Covered Metal Bar Patents (Class 293/121)
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Patent number: 7494165Abstract: A bumper system includes a tubular beam (21) and a thermoformed energy absorber with crush boxes (23) formed into a base flange, such as by vacuum or thermal forming processes. The crush boxes have planar energy-absorbing sidewalls a depth of about 10 mm to 35 mm, wall thickness of about 1 mm to 3 mm, and are formed from polyethylene or other thermoform materials having a memory. The base flange can include thermoformed features engaging recesses in the beam, and is combinable with injection-molded or foam energy absorbers for design flexibility. In one form, the energy absorber includes a thermoformed first sheet forming crush boxes and a second sheet bonded to the first sheet to define apertured air pockets. Related methods of manufacture and impacting are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2003Date of Patent: February 24, 2009Assignee: NetShape Energy Management LLCInventors: Darin Evans, Mel Guiles
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Publication number: 20080296919Abstract: A B-shaped tubular reinforcement beam for vehicle bumper systems has a constant B section and longitudinal sweep. The tubular beam has a vertical cross section defining at least first and second tubes connected by a center web, and a front wall that extends across the tubes and the center web to define a channel. The channel has a depth dimension (D1) to the center web of about 15-30 mm, and preferably about 20 mm depth. The first and second tubes on their channel-side portion each include a section of wall defining a radius (R1) that is between about 15-30 mm, and preferably 25 mm.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 19, 2007Publication date: December 4, 2008Inventor: Shailesh K. Agrahari
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Publication number: 20080277950Abstract: A bumper system includes a structural polymeric reinforcement beam and one or more trim components covering visible portions of the beam. The beam has a center section forming a step, and end sections that form corners of the vehicle. The trim component(s) is a thin, lightweight component surface finished for aesthetics. The beam includes functional features, such as a storage pocket with lockable cover, lighting and accessory mounts, electrical connectors for connection to trailer wiring, remote vehicle electrical power, and/or a hidden tow hook. The bumper system is configured to provide a class II hitch, but via add-on components, can be made to be Class III or IV.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 9, 2008Publication date: November 13, 2008Inventors: Rainer B. Nees, Darin Evans, David B. Chon
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Patent number: 7410018Abstract: A lower member of a radiator core support includes a front end module formed so as to protrude forward, so that a protruding portion of the lower member is used as an impact absorbing frame member. A lower end portion of a bumper face may be superimposed fixedly on a lower surface of the protruding portion. A lower impact absorbing portion may be made of foamed resin and may be accommodated in the interior of a lower protruding portion, and this lower impact absorbing portion may be fixedly provided at a front end surface of the protruding portion.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2002Date of Patent: August 12, 2008Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Kenichi Satou
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Patent number: 7401824Abstract: 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).Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2005Date of Patent: July 22, 2008Assignee: Romeo-Rim, Inc.Inventor: Paul M. Condeelis
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Patent number: 7296833Abstract: A bumper system for an automobile vehicle includes, in an exemplary embodiment, a beam configured to attach to the vehicle, and a thermoplastic energy absorber coupled to the beam. The energy absorber includes an upper portion including a frame portion and a body having a plurality of tunable crush lobes extending from the frame portion. The energy absorber also includes an underbar spaced apart from the upper portion and a plurality of connecting towers extending between the upper portion and the underbar and connecting the underbar to the upper portion.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2005Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: SABIC Innovative Plastics IP BVInventors: Subhransu Mohapatra, Alok Nanda, Frank Mooijman
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Publication number: 20070145755Abstract: An elongated shock absorbing material having a base section extending lengthwise of the shock absorbing material and two, vertically spaced apart upper and lower ribs extending in the lengthwise direction of the shock absorbing material and also forwardly from one surface of the base section. A cut-away or indented portion extending in the lengthwise direction of the shock absorbing material is formed, for example, in each of the upper and lower ribs at outer side, distal ends thereof or each of edges of top and bottom faces of the base section. The elongated shock absorbing material may be used as a bumper core disposed between a fascia and a reinforcement.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 8, 2006Publication date: June 28, 2007Applicants: JSP CORPORATION, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Satoru Shioya, Keiichi Hashimoto, Yasuhiko Yoneyama, Masanori Taniguchi, Toshiyuki Hariya
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Patent number: 7222897Abstract: A bumper system includes a tubular beam and a thermoformed energy absorber with crush boxes formed into a base flange, such as by vacuum or thermoforming processes. The crush boxes have planar energy-absorbing sidewalls a depth of about 10 mm to 35 mm, wall thicknesses of about 1 mm to 3 mm, and are formed from polyethylene or other thermoform materials having a memory. The base flange can include thermoformed features engaging recesses in the beam, and is combinable with injection-molded or foam energy absorbers for design flexibility. In one form, the energy absorber includes a thermoformed first sheet forming crush boxes and a second sheet bonded to the first sheet to define apertured air pockets. A method of manufacture includes providing a plurality of separately usable thermoformed energy absorbers which can be used in conjunction with a common vehicle structure to vary the absorption characteristics of a vehicle bumper.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2006Date of Patent: May 29, 2007Assignee: Netshape Energy Management LLCInventors: Darin Evans, Melvin Guiles
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Patent number: 7222896Abstract: A bumper system includes a beam having mounts adapted for mounting the beam to a vehicle, and a thermoformed energy absorber positioned on a face of the beam for distributing impact energy prior to deformation of the beam. The bumper system further includes a fascia support having a first section with a rear concave surface matably engaging a front surface of the energy absorber and a second section with fascia attachment structure adapted for securing a fascia to the fascia support in a supported position. By constructing different fascia supports, different fascia can be supported on the same beam and energy absorber combination, thus saving tooling costs and reducing the number of different parts that must be inventoried.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2005Date of Patent: May 29, 2007Assignee: NetShape Energy Management LLCInventor: Darin Evans
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Patent number: 7204531Abstract: A bumper beam includes a metallic center beam mounted with a plurality of vertical members each integrally crossed by a horizontal member. A plastic outer beam encompasses an external side of the center beam and a plurality of ribs are mounted at the outside of the plastic outer beam. The bumper beam features of a bumper beam needed in times of a low speed collision and a high speed collision between the vehicle and a pedestrian. As a result, injuries to the pedestrian can be reduced during the low speed collision and an impact absorption performance of the vehicle can be maximized during the high speed collision. Thereby, safety of the pedestrian and occupants inside the vehicle are increased.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2005Date of Patent: April 17, 2007Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventor: Ki-Chang Kim
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Patent number: 7201412Abstract: A vehicle bumper includes a bumper beam, a bumper face and an energy-absorbing member provided between the bumper beam and the bumper face. The energy-absorbing member has an L-shaped cross-section and includes a head of a front upper portion protruding upward. A space is formed between the bumper beam and the head. When a collision load acts on the bumper face, the head is deformed toward the space, thus absorbing the impact energy.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2005Date of Patent: April 10, 2007Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Masakazu Kashiwagi, Hideki Minami
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Patent number: 7188876Abstract: A bumper system for an automobile vehicle includes, in an exemplary embodiment, a beam and an energy absorber coupled to the beam. The beam has a top surface and a bottom surface, and is configured to attach to the vehicle. The energy absorber includes a body having a first side and an opposing second side, a plurality of crush lobes extending from the first side, and a plurality of vertical translational crush lobes extending from the second side. The second side faces the beam, and each vertical translational crush lobe engages the top surface or the bottom surface of the beam.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2004Date of Patent: March 13, 2007Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Eric J. Jaarda, Alok Nanda, Stephen F. Shuler
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Patent number: 7172227Abstract: A bumper system includes a bumper beam having a face and ends, and an energy absorber mounted on the face. The energy absorber has a one-piece injection-molded non-foam piece with box sections and interconnecting straps, and a one-piece or multi-piece foam component securely insert-molded onto the injection-molded non-foam piece. Different foam molds can be used to form differently shaped front surfaces on the foam component. By this arrangement, different energy absorbing systems are provided for vehicles, such as to satisfy the need for different styling and shapes, while still using the same non-foam piece. By this arrangement, the energy absorber is a single unit that can be handled and attached to the bumper beam. At the same time, capital investment in molding dies and tooling is reduced.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2005Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Netshape International, LLCInventors: Mark Weissenborn, Darin Evans, Robert Weykamp, David Powell
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Patent number: 7163241Abstract: A bumper for a vehicle comprises a hollow tubular beam, and has two side rail mounting portions and a front impact portion disposed between and formed continuously with the side rail mounting portions. The front impact portion includes an initial impact region and two additional deforming regions, with the initial impact region being disposed between the additional deforming regions. The initial impact region has top and bottom surfaces that are generally flat and the additional deforming regions each have top and bottom surfaces that are generally convex.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2004Date of Patent: January 16, 2007Assignee: F.tech R&D North America Inc.Inventors: Bing Liu, Murray Richard Mason, Ryszard Adam Zajac
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Patent number: 7163243Abstract: A vehicle bumper system includes a beam and a thermoformed energy absorber positioned on a face of the beam. The thermoformed energy absorber has a plurality of elongated crush boxes thermoformed from a base flange. Crush boxes near a center of the beam are up to about three inches deep, and as a result have side walls that are stretched when thermoformed, while crush boxes near ends of the beam are much shorter and hence not as thin. As a result, the center area has a softer impact intended to reduce pedestrian injury during impact.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2005Date of Patent: January 16, 2007Assignee: NetShape international, LLCInventor: Darin Evans
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Patent number: 7163242Abstract: A bumper system for an automobile vehicle includes, in an exemplary embodiment, a beam configured to attach to the vehicle, and an energy absorber coupled to the beam. The energy absorber includes a body, an upper crushable member extending from the body, and a lower crushable member extending from the body and spaced apart from the upper crushable member. The upper and lower crushable members each include an upper transverse wall, a lower transverse wall, and an outer wall. Each upper transverse wall and each lower transverse wall includes alternating solid portions and open portions. Each solid and open portion extends from the body to the outer wall of a crushable member. The solid portions of the lower transverse wall of the upper crushable member are aligned with the open portions of the upper transverse wall of the lower crushable member.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2005Date of Patent: January 16, 2007Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Stephen F. Shuler, Gopi Krishna Surisetty, Alok Nanda
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Patent number: 7093866Abstract: A bumper assembly for a vehicle and the corresponding vehicle comprising said bumper assembly are described. The assembly comprises: at least two crash boxes; a cross member made of a first plastic material which, during use, extends over a distance at least corresponding to that between the crash boxes; and at least two substantially indeformable connecting devices connected to said cross member for rigidly fixing said cross member to said chassis of the vehicle, wherein said at least two substantially indeformable connecting devices are connected to the cross member at positions corresponding to the crash boxes. In a preferred embodiment, the crash boxes and the connecting devices are made of plastic material.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2004Date of Patent: August 22, 2006Assignee: ADLEV S.R.L.Inventors: Jean Louis Toneatti, Mario Vismara
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Patent number: 7073831Abstract: A tubular bumper beam includes mounts for mounting to a vehicle frame and a crush cone in front of each mount. Each crush cone includes a flange engaging a front wall of the beam and includes a tube section extending through the front wall into engagement with a rear wall of the beam. A thermoformed energy absorber includes ridges engaging horizontal channels in the face and recesses receiving the flanges of the crush cones. The energy absorber is thermoformed to include crush boxes. At least two crush boxes include adjacent side walls having root sections bonded together near their base walls for increased strength. This is accomplished by scriving and cutting back a leading edge of one of the blade-shaped protrusions, such that the scrived leading edge leaves the root regions exposed so that the root regions bond together while the plastic material is hot.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2004Date of Patent: July 11, 2006Assignee: NetShape International LLCInventor: Darin Evans
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Patent number: 7059642Abstract: An impact-absorbing system and method which assures speed dependency of loads generated in side members at times of frontal collisions, and reduces repair costs at times of low-speed collisions. A reinforcing member spans along a vehicle width direction in a substantially linear form between front ends of a pair of side members. A region of a rear wall portion of an impact-absorbing member, which region is disposed so as to connect between end portions of the side members, is provided with a plurality of protrusion portions which are spaced by a predetermined interval in the vehicle width direction, and includes grooves at outer peripheries of base portions of the protrusion portions. Peak portions of the protrusion portions include hole portions along a length axis of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2004Date of Patent: June 13, 2006Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yoshikazu Ohno, Akiyoshi Nagae, Takao Itoh
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Patent number: 7025396Abstract: A vehicle bumper structure includes a cushioning member provided at a rear surface of a rear bumper beam. The cushioning member has upper and lower hollow protrusions of different protrusion lengths extending transversely of the vehicle along the rear surface of the rear bumper beam. The upper hollow protrusion, having a protruding length longer than the protruding length of the lower hollow protrusion, includes a protrusion top with a pair of right and left slit-shaped openings provided on right and left sides of a central portion for allowing easy buckling of the upper protrusion.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2005Date of Patent: April 11, 2006Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kazuo Omura, Masayuki Shiga, Makoto Fukuda, Yoshimi Mizutani
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Patent number: 7004519Abstract: The invention relates to a motor vehicle beam shell designed to be placed behind a bumper skin, said shell being provided with a recess for receiving a strength member inside it, the strength member being, for example, a strength member made of metal, in particular of aluminum, or a strength member made of a composite material incorporating a metal. The beam is provided with shell cladding which interfits with the shell, thereby forming a hollow body defining a recess for receiving the strength member.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2003Date of Patent: February 28, 2006Assignee: Compagnie Plastic OmniumInventors: Thierry Roussel, Stephane Malteste, Frederic Pierrot
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Patent number: 6998174Abstract: A vehicle bumper (20) integrates rigid and flexible components into a single co-injection molded structure. In a preferred embodiment, a flexible fascia (58) is provided with integrated rigid fastener brackets (62, 66, 70, 71), energy absorption structure and head lamp brackets and housings (62). A method for manufacturing such a bumper provides for the injection of two different plastic materials during the same molding process. The flexible plastic material first injected into the mold. Then, the rigid plastic material is injected at gates located where the rigid material is desired. In one embodiment, the rigid material is completely contained within the flexible material. The rigid material may be either a higher stiffness plastic or a fiber reinforced plastic.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2001Date of Patent: February 14, 2006Assignee: Conix CorporationInventors: Marshall Ray Porter, Norman E. Guschewski, Michael B. Smith, Keith Korte, Todd C. Parker, Russell R. York
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Patent number: 6932397Abstract: Method and arrangement for providing a front assembly of a heavy vehicle (1), which front assembly interacts with a front portion of a longitudinal frame (10) of a vehicle, and in which there is included an underrun protection that has a stiff, force-absorbing beam structure (5). The beam structure (5) is equipped with at least a first fastening member (18) which is arranged to interact with at least one second fastening member (20) arranged at the front frame part of the vehicle (1), with the first and the second fastening members being arranged, during assembly, to guide the beam structure (5) to a predetermined non-adjustable position on the frame essentially across the longitudinal direction of the frame (10). The beam structure is arranged to support at least some other components arranged at the vehicle front such as footsteps (6), headlight units (7) and panels (8) at predetermined non-adjustable positions, with the beam structure and the supported components together forming a front module (3).Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2003Date of Patent: August 23, 2005Assignee: Volvo Lastvagnar ABInventors: Benny Svendsen, Jonas Odermalm, Jörgen Håkansson-Bökmark
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Patent number: 6910721Abstract: A bumper system for an automotive vehicle includes a rolled steel tube having a box or C-shaped cross section fixed to the forward ends of the side rails of the vehicle so as to extend transversely to the vehicle's longitudinal axis. The forward surface of the vehicle is formed by a plastic fascia which may have sloped surfaces for styling or aerodynamic reasons. The space between the forward end of the bumper bar and the fascia is filled with foam intended to absorb energy in an impact. To better match the sloped sections of the fascia, certain sections of the bumper bar are twisted about the longitudinal axis of the bar to create surfaces inclined relative to the vertical. The bars are formed by roll forming a steel web into an elongated member having generally vertical opposed faces. A section of the rolled member is heated above a metallurgical transition temperature.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2003Date of Patent: June 28, 2005Assignee: Pullman Industries, Inc.Inventors: Jeff Bladow, Walter Jaeger, Jereme Fleeger
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Patent number: 6908127Abstract: A bumper system comprising a metal tubular beam, an energy absorber and mounts. The metal tubular beam has a center section having front, rear, top, and bottom walls. The energy absorber includes a rail having a rear surface with a rearwardly-facing C-shaped recess mateably receiving the tubular beam therein, with the energy absorber being configured to crush and absorb impact energy prior to collapse of the tubular beam. The mounts engage a rear of the metal tubular beam.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2003Date of Patent: June 21, 2005Assignee: Netshape CorporationInventor: Darin Evans
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Patent number: 6890011Abstract: An energy-absorbing bumper with a structural part of foam material or the like which is arranged underneath an outer skin or shell, supports the outer skin or shell in a flexible manner and is arranged between a collision contact zone of the outer skin or shell and a rear side of the bumper.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2002Date of Patent: May 10, 2005Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AGInventors: Eduardo Arvelo, Gary Brown, Thomas Frank, Klaus Rathje, Maya Ziegs
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Patent number: 6883843Abstract: An impact beam having a polymer matrix and a metal reinforcing structure, the metal reinforcing structure including metal cords that can be made from metal elements having a diameter of 100 ?m or more. The polymer matrix can include a thermoplastic material and/or a fiber material, and the metal can be steel, and the metal cords can be parallel to each other. The polymer matrix can include two or more layers that can be made from the same or different material, one of which can be positioned around the surface of the metal cords and can have a mechanical bond with the cord. The invention also includes a method of making the impact beam.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2003Date of Patent: April 26, 2005Assignees: N.V. Bekaert S.A., Polynorm N.V.Inventors: Peter A.M. Van Damme, Paul Corscadden, Willem Dekeyser
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Patent number: 6877785Abstract: A bumper includes a beam and an energy absorber supported on its face. The beam includes front and rear beam walls, with a pair of apertures in the front beam wall, and further the energy absorber includes a pair of tubular structural columns extending from its front wall through the aperture in the front beam wall to the rear beam wall. By this arrangement, the front wall of the energy absorber receives support from the rear beam wall via the structural columns during a vehicle crash.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2004Date of Patent: April 12, 2005Assignee: NetShape International, LLCInventors: Darin Evans, Mark Weissenborn
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Patent number: 6874832Abstract: A bumper includes a beam and an energy absorber supported thereon. The energy absorber includes horizontal walls, each having a front portion, a rear portion, and an interconnecting mid-portion that offsets and misaligns the front and rear portions. Upon impact, the front and rear portions collapse with the offset mid portion wrapping back upon itself with a predictable energy-absorbing collapse. The energy absorber further includes flanges and friction pads that frictionally engage the top and bottom of the beam to temporarily retain the energy absorber to the beam. In one embodiment, the front beam wall includes at least one aperture, and the energy absorber includes a tubular column extending from its front wall through the aperture in the front beam wall to the rear beam wall. By this arrangement, the front wall of the energy absorber receives support from the front beam wall via the structural column.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2003Date of Patent: April 5, 2005Assignee: NetShape International, LLCInventors: Darin Evans, Mark Weissenborn
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Patent number: 6866313Abstract: A bumper system for an automobile vehicle includes a beam configured to attached to vehicle rails and an energy absorber coupled to the beam. The energy absorber is tunable for meeting predetermined criteria for both low speed and pedestrian impacts, and includes a flanged frame for attachment to the beam, a body that includes a plurality of lobes extending from the flanged frame and spaced apart from each other. Each lobe includes first and second side walls, having a concave shape.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2003Date of Patent: March 15, 2005Assignee: General Electric Co.Inventors: Frank Mooijman, Stephen F. Shuler, Alok Nanda
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Patent number: 6848730Abstract: A bumper system includes a tubular beam having front and rear walls, and a plurality of horizontally-extending walls that interconnect the front and rear walls. An energy absorber has a rear surface with a recess shaped to mateably receive and support the beam, and includes end sections that extend to be coplanar with the rear wall of the beam. The end sections cover the front wall and also at least partially cover a top, bottom and ends of the beam, and are constructed to flex and absorb energy to reduce a likelihood of vehicle damage. In one form, the end sections include honeycomb sections that engage beam mounts to transfer impact energy directly to the mounts. In another form, the end sections include cantilevered flanges that extend outwardly from ends of the energy absorber for impact absorption at the vehicle corners.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2003Date of Patent: February 1, 2005Assignee: Shape CorporationInventor: Darin Evans
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Patent number: 6832795Abstract: A bumper assembly (10) including a support (16) which is covered by a resilient shell part (41), the lower portion of the shell part (41) being backed by foam material (14) mounted on the support (16), with the upper portion of the shell being unsupported having a clearance zone (43) therebehind. A registration plate plinth 44 has an upright limb (47) to which a number plate (45) is secured and is mounted on the shell so that the lower portion of said limb (47) is supportable on the foam (14) and its upper portion is supportable only by the shell (41).Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2002Date of Patent: December 21, 2004Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Christophe Bastien, Stephen Faithfull
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Patent number: 6802547Abstract: A bumper for vehicles, particularly motor vehicles, includes a dimensionally stable member and an elastic covering forming an end region of the vehicle body. At least one light respectively is inserted into laterally exterior receiving pockets of the covering and is held in position at the covering. The light has a light-transmitting covering element on the side facing the end region. It is provided that, on each covering element, a guard is provided locally which projects slightly with respect to the adjacent elastic covering and is constructed in one piece with the covering element. In the area of the guard, in the event of a 30° pendulum crash, the covering element is supported on a member structure of the vehicle body situated behind the covering element.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2003Date of Patent: October 12, 2004Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche AktiengesellschaftInventor: Markus Schmid
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Publication number: 20040178645Abstract: A shock absorbing member attaching structure for attaching a shock absorbing member 12 made from a resin to a bumper beam 11 of a vehicle body, characterized in that protruding portions 22, 23 which protrude in opposite directions are provided on the bumper beam 11, and in that attaching portions 31, 32 are provided on the shock absorbing member 12 which are adapted to ride over the respective protruding portions 22, 23 by virtue of elastic deformation thereof to be locked onto the protruding portions 22, 23 on a longitudinally inward side thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2003Publication date: September 16, 2004Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Hideki Minami, Akihiro Shibuya, Masashi Ohkubo
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Publication number: 20040169380Abstract: A bumper system for an automotive vehicle includes a rolled steel tube having a box or C-shaped cross section fixed to the forward ends of the side rails of the vehicle so as to extend transversely to the vehicle's longitudinal axis. The forward surface of the vehicle is formed by a plastic fascia which may have sloped surfaces for styling or aerodynamic reasons. The space between the forward end of the bumper bar and the fascia is filled with foam intended to absorb energy in an impact. To better match the sloped sections of the fascia, certain sections of the bumper bar are twisted about the longitudinal axis of the bar to create surfaces inclined relative to the vertical. The bars are formed by roll forming a steel web into an elongated member having generally vertical opposed faces. A section of the rolled member is heated above a metallurgical transition temperature.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2003Publication date: September 2, 2004Inventors: Jeff Bladow, Walter Jaeger, Jereme Fleeger
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Publication number: 20040169381Abstract: A bumper includes a beam and an energy absorber supported on its face. The beam includes front and rear beam walls, with a pair of apertures in the front beam wall, and further the energy absorber includes a pair of tubular structural columns extending from its front wall through the aperture in the front beam wall to the rear beam wall. By this arrangement, the front wall of the energy absorber receives support from the rear beam wall via the structural columns during a vehicle crash.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2004Publication date: September 2, 2004Inventors: Darin Evans, Mark Weissenborn
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Patent number: 6764117Abstract: A bumper comprises a hat beam (11) adapted to have its crown directed towards the vehicle body, a cover (20) attached to the side flanges (17, 18) of the hat beam and having a longitudinal recess (21) that extends into the hat beam, and an energy absorbing foamed body (22) that fills out the recess and extends with its major part out of the recess. If the foamed body widens out over the side flanges (17, 18) of the hat beam, these widened parts (25) should have recesses (31) that prevent these parts from being fully compacted before the part therebetween is compacted if the bumper hits a pedestrian's leg. A closed cross-section beam having a longitudinal recess can also be employed in the present invention.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2003Date of Patent: July 20, 2004Assignee: SSAB Hardtech ABInventor: Martin Jonsson
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Publication number: 20040130167Abstract: A bumper structure comprise a bumper reinforcement, a bumper fascia extending along and located in front of the bumper reinforcement, and an impact absorber arranged between the bumper reinforcement and the bumper fascia. The bumper reinforcement extends in a lateral direction of a vehicular body and attached to the vehicular body. The bumper reinforcement has a front surface in a stepped or tapered shape so that retreats at the lower portion thereof than at the upper portion. The impact absorber has upper and lower portions so that the lower portion becomes longer and stronger than upper portion. The impact absorber has a rear surface in a stepped or tapered shape such that the rear surface of the lower portion projects toward the bumper reinforcement with respect to the rear surface of the upper portion to face the front surface of the bumper reinforcement.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2003Publication date: July 8, 2004Inventors: Takeshi Mori, Nobuhiro Yoshimura, Keiichi Nakagawa
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Patent number: 6726262Abstract: A bumper assembly (20) for an automotive vehicle. The bumper assembly includes comprises a beam (24) and an energy absorber (22). In one example embodiment, the energy absorber is tunable for meeting predetermined criteria for both low speed and pedestrian impacts.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2002Date of Patent: April 27, 2004Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Kees Marijnissen, Stephen F. Shuler, Srikanth M. Santhanam
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Patent number: 6709036Abstract: A bumper system includes a tubular bumper beam, and a hitch-supporting bracket. The bracket has an inverted U-shaped section that fits downwardly onto the tubular bumper beam, and further has a laterally-extending planar section with a hole therein that is shaped to support a ball hitch for hauling a trailer. The beam has offset end sections that extend parallel a center section of the beam, but that are offset horizontally. An energy absorber is supported by the beam, and is sufficiently structural to form steps outboard of ends of the beam, and a fascia substantially covers the beam and energy absorber for aesthetics.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2002Date of Patent: March 23, 2004Assignee: Shape CorporationInventor: Darin Evans
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Patent number: 6685243Abstract: A vehicle bumper system includes a beam, and an energy absorber with top and bottom horizontal sections and a mid-horizontal section. The horizontal sections form top and bottom nose portions that are semi-rigid but initially collapsible with a parallelogram motion that shifts the top and bottom portions vertically up (or down) upon impact. Horizontal impact forces are converted in part to vertical forces during an initial stroke of a frontal impact, “catching” an impacted human being. Then during a further continuing impact stroke, the top and bottom horizontal sections provide a “throwing” action. End sections of the energy absorber extend around ends of a bumper beam, forming a collapsible corner that, during impact, initially absorbs energy at a low rate to “catch” a person, and then develops increasing lateral forces that “throw” the person during a continuing impact stroke.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2002Date of Patent: February 3, 2004Assignee: Shape CorporationInventor: Darin Evans
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Patent number: 6676179Abstract: A bumper 10 is extendedly provided in a width direction of a vehicle in front of a radiator panel 40 having an upper frame 41 and a lower frame 42 both extendedly provided in the width direction of the vehicle at a front part of the vehicle body. The bumper 10 comprises an upper part bumper 20 which has an upper side impact absorbing material 22 provided between an upper side bumper beam 21, extendedly provided in the width direction of the vehicle above the lower frame 42, and a bumper face 23, and a lower part bumper 30 which has a lower side impact absorbing material 32 provided between the lower frame 42 of the radiator panel 40, extendedly provided below the upper part bumper 20, and a bumper face 23.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2001Date of Patent: January 13, 2004Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kenichi Sato, Tatsuya Morimoto
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Publication number: 20040001945Abstract: The invention is a composite foam structure comprising a first segment of an anisotropic thermoplastic foam part and a second foam shaped part comprising an isotropic foam wherein the anisotropic foam block and isotropic foam part intersect along at least one common surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2002Publication date: January 1, 2004Inventors: Peter J. Cate, Myron J. Maurer, Chung P. Park, Dominicus L.A.M. Bindels, Martin H. Tusim
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Patent number: 6609740Abstract: A bumper system for vehicles includes a B-shaped tubular bumper beam with top and bottom mid-walls defining a channel in its front surface. A polymeric energy absorber has multiple box-shaped sections that abut the front surface of the bumper beam and further includes rearwardly-extending nose sections that extend into the channel. The nose sections include collapse-controlling kick walls that lie along the top and bottom mid-walls and that are connected to the box-shaped sections. Upon impact by an object against the bumper system, the kick walls press into the top and bottom mid-walls, resulting in a consistent and controlled collapse of the energy absorber and tubes of the bumper beam. In another form, an energy absorber having box-shaped sections is positioned on a face of the bumper beam and integral box-shaped end sections designed for a consistent and controlled collapse on impact.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2002Date of Patent: August 26, 2003Assignee: Shape CorporationInventor: Darin Evans
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Patent number: 6575510Abstract: A vehicle bumper system includes a bumper beam and a polymeric energy absorber positioned on a front of the bumper beam. The energy absorber has multiple box-shaped sections and also has interconnecting sections positioned along the length that interconnect adjacent ones of the box-shaped sections. The box-shaped sections of the energy absorber, when cross-sectioned by a transverse plane, include top and bottom U-shaped sections formed by top parallel legs and a top vertical leg and by bottom parallel legs and a bottom vertical leg, respectively. End walls close ends of the box-shaped sections and stabilize the top and bottom U-shaped sections. The interconnecting sections include a tying wall that connects the end walls together. By this arrangement, the box-shaped sections provide a stable and reliable energy absorbing mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2001Date of Patent: June 10, 2003Assignee: Shape CorporationInventor: Mark Weissenborn
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Patent number: 6540275Abstract: The invention provides a structure of a front part of a vehicle body that is simple and free from the risk of maloperation. In the event of a collision between the vehicle and a pedestrian, a projecting part sweeps the pedestrian by parts of his or her legs lower than the knees in the event of a collision between the vehicle and the pedestrian, causing the pedestrian to be thrown over toward the vehicle, and after an energy-absorbing member has absorbed impact energy exerted on the legs, the pedestrian is caused to drop onto the top of a hood and protected from secondary damage.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2000Date of Patent: April 1, 2003Assignee: Mazda Motor CorporationInventors: Tatsuhiko Iwamoto, Arihiro Furumoto, Yutaka Tsukiji, Masao Hara, Yushi Matsuda, Daisaburou Adachi, Masanori Ogawa, Takayuki Nakamae, Sakayu Terada, Kazuma Kondou
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Patent number: 6520552Abstract: A bumper for a motor vehicle; includes a cross member having an U-shaped cross section and intended for attachment to longitudinal members of a vehicle chassis. The cross member includes a web and two legs connected to the web. Received in the cross member is an impact absorber which has a cross member proximal end joined to the web and to confronting ends of the legs.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2001Date of Patent: February 18, 2003Assignee: Benteler Automobiltechnik GmbH & Co KGInventors: Martin Schröter, Wilhelm Arns
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Patent number: 6485072Abstract: A bumper system for a motor vehicle includes an energy absorber and a bumper beam connected to the energy absorber and for connection to vehicle structure and having a general B shape. The bumper system also includes a member disposed between the bumper beam and a rail of the motor vehicle to absorb energy during an impact with an object by the bumper system.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2000Date of Patent: November 26, 2002Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Donald Paul Werner, Gregory Stanley Frederick, Jeffrey Leonard Bladow, Shui-Fang (Ray) Chou
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Patent number: 6474708Abstract: A bumper arrangement for a front end or a rear end of an automobile having a bumper cover enclosing the bumper arrangement has a transverse support having a first and a second end. First and second spacer consoles are connected to the first and second ends of the transverse support, respectively. First and second stop plates are connected to the first and second spacer consoles opposite the transverse support. The first and second stop plates secure the bumper arrangement to longitudinal support beams of the car body extending in the longitudinal direction of the automobile. A transverse beam is positioned below the transverse support in a mounted position of the bumper arrangement. Spacer stays connect the transverse beam to the stop plates and are positioned below the spacer consoles. The transverse support and/or the spacer consoles, at least over portions thereof, have two or more deformation areas arranged next to one another in the longitudinal direction of the automobile.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2000Date of Patent: November 5, 2002Assignee: Benteler AGInventors: Ludger Gehringhoff, Wulf Härtel, Knut Schöne, Ralf Schmidt, Dieter Braun
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Patent number: 6467822Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle with an energy-absorbent structure (1) and with a spoiler (2) made in one piece with the bumper or fastened thereto. To improve protection of pedestrians, it is proposed that spoiler (2) be limited in its deflection lengthwise of the vehicle by a support (3) mounted on the vehicle, with support (3) being located a radial distance behind spoiler (2).Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2000Date of Patent: October 22, 2002Assignee: Dynamit Nobel Kunststoff GmbHInventor: Robert Leng