Abstract: A bumper assembly for a vehicle and the associated vehicle comprising this bumper assembly are described. The vehicle comprises a chassis. The bumper assembly comprises: a bumper core. The bumper core, in turn, comprises: a first cross member made of a first thermoplastic material and a first and a second substantially undeformable connection device for rigidly fixing the first cross member to the chassis of the vehicle. The first and the second substantially undeformable connection devices co-operate with the first cross member. The bumper core also comprises a second cross member and at least one shock absorbing element arranged between the first cross member and the second cross member. The second cross member is connected to said first and second substantially undeformable connection devices or it is formed as one piece with said substantially undeformable connection devices.

Abstract: The invention relates to an assembly comprising a vehicle bumper skin and a channel-section bumper impact absorber, the absorber being made of thermoplastic material and comprising a web and two flanges, each having a free longitudinal edge and an opposite longitudinal edge that is connected to the web, the flanges and the web defining a longitudinal channel, in which the bumper skin and absorber are connected together in such a manner that the concave side of the absorber faces towards the bumper skin.

Abstract: A multi-sectional, modular energy absorber 10 comprising one or more modules, which have one or more energy absorbing units 12. Some have a first section 14 and a second section 16 in some embodiments that are united like a clamshell to form the energy absorbing unit 12. There is a means for locating the sections 18 in relation to each other. First and second flange sections 20,22 extend from at least some of the first and second sections. There are means for coordinating energy absorbing units 24 in one of the one or more modules, the means for coordinating 24 having a topography including a number (n) of apertures 26 defined therein, where n is an integer?0. At least some of the sections include an upper perimeter 28, a lower perimeter 30 and an intermediate wall 32 extending therebetween with a number (m) of breaches defined in the intermediate wall before impact, where m is an integer?0.

Abstract: A multi-sectional, modular energy absorber 10 comprising one or more modules, which have one or more energy absorbing units 12. Some have a first section 14 and a second section 16 that are united like a clamshell to form the energy absorbing unit 12. There is a means for locating the sections 18 in relation to each other. First and second flange sections 20,22 extend from at least some of the first and second sections. There are means for coordinating energy absorbing units 24 in one of the one or more modules, the means for coordinating 24 having a topography including a number (n) of apertures 26 defined therein, where n is an integer ?0. At least some of the sections include an upper perimeter 28, a lower perimeter 30 and an intermediate wall 32 extending therebetween with a number (m) of breaches defined in the intermediate wall before impact, where m is an integer ?0.

Abstract: A bumper assembly for a vehicle and the associated vehicle comprising this bumper assembly are described. The vehicle comprises a chassis. The bumper assembly comprises: a bumper core. The bumper core, in turn, comprises: a first cross member made of a first thermoplastic material and a first and a second substantially undeformable connection device for rigidly fixing the first cross member to the chassis of the vehicle. The first and the second substantially undeformable connection devices co-operate with the first cross member. The bumper core also comprises a second cross member and at least one shock absorbing element arranged between the first cross member and the second cross member. The second cross member is connected to said first and second substantially undeformable connection devices or it is formed as one piece with said substantially undeformable connection devices.

Abstract: A bumper cover assembly includes a resin panel, a fastener and a retainer. The panel has an inner surface. The fastener extends outwardly from a vehicle body. The retainer is fixedly secured to the inner surface of the resin panel. The retainer includes a hole for receiving the fastener therethrough, so as to fixedly secure the resin panel to the body of the vehicle.

Abstract: An automobile bumper back beam structure provided in a bumper cover comprises a guide member for preventing under-riding from being generated when vehicles collide. The guide member comprises a guide part which is concavely curved with an arc-shape and fixed at the bumper back beam in the bottom end of the guide part and a supporting part which is extended from the top end of the guide part and fixed at the bumper back beam in the bottom end of the guide part. The guide member for adjusting a height difference of bumpers prevents under-riding of the bumpers when automobiles collide at a low speed, and minimizes a damaged area, thereby reducing repair cost and alleviating shock to obtain stability and silence.

Abstract: A carrier for a front end module as a front structure of a vehicle, and a front end module system, comprises a sub frame formed to extend horizontally across an opening of a quadrangular main frame in which a radiator is to be arranged, and air guides are formed on the main frame and the sub frame to project forward.

Abstract: Energy absorbers particularly well suited for use in a collision between a vehicle and a pedestrian so as to reduce collision energy transmitted to the pedestrian and having a width w, a height h, a front wall a, a top wall c and a bottom wall d such that the height is between 0.8 w and 1.0 w; the thickness of the front wall (t-a) is between 0.06 w and 0.09 w; the thickness of the top wall (t-c) is between 0.03 w and 0.09 w; the thickness of the bottom wall (t-d) is between 0.03 w an 0.09 w; and the energy absorber is made substantially of a thermoplastic material having an elongation at break higher than 20% between ?20° C. and +60° C. (measured according ISO 527-1/-2); a yield strength between 30 and 40 MPa (measured according ISO 527-1/-2); modulus of elasticity between 1000-1500 MPa (measured according ISO 527-1/-2); and hardness Shore D between 50 ShD and 80 ShD (measured according ISO 868).

Abstract: In a pedestrian protection apparatus installed in a lower part of a front of a vehicle, a plate extends in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and includes a front section having at least a portion protruding from the front of the vehicle, a rear section fixed to the vehicle, and a center section provided between the front and rear sections. The front section is more rigid than the rear section, and the center section is less rigid than the front section and more rigid than the rear section.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a single layer rotomoulded article prepared from a blend of polyethylene, functionalised polyolefin and one or more resins selected from polyetherester or saturated polyester or polycarbonate or polyamide.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a bumper absorber that is provided on an automobile between a bumper reinforcement and a bumper fascia, comprising a first energy absorbing portion formed by foaming a resin molded material; the first energy absorbing portion extending from the bumper reinforcement toward the bumper fascia; a second energy absorbing portion formed by a resin molded material; the second energy absorbing portion extending from the bumper reinforcement toward the bumper fascia at a position where a space that permits buckling is formed between the first energy absorbing portion and the second energy absorbing portion on the bumper reinforcement side; a crosslinking portion disposed facing a vehicle interior side of the bumper fascia; and the crosslinking portion fastening the first energy absorbing portion and the second energy absorbing portion together while sealing an opening between the first energy absorbing portion and the second energy absorbing portion on the bumper fascia side.

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.

Abstract: An impact absorbing member in a bumper structure includes a base portion, an upper extending portion and a lower extending portion being spaced apart from the upper extending portion. An upper extending portion includes a first extending portion extending forward from an upper portion on a front surface of the base portion and a second extending portion extending from a distal end of the first extending portion in such a manner as to be bent relative to the first extending portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to an assembly comprising a vehicle bumper skin and a channel-section bumper impact absorber, the absorber being made of thermoplastic material and comprising a web and two flanges, each having a free longitudinal edge and an opposite longitudinal edge that is connected to the web, the flanges and the web defining a longitudinal channel, in which the bumper skin and absorber are connected together in such a manner that the concave side of the absorber faces towards the bumper skin.

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.

Abstract: The present invention includes devices and methods of forming a structural component of a transportation vehicle and preferably an automotive vehicle. The invention includes a hybrid structure, preferably formed of two or more components that are bonded together with an adhesive to form a structural component that is lighter in weight than that of traditional components formed out of metal. The hybrid component is also substantially free of an over-molding process. Advantageously, one or more snap-fits or the like may be used to position and maintain spatial relationship of the two or more components during assembly, and compression and curing of the adhesive.

Abstract: An attachment structure of an energy absorbing structure includes: a bumper reinforcement that includes an attachment surface, with insertion holes being formed in the attachment surface; an energy absorbing structure disposed in contact with the attachment surface; locking claws that are disposed on the energy absorbing structure and engage with the bumper reinforcement to lock the energy absorbing structure to the bumper reinforcement; and load receiving projections that are disposed on the energy absorbing structure and are inserted into the insertion holes, so that when a load in a direction along the attachment surface acts on the energy absorbing structure, the load receiving projections interfere with inner peripheral portions of the insertion holes and receive the load.

Abstract: The present invention provides for various embodiments of a unitary fascia energy absorber including an aesthetic appearance while also providing improved energy management. In one embodiment the fascia energy absorber includes an outer member and an inner member joined together. The inner member has a base including a plurality of crush lobes and at least one of the plurality of crush lobes includes a projected wall spaced a distance from the base and at least one sidewall which extends from the base to the projected wall of the crush lobe. The plurality of crush lobes are spaced apart from one another and separated by a portion of the base. In another embodiment a process for producing a fascia energy absorber includes heating and forming a polymer sheets to form an outer member and heating and forming a second polymer sheet to form an inner member. The inner member and the outer member are then joined to form a fascia energy absorber.

Abstract: A hybrid bumper system includes a polymeric reinforcement beam with end sections and structural covers attached to the end sections to considerably strengthen the end sections. Bracketry stably supports the reinforcement beam on a vehicle frame. A fascia covers at least part of the reinforcement beam but leaves a portion of the structural covers in a visible position. The structural covers are treated for aesthetics, such as by painting, chroming, or other surface treatment. In one aspect, the beam includes a molded polymeric beam component, structural L-shaped covers attached to its end sections, and a tie bar along its rear side that stiffens and rigidifies a center of the polymeric beam component. In another aspect, a tow bar or rail-to-rail metal reinforcement beam front system (or rear with tow bar) is incorporated.

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.

Abstract: A bumper apparatus with a multistage energy absorbing structure mounted to the front and rear ends of a vehicle. The bumper apparatus includes a back beam, a rear shock absorber, a front shock absorber, and a bumper cover. The back beam is mounted to a car body. The rear shock absorber is mounted to the front surface of the back beam and has a plurality of rear shock absorbing units on a middle portion thereof. The front shock absorber is mounted to the front surface of the rear shock absorber and has an arcuate cross-sectional structure. The bumper cover is mounted to the front surface of the front shock absorber.

Abstract: A vehicle body structure is provided with a bumper fascia panel with a bumper fascia mounting flange, a fender body panel with a fender mounting flange and a mounting flange attachment that secures the mounting flanges together. The mounting flange attachment arrangement has a first fastening member overlying the bumper fascia mounting flange, a second fastening member overlying the fender mounting flange and a fastening element coupling the first and second fastening members together. The bumper fascia mounting flange and the fender mounting flange are sandwiched between the first and second fastening members. The fastening element has a tool engagement portion located on an inboard side of the mounting flange attachment and a center fastening axis angled in an inboard direction of the vehicle body structure.

Abstract: A shock absorbing structure for a vehicle including a top wall to which a shock is to be applied and two side walls integrally formed with the top wall and extending from the top wall such that the side walls are opposed to each other, thereby forming an angular U-shaped cross section. The side walls have a waveform in which convex portions and concave portions are alternately and continuously provided. In addition, a bottom plate is integrally formed with an end portion of the respective side walls. The shock absorbing structure further includes a first window portion that is formed over a portion of the each side wall including a part of a bottom portion and parts of opposite side portions of the concave portions and a portion of the bottom plates that is connected to the bottom portion and that is positioned between the opposite side portions.

Abstract: Shock dampener bumper for motor-vehicles, adapted to be applied on to motor-vehicles of various kind, both for personal uses and for sports contests, for protecting the constructive structure of each motor-vehicle from any possible damage and/or breakage thereof, in the case in which the motor-vehicle falls.

Abstract: An automobile bumper system including an isolator disposed adjacent a cross beam of an automobile frame, and a bumper edge guard strip mounted adjacent upper and/or lower edges of the cross beam. The bumper edge guard strip may include an upper extension fixedly engaged with an upper surface of the cross beam and a lower extension fixedly engaged with a frontal surface of the cross beam, with the upper extension having a length greater than the lower extension for distributing impact energy in a predetermined manner.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a shock absorbing structure for a vehicle that enables a simple and appropriate tuning of a load displacement characteristic, so that a desired amount of collision energy can be absorbed. In the present invention, each of two side walls which is integrally provided with top wall, to which a shock is applied, has a rectangular wave shape corrugated at a plurality of corrugated sections positioned to be opposed to each other in a direction perpendicular to a direction in which the shock is applied. In addition, outer flanges are integrally formed on an end section of each of the side walls, and a slit extending in the direction in which the shock is applied is formed on each of the corrugated sections.

Abstract: There is provided a vehicular impact energy absorption block arrangement adapted to provide impact energy absorption at a region substantially between a first strengthening member and a second strengthening member of a road vehicle. The energy absorption block arrangement comprises one or more energy absorber blocks operable to suffer deformation, for example substantially non-elastic deformation, when subject to forces arising from an impact or crash of the vehicle, thereby at least partially absorbing the impact energy. The one or more energy absorber blocks are fabricated from expanded plastics material foam, for example expanded polypropylene plastics material foam including pores therein. The pores may be substantially opened or closed.

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.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bumper skin made of plastics material, the skin comprising a front portion (1) and at least one side overrider (3), said skin presenting a shape irregularity (7) in its face that is visible between the front portion and the overrider, in which the front portion (1) and the overrider (3) are constituted by two distinct parts, at least one of which is bounded by the shape irregularity (7).

Abstract: An improved A bumper beam structure is provided. The bumper beam structure has a plurality of vertically long weak parts formed in a front surface of the bumper beam. These weak parts are formed having a predetermined interval along the lengthwise direction of the bumper beam.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shock absorber (6) for the bumper (2) of a vehicle. The inventive absorber comprises: a support (12), and strips (32, 34) which extend forward from the support and which are equipped with a face (38) that is directed toward the interior of the absorber. In addition, the invention comprises one opening (36) for each strip, said opening extending opposite the aforementioned face (38) and opening onto the exterior of the absorber.

Abstract: A grille surround (20) for a vehicle (10) includes a shell (30) formed from sheet metal and a backing structure (40). An adhesive (50) is disposed between the shell (30) and the backing structure (40) to fixedly secure the shell (30) to the backing structure (40). The backing structure (40) is attached to the vehicle (10) thereby securing the shell (10) to the vehicle (10). The disclosed configuration allows the shell (10) to be secured to the vehicle (10) without using fasteners that would be visible from the outside of the vehicle.

Abstract: A bumper assembly providing an energy absorber, at least one connection support, at least one secondary component, and at least one insert. The energy absorber has at least one cavity that is defined by a plurality of walls. The connection support is integrated with the energy absorber, and is made of the same material as the energy absorber. The secondary component is integrated with the connection support. The at least one insert is in the cavity for altering the energy absorption characteristics of at least a portion of the energy absorber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bumper cross-member including an elongated body having a three-dimensional configuration formed from several metal sheet elements joined together by welding and shaped. The three-dimensional configuration has a non-uniform open transversal section along the body. The method includes joining several metal sheet elements together by welding in order to produce a flat tailored blank and shaping the tailored blank to produce the body. Shaping is carried out by hot or cold stamping. The several metal sheet elements can be joined either mutually adjacent or overlaid by different welding techniques, they can be of different of identical thicknesses and of the same type or different types of steel.

Abstract: A protective structure for vehicles, comprising at least one crosspiece external lined by a bumper strip and attached to a pair of longitudinal side-rails of the chassis of a vehicle by a pair of sacrificial elements. The protective structure also comprises at least one absorption element situated in the space defined by the crosspiece, the sacrificial elements and a bottom wall of the vehicle positioned between the two-side rails.

Abstract: An automobile bumper system including an isolator disposed adjacent a cross beam of an automobile frame, and a bumper edge guard strip mounted adjacent upper and/or lower edges of the cross beam. The bumper edge guard strip may include an upper extension fixedly engaged with an upper surface of the cross beam and a lower extension fixedly engaged with a frontal surface of the cross beam, with the upper extension having a length greater than the lower extension for distributing impact energy in a predetermined manner.

Abstract: A bumper beam for an automobile is disclosed, which has a first set of surfaces and a second set of surfaces. The first set of surfaces is inclined at a pre-defined angle with respect to a pre-defined plane. A plurality of slots is provided on the second set of surfaces of the bumper beam, which facilitates the bumper beam to crush during an impact.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel fascia, grille and the assembly of the fascia and grille. The grille is designed to overly the fascia and close both an upper and lower air intake opening. The fascia supports the grille and receives fasteners from the grille to form an assembly. The fascia includes a horizontal portion. The grille includes a horizontal portion sized to receive a bumper beam.

Abstract: A collision detecting device includes a chamber member providing a space, a pressure sensor for detecting a pressure inside the space, a determination means, a bumper absorber for absorbing an impact generated by collision and a temperature sensor for detecting a temperature of the chamber member. Hardness of the chamber member changes with temperature. Thus, the deformation degree of the chamber member is different depending on temperature. However, the determination means corrects the pressure detected by the pressure sensor based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor, and determines collision based on the corrected pressure. Therefore, a collision detecting device which can determine collision of an object with a vehicle accurately without being affected by the change of temperature can be obtained.

Abstract: A vehicle bumper assembly includes a bumper reinforcement member, a corner bracket and a biasing member. The bumper reinforcement member has a first lateral end section, a second lateral end section, an outboard facing side extending between the first and second lateral end sections and an inboard facing side with a vehicle mounting structure. The corner bracket is pivotally supported to the first lateral end section of the bumper reinforcement member proximate the inboard facing side. The biasing member extends between the outboard facing side of the bumper reinforcement member and an outboard side of the corner bracket. The biasing member biases the corner bracket outwardly relative to the vehicle mounting structure to a normal rest position for absorption of low speed impact energy.

Abstract: A materials handling vehicle incorporates a mechanical lift including a horizontal extension and a vertical back. The vehicle has a protective bumper designed for engaging and protecting materials carried by the vehicle. The protective bumper includes a base located on the vertical back of the lift. A compressible, resilient body is located adjacent the base, and is adapted for absorbing impact of materials loaded onto the lift.

Abstract: Underrun protection method and arrangement for a vehicle including a frame, an impact element arranged in a position corresponding to an anticipated stress from a force in the event of a possible collision with another vehicle. At least one connecting element is provided by way of which the impact element is fixed to the frame. The impact element includes an upper transverse beam and a lower transverse beam fixed to the upper transverse beam. Another aspect of the invention is the arrangement's unique assemblage.

Abstract: An automobile bumper system including an isolator disposed adjacent a cross beam of an automobile frame, and a fascia disposed adjacent the isolator to substantially cover the isolator. A plurality of fascia support anti-rattle springs may be mounted to the isolator and disposable in contiguous engagement with the fascia for maintaining the fascia adjacent the isolator in a fascia predetermined position and further biasing the fascia away from the isolator to the fascia predetermined position. The fascia support anti-rattle spring may include an end mounted to the isolator and an engagement detent for contiguously engaging the fascia and thereby biasing the fascia away from the isolator to the fascia predetermined position.

Abstract: A bumper for a vehicle for operation on the ground is provided having being formed of superplastic aluminum. The method for making and assembling bumpers made of superplastic aluminum is also set forth. Instructions regarding the tooling needed to manufacture the bumper, as well as the metallurgy and processes, are provided. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an impact absorbing device has following steps: a) providing a matrix volume (101); b) providing a tape-like device (107) with elongated metal elements; c) press-molding the matrix volume (101); d) attaching said tape-like device (107) to the press-molded matrix volume (101). This two-step approach allows more freedom in the design of the impact absorbing device and complex structures can be obtained.

Abstract: An energy absorber includes a base flange and elongated crush boxes that to form a substantially continuously face surface on the energy absorber. Back straps are attached across a back of the crush boxes to prevent unacceptable spreading of the side walls of the crush boxes during an impact. The back straps can be integrally formed when the energy absorber is molded, and can include a living hinge at one end and a free end that can be bent over and snap attached during post-molding assembly without additional secondary operations. Alternatively, a separate wall-stabilizing thermoformed component is sandwiched between the energy absorber and beam.

Abstract: An energy management system comprising a longitudinally extending beam including a first beam portion and a second beam portion. A first one of the first beam portion and the second beam portion has a first face, a first side wall and a second side wall. A second one of the first beam portion and the second beam portion has a second face. The first side wall has a first U-shaped section spaced from the first face and the second side wall has a second U-shaped section spaced from the first face. The first side wall rolls to enlarge the first U-shaped section and the second side wall rolls to enlarge the second U-shaped section during an impact force directed against the first face of the first beam portion or the second face of the second beam portion.

Abstract: An energy absorbing bumper (10) includes a back plate (11) which is adapted to be attached to a vehicle. An elastomeric module (12) includes an impact face (13) and upper and lower rails (14, 15) extending from the impact face (13). One or more metallic inserts (30) are molded into the rails (14, 15). Each insert (30) includes a plurality of longitudinally extending, laterally spaced bars (31) which intersect a plurality of laterally extending, longitudinally spaced bars (32) to form adjacent rows of openings (33, 34). A fastener (17) extends through at least one of the openings (33, 34) in each insert (30) to attach the rails (14, 15) to the back plate (11). The inserts (30) minimize the possibility of shearing of the module (12) at the area of fasteners (17).

Abstract: A method for making an automobile assembly having a moulded plastics structural member and a reinforcing member in which a polymerizable adhesive is employed to bond the two members together and an automobile assembly having a bonded structural member and a reinforcing member. The assembly is suitably used as a “front end carrier” or a bumper system in an automobile.