Abstract: A vehicle bumper system defined principally by outboard and inboard elongate beams which project transversely across the vehicle. The ends of the front and rear beams are joined by connecting points which function as energy-absorbing fulcrums or hinges, with the remainder of the front and rear beams initially being free of direct structural connection. The front beam is outwardly curved so that the center portions of the front and rear beams define a gap therebetween. The rear beam has connections to the vehicle at two points spaced transversely inwardly from the end connections, which connections define inboard fulcrum or hinge points. The front and rear beams are each formed as elongate monolithic structures, such as of high strength steel, and have configurations which enable them to nest one within the other in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

Abstract: 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).

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The bumper mounting structure includes a front side member 1 and a bumper reinforcing member 2. In assembly, the tip end of the front side member 1 is connected with the bumper reinforcing member 2. The tip end of the member 1 is opened and provided with a slant part 10, forming a weakened part in the member 1. When an impact load causes the bumper reinforcing member 2 to be deformed, the deformation of the front side member 1 is induced at its opened end because of its weakened structure. Consequently, it is possible to carry out the effective absorption of impact energy without elevating a reaction force abruptly.

Abstract: A bumper beam for a vehicle includes a hat beam (10) with a cover (14). The hat beam has a crown (11) and side flanges (12, 13), and the cover (14) is fastened to the side flanges. The crown is fastened to the vehicle body. The cover (14) extends past one of the side flanges (12, 13) and is stiffened by being transversely corrugated.

Abstract: A crash energy absorbing element for use in a vehicle has a box beam shape and comprises, in cross section, a high strength support section and a lower strength absorbing section. The high strength support section is adapted to be attached to the body of the vehicle, and the lower strength absorbing section is positioned so as to face away from the vehicle. The box beam shaped element can be made by hydroforming of a tube that is formed of a blank of at least two different sheet parts welded together which form the support section and the crash absorbing section.

Abstract: A bumper arrangement for a vehicle comprises a bumper beam (17) fastened in two crash boxes (11, 12). The bumper beam (17) has a U-profile with a central flange (18) and two webs (19, 20) and has its opening towards the vehicle. The central flange has a recess (21) that is shallow at the mountings to the crash boxes (11, 12) and deepens therebetween so that the bumper beam will be so stiff that it will transfer substantial force to both crash boxes also in an off-set crash. This design makes the width of the part of the bumper beam adjacent the vehicle small.

Abstract: A vehicle bumper system defined principally by outboard and inboard elongate beams which project transversely across the vehicle. The ends of the front and rear beams are joined by connecting points which function as energy-absorbing fulcrums or hinges, with the remainder of the front and rear beams initially being free of direct structural connection. The front beam is outwardly curved so that the center portions of the front and rear beams define a gap therebetween. The rear beam has connections to the vehicle at two points spaced transversely inwardly from the end connections, which connections define inboard fulcrum or hinge points. The front and rear beams are each formed as elongate monolithic structures, such as of high strength steel, and have configurations which enable them to nest one within the other in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicular bumper system includes a tubular beam and an energy absorber press-fit within the tubular beam. In particularly, the energy absorber includes front and rear wall sections, planar stiffening wall sections that extend horizontally continuously and completely between the front and rear wall sections, and stabilizing wall sections that extend between the planar stiffening wall sections. Pairs of stubby protrusions are formed on the rear wall sections that are aligned with the planar stiffening wall sections and that combine with the front and rear wall sections to define an arrangement where, when the energy absorber is forcibly pressed into the cavity of the tubular beam, the protrusions are deformed and stressed and/or are shaved off such that they friction-fit into the tubular beam.

Abstract: A bumper system for vehicles includes a tubular beam having front, top, bottom, and rear walls, and further having open tubular ends. The bumper system further includes a pair of mounting brackets each having a V-shaped mounting section attached to the rear wall of the open tubular ends and having an integral corner-forming section extending from the mounting section laterally around the associated ends and forwardly to a location where the corner-forming section attaches to the front wall of the one end. The corner-forming section includes a resilient portion shaped to flex and absorb energy upon corner impact, and further is adapted to transfer energy directly to the vehicle frame, thus providing efficient and effective energy absorption upon corner impact.

Abstract: A protective structure for vehicles (10), designed to be used, in particular, in the event of impact between a vehicle (10) and a pedestrian (so-called pedestrian impact), in which at least one energy absorption element or buffer (16) is used, positioned, at least partially, parallel to the front cross member (17) of the vehicle (10); it is furthermore possible to modify the external style (L) of the vehicle (10), by bringing the profile of the bonnet (11) forward and/or furthermore providing for the insertion of a new buffer (25), designed to work on the front-end structure of the vehicle (10), positioned below the bumper (12), in order to obtain advantages in terms of safety.

Abstract: Load is applied to a bumper reinforce. Two hollow crash boxes are coupled to the bumper reinforce. Each crash box has a substantially constant cross section, an axis and an open end. When load is applied to the bumper reinforce, each crash box is plastically deformed in the axial direction for absorbing the load. The bumper reinforce includes projections. Each projection corresponds to one of the crash boxes and faces part of the open end of the corresponding crash box. The projections reduce the load at the beginning of plastic deformation.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved methods for manufacturing bumper beam assemblies and bumper beam assemblies made by such methods. One method of the invention allows bumper beams of different longitudinal configurations to be made by selecting open cross-sectioned, roll-formed bumper beam members from different sets of beam members and fixing them to bumper beam mounting structures. The mounting structures close off the open cross-section of the bumper beam members. Another method of the invention allows bumper beams for varying applications to be made by selecting bumper beam members from inventory and fixing them to a bumper beam mounting structure.

Abstract: An automobile bumper retention system is provided including a plastic foam energy absorbent bumper which is held firmly in place by a metal bumper beam. The beam is provided with integral ribs or beads that fit into a matching groove in the energy absorbing bumper in order to support the energy absorbing bumper in a snap-fit engagement or a slide-in engagement.

Abstract: A method includes rollforming and sweeping a tubular beam with a constant longitudinal cross section, and then reforming the tubular beam 10 to form a tubular beam having a non-constant cross section. The non-constant cross sections have specific shapes chosen to provide particular structural properties and surfaces along the reshaped beam, and also to provide a stylized appearance, such that the reformed beam is useful as a vehicle bumper. In particular, the reshaped beam includes integrally formed vehicle mounting structure, angled end sections forming aerodynamic but impact-resistant bumper ends, and a high-energy absorbing but flexible center section.

Abstract: Enclosed and described is a bumper comprising an arched member having an outer wall, an inner wall, a hollow interior between the outer wall and the inner wall, and at least one dividing wall or protrusion dividing at least part of the hollow interior into at least two chambers. The arched member has different cross sections along its length. These cross sections include a first cross section on each side of a central portion of the arched member, which first cross section corresponds to the cross section of a blank from which the beam or bumper is produced. A second cross section is provided at the central portion of the arched member, wherein the second cross section exhibits a region that extends outwardly relative to the first cross section.

Abstract: A roll-formed product is formed from a steel sheet having a tensile strength of not greater than 400 MPa and is locally reinforced. Such a roll-formed product is excellent in formability and shock absorbing ability and is of high strength. The roll-formed product can be used as, for example, a vehicle bumper. The roll-formed vehicle bumper can also be made at a lower cost.

Abstract: An automobile bumper covered with a bumper face comprises an upper bumper including an upper bumper beam and an upper energy absorbing member interposed between the bumper face and the upper bumper beam, and a lower bumper provided below the upper bumper and including a lower bumper beam and a lower energy absorbing member interposed between the bumper face and the lower bumper beam. The lower energy absorbing member is established to have a larger longitudinal strength than the lower energy absorbing member. As a result, when the bumper contacts a leg of a pedestrian, the upper bumper has a larger deformation than the lower bumper and a bending angle of a knee can be reduced, thereby the damage to a knee can be alleviated.

Abstract: Hollow closed-sectional elongate member is provided by bending a plastic strip widthwise. The closed-sectional elongate member has a crimped joint section provided on any one of its walls. The crimped joint section is formed by crimping together opposite longitudinal edge portions of the strip as the strip is bent widthwise. The crimped joint section extends along the length of the closed-sectional elongate member and thus functions as a rib reinforcing the rigidity of the elongate member. The closed-sectional elongate member is also curved along its longitudinal direction, to provide a closed-sectional curved elongate member.

Abstract: An inexpensive, lightweight, safe bumper beam (10) has an optimum strength characteristics and is capable of effectively coping with all kinds of collisions including slight collisions and strong collisions. The bumper beam (10) is disposed on a front or rear end part of a vehicle. Joining parts of the bumper beam (10) are attached to stays (2a, 2b) attached to, for example, front end parts of longitudinal frames (1a, 1b) of a body of a vehicle so that the bumper body (10) extends laterally. The bumper beam (10) includes a bumper beam body (3) extended laterally and having a closed section, a reinforcing beam (4) extended in and along the bumper beam body (3). The reinforcing beam (4) includes a lateral upper wall (4a), a lateral lower wall (4b) and a front wall (4c) formed integrally with the upper and the lower wall (4a, 4b) to receive a longitudinal shock exerted on the vehicle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bumper beam obtained by molding a moldable thermoplastic material and a drapeable thermoplastic material having continuous fibers and presented in the form of sheets. The cross-section of the beam presents a developed length that is constant. The invention also relates to a method of making such a beam.

Abstract: A bumper reinforcing member obtained from a tubular article of a closed cross-section. The tubular article is continuously manufactured by folding a first side edge portion of an original metal sheet along a folded-back edge portion and along a folded-in edge portion in this order, bonding a contacting face portion that extends from an edge of the first side edge portion to the folded-back edge portion to an inside of a bumper front face, forming a half of a bumper cross-section by connecting the inside of the bumper front face and the inside of a bumper rear face with a reinforcing rib that extends from the edge of the first side edge portion to the folded-back edge portion, and forming the remaining half of a bumper cross-section by bonding a second side edge portion of the original sheet to a vicinity of the folded-in edge portion.

Abstract: A bumper beam construction including an elongated tubular beam of high strength but characteristically flexible to absorb substantial energy on impact having a mounting bracket attached at each end of the center section and at least one stiffening bracket attached to each mounting bracket. The mounting brackets extend from the rear wall of the tubular beam and facilitate attachment to a vehicle frame. The stiffening brackets are attached to the mounting brackets and the end sections of the tubular beam outboard of the center section. The stiffening brackets improve the comer impact strength of the tubular beam without adversely affecting the flexibility of the center section. This comer construction arrangement provides for optimal distribution of stress during corner impacts.

Abstract: A bi-metal bumper structure comprises an elongated tubular bumper beam made of aluminum, and an elongated reinforcing plate made of steel. The beam is curved in an arc from end to end and has a curved radially inner wall. The reinforcing plate extends lengthwise of the beam and has the same curve as the inner wall of the beam and is rigidly secured in surface-to-surface relation to the inner wall. The reinforcing plate is preferably about one-third the length of the beam.

Abstract: A structural beam or bumper, especially for a vehicle, including en elongated profile which upon collision is adapted for absorbing collision energy and forces. The bumper is prepared from a complete and hollow blank and is further provided with different cross sections along its more or less arched extension. Also, for the purpose of providing a structural beam or bumper bar which renders possibilities for rational and structural sturdy attachment to the frame of the vehicle, the bumper (1), has a substantially unchanged basic cross section (2) at each side of the center (V--V), an outwardly pressed cross section (3) at the center (V--V) in relation to the basic cross section (2), as well as a compressed or folded cross section (4) at the areas of each terminal portion.

Abstract: A bumper system for a go-kart has a plurality of bumper sections. The bumper section has a sufficient rigidity that displacement to one bumper section transmits motion to other bumper sections. A plurality of shock absorbers are provided, for example, rubber elements connected between the bumper sections and the frame. Consequently, impact at any one point is transmitted throughout the bumper system so that all the shock absorbers assist in absorbing the impact, rather than just the shock absorbers immediately adjacent the impact point. For the rear bumper system transverse motions guides are provided to support a rear bumper section, and to maintain the various bumper sections about a horizontal plane relative to the frame, while permitting the necessary horizontal motions, both longitudinally and laterally. The bumper sections may be connected together at their ends by pivots. Alternatively, the bumper sections may be continuous.

Abstract: Provided is a blow-molded article which can be readily formed with good Gloss and with substantially no surface unevenness, even without application of surface coating, and which can be used as a finished product without further treatment. The blow-molded article has a base layer and a surface layer. The base layer is formed from a thermoplastic resin material having a melt index (MI) of about 0.05-2.0 and a flexural modulus of 1,470 MPa (15,000 kgf/cm.sup.2) or more. The surface layer is formed from a colored or transparent thermoplastic resin material having an MI of about 1-30 provided that it is higher than that of the base layer, and excellent weather resistance. The thermoplastic resins used to form the base and surface layers should be resins of the same family.

Abstract: A vehicle bumper system, having an elongated reinforcing member extending substantially across the width of the vehicle. The reinforcing member has a hollow cross section and an attaching surface. A hollow, blow molded bumper, at least partially envelopes the reinforcing member and is secured to the attaching surface. The bumper extends across the width of the vehicle and defines a space between the reinforcing member and the outer edge of the vehicle. The bumper compresses the space when the bumper system contacts an obstacle. Attaching posts on the inner portion of the reinforcing member secures the bumper system to the vehicle.

Abstract: A one-piece blow molded bumper beam is provided including a series of crush initiators strategically located to inhibit initial outward deflection of the bumper beam upon impact and a pair of grooves for containing a U-bolt type retention device.

Abstract: A motor vehicle bumper system including a closed cross section impact beam having at least one open end and a reinforcing insert in the open end. The reinforcing insert has a central flat wall and a pair of flat, flexible wings attached to the central wall which cooperate with the latter in achieving energy absorbing performance similar to the more complex impact beam inserts having molded, egg crate-type constructions. The flat flexible wings and the central flat wall afford simple press-in installation and frictional retention in the open end of the impact beam.

Abstract: A transverse support arrangement, consisting of two support sections extending parallel to one another, both of which have closed cross-sections and a common wall, is made in one piece as an extruded member and, in addition, is designed so that, upon impact, a conversion of energy is effected by reverse deformation of a support section.

Abstract: The invention concerns an impact-absorption device, particularly for vehicles, which is attached on one side to the bumper and on the other side to the longitudinal girder or another part of the vehicle-body structure. The device has a non-regenerative deforming unit designed to absorb energy when acted on by a force with a component in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the longitudinal girder. The deforming unit has at least two hollow deforming elements which engage one inside the other, one of which being attached to the bumper while the other is attached to the longitudinal girder of the vehicle. If the device is crushed by a force component acting along its longitudinal axis, the deforming elements are telescoped into each other, deforming the material. The hollow deforming elements (12, 14) have a non-circular, preferably oval or angular, cross-section. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the hollow elements have ribs.

Abstract: An impact beam includes front, rear, top and bottom side walls connected to form a closed cross section. A foam gusset is formed in place and secured inside the impact beam, preferably along the midpoint of the impact beam. The gusset spans the distance between the front and rear walls, as well as the distance between the side walls to provide increased resistance to deformation.

Abstract: An elongated tubular bumper beam for an automotive vehicle is of box-like cross-section. The bumper beam has upper and lower walls connected by outer and inner walls. A reinforcing web of generally S-shaped configuration interconnects the outer and inner walls. The bumper beam is preferably made of a lightweight material such as aluminum, magnesium or plastic.

Abstract: A bumper bar for vehicles formed from rolled sheet steel having a closed tubular profile designed to have a high impact resistance, high strength-to-weight ratio, and a low cost of manufacture. The bar is preferably swept along its longitudinal axis to create a curvature consistent with modern automotive designs.

Abstract: A rear composite impact beam includes front, rear, top and bottom walls formed from glass fibers encapsulated by a resin. Longitudinal ductile reinforcing members are provided at the intersections of the front wall with the top and bottom walls to enhance flexural strength in a region of the impact beam which receives predominantly tension loads during impact. If desired, similar longitudinal ductile reinforcing members are provided at the intersections of the rear wall with the top and bottom walls and retained by the resin to enhance flexural strength at a region of the impact beam which receives predominately compression loads during impact. If desired, a reinforcing web of woven ductile strands can be provided in at least the rear wall and encapsulated by the resin.

Abstract: An automotive bumper includes a closed cross section impact bar having at least one open end. An insert formed as a plurality of interconnected molded cells is received in the open end and spans the distance between front and rear walls of the impact bar. A positioning rib prevents overtravel of the insert and tuning bumps are provided to create an interference fit between the insert and the impact bar. An energy absorber can be mounted on the impact bar and fitted with the positioning rib of the insert.

Abstract: A cross member bumper beam and method of making it are disclosed. The cross member bumper beam is attached to the frame rails of a vehicle. The beam is made of first and second materials that are bonded together with an adhesive. The first step of the method is to form a cross member from the first material. The cross member has a channel shape, with at least one bent return first edge portion. The bent return first edge portion includes a latch portion. The second step of the method is to attach the cross member to the frame rails of the vehicle. The channel shape of the cross member is oriented generally away from the frame rails and exposes the bent first edge portion. The third step of the method is to form a bumper facebar from the second material. The bumper facebar also has a channel shape with at least one bent return second edge portion. The bent return second edge portion includes an attachment portion.

Abstract: A molded composite bumper including a resin and reinforcing thermoplastic fibers having sufficiently compatible elongation characteristics thereby allowing the bumper to sustain higher strains and deformation upon an impact force.

Abstract: A method for producing a high shock-absorbing automobile bumper with a smooth outer surface. The method includes the steps of loading a preformed surface skin member into a blow mold, and then blowing a parison in the mold so that the blown parison is bonded to the surface skin member. The result is a hollow cushioning body firmly bonded to the surface skin member.

Abstract: An impact energy managing bumper structure having a configuration and component members that cooperatively provide, as a function of position along its length, predetermined levels of resilient opposition to deformation and displacement. A semirigid resilient fascia is spaced forwardly of the bumper structure, and the volume defined therebetween is filled with an integral skin urethane foam that is resiliently deformable and integrally bonded to both members.

Abstract: A bumper assembly having a fascia and a support member including an integral core made of a fiber reinforced composite resin adapted to be connected to a vehicle frame. The integral core has a back plate portion adapted to extend vertically of the front end of a vehicle and a plurality of reinforcing boxes formed with the back plate and extending forwardly and transversely. One of the reinforcing boxes is located at the top of the back plate and another is located at the bottom of the back plate. A cavity between the back plate and the fascia is filled with an energy absorbent material.

Abstract: A rollformed tubular vehicle bumper beam is fabricated of ultra-high strength steel and has a plan view sweep value of more than 10. The bumper beam has a cross-sectional configuration comprising an upper wall, a lower wall, an outer wall, and an inner wall. Inner portions of the upper and lower walls are angled, respectively, downwardly and upwardly. This configuration permits fabrication of the bumper beam by rollforming without stretching the outer wall to a point where it would be damaged.

Abstract: A bumper structure includes an elongated rollformed tubular vehicle bumper beam. The bumper beam is fabricated of ultra-high strength steel and has a plan view sweep value of more than 10. A relatively thick layer of energy absorbing foam material covered by a facia overlies the bumper beam. The foam material is thickest at the center portion and decreases in thickness towards the longitudinal ends of the bumper beam.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle bumper assembly includes a pair of side members constituting part of a vehicle body, a bumper reinforcement supported on the side members and extending transversely of the vehicle body, and an energy absorber arranged on a front surface of the bumper reinforcement. The bumper reinforcement has a rectangular cross section, upper and lower walls, and an intermediate wall connecting the upper and lower walls.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle bumper which performs an effective function of reducing any impact forces acting on the vehicle and thus protects the safety of the passengers and the vehicle. The bumper according to the present invention comprises a base and a pneumatic cushion connected with the base and filled with gas.

Abstract: A vehicular bumper assembly is formed of an outer bumper with one or more arcuate faces and one or more resilient pipes having outer surfaces conforming to the arcuate faces. The pipes are located adjacent to the faces and serve a buffering function when the outer bumper moves rearwardly in a collision. A buffer spring assembly absorbs an initial first portion of a collision force. The pipes then absorb a second portion of the collision force. The assembly also has a touch switch for enabling the vehicle's horn during a collision.

Abstract: A plastic bumper for use in an automobile includes a front wall member generally having a U-shape cross-section, and a rear wall member having a mid portion intermittently indented to form a plurality of pyramid frustum shaped recesses. An outer end face of each pyramid frustum recess is adhered to an inside face of said front wall member. Thus, the bumper is reinforced with respect to vertical and horizontal impacts.