Bumper Having Impact Force Absorbing Means Directly Interposed Between Bumper And Vehicle Structure Patents (Class 293/132)
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Patent number: 8123263Abstract: A tube comprising an outer tube section with a stepped outer surface and an inner tube section, with the inner tube section being located within the outer tube section. The tube also comprises a spanning section connecting an end of the outer tube section to an end of the inner tube section. The outer tube section is longer than the inner tube section, whereby, upon undergoing a longitudinal impact, the outer tube section crushes predictably and sooner than the inner tube section upon the energy management tube receiving forces from the longitudinal impact, to thereby create a first energy absorption level during crushing of the outer tube section alone and a second energy absorption level during crushing of the outer tube section and the inner tube section.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2006Date of Patent: February 28, 2012Assignee: Shape Corp.Inventor: Darin Evans
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Patent number: 8123264Abstract: A crash box device and an impact absorption system with a crash box device are provided for motor vehicles. The device includes, but is not limited to: a deformable element for absorbing a collision force impacting in the main direction through a corresponding re-shaping and/or damping movement, an impact limitation device fastened on one final range of the deformable element, a support element connected with the other final range of the deformable element, preferably the final range which is opposite the other final range for the reception of the deformable element and for attaching further building components and fasteners to attach the deformable element with the impact limitation device and/or the support element.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2007Date of Patent: February 28, 2012Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventor: Stefan Zielke
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Publication number: 20120032459Abstract: The invention relates to an energy absorption device which can be arranged to absorb energy by deformation between a support structure of a vehicle and a damper, the energy absorption device carrying a deformable main profile which has a hollow body-type cross-section. The aim of the invention is to improve an energy absorption device of the aforementioned type in such a manner that the energy can be well carried off even if the forces produced by an accident impact the energy absorption device at an angle. For this purpose, a deformable supplementary profile is provided on the cross-section of the main profile.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 17, 2011Publication date: February 9, 2012Applicant: MAGNA AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES GMBHInventors: Xiangfan Fang, Christoph Seper
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Publication number: 20120031299Abstract: An energy-absorbing device, particularly for a shock absorber of a track-guided vehicle, has an energy-absorbing element designed as a deformation tube and a counter element which interacts with the deformation tube such that upon a critical impact force being exceeded, the counter element and the deformation tube exhibit a relative movement toward one another while at least a portion of the impact energy introduced into the energy-absorbing device is simultaneously absorbed. For the energy absorbtion to take place according to a predictable sequence of events when force is introduced non-axially into the energy-absorbing device, the counter element is connected to the deformation tube by means of a form-fit connection circumferential to the deformation tube so as to prevent twisting of the counter element relative the deformation tube.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 19, 2011Publication date: February 9, 2012Applicant: VOITH PATENT GMBHInventor: Arthur Kontetzki
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Publication number: 20120025545Abstract: A bumper reinforcement having end portions in a width direction of a vehicle, includes a main wall extending in a first direction perpendicular to the width direction, first and second walls protruding from the main wall in the first direction to extend toward an interior side of the vehicle in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle, flanges protruding from respective ends of the first and second walls along the first direction, the main wall, the first and second walls, and the flanges being integrally formed with one another, and gradually narrowing portions formed, in the width direction, at end portions of each of the first and second walls, wherein respective protruding lengths of the first and second walls in the longitudinal direction gradually decrease from an intermediate portion of the bumper reinforcement to the end portions of the bumper reinforcement in the width direction to form the gradually narrowing portions.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2011Publication date: February 2, 2012Inventors: Shinichi HANEDA, Kiyoichi KITA, Tamaki OHBAYASHI
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Publication number: 20120025546Abstract: A bumper device for a vehicle, includes a bumper reinforcement extending in a width direction of the vehicle, a connecting member extending in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle and connected to an end portion of the bumper reinforcement, the connecting member including a bottom wall portion that is in contact with the bumper reinforcement, a fitting bore formed in either one of the bottom wall portion and a contact wall portion of the bumper reinforcement, an insertion portion formed at the other one of the bottom wall portion and the contact wall portion and inserted in the fitting bore, and a flange extending from an edge of the insertion portion, wherein the one of the bottom wall portion and the contact wall portion, including the fitting bore is supported by the flange and the other one of the bottom wall portion and the contact wall portion, including the flange.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2011Publication date: February 2, 2012Inventors: Shinichi Haneda, Kiyoichi Kita, Tamaki Ohbayashi, Kyousuke Matsui
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Patent number: 8104805Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a shock absorbing member enabled to reduce stress applied at the moment of impact to each part serving as an attaching portion.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2008Date of Patent: January 31, 2012Assignees: INOAC Corporation, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hiroaki Suzuki, Yasuhiro Toyoguchi, Soshi Mitsuyama
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Publication number: 20120019025Abstract: An integrated assembly includes a bumper energy absorber section with crush lobes for abutting a bumper beam, an upper air shutter section with subassembled shutter members movable between closed and open positions, a first actuator mechanism for moving the shutter members between positions, an upper fascia support section with upper leg crush lobe therein above the upper air shutter section, a lower air shutter section with subassembled lower shutter members movable between closed and open positions, a second actuator mechanism for moving the lower shutter members between the positions; and a lower leg energy absorber section attached below the lower air shutter section and configured to abut (or replace) a face of a secondary pedestrian impact bar. The shutter members may be molded to a shutter frame using over molding technology rather than separately, manually assembled.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 20, 2011Publication date: January 26, 2012Inventors: Darin Evans, Dan Ralston, Benjamin R. Zabik
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Publication number: 20120007373Abstract: A frame assembly for a vehicle includes a front end frame assembly extending laterally across the vehicle and disposed adjacent a forward end of the vehicle, and a bumper beam extending laterally across the vehicle and spaced apart longitudinally forward of the front end frame assembly. A first set of spaced apart inner attachment structures connects the bumper beam to the front end frame assembly. A second set of spaced apart outer attachment structures also connects the bumper beam to the front end frame assembly. The second set of outer attachment structures is spaced apart from and flanks the first set of inner attachment structures.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 8, 2010Publication date: January 12, 2012Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Eric Boettcher, Jamison Weirup
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Publication number: 20110316295Abstract: In a lower vehicle-body structure of a vehicle, there is provided a rear connecting member swingably supporting a rear portion of a lower arm at a sub frame and a front side frame, the rear connecting member comprising a support portion to support the lower arm, a fifth connection portion to connect the sub frame and the support portion, and a fourth connection portion to connect the front side frame and the support portion. Further, there is provided a separation mechanism to separate the fourth connection portion off the front side frame in the vehicle frontal collision. Accordingly, the sub frame and the lower arm are separated off the front side frame by the separation mechanism.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 16, 2011Publication date: December 29, 2011Applicant: MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATIONInventors: Ken YAMADA, Kazuki YAMAUCHI, Hiroaki TAKESHITA, Masanobu FUKUSHIMA
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Patent number: 8074761Abstract: A crash attenuator for decelerating an impacting vehicle includes a first end that can be releasably secured to a vehicle, and a second end that is longitudinally spaced from the first end. The second end includes an impact member that is movable in the longitudinal direction from a pre-impact position to an impact position. At least a pair of deformable attenuator members are spaced laterally and extend longitudinally between the first and second ends. At least a portion of the attenuators are bent in a non-outboard direction when the impact member moves from the pre-impact position to the impact position.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2009Date of Patent: December 13, 2011Assignee: Energy Absorption Systems, Inc.Inventors: John F. LaTurner, Michael J. Buehler, Brent S. Sindorf
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Publication number: 20110278868Abstract: An energy absorber device is provided that includes a generally cylindrical member defining an axis and having an outer surface. One or more axially-spaced, substantially annular members are operatively connected to the generally cylindrical member at the outer surface to create areas of stress concentration in the generally cylindrical member, such that deformation of the generally cylindrical member due to a sufficient force applied to the generally cylindrical member is initiated at the areas of stress concentration, with the areas of stress concentration being reinforced by the substantially annular members. The areas of stress concentration act as crush initiation features and are formed by the connection of the substantially annular members to the generally cylindrical member. Thus, expensive tooling, such as preformed dies, to form the initiation features in the generally cylindrical member is not required.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 12, 2010Publication date: November 17, 2011Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Amit A. Wavde, Brian D. Van Buren
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Patent number: 8052184Abstract: A base-plate-less crashbox is provided for absorbing impact energy, which is suitable for insertion into a corresponding support frame, in particular, a motor vehicle support frame, and has a deformable profile. The base-plate-less crashbox includes, but is not limited to at least one first chamber and a second chamber formed adjacent thereto which are each surrounded by a wall of the profile. One of the chambers is formed such as to be shorter in the direction of insertion so that the other chamber has a protruding portion which is adapted to be inserted into the corresponding support frame in order to realize a coupling between the crashbox and the support frame. The protruding portion has at least one first connecting means for connecting the protruding portion to the support frame.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2007Date of Patent: November 8, 2011Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Bardo Braunbeck, Theobald Hock
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Patent number: 8047588Abstract: The invention relates to an energy absorption device which can be arranged to absorb energy by deformation between a support structure of a vehicle and a damper, the energy absorption device carrying a deformable main profile which has a hollow body-type cross-section. The aim of the invention is to improve an energy absorption device of the aforementioned type in such a manner that the energy can be well carried off even if the forces produced by an accident impact the energy absorption device at an angle. For this purpose, a deformable supplementary profile is provided on the cross-section of the main profile.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2007Date of Patent: November 1, 2011Assignee: Magna Automotive Services GmbHInventors: Xiangfan Fang, Christoph Seper
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Publication number: 20110254295Abstract: The present invention is directed to an energy absorbing component externally mounted to a vehicle having a beam structural member and at least one energy absorber operably connected to the beam structural member. The energy absorber absorbs energy when the vehicle undergoes a collision. Also included is a beam cover plate connected to the beam structural member through the use of resistive implant welding, which simplifies the manufacturing process, and improves manufacturing costs. There are two vehicle attachment plates which are overmolded to the beam cover plate, the vehicle attachment plates allow for the beam cover plate to be attached to a vehicle. The beam cover plate, beam structural member, and energy absorber form a component that is operable to function as a bumper that is connected to a vehicle, which absorbs energy during a collision.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 7, 2011Publication date: October 20, 2011Applicant: Magna International Inc.Inventors: Alan C. Cave, Robert Dernovsek, Richard W. Haveman
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Publication number: 20110233947Abstract: An energy absorbing assembly for a vehicle that has a bumper and a frame. A receptacle is defined within the frame. A collapsible member is provided between the bumper and a recessed location spaced away from the bumper in the receptacle. The collapsible member may collapse at least partially into the receptacle in the event of a collision.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 26, 2010Publication date: September 29, 2011Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Mohamed Ridha Baccouche, Saied Nusier, Saeed David Barbat, Hikmat F. Mahmood
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Publication number: 20110233946Abstract: A cross member made of sheet steel has a first region which underwent heat treatment, a second region which is not heat-treated, and a transition zone between the first and second regions. The transition zone is hereby defined by a width which is smaller than or equal to 50 mm.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 23, 2011Publication date: September 29, 2011Applicant: Benteler Automobiltechnik GmbHInventors: MARKUS PELLMANN, Martin Pohl, Martin Schroeter, Stefan Adelbert, Otto Buschsieweke, Christian Handing
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Patent number: 8020906Abstract: A crash apparatus, in particular a crash box in a motor vehicle, has a deformation body for absorbing energy in the event of a crash, which body is assembled from two half shells having beads running transversely to the main deformation direction. The two half shells each have outwardly projecting flanges with beads also running transversely to the main deformation direction. The two half shells exclusively press against one another via the contact surfaces lying between the beads of the flanges and are connected to one another in these areas.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2008Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: Dr. Ing h.c.F. Porsche AktiengesellschaftInventors: Ralf Schmid, Martin Sedlar
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Publication number: 20110221213Abstract: According to the invention, the front face (1) of the vehicle can be rigidly attached to the front ends (2) of the two main rails (4) of the automobile. The front face includes (1): two shock absorbers (26) provided as an extension of the respective front ends (2) of the main rails (4), each absorber (26) being adapted for absorbing the so-called “medium-speed” shocks; and a rigid transverse beam (10). The beam (10) is rigidly attached by opposite transverse end portions (37) to the front ends (2) of the two main rails (4), said end portions (37) being provided between the shock absorbers (26) and the front ends (2) of the main rails (4).Type: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2008Publication date: September 15, 2011Applicant: FAURECIA BLOC AVANTInventors: Caroline Riviere, Claude Laurent, Patrick Borde
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Publication number: 20110221214Abstract: A method for manufacturing an impact absorbing member, starting with a closed or substantially closed hollow section with a mid section and two end sections, wherein at least one the end sections is bent to form a supporting member, whereby at least one imprint is made in the part of the section to be deformed by the bending operation. The invention also relates to an improved impact absorbing member formed by a manufacturing process including bending.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 3, 2009Publication date: September 15, 2011Applicant: Norsk Hydro ASAInventors: Denis Gaisne, Olivier Grandsire, Jean-Philippe Leclerq, Odd-Perry Sovik, Alejandro Velasquez
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Patent number: 8016332Abstract: A container formed with a plurality of faces. An energy absorbing material is within the container. A plate is located within the container. An elongated member having a proximate end and a distal end is located with the proximate end of the elongated member proximate to the plate. A first bumper is integral with the distal end of the elongated member. A first engagement mechanism is proximate to the plate, wherein the engagement mechanism has a first position that fixes the plate to the elongated member and a second position that uncouples the plate from the elongated member. A first sensor is located to quantify a collision force on said first bumper. The sensor communicates with the first engagement mechanism whereby the position of the engagement mechanism is dependent on a quantity of the collision force sensed.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2010Date of Patent: September 13, 2011Inventor: Stephen D. Shoap
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Publication number: 20110193355Abstract: The bumper shield for a motor vehicle comprising two main longitudinal members (12), two auxiliary longitudinal members (16) positioned at a lower height, as well as supporting and attachment plates (20) positioned between the ends of the longitudinal members (12, 16), is a single integral piece in plastic material and is formed of two uprights (28) and an upper beam (24) connecting the uprights (28), the uprights (28) being configured so as to bear upon the plates (20) so as to act as impact absorbers, the shield (8) having the shape of an H or an inverted U given by the uprights (28) and the upper beam (24).Type: ApplicationFiled: April 15, 2011Publication date: August 11, 2011Applicant: FAURECIA BLOC AVANTInventor: Vincent Gonin
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Publication number: 20110181063Abstract: A crash box for a vehicle is made from a sheet blank (10) which is bent in a U to form the front plate (11), a top side (12) and a bottom side (13), and the top side and bottom side are bent to form overlapping flaps (16-19) which are joined together at the overlapping, and to form rear fastening plates (14,15).Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2009Publication date: July 28, 2011Inventor: Jonas Hellstrom
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Publication number: 20110175379Abstract: A bumper system for a motor vehicle includes, but is not limited to, a bumper cross member, which is fixed to a stiff frame of the motor vehicle, a pliable bumper shell, a compressible structure which is formed between an upper area of the shell and the cross member and one support section which supports the lower area of the shell, which, together with a crash box holding the cross member is anchored to the flange plates of the frame.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2011Publication date: July 21, 2011Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Matthias ERZGRÄBER, Theobald HOCK, Heino WENTZIEN, Stefan Glaser, Andreas Wüst
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Patent number: 7980607Abstract: An impact absorbing member comprises a first main body and a second main body. The first main body comprises a first partial tube wall and first flange members. The second main body comprises a second partial tube wall and second flange members. The first flange members are joined with the respective second flange members in a discontinuous manner along the axial direction of the tube. In at least one segment where the first flange members and the second flange members are not joined in the axial direction of the tube, spaces are formed between ends part of a first partial tube wall side of the first flange members and end parts of a second partial tube wall side of the second flange members.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2008Date of Patent: July 19, 2011Assignees: Toyotomi Kiko Co., Ltd., Aisin Seiki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Takakuni Kanaya, Hiroyuki Demizu, Kohei Hodoya
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Publication number: 20110156414Abstract: This bumper assembly is adapted for a motor vehicle having a structure including a pair of upper side members (6) and a pair of lower side members (8). It includes an energy absorbing panel (12) having at least two columns (16) each provided to bear on the ends of an upper side member (6) and a lower side member (8) and a beam (18) extending transversely between the columns (16). According to one embodiment, the bumper assembly includes a plate (36) doubling the beam (18) such that the beam (18) is compressed between a frontal face (36a) of the plate (36) in case of impact. The device is applicable to front or rear bumpers.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2010Publication date: June 30, 2011Applicant: FAURECIA BLOC AVANTInventors: Vincent GONIN, Laurent DROZ BARTHOLET, Julien DUFEE
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Patent number: 7967119Abstract: The invention provides a telescopic member that includes a cylinder in which a rod carrying a piston is mounted to slide telescopically, the telescopic member including internal abutment mechanisms that are overridable over a predetermined force when the rod comes into abutment inside the cylinder in the shortening direction. The internal abutment mechanisms include an abutment piece extending in an open bore within the rod and projecting therefrom, the abutment piece being held to the rod via a pin.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2007Date of Patent: June 28, 2011Assignee: Messier-Dowty S.A.Inventors: Andre Lahargou, Marc Brune
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Publication number: 20110140465Abstract: Embodiments of a body of a motor vehicle are provided, as are embodiments of an energy absorbing element for a motor vehicle body. In one embodiment, the body of a vehicle includes a longitudinal member, a cross-member, and an energy absorbing element mounted between the longitudinal member and the cross-member and extending in the vehicle's longitudinal direction. The energy absorbing element includes a tube section, which is formed from a single metal strip and which includes: (i) a cross-section having at least one concavity, as taken along a plane substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the tube section, and (ii) opposing longitudinal edges disposed substantially adjacent one another and within the at least one concavity. The energy absorbing element further includes at least one weld seam joining the opposing longitudinal edges to the single metal strip.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2011Publication date: June 16, 2011Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Bardo Braunbeck, Theobald Hock
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Publication number: 20110140466Abstract: An absorber element, positioned between an object to be protected and an impact element, for absorbing impact energy. The absorber element comprises a flange plate (1) and a deformation body (2, 3, 4) comprising a hollow cylindrical inner tube (2), a telescopic tube (3) with a section (5) which is formed inside-out, and an outer cup (4) which are interlaced in such a way so that a section (7) of the inner tube (2), which needs to be connected with the impact element, is positioned outside of the telescoping tube (3) and the outer cup (4), and that the inner tube (2) extends, at its side which faces the flange plate, into the outer cup (4), as well and at least into an opening of the telescoping tube (3). The inner tube (2) is bonded with an opening (8) of the telescoping tube (3) and, in the area of its entry into the outer cup (4), bonded with the outer cup (4).Type: ApplicationFiled: August 11, 2009Publication date: June 16, 2011Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AGInventor: Alois Hillen
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Patent number: 7959197Abstract: A bumper system includes primary and secondary structural cross beams, at least one having an S-shaped cross section with forwardly-facing (or outwardly-facing) top concavity. The beams include different arrangements of stiffening ribs in concavities formed by the S-shaped cross section for impact and bending strength. In one form, the beams are made of polymeric material. The beams may include integrally formed crush cans for attachment to the vehicle frame, or alternatively can be attached to vehicle frame rail tips by separate metal crush cans and brackets.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2009Date of Patent: June 14, 2011Assignee: Shape Corp.Inventors: Shailesh K. Agrahari, Devesh Soni, Gowher Qadri, Dhiraj Uikey
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Patent number: 7954865Abstract: An impact limiting system of a vehicle is provided with a cladding element and bumper substructure. The bumper substructure is spaced apart from the cladding element, and is covered by the cladding element. The bumper substructure is arranged on the vehicle body, and exhibits impact energy absorbing elements. The impact limiting system exhibits an impact force conveying element between the cladding element and bumper substructure.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2008Date of Patent: June 7, 2011Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Martin Schwarz, Ute Kohlrieser
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Publication number: 20110127798Abstract: A stiffener for a vehicle, may include a coupling stiffener part, an upper stiffener part extending integrally from an upper end of the coupling stiffener part, and protruding to a forward direction of the vehicle with a predetermined length, and a lower stiffener part extending integrally from a lower end of the coupling stiffener part, and protruding to the forward direction of the vehicle, with a predetermined length, wherein the coupling stiffener is secured to a bumper back beam, and wherein the upper stiffener part and the lower stiffener part are complementarily operated about the coupling stiffener part serving as a support shaft in a seesaw type manner to absorb shocks, in the event of a collision between the vehicle and a pedestrian.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 23, 2010Publication date: June 2, 2011Applicants: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA MOTORS CORPORATIONInventor: Jeong Ho LEE
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Publication number: 20110127783Abstract: A bumper reinforcement member including a front reinforcement member and a back reinforcement member, wherein the front reinforcement member includes a front intermediate face, which becomes a bumper front face, and a front groove arranged above and below the front intermediate face and that recesses from the bumper front face side towards a bumper rear face side; the back reinforcement member includes a back intermediate face positioned on a front side than bottom faces of both upper and lower front grooves, and a back groove arranged above and below the back intermediate face and that recesses from the bumper front face side towards the bumper rear face side; and the front reinforcement member and the back reinforcement member have the front groove contained in the back groove without bringing at least the bottom faces of the front groove and the back groove into surface contact with each other.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 22, 2010Publication date: June 2, 2011Applicant: ASTEER CO., LTD.Inventors: Kouji Shimotsu, Masafumi Wakabayashi
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Publication number: 20110121586Abstract: The bumper shield for a motor vehicle comprising two main longitudinal members (12), two auxiliary longitudinal members (16) positioned at a lower height, as well as supporting and attachment plates (20) positioned between the ends of the longitudinal members (12, 16), is a single integral piece in plastic material and is formed of two uprights (28) and an upper beam (24) connecting the uprights (28), the uprights (28) being configured so as to bear upon the plates (20) so as to act as impact absorbers, the shield (8) having the shape of an H or an inverted U given by the uprights (28) and the upper beam (24).Type: ApplicationFiled: November 18, 2010Publication date: May 26, 2011Applicant: FAURECIA BLOC AVANTInventor: Vincent Gonin
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Publication number: 20110109105Abstract: A bumper system includes an injection molded energy absorber of polymeric material having hollow longitudinally-spaced lobes configured to crush and absorb energy during a pedestrian impact, and straps interconnecting adjacent lobes. The lobes are particularly sized and dimensioned, including potentially external ribs and/or apertures in corners, to provide a relatively uniform impact energy absorption during an impact stroke during crush of the shear walls of the lobes, such as within +/?30% or more preferably within +/?20% of a desired amount regardless of a specific location of impact, along a selected center portion of the energy absorber. A reason for the uniformity is to promote pedestrian safety regardless of the specific location where a pedestrian's leg strikes the energy absorber.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 5, 2010Publication date: May 12, 2011Inventors: Daniel Ralston, Vidya Revankar, Amit Ashok Kulkarni, Darin Evans, Olaf Insel, Yassine Ghozzi, Alexander Besch, Oliver Knoke, Ngoc-Dang Nguyen
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Publication number: 20110101714Abstract: A bumper beam energy absorbing system (10) is disclosed for absorbing impact energy exerted on an automotive vehicle. The energy absorbing system (10) includes a rigid, structural impact beam (12), a decorative fascia (16), and an energy absorber (14) sandwiched between the impact beam (12) and fascia (16). The impact beam (12) is adapted to attach the energy absorber to the vehicle while the fascia (16) decoratively covers and conceals the energy absorber (14). The energy absorber (14) is comprised of layers of cell panels (20). Each cell panel (20) is extruded into an open cell network in which interconnected closed loop cell walls define a plurality of open cells, thereby creating the network. The cross-section of the cells (22, 22?) in one cell panel may differ to adjust the amount of energy absorbed by a particular section of the panel. Likewise, the overall open cell network may vary between the layers, thereby adjusting the amount of energy absorbed by each particular layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2004Publication date: May 5, 2011Inventor: Mary, Ann Bator
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Publication number: 20110101715Abstract: A structural arrangement of a motor vehicle, of type including a cabin and a loading bed, between which a substantially vertical partition extends, of type including a cabin floor that extends at a first height, and a loading floor of the bed that extends at a second height that differs from the first height of the cabin floor, and of type including a hollow body that stiffens the structure and extends substantially vertically between the first height of the cabin floor and the second height of the loading floor. The hollow body includes two substantially vertical structural elements, and the first structural element is formed by the lower portion of the partition.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2009Publication date: May 5, 2011Applicant: RENAULT S.A.S.Inventors: Sylvain Parfut, Pierre Cailleaux
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Publication number: 20110095549Abstract: Impact beam 3?, in particular a bumper beam for a vehicle and a method for making such a beam. At least a part of the bumper beam 3? has a cross-section where at least one part of the back wall is slanted or curved with regard to its vertical extension. Improved offset crash properties with regard to an offset obstruction 1? before a predefined deformation limit 6? is exceeded.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 17, 2009Publication date: April 28, 2011Applicant: Benteler Automobiltechnik GmbHInventors: Lars Moen, Frode Paulsen
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Publication number: 20110089707Abstract: The invention relates to an energy absorber for a vehicle bumper assembly, comprising a thrust transmitting section (1) and a deformable section (2) which are connected to one another, the respective opposing ends thereof being connected to a bumper cross-member (3) and a longitudinal member (4) of a main structure of the vehicle. The thrust transmitting section (1) includes a thrust transmitting member (5) having an elongate configuration extending along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. The deformable section (2) includes: deformable members (6, 8) in the form of a bridge defining stacked and joined supporting configurations (6a, 8a) to which the thrust transmitting member (5) is connected, and legs (6b) which extend from said supporting configurations (6a, 8a) substantially along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle and which are connected to the longitudinal member (4), optionally by means of a flat bar (10).Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2007Publication date: April 21, 2011Applicant: AUTOTECH ENGINEERING, A.I.E.Inventors: Francesc Perarnau Ramos, Lluis Puit Cases, Julio Peidro Aparici
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Patent number: 7926868Abstract: An energy absorbing element for a motor vehicle body comprises a tube section that is roll-formed from a steel strip. The cross-section of the tube section has at least one concavity.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2006Date of Patent: April 19, 2011Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Bardo Braunbeck, Theobald Hock
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Patent number: 7900984Abstract: An interface joint for a motor vehicle is provided that serves as a node to connect a longitudinal motor compartment frame rail, an energy absorbing device, referred to as a crush box, and an engine cradle. The interface joint is a unitary component having a plate portion, first and second flange portions, and an engine cradle attachment portion. The first flange portion extends longitudinally from the plate portion and is adapted for engagement with the crush box. The second flange portion extends longitudinally from the plate portion opposite the first flange portion and is adapted for engagement with the frame rail. The engine cradle attachment portion extends between the flange portions and is adapted for attachment to the engine cradle.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2009Date of Patent: March 8, 2011Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Soo A. Tan, Bradley E. Bowers
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Patent number: 7900983Abstract: An underrun protector mounting structure 3 includes: a chassis frame 4; a front underrun protector 5 which is disposed at the front or rear of the chassis frame 4 and extended in a lateral direction of the vehicle; a bracket 6 for fixing the front underrun protector 5 to the chassis frame 4; and a support part 7 interposed between the front underrun protector 5 and the bracket 6. The support part 7 has ribs 46 projected toward the bracket 6 and extended along the lateral direction of the vehicle. The bracket 6 has a plurality of rib receiving parts 30 which are formed approximately parallel to each other in a vertical direction of the vehicle with a space therebetween and which fit to the ribs 46. A mounting height of the support part 7 relative to the bracket 6 is set by selecting and fitting one of the plurality of rib receiving parts 30.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2006Date of Patent: March 8, 2011Assignee: Isuzu Motors LimitedInventor: Takashi Saitou
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Publication number: 20110049915Abstract: The present invention relates to a bumper reinforcement for vehicles having a fixing portion 11 to be fixed to a vehicle structural member at a part of the bumper reinforcement in a longitudinal direction. The bumper reinforcement is constituted by an integrally molded product obtained by deforming a hollow extruded product by plastic working. When the fixing portion 11 and vicinities thereof is defined as a reinforced portion 1, light-weighted portion 21s and 22 smaller in second moment of area and cross-sectional area than the reinforced portion 1 are provided at least part of a non-reinforced portion constituted by a portion other than the reinforced portion. This makes it possible to decrease the number of parts and trim the weight while securing strength.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 8, 2009Publication date: March 3, 2011Applicant: SHOWA DENKO K.K.Inventor: Sadao Kokubo
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Publication number: 20110049838Abstract: A trailer-mounted crash impact attenuator is disclosed for attachment to a host vehicle, which comprises an anti-rotational attachment system having an internal support tube and a plurality of external support tubes. The internal support tube has a connector on a front end thereof for attachment to a suitable receptacle on the host vehicle, and the plurality of external support tubes each have an anti-rotation support pad on a front end thereof. At least one of the internal support tube and the plurality of external support tubes is comprised of a telescoping construction. A backup frame is disposed on a rear end of the attachment system, and a crash attenuator unit is disposed on an axle and pair of wheels for mobility. When the crash attenuator is impacted by an errant vehicle, the anti-rotational attachment system is actuated to prevent the trailer mounted crash impact attenuator from rotating relative to the host vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 27, 2010Publication date: March 3, 2011Applicant: TRAFFIX DEVICES, INC.Inventor: Geoffrey B. Maus
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Patent number: 7896410Abstract: Thickness T in a vehicle longitudinal direction of a first energy-absorbing member 18, which is disposed at a front portion of a vehicle 10, tapers from a middle portion of a vehicle lateral direction (thickness Tc) toward an end portion (thickness Ts). For at least one (preferably both) of the first energy-absorbing member 18 and a second energy-absorbing member, rigidity in the vehicle longitudinal direction is made smaller from the vehicle lateral direction end portion toward the middle. Hence, loads acting on an impact body 102 when the vehicle 10 impacts with the impact body 102 are equalized in the vehicle lateral direction.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2006Date of Patent: March 1, 2011Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Masaaki Morikawa, Osamu Nagasaka
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Patent number: 7896408Abstract: The bumper stay includes a cylindrical shaft member fit in to a hole of a bumper reinforce, a cylindrical reinforcing member fit in to the outer periphery of the shaft member in the rear side of the bumper reinforce, and a mounting flange member fit in to the outer periphery of the shaft member in its rear end. The shaft member is enlarged by electromagnetic forming and is tightly adhered to the inner peripheral surface of the hole formed in the bumper reinforce, the inner peripheral surface of the reinforcing member, and the inner peripheral surface of the hole flange formed in the mounting flange member, thereby these are joined with each other. Thin aluminum alloy extruded material can be used for the shaft member.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2009Date of Patent: March 1, 2011Assignee: Kobe Steel, Ltd.Inventors: Narikazu Hashimoto, Tsunetake Tsuyoshi, Hideki Ishitobi, Satoshi Nimura, Toru Hashimura
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Patent number: 7887121Abstract: A pedestrian protection apparatus is provided which prevents occurrence of bending deformation resulting from thermal contraction after the molding of a resin base member. The apparatus includes a resin base member that is fixed to a vehicle at a rear portion thereof and a plurality of reinforcing beads that extend in a front to back direction of the vehicle and space apart from each other in a vehicle width direction at a front portion of the base member. On a portion of the base member positioned between mutually adjacent ones of these reinforcing beads is integrally formed a planar connecting rib extends in a direction perpendicular to an extending direction of the reinforcing beads, so that mutually opposing surfaces of the adjacent reinforcing beads are connected to each other by the connecting rib.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2009Date of Patent: February 15, 2011Assignee: Kojima Press Industry Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kazutoshi Hasegawa, Yuichiro Fukakusa, Yoshihiro Ogura, Kuniaki Hasegawa
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Publication number: 20110006554Abstract: A safety automobile bumper assembly includes energy absorbers interposed between a fascia and bumper beam comprised of a strip of deformable material formed with a loop with opposite curved ends deformed by relative movement of the fascia and bumper beam in an impact. Additional curved strip positions are provided by one or more additional loops or by one or more inner webs to increase energy absorbing capacity.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2010Publication date: January 13, 2011Inventor: Ayyakannu Mani
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Patent number: 7857365Abstract: A vehicle bumper assembly is provided with a bumper cover attachable to a body of a vehicle, the bumper cover having an inner surface defining a groove portion. The vehicle bumper assembly further provides an energy absorbing member with a base to be fixedly secured to a bumper of a vehicle and a bracket coupled to the body of the vehicle, the bracket defining a protrusion portion to engage with the groove of the bumper cover.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2009Date of Patent: December 28, 2010Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventor: Faheem Gill
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Publication number: 20100320781Abstract: A bumper beam for a vehicle has two attachment portions (15, 16) with a U-shaped cross section open towards the vehicle. Each attachment portion has a reinforcing member (29) in the form of a hat-profile located within the attachment portion and across the latter, with its webs (31, 32) welded to the webs (13, 14) of the attachment portion. The side flanges (33, 34) of the hat profile have holes (35, 36) for bolts by means of which the side flanges and thereby the bumper beam can be attached to a structural part of the vehicle and the attachment section has holes (41) to allow fastening bolts of this kind to be fastened through these holes.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 2, 2009Publication date: December 23, 2010Inventor: Thomas Steiner