Abstract: A protection device for the outside of a vehicle is described. An impact absorbing structure is placed on the outside of a vehicle and is anchored to the vehicle using a strap. The strap is secured between the doorframe and the roof of the vehicle and allows the impact absorbing structure to hang horizontally along the outside of the vehicle. Any object that would otherwise impact and damage the vehicle, such as the door of a neighboring car in a parking lot, is intercepted by the protection device.

Abstract: A backer strip load distribution device 10 includes a load distribution member 12 for disbursing a load imparted upon the device 10 over an area of the wall portion 6 engaged by a back wall 14 of the distribution member 12. The device 10 also includes an alignment member 16 for disposing a support structure 4 (prior art) upon a preselected portion of the load distribution member 12.

Abstract: A removable automobile molding has been developed that is an extruded plastic assembly, which attaches to the sides or fronts of the vehicle using a flexible magnetic film and can protect any surface of the automobile from dents or scratches. The flexible-plastic, guard assemblies are sized for each vehicle to allow car doors to be opened or closed with the assemblies attached and can be left on the vehicle either temporarily or permanently. Theft of the extruded plastic assemblies is prevented due to the use of spring-loaded clips attached to the extruded plastic assembly, which attach to the edges of the door and cannot be removed unless the door is open. For some vehicles the theft protection assembly may not be required or cannot be attached to the vehicle.

Abstract: A protecting device for a vehicle is disclosed. The protection device has an elongated member having a longitudinal axis, a plurality of generally flat profiles along one side of the member, at least one magnet positioned in at least one of the generally flat profiles, and an extendible tether attached to the member. At least one concavity extends between the generally flat profiles along the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: An energy dissipation assembly is provided for mounting between a fixed support and moveable support. The assembly includes a sacrificial deformation tube, a hardened cutter/deflector assembly and, optionally, a connecting cable to maintain the cutter/deflector assembly in juxtaposed coaxial alignment with an end deformation tube. The cutter/deflector assembly has a generally flattened disc shaped profile and includes a central hub, a circular support ring and one or more cutting blades. The support ring is concentrically about the hub and has an inner diameter greater than the outer tube diameter. On the occurrence of a shock force, the cutter/deflector assembly moves axial to cut/deform the deformation tube to dissipate force energy.

Abstract: An injury protection accessory for a riding vehicle (e.g., motorcycle), the accessory comprising: at least one shield (4), disposed at the side(s) of the riding vehicle, the shield comprising: a substantially vertical hinge (12), attached to the body or the chassis of the riding vehicle; and one or more substantially horizontal bars (10), attached to the hinge; the shield having an open state, in which one edge of the shield is separated from the body of the vehicle, thereby allowing the rider thereof to get off the vehicle, and a closed state, in which both sides of the shield are engaged with the body of the vehicle, thereby protecting the rider from injury.

Abstract: A motor vehicle door protection assembly for protecting a motor vehicle door from fingerprints and impact damage includes a panel that has a front side, a back side, an upper edge, a lower edge, a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge. A securing flange is attached to the first lateral edge and is configured to engage an edge of a vehicle door. A mounting strip is attached to the panel. The mounting strip is comprised of a magnetic material.

Abstract: A removable automobile molding has been developed that is an extruded plastic assembly, which attaches to the sides or fronts of the vehicle using a flexible magnetic film and can protect any surface of the automobile from dents or scratches. The flexible-plastic, guard assemblies are sized for each vehicle to allow car doors to be opened or closed with the assemblies attached and can be left on the vehicle either temporarily or permanently. Theft of the extruded plastic assemblies is prevented due to the use of spring-loaded clips attached to the extruded plastic assembly, which attach to the edges of the door and cannot be removed unless the door is open. For some vehicles the theft protection assembly may not be required or cannot be attached to the vehicle.

Abstract: A supplemental impact protection system for an automotive vehicle includes an external energy management structure having a first position for normal vehicle operation and a second position for deployment during an impact event. A mounting system allows selective positioning of the energy management structure in either the first or second position, as determined by a controller which assesses an impact potential of the vehicle and operates the mounting system to move the energy management structure to the second, or deployed, position in the event that the assessed impact potential satisfies a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A self-coiling dent guard for protecting vehicles and other objects from damage caused by unwanted collisions is disclosed. The guard is comprised of a main body adapted to absorb the impact of colliding objects. A bistable spring strip is integrated within the main body of the guard, thus giving the guard its self-coiling properties. When not in use, a user may cause the guard to coil so as to be easily stored. A magnetic strip is attached to the length of the main body such that the guard may be removably attached to a vehicle or other object. A layer of felt covering the bottom of the guard protects the vehicle from being scratched when the guard is applied or removed.

Abstract: The vehicle door protection device is a removable device for prevention of dents and other damage to a vehicle door, such as damage typically caused by the opening of an adjacent vehicle door. The vehicle door protection device includes an elongated base having opposed inner and outer surfaces, and an elongated fin joined to the outer surface of the base and projecting orthogonal thereto. The elongated base and elongated fin are preferably formed from high impact plastic or the like. The elongated fin preferably has a main body portion with an outer edge of increased thickness, enhancing the rigidity thereof. The inner surface of the base is releasably secured to an exterior face of the vehicle door by a magnetic layer secured to the inner surface. Alternatively, for vehicles having bodies formed from fiberglass or the like, the inner surface may have at least one suction cup secured thereto.

Abstract: An apparatus and a system are disclosed for protecting the side doors of an automobile when it is parked. The apparatus includes an elongated pad having two opposing ends and a central portion disposed between the two endings, and a protrusion extending from the central portion of the elongated pad and formed of a material sufficiently compressible to be shut within the door of an automobile. The system includes an elongated pad having two opposing ends and a central portion disposed between the two endings, and an adjustable protrusion extending from the central portion of the elongated pad, the adjustable protrusion movable to different locations along the length of the elongated pad, the protrusion is formed of a material sufficiently compressible to be shut within the door of an automobile.

Abstract: A morphable vehicle member utilizing at least one active material to change at least one attribute in response to an activation signal. The change in at least one attribute is a change in a shape dimension, a shape orientation, an expansion, a contraction, a morphing, a yield strength property, a flexural modulus or a combination. Preferably, the change in at least one attribute in the morphable vehicle member is reversible. Also disclosed herein are methods for the morphable vehicle member utilizing at least one active material to change at least one attribute on demand in response to an activation signal.

Abstract: An energy dissipation assembly is provided for mounting between a fixed support and moveable support. The assembly includes a sacrificial deformation tube, a hardened cutter/deflector assembly and, optionally, a connecting cable to maintain the cutter/deflector assembly in juxtaposed coaxial alignment with an end deformation tube. The cutter/deflector assembly has a generally flattened disc shaped profile and including a central hub, a circular support ring and one or more cutting blades. The support ring concentrically about the hub and has an inner diameter greater than the outer tube diameter. On the occurrence of a shock force, the cutter/deflector assembly moves axially to cut/deform the deformation tube to dissipate force energy.

Abstract: An industrial vehicle, in particular a trailer or semi-trailer, comprises on its two sides two side-impact guard devices each comprising at least one bar extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and connected to the frame of the vehicle. Set between the bars of the two side-impact guard devices is a housing structure for one or more spare wheels, in such a way that said housing structure and the spare wheel or wheels housed therein contribute, together with the aforesaid bars, to absorbing the energy of a lateral impact.

Abstract: The vehicle door protection device is a removable device for prevention of dents and other damage to a vehicle door, such as damage typically caused by the opening of an adjacent vehicle door. The vehicle door protection device includes an elongated base having opposed inner and outer surfaces, and an elongated fin joined to the outer surface of the base and projecting orthogonal thereto. The elongated base and elongated fin are preferably formed from high impact plastic or the like. The elongated fin preferably has a main body portion with an outer edge of increased thickness, enhancing the rigidity thereof. The inner surface of the base is releasably secured to an exterior face of the vehicle door by a magnetic layer secured to the inner surface. Alternatively, for vehicles having bodies formed from fiberglass or the like, the inner surface may have at least one suction cup secured thereto.

Abstract: A removable vehicle protection assembly for installation between first and second edges of a vehicle includes a resilient strip, a first resilient clamping member with a first clamp hook element, and a second hook element. The resilient strip is extendible along its longitudinal axis and is designed to protect the surface of the vehicle. The first resilient clamping member is used to protect a portion of the first vehicle edge and for securely receiving one end of the resilient strip portion. The resilient strip has a first clamp hook element for engaging a portion of the first vehicle edge and a second hook element coupled to the other end of the resilient strip for engaging a portion of the second vehicle edge. When installed on a vehicle, vehicle protection assembly protects the surface of a vehicle from damage when said vehicle is in transit, parked, or being towed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for connecting attachments to a vehicle including in a first embodiment a bumper guard that provides a barrier of protection for vehicle bumpers. The bumper guard includes two pieces, a first piece or bumper guard locator and a second piece or bottom piece. The first piece is attached to a vehicle through the lower holes in a license plate and is secured or locked in place using a locking mechanism. The second piece attaches, or depends from the first piece and is dimensioned and configured to rest over a bumper of the vehicle. The second piece is removably connected to the first piece and may be replaced when damaged or worn. Alternatively, in a second embodiment of the invention, the second piece may be a different component such as a “tailgating platform tray”, or other component module that attaches to a “T” locking system. The bumper guard or platform tray can be easily attached to the vehicle, stored and removed.

Abstract: A vehicle protector having an elongated body with a front surface, a back surface, a top, a bottom, and a first and second end, the first and second ends disposed opposite from one another, with first and second top straps disposed on the front surface nearer to the top than the bottom, the first top strap having a distal end extending from the first body end and the second top strap having a distal end extending from the second body end. Upon the application of tensile forces to the first and second top straps and the first and second bottom straps, the top of the body is drawn towards the bottom of the body on the back surface.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for protecting the side doors of an automobile when it is parked. Dings, scratches, and dents are common in parking lots where multiple cars are parked within close proximity to one another. The current invention protects the sides of a car from those dings, scratches, and dents that occur when a neighboring car's door is opened too wide. The current invention is easy to use and several embodiments offer methods of quick and easy storage. All embodiments of this invention are made primarily out of pliable, soft foam that is weather resistant and smooth enough as to not damage the surface of the car. Rather than using straps or clamps to attach this invention to the car door, this invention features a centrally located protrusion from the foam protection pad that can be shut in the car door.

Abstract: A system for absorbing impact energy includes a container formed with a plurality of faces. An energy absorbing material is substantially contained within the container. A first elongated member has a proximate end and a distal end. The proximate end is proximate and approximately perpendicular to a first face of the container. A long axis of the first elongated member intersects the first face. A first bumper is connected to the distal end of the first elongated member. A second elongated member has a proximate end and a distal end. The proximate end is proximate and approximately perpendicular to a second face of the container. A long axis of the second elongated member intersects the second face. The second elongated member is approximately perpendicular to the first elongated member. A second bumper connected to the distal end of the second elongated member.

Abstract: A system for absorbing impact energy includes a container formed with a plurality of faces. An energy absorbing material is substantially contained within the container. A first elongated member has a proximate end and a distal end. The proximate end is proximate and approximately perpendicular to a first face of the container. A long axis of the first elongated member intersects the first face. A first bumper is connected to the distal end of the first elongated member. A second elongated member has a proximate end and a distal end. The proximate end is proximate and approximately perpendicular to a second face of the container. A long axis of the second elongated member intersects the second face. The second elongated member is approximately perpendicular to the first elongated member. A second bumper connected to the distal end of the second elongated member.

Abstract: A motor vehicle roof protection system includes a pair of magnetically attachable elongated roof standoffs to carry cargo above a car (or any motor vehicle) roof. One elongated roof standoffs may be positioned near a forward end of the car roof and another elongated roof standoffs may be positioned near a rearward end of the car roof. Magnets are embodied within the elongated roof standoffs to resist movement on the roof surface, with a layer of material under the magnets to protect the roof finish. The elongated roof standoffs have sloped tops, and the roof standoffs are positioned with the slopes facing forward to produce downward force on the roof standoffs, and thereby secure the roof standoffs with fewer magnets than otherwise required. The tops include a textured portion for contact with cargo. The cargo may be held against the elongated roof standoffs using straps, ropes, or any suitable fastener.

Abstract: A damage prevention device for a car door or car body includes an elongated moulding that is attached to an outer surface of a car door to prevent damage from doors of adjacent cars when opened rapidly. The moulding can be extruded or can be molded. The moulding has flattened ends that can be pushed or wedged into a space created between the hinged door body end and the car body, and the other space between the other end of the door body and the car body.

Abstract: A removable vehicle door guard for use on a vehicle includes a pair of elongated door guards and a secure locking device. The pair of elongated door guards are interconnected by a linkage. The pair of elongated door guards each include magnets that are utilized to secure the pair of elongated door guards to a vehicle door and other external surfaces of the vehicle. The secure locking device is also interconnected to the linkage. The secure locking device includes a magnet that enables the secure locking device to be positively positioned to a door jam, and when the car door is closed, the secure locking device is captured between the vehicle door and the door jam.

Abstract: Embodiments of a vehicle door structure are provided, wherein the door structure comprises a door panel configured to couple to a vehicle frame. The door panel comprises at least one clip receptacle disposed on a lower portion of the door panel. The vehicle door structure comprise a molding component comprising at least one clip, wherein the molding component is flush mounted to the lower portion of the door panel, wherein the at least one clip engages the least one clip receptacle of the door panel.

Abstract: A removable vehicle component, such as a seat cowl, including a body configured to couple to a vehicle in a first position wherein the body covers a portion of a seat of the vehicle and in a second position, such as connected to the vehicle windshield, wherein the body does not cover the portion of the seat.

Abstract: An automatic side door protector having a protective pad and a support strap. The protective pad is preferably planar and rectangular, and each of the four corners of the rectangle is rounded. The protective pad is divided into multiple segments. Each of the segments is pivotally connected to at least one adjacent segment, permitting the device to be folded along the pivotal connections into a folded configuration. The support strap is connected to the protective pad at a peripheral edge of the protective pad. The support strap has a rolled end preferably formed by rolling the end of the support strap over itself. Preferably, at least one magnet is connected to each of the segments for securing the device to a magnetic surface and at least two suction cups attached to the protective pad help secure the device to the side of the vehicle.

Abstract: A mould end cap comprises a cap end portion engaged with an end of a mould body for a vehicle frame, a mould insert portion extending from the cap end portion and inserted in the mould body, and a hook portion provided at the mould insert portion and engaged with the mould body. In the mould end cap, the hook portion comprises a first step portion having a quadrangular column shape, which has a front surface and a rear surface inclined and opposite to each other, and side surfaces each having a trapezoidal shape, and a second step portion located on an upper end of the first step portion, the second step portion having a quadrangular column or pyramid shape, which has an inclined front surface, a vertical rear surface, and side surfaces each having a trapezoidal or triangular shape.

Abstract: A side under ride guard for a large vehicle having a trailer portion with a relatively high ground clearance is provided. The trailer portion has a front, a rear, and opposing side edges extending between the front and the rear. The side under ride guard attaches to the trailer portion and is positioned below the side edge of the trailer portion a distance sufficient to obstruct progress of a passenger vehicle under the side edge of the trailer. The side under ride guard further is positioned relative to the side edge of the trailer so as to prevent intrusion of the side edge into the passenger vehicle occupant compartment as well as to minimize the regions of contact between the passenger vehicle and the side under ride guard itself.

Abstract: Magnets attach a resilient material protector to the sides of a vehicle. The protector also includes a hook that fits between the vehicle door and the door post to prevent the protector from being removed from the vehicle when the door is locked. The protector has two portions that fold over each other such that the magnets on the respective portions align with each other and secure the portions together in a stowed position. The hook embeds in one portion of the protector and can extend between the vehicle door and its post to secure the protector to the vehicle. A recess opposite the hook in the other portion of the protector receives the hook's free end. The magnets have soft material on their outside to prevent the magnets from scratching the vehicle.

Abstract: A morphable vehicle member utilizing at least one active material to change at least one attribute in response to an activation signal. The change in at least one attribute is a change in a shape dimension, a shape orientation, an expansion, a contraction, a morphing, a yield strength property, a flexural modulus or a combination. Preferably, the change in at least one attribute in the morphable vehicle member is reversible. Also disclosed herein are methods for the morphable vehicle member utilizing at least one active material to change at least one attribute on demand in response to an activation signal.

Abstract: A protective guard assembly for the protection of vehicles from parking lot damage is provided. The protective apparatus may comprise a pair of extendable rotator arms with a tensioned cable extended therebetween. In its non-deployed position, the present invention may be mounted underneath the vehicle to maintain the outer appearance of the vehicle. In its deployed position, the present invention may provide a pair of fore and aft canted arms with the tensioned cable therebetween, such arms having extended from underneath said vehicle and rotated upward to extend said cable at approximately the height of the outermost portion of the generally curved vehicle body. Alternatively, the present invention may comprise a pair of shorter extendable arms rotated in an upward manner and extended from each of the front and rear bumpers, or extended from and retracted into the front and rear bumpers, along the side of the vehicle.

Abstract: A padding protective arrangement for furniture includes an elastic connective member and a plurality of cushioning pads. The elastic connective member has first and second end connecting portions, and a connector provided on the first end connecting portions. Each of the cushioning pads has a thickness larger than that of the elastic connective member, and a through mounting slot formed on the cushioning pad, wherein the elastic connective member is arranged to penetrate the cushioning pads at the respective mounting slot in such a manner that the first and the second end connecting portions are detachably connecting with each other by the connector to define a cushioning loop within the elastic connective member and the cushioning pads, wherein the cushioning loop is arranged to fittedly encircle a rim portion of the furniture for providing a cushion effect to absorb shock when a user accidentally hits the rim of the furniture.

Abstract: A morphable vehicle member utilizing at least one active material to change at least one attribute in response to an activation signal. The change in at least one attribute is a change in a shape dimension, a shape orientation, an expansion, a contraction, a morphing, a yield strength property, a flexural modulus or a combination. Preferably, the change in at least one attribute in the morphable vehicle member is reversible. Also disclosed herein are methods for the morphable vehicle member utilizing at least one active material to change at least one attribute on demand in response to an activation signal.

Abstract: A removable device for protecting parked automobile doors from dents, scuffs and scratches to its surface that may be caused by the doors of adjacent automobiles or other objects. The device consists of protective elements joined by a rope and mounted to the automobile by magnets. The device has a security tether which engages a locked door of an automobile to resist theft of the device.

Abstract: An underrun protection intended for vehicles, includes a stiff sheet unit attachable to the vehicle including on one hand a first box, which is composed of a bottom wall and a border located along the periphery thereof, and which is articulatedly connected to a fastening unit attached to the vehicle in order to be able to be turned between a folded-down position and a folded-out position in which the space under the platform of the vehicle is made accessible, and on the other hand a second box which is intended for enclosing an information carrier and which includes a transparent sheet and a frame surrounding the same, the frame being articulatedly connected to the border of the first box in order to be able to be turned between a folded-in position in the first box and a folded-out position in which the information carrier is exchangeable.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a device directed to protecting surfaces from damage due to low-impact forces. The device is fabricated from resilient plastic material that will absorb such forces and return to its original shape without breaking or permanent deformation. The device disclosed is semi-circular in cross-section and is adhered to the surface to be protected by EZ-ON means of double-sided adhesive tape or alternatively by flexing onto a bracket.

Abstract: A moulding element for motor vehicle bodies has been realized wherein a main section bar (2) of elongated conformation is engaged to attachment projections (9) presented by a correspondent securing area (5a) of a body (5) of a motor vehicle. The engagement between main section bar (2) and body (5) occurs by means of the interposition of a continuous support element (7) presenting a pre-set number of seats (11) able to be engaged to a pre-set number of fastening projections (9) of the body.

Abstract: A vehicle side protector against dents and scratches due to the impact of a door of an adjacent vehicle. Comprised of high-density blocks, covered with a non-scratch fabric. Attached are strips of covered pads for the purpose of protrusion that will cause the apparatus to fit vehicles with curves, and to prevent smacking sound on contact. Magnetic strips are applied to the strips of covered pads to secure the apparatus to the vehicle. The strap consists of a long strip, and a thick tip joined together to prevent easy theft.

Abstract: A knockdown nerf bar for replaceably and adjustably protecting a side of a vehicle from dings and dents. A frame replaceably and adjustably mounts to the vehicle. Mounting apparatus is operatively connected to the frame and mounts the frame to the vehicle. Adjusting apparatus is operatively connected to the frame and replaceably and adjustably attaches the frame to the vehicle. The frame has a pair of subframes connected to each other by a plurality of transverse portions that extend horizontally across the side of the vehicle. Each subframe has a stationary portion and a movable portion. The stationary portion mounts to, and extends outwardly from, the underside of the vehicle by the mounting apparatus. The movable portion is replaceably and adjustably connected to the stationary portion by the adjusting apparatus and extends vertically along the side of the vehicle. The mounting apparatus attaches to the underside of, and the panel flange of the underside of, the vehicle.

Abstract: The vehicle covering part (10) is provided with a snap-in connecting system (12). Provision is made here for the vehicle covering part (10) to have a support element (14) which can be fastened to the vehicle with a cohesive material joint, and a visible element (16) which can be connected to the support element (14) by snapping it in place. Furthermore, a method for fitting the vehicle covering part (10) to a vehicle body (18) is provided. The method is distinguished in that at least one layer of glue (22) is applied to that side (20) of the support element (14) which is for fastening to the vehicle, the support element (14) is bonded onto the vehicle body (18) in a stable position by means of the layer of glue (22), and the visible element (16) is then fixed on the support element (14) with the formation of a defined snap-in connection.

Abstract: A removable vehicle door protector includes an elongated rod that has a first end and a second end. The rod includes a first section and a second section wherein the first section is removably extendable into the second section so that the rod is selectively telescoping. A first coupler is attached to the first end of the rod for selectively attaching the first end to a first edge of a vehicle door. A second coupler is attached to the second end of the rod for selectively attaching the second end to a second edge of the door so that the rod extends between the first and second edges of the door.

Abstract: A device is disclosed that can be attached to a parked vehicle along its sides and protect the vehicle from dings or dents that might be caused by activity adjacent to the vehicle such as the opening and closing of the doors of an adjacent vehicle. The device has telescoping sections that allow it to be extended when it is attached to a vehicle. The device detachably connects to the vehicle and when not needed can be removed from the side of the vehicle and compacted for storage. In a preferred embodiment magnets are embedded in the device to allow it to detachably connect to the vehicle. Progressively smaller hollow telescoping sections of the device retract into the next larger section to achieve a compacted and easily stored device. An interlocking mechanism is incorporated into each section to prevent the sections of the device from becoming disjointed.

Abstract: Two mutually adjoined strips form a decorative covering for a vehicle having a connection element for the aligned connecting. This connection element, in one strip, consists of a detent hook and, in the other strip, consists of a detent hook receiving device. In the connected condition, the detent hook of one strip is held hooked into the detent hook receiving device of the other strip such that the exterior strip surfaces can be connected with one another at the same level and the strips can be connected with one another without gaps.

Abstract: A side moulding which is readily manufactured and mounted on an exterior side surface of a body or door of a motor vehicle, and is free from the generation of noise during the running of the motor vehicle or upon the opening and closing of the door of the motor vehicle. The side moulding includes a main body, clips for mounting the main body to the body or door of the motor vehicle, and cushion members provided in a rear surface of the main body. Each of the cushion members includes a cushion part for achieving a cushioning operation against the main body, and the body or door of the motor vehicle, and a fitting part for fitting to each of rib parts provided in the rear surface of the main body.

Abstract: An external protection system for a vehicle includes a plurality of external guards in communication with a passenger compartment. The plurality of guards are spaced a distance away from the passenger compartment such that a crush zone exists between each of the plurality of guards and the passenger compartment. This provides a lightweight vehicle with an increased level of protection.

Abstract: A side impact protection system for a motor vehicle body having a stowed position and a deployed position, the system includes a first L-shaped rigid structure comprising a first portion and a second portion; a second L-shaped rigid structure comprising a first portion and a second portion; a synthetic cable fixedly attached to the second portions of the first and second L-shaped rigid structures, wherein the synthetic cable is made from a plurality of helically braided bundles of fibers selected from a group consisting of aramid fibers and liquid crystal polymer fibers characterized by strain-at-failure exceeding about 3 percent; and a deployment device in operative communication with the first portions of the first and second L-shaped rigid structures to selectively extend the first portion outwardly from the deployment device, and wherein in a stowed position the second portions are at about the same plane and in a deployed position the second portions are parallel and the synthetic cables form a web-like

Abstract: A vehicle door includes an inner panel, an outer panel operatively connected to the inner panel, and an impact beam. At least a portion of the impact beam is outboard of the outer panel to enable a thinner and more compact door compared to prior art doors. A rub strip is preferably attached to the impact beam to form a preformed part. The rub strip protects the door from damage resulting from minor impacts and conceals the impact beam from view.

Abstract: The invention provides a protection piece for protecting a side bodywork part. It possesses both a side wall suitable for covering at least part of the side bodywork part and a flap for extending towards the side bodywork part, the flap being arranged in such a manner as to be capable of retracting so as to allow the wall of said protection piece to move towards the side bodywork part in such a manner that in the event of contact with an obstacle and for forces below a predetermined threshold only the protection piece is deformed, thereby preserving the side bodywork piece. The invention also provides a bodywork assembly and a bodywork part.