Abstract: An energy-dissipating element has the form of a hollow body extending in the longitudinal direction, wherein the element comprises a wall forming the peripheral surface of the hollow body. The element is designed to respond upon the exceeding of a critical impact force applied to a front of the element and to convert at least a portion of the impact energy ensuing from the transfer of the impact force through the element into the energy and heat of deformation by plastic deformation. The energy-dissipating element is composed of at least one deformation element formed from a hollow profile and extending along the longitudinal axis of the hollow body which forms the wall of the energy-dissipating element.

Abstract: A safety arrangement for use in a motor vehicle comprises at least one plastically-deformable element, defining an interior chamber, which will deform only when subjected to at least a first predetermined force. A source of gas is connected to inject gas into the chamber and a signal generator is provided to generate a signal representative of crash severity which is to be applied to the element during a crash situation or in an anticipated crash situation. The signal generator is connected to a control unit so as to provide the control unit with the signal. The control unit is connected to the source of gas in order to control the source of gas and to inject gas into the interior chamber of the deformable element so as to increase the gas pressure in the chamber when the crash severity signal is substantially in excess of a predetermined threshold. The arrangement provides a structure whose energy absorption characteristics can be varied according to the severity of a crash situation.

Abstract: An anti-crash safety device includes a supporting frame for securely mounting to a vehicle body and an impact rebounding unit which includes at least a resilient reinforcing member supported by the supporting frame at a position spaced apart from the vehicle body for shielding at least a portion of the vehicle body and at least a shock absorbing element rearwardly extended from the resilient reinforcing member. The resilient reinforcing member is adapted to retain a restoring force for bounding an impact force away from the vehicle body when the impact force is applied on the resilient reinforcing member. The shock absorbing element is adapted for applying an urging force to absorb the impact force from the resilient reinforcing member so as to minimize the impact force transmitting from the resilient reinforcing member to the vehicle body and to protect the vehicle body from being crashed by the impact force.

Abstract: Apparatus is dislosed for protecting vehicles including a crossbeam and a console mounting the crossbeam to the frame of the vehicle at a location which corresponds to the expected point of impact of a force generated by a collision, the console including an upper portion connected to the frame and comprising a hardened portion thereof, a lower portion comprising a non-hardened portion of the console, and a boundary area between these upper and lower portions comprising a weakened area of the console whereby upon impact the console is adapted to pivot about the weakened area for deformation of the console thereabout.

Abstract: A unified frame/body assembly is provided for a vehicle, such as a tow tractor. The reinforced center core of the tractor has a pair of longitudinal box-like body sections. Each body section includes a box beam with an integral extension panel. Substantially planar fenders structurally bridge between and connect the body sections to a wing at each end of a bumper member. The extension panel, fender and wing of the bumper form a substantially rigid quarter panel providing support for the vehicle through the suspension means of the vehicle. A pair of cantilever arms mount the suspension, preferably leaf springs, by attachment to the box beams with the distal end of the springs being connected to a mounting plate extending along the bottom of the bumper member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bumper support system for use with heavy-duty vehicles such as buses and wherein either towing or front end collision loads are transmitted through a pair of brace members in such a way as to minimize damage to the vehicle body and front suspension.