.V.
    Inventors: Dhanendra Kumar Nagwanshi, Somasekhar Venkat Bobba, Sudhakar Ramamoorthy Marur
  • Publication number: 20120306222
    Abstract: Disclosed is a plastic composite bumper beam for a vehicle, which can achieve a reduction in weight and cost and has improved mechanical properties, structural strength, and crash performance, load introduction, load distribution to the fixation points, thus reducing the thickness of the bumper, compared to conventional plastic composite bumper beams. Therefore, it is possible to improve the degree of freedom in design and the marketability due to the reduction in thickness of the bumper. More specifically, the plastic composite bumper beam for a vehicle includes a bumper beam body having the shape of a bumper beam and formed of a fiber-reinforced plastic composite material; and an insert reinforcing member inserted into the bumper beam body, the insert reinforcing member having a loop shape and disposed in the longitudinal direction of the bumper beam body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicants: EELCEE SA, HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Chihoon Choi, Yohan Hahm, Jan-Anders Manson, Tony Jonsson
  • Patent number: 8313129
    Abstract: An energy absorber for damping the impact upon the body of a motor vehicle includes energy absorbing bodies that include successively arranged support walls with a number of energy absorbing structural elements that are each separately arranged at the support wall and are firmly connected to the support wall. Upon impact, each of the structural elements absorb energy by moving towards an opposite support wall while adjoining neighboring structural element until the structural elements are compacting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Peguform GmbH
    Inventors: Marco Schuler, Florian Danzeisen, Norbert Tschiggfrei, Robert Basile
  • Patent number: 8308206
    Abstract: The invention relates to a rear crash element for the rear bumper of a motor vehicle in the area of the number plate recess, having an impact element seated on the crossbeam of the motor vehicle, behind which, with respect to the driving direction of the motor vehicle, a shock absorbing element is arranged. The shock absorbing element is arranged behind the bumper cladding and is covered by a plastic covering, such as a horn cladding or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignees: Plastal GmbH, Dr. Ing. H.C. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Andrea Kunz, Erwin Wachter, Klaus Pfister
  • Patent number: 8276953
    Abstract: A bumper system for a motor vehicle includes, but is not limited to, a bumper cross member, which is fixed to a stiff frame of the motor vehicle, a pliable bumper shell, a compressible structure which is formed between an upper area of the shell and the cross member and one support section which supports the lower area of the shell, which, together with a crash box holding the cross member is anchored to the flange plates of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Matthias Erzgräber, Theobald Hock, Heino Wentzien, Stefan Glaser, Andreas Wüst
  • Patent number: 8267446
    Abstract: This assembly includes a plastics material structural frame (2) including at least a lower cross member (8) and vertical struts (10, 12), each of said struts (10, 12) forming, over at least a portion of its height, a deformable energy absorption component (14), the module further including a plastics material shield (4) formed so as to match the shape of a shield skin (56) and arranged against the structural frame (2), said shield (4) including an upper cross member (34) and a lower cross member (36) interconnected via vertical connecting beams (38). The upper (34) and lower (36) cross members and the connecting beams (38) include a plurality of ribs (48) which form cells (50) in the cross members (34, 36) and the beams (38), at least some of said cells (50) passing through the shield (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Faurecia Bloc Avant
    Inventor: Vincent Gonin
  • Publication number: 20120228888
    Abstract: A modular bumper arrangement for a vehicle, including a cross-member composed of fiber reinforced plastic, two side parts made of plastic, wherein one side part is arranged or is arrangeable in each case at each of the two ends of the cross-member, and two fastening parts for fastening the bumper arrangement to a body structure of the vehicle, in which one fastening part is fastened or is fastenable to each side part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: MAGNA STEYR FAHRZEUGTECHNIK AG & CO KG
    Inventors: Christoph Krammer, Christian Schermaier
  • Patent number: 8235433
    Abstract: The bumper shield for a motor vehicle comprising two main longitudinal members (12), two auxiliary longitudinal members (16) positioned at a lower height, as well as supporting and attachment plates (20) positioned between the ends of the longitudinal members (12, 16), is a single integral piece in plastic material and is formed of two uprights (28) and an upper beam (24) connecting the uprights (28), the uprights (28) being configured so as to bear upon the plates (20) so as to act as impact absorbers, the shield (8) having the shape of an H or an inverted U given by the uprights (28) and the upper beam (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Faurecia Bloc Avant
    Inventor: Vincent Gonin
  • Patent number: 8220850
    Abstract: The invention relates to an impact-absorbing element for a vehicle, in particular a car, comprising: a body comprising a thermoplastic polymer material; an elongate reinforcing structure provided in the body and comprising a number of metal reinforcing cords extending substantially parallel and a number of positioning elements arranged between the cords for holding the metal reinforcing cords substantially mutually parallel before and during the manufacturing process. The positioning elements ensure that the cords remain correctly positioned before, during and after the manufacturing process despite the forces occurring in the manufacturing process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Voestalpine Polynorm Plastics B.V.
    Inventors: Johannes Petrus Maria Opperman, Petrus Van Der Velden, Cornelis Gerardus Van Koert
  • Publication number: 20120153645
    Abstract: A bumper for an automobile includes a crossbeam which is formed from at least two separate hollow profiles, wherein the hollow profiles abut one another along a longitudinal wall and are joined with one another. The abutting longitudinal walls form a double web oriented in the longitudinal direction of the automobile. The hollow profiles may have an identical cross-sectional configuration. The hollow profiles may be roll-formed or extruded. The modular construction of the crossbeam from separate hollow profiles allows a lightweight construction and allows the load characteristic of the crossbeam to be functionally adapted to different requirements depending on the vehicle or vehicle class.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2011
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: Benteler Automobiltechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Roll, Christian Handing, Martin Schröter, Andreas Schiller
  • Publication number: 20120153643
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a thermoplastic lower-leg device, comprises: corrugations in a direction perpendicular to an impact direction; and an interior section extending in the impact direction and having an outbound portion having an outbound length D1 extending at an angle, ?1, from the interior section and an inbound portion having an inbound length, D2, extending in a direction opposite the outbound portion at an angle, ?2, from the interior section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: SABIC INNOVATIVE PLASTICS IP B.V.
    Inventors: Dinesh Mana, Somasekhar Venkat Bobba, Dhanendra Kumar Nagwanshi, Matthew Douglas Marks
  • Publication number: 20120153644
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a vehicle energy absorber system, comprises: blow molded crush lobes that are open on one side, wherein the energy absorber comprises fillets having a fillet radius of less than 20 mm and a thickness of less than or equal to 1.5 mm; a bumper beam adjacent the open side; and a fascia, wherein the energy absorber is located between the fascia and the bumper beam. In one embodiment, a method for making a blow molded energy absorber comprises: introducing a molten plastic to a first mold cavity; introducing gas into the plastic to conform the plastic to the interior of the first mold cavity and form a first preform; and separating the first preform along a centerline thereof to form open, first preform portions having first crush lobes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: SABIC INNOVATIVE PLASTICS IP B.V.
    Inventors: Somasekhar Venkat Bobba, Dinesh Mana, Dhanendra Kumar Nagwanshi, Kent Allen, Matthew Douglas Marks
  • Patent number: 8191942
    Abstract: A bumper for a motor vehicle includes, but is not limited to a bumper shell having an outer surface and a cut-out opening. A cut edge of the opening meets the outer surface at a sharp edge. A frame inserted into the opening covers the cut edge and an exposed outer surface of the frame has a convex curvature with a curvature radius of at least approximately 2 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: James Hope
  • Publication number: 20120133160
    Abstract: An automotive vehicular bumper apparatus is provided. In another aspect, a bumper beam is attached to a composite body panel of an automotive vehicle. A further aspect provides a bumper beam including a first pair of generally V-shaped structural members and a second pair of generally V-shaped structural members joined together adjacent apexes thereof. In another aspect, a centralized bumper beam and a small width bumper are employed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Applicant: APTERA MOTORS, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas George Reichenbach, Orlando Genava Sherman, Kurt Henry Danielson
  • Patent number: 8172285
    Abstract: The invention refers to a mounting system for attachment of a bumper covering at a motor vehicle body which includes a mounting strip, a guide profile and a locking slider which in mounted condition provides connection between the mounting strip and the guide profile, wherein at least the guide profile is configured as a separate component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Peguform GmbH
    Inventor: Jürgen Ruder
  • Publication number: 20120104775
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an energy absorber, comprises: a plurality of crush lobes including a base and sides extending from the base to an outer wall; and a composite insert in the energy absorber. The insert comprises a second plastic material and reinforcement. The second plastic material is different than the crush lobe material. The insert is located at an area of the crush lobes, and wherein the area is the side and/or the outer wall. In another embodiment, an energy absorber comprises: a plastic frame; thermoplastic crush lobes extending from the frame, wherein the crush lobes comprise an outer wall, an extending wall, and a base; and a plastic insert located at an area having a volume of the crush lobes, wherein the insert occupies less than or equal to 90% of the area volume. The insert comprises reinforcement and a plastic material different than the thermoplastic crush lobes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: SABIC INNOVATIVE PLASTICS IP B.V.
    Inventors: SUDHAKAR RAMAMOORTHY MARUR, DHANENDRA KUMAR NAGWANSHI
  • Patent number: 8167343
    Abstract: The invention concerns a device which is based on thermoplastic material for the attachment of a bumper covering at the body of a motor vehicle which includes a base body and a cover plate as well as a security pin for securing the cover plate; the base body and the cover plate are configured as separate components and the security pin when inserted into safety lugs at the base body locks the cover plate in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Peguform GmbH
    Inventor: Jürgen Ruder
  • Patent number: 8152210
    Abstract: A bumper for a motor vehicle includes a lightweight cross member attachable transversely to the longitudinal rails of the motor vehicle frame. The cross member includes two longitudinal profiles which are displaceable relative to each other and support each other during the displacement. The bumper provides improved functionality and increased energy absorption capability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Benteler Automobiltechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Ulrich Lütke-Bexten, Michael Roll, Elmar Mollemeier
  • Patent number: 8132851
    Abstract: The invention discussed above provides a reinforcing element for a lower impact region of a front bumper of a motor vehicle for the protection of pedestrians during the impact of a lower leg section against the lower impact region of the front bumper. The reinforcing element is thus connected behind, in direction of travel, the lower front bumper region to the latter. The reinforcing element has a base plate with reinforcing ribs attached thereto. It extends essentially in horizontal direction, approximately over the width of the front bumper. It is thus proposed for the first time that the reinforcing element is designed as a separate plate which can be integrated in the lower bumper region. The above invention also discusses a front bumper equipped therewith for a motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Claus Steller, Roland Kammerer
  • Patent number: 8128150
    Abstract: An underrun prevention member for a vehicle bumper beam including a substantially vertical outer side wall faced an area outside the vehicle and a horizontal wall provided so as to be extended substantially horizontally from an end of the outer side wall in a top-bottom direction toward an inside of the vehicle, disposed at a front portion or a rear portion of the vehicle so as to be extended substantially horizontally in a vehicle widthwise direction, and integrally fixed to the bumper beam so as to protrude in the top-bottom direction beyond the horizontal wall to prevent an underrun of the bumper beam under an object outside the vehicle or the object outside the vehicle under the bumper beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Toyoda Iron Works Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Keisuke Kamiya
  • Publication number: 20120032458
    Abstract: A bumper system includes a bumper beam having top and bottom attachment features, such as apertures or concavities for attachment. A thermoformed polymeric energy absorber includes a base flange for engaging the face of the beam, protruding crush lobes for absorbing energy upon an impact, and top and bottom rear flanges. The top and bottom rear flanges include inwardly-facing protrusions defining a second dimension less than a first dimension of the beam's face, but the base flange is sufficiently resilient and flexible at desired locations and with desired force of flexures to provide tunable flexure points so the protrusions can be temporarily resiliently flexed apart to the first dimension for assembly and then upon release, the protrusions flex back to the second dimension engaging the attachment features to temporarily but positively retain the energy absorber on the beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: OAKWOOD ENERGY MANAGEMENT, INC.
    Inventors: Ryan Johnson Brooks, Wayne C. Graves, Michael Anthony Rossi, Daric Morell, Joel Matthew Cormier
  • Patent number: 8100444
    Abstract: A bumper system for a motor vehicle includes, but is not limited to, a bumper cross member, which is fixed to a stiff frame of the motor vehicle, a pliable bumper shell, a compressible structure which is formed between an upper area of the shell and the cross member and one support section which supports the lower area of the shell, which, together with a crash box holding the cross member is anchored to the flange plates of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Matthias Erzgräber, Theobald Hock, Heino Wentzien, Stefan Glaser, Andreas Wüst
  • Patent number: 8096595
    Abstract: A bumper beam has a generally U shape with a central flange (12; 12?) and two webs (13, 14; 13?, 14?), which central flange in the longitudinal middle portion of the beam points outwards from a vehicle and has a longitudinal concavity (17; 17?), which deepens progressively towards the end portions of the beam in order to change to or connect to fastening plates (20, 21; 20?, 21?).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Gestamp Hardtech AB
    Inventor: Per Muskos
  • Publication number: 20110272954
    Abstract: This rear-end element (2) for motor vehicle includes a carrier structural element (6) forming an energy-absorbing element after impact, and a carrier structural frame (8). At least the carrier structural element (6) has a cellular structure formed of cells (30, 32) extending longitudinally through the carrier structural element (6) between a back face and a front face of the carrier structural element (6) and opening onto the back and/or front face of the carrier structural element (6). A rear end (44) which includes the rear-end element (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2011
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Applicant: FAURECIA BLOC AVANT
    Inventor: Vincent Gonin
  • Patent number: 8042847
    Abstract: The present invention provides for various embodiments of a tray energy absorber comprising a base, a first transverse wall that is arcuate and extends from the base, a second transverse wall spaced apart from the first transverse wall and which extends from the base. The tray energy absorber further comprises a plurality of ribs that extend from the base joining the first transverse wall to the second transverse wall. In one embodiment the density of the ribs varies along the transverse width of the tray energy absorber. In another embodiment at least one of the plurality of ribs is greater than 50% of the height of the first transverse wall or the second transverse wall where the rib joins the first and second transverse walls. The present invention also provides for a bumper system used in a vehicle that includes a tray energy absorber attached to a bumper beam. The bumper system optionally includes a fascia that substantially envelops the bumper beam and the tray energy absorber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Sabic Innovative Plastics IP B.V.
    Inventors: Ankit Kumar Garg, Abhijit Mahato, Takaaki Nemoto
  • Patent number: 8016331
    Abstract: A vehicle bumper system includes an elongated reinforcement beam for mounting to a vehicle frame and an energy absorber abutting a front surface of the reinforcement beam. The energy absorber includes longitudinally-elongated hollow crush lobes configured to crush and absorb energy upon a vehicle crash, the crush lobes including interconnected top, bottom, side and front walls. At least one opposing pair of the walls, such as the top and bottom walls, are elongated parallel a length of the beam to define enlarged areas that are generally unsupported, but the one pair of walls further include a plurality of spaced external ribs extending perpendicular to the length for stabilizing the enlarged areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Shape Corp.
    Inventors: Daniel D. Ralston, Kevin E. Holdren, Kenneth R. Bastien, David Gorman, Amit Kulkarni
  • Publication number: 20110218047
    Abstract: A bumper assembly including a backing, wherein the backing is substantially rigid, an outer layer, wherein the outer layer semi-flexible, resilient, and non-conductive, a cushion layer sandwiched between the backing and the outer layer, wherein the cushion layer is resiliently compressible.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2011
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Applicant: TRON RACING, LLC
    Inventors: James J. Kessler, James L. Warner, III, Stephen J. Kessler