Bumper Having Impact Force Absorbing Means Directly Interposed Between Bumper And Vehicle Structure Patents (Class 293/132)
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Publication number: 20100320780Abstract: A recycled rubber, preferably recycled tire rubber, based composite bumper for vehicles includes: a) a core member cast into a predetermined shape for attachment to a vehicle to function as an impact bumper core, the core member being a cast recycled rubber core member; and, b) a skin member, the skin member being attached to at least a portion of the core member, the skin member being selected from the group consisting of a urethane, a urethane-derived polymer, a thermoplastic and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, there is at least one rigid support member embedded in the core member to add strength to the bumper.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2009Publication date: December 23, 2010Inventor: Kenneth P. Glynn
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Publication number: 20100308607Abstract: The invention relates to an absorber comprising first and second portions and made at least in part out of plastics material, wherein the first portion includes a first support wall extending in a longitudinal direction of the absorber and placed to bear against a beam of the vehicle; the second portion includes a second support wall extending in a longitudinal dimension of the absorber and essentially perpendicularly to the first wall, being placed to bear against the beam; and the second portion includes reinforcing walls corresponding essentially to a plane normal to the longitudinal direction of the absorber and arranged so that each has one end connected to the second wall, each reinforcing wall having at least one other end connected to an adjacent reinforcing wall, such that each reinforcing wall is connected to each of the adjacent walls.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 8, 2010Publication date: December 9, 2010Applicant: COMPAGNIE PLASTIC OMNIUMInventor: Stephane GINJA
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Publication number: 20100276950Abstract: A crash box for placement between a bumper beam and a side rail of a motor vehicle includes a longitudinal profile made of two U-shaped shells having overlapping ends sized to realize a material doubling for increasing side stiffness and to suit the side stiffness to a load level. A flange plate is provided on a side-rail-proximal end of the longitudinal profile and has an opening for passage of the longitudinal profile. The side-rail-proximal end of the longitudinal profile is configured with a collar which is turned outwards. The collar rests against the flange plate and is joined with the flange plate. In the event of a collision, the longitudinal profile of the crash box is moved into the side rail as the longitudinal profile folds into the side rail starting from the flange plate, while the side-rail-proximal end of the longitudinal profile remains secured to the flange plate.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 6, 2010Publication date: November 4, 2010Applicant: Benteler Automobiltechnik GmbHInventors: Hui Wang, Mirko Paare, Christian Handing
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Publication number: 20100253103Abstract: A bumper system for motor vehicles includes an energy absorption assembly that extends generally perpendicular to the direction of vehicle travel and is connected with the longitudinal supports of the vehicle frame by crush boxes. The energy absorption assembly has first and second generally parallel bumper members, which support one another along first and second contact surfaces. The first bumper member is slideably supported by the second bumper member and is configured such that upon impact, the first bumper member is slidingly displaced along the first and second contact surfaces both horizontally relative to the longitudinal supports of the vehicle frame and vertically relative to the second bumper member.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2010Publication date: October 7, 2010Inventors: Holger Wiedermann, Frank Seifert, Torsten Groning
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Publication number: 20100253102Abstract: A motor vehicle front face (1) can be fixed rigidly to the front ends (2) of the main longitudinal members (14) of the motor vehicle. The front face (1) includes: at least one cross member (8), at least one lock (76) for fastening the bonnet of the motor vehicle, the or each lock (76) being rigidly fixed to the cross member (8). The cross member (8) is vertically located substantially level with the front ends (2) of the main longitudinal members (4).Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2008Publication date: October 7, 2010Applicant: FAURECIA BLOC AVANTInventors: Caroline Riviere, Didier Bierjon
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Publication number: 20100244470Abstract: The present invention relates to an impact element having at least one carrier and at least one deformation element, wherein the carrier has a strip-shaped insert which is at least partly sheathed with plastic, wherein the strip-shaped insert is slit into at least two strips in at least one profile section and one strip is set back with respect to the other strip by shaping while forming a gap, with the deformation element being able to be fastened or being fastened to the carrier by means of at least one fastening means and the fastening means being guided through the gap between the strips of the insert, with at least one plastic molding being provided which is arranged such that it inhibits and/or prevents a relative movement between the fastening means or the deformation element and the insert.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 24, 2010Publication date: September 30, 2010Applicant: JACOB PLASTICS GMBHInventors: Marco Wacker, Joerg Russ
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Publication number: 20100244471Abstract: A bumper system for motor vehicles includes a cross member, and at least one crush box positioned between the cross member and the vehicle frame. Two coupling levers have opposite ends operably and pivotally connected with a crush box and cross member. The coupling levers are arranged in a mutually parallel relationship and oriented at an angle relative to vehicle travel, such that the cross member is supported by the crush box for displacement from a ready position toward the vehicle frame in both horizontal and vertical directions. An energy absorption element constructed from a foam material was positioned between a cross member and the crush box, and is clamped between the coupling levers to selectively resist inward movement of the cross member from the ready position upon impact to absorb impact energy.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2010Publication date: September 30, 2010Inventors: Holger Wiedermann, Frank Seifert, Torsten Groning
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Publication number: 20100244481Abstract: A vehicle front structure has a pair of right and left apron side members 1 each extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction and having a closed cross section structure, a bumper 2 located on the vehicle front side Fr of the front end portion of the apron side member 1, and a grille 5 attached to air intake openings 3, 4 in the bumper 2. In this vehicle front structure, shock absorbing parts 20 formed integrally with the grille 5 are disposed between the bumper 2 and the front end portions of the apron side members 1.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2010Publication date: September 30, 2010Applicant: SUZUKI MOTOR CORPORATIONInventors: Shinji OHNO, Taku SUMINO, Hironori SHIGEMASU, Idemitsu MASUDA, Akito MIYAZAKI
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Patent number: 7802829Abstract: 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 its front end 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 their front ends. 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: GrantFiled: January 30, 2008Date of Patent: September 28, 2010Assignee: TrafFix Devices, Inc.Inventor: Geoffrey B. Maus
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Publication number: 20100237639Abstract: A bumper system for motor vehicles has a cross-member and two crush boxes. The cross-member is made from steel and the crush boxes are made from aluminum, or vice versa. The bumper member that is made from steel has a zinc coating on at least the joint area thereof. A braze weld fixedly connects the crush boxes to the cross-member along associated joints.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2010Publication date: September 23, 2010Inventors: Christian Handing, Michael Wibbeke
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Publication number: 20100230981Abstract: A front section for a motor vehicle body features a main frame that includes, but is not limited to an upper bumper carrier, a lower reinforcing element for the bumper that extends underneath the upper bumper carrier and a sub-frame that is elastically fixed on the main frame by means of a buffer. The buffer is held between an end piece of the reinforcing element and the main frame.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 27, 2007Publication date: September 16, 2010Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Theobald Hock, Viet-Hung Nguyen, Martin Leonhard Sachs
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Publication number: 20100230982Abstract: An energy-absorbing structure for a vehicle includes an energy-absorbing member that folds or crumples on crash impact, the energy-absorbing member being of a functionally-graded material having a less ductile core integral with a more ductile shell. The core is preferably of a medium carbon steel or an HSLA steel, with the shell having a lower content of carbon. The energy absorbing member may be made by partial decarburisation of a medium carbon or an HSLA steel member.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2010Publication date: September 16, 2010Inventor: Paul Francis STRATTON
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Patent number: 7793997Abstract: A bumper beam (11) is fastened in two crash boxes (12). The top part and bottom part of each crash box form fastening tabs (34,35) against the top and bottom of the bumper beam (11) and each tab is fastened to the bumper beam with more than one bolt (36,37,57 58). A first hole (55) fits a first bolt (57) whereas the other hole/holes (56) permit for the bumper beam to turn a limited amount around said first bolt. Each tab is fastened to the bumper beam with more than one bolt and nut fastener (36,37,57,58). A first hole (55) fits a first bolt (57) whereas the other hole/holes (56) permit for the bumper beam to turn a limited amount around said first bolt. If a crash box is compressed in an off-set crash, the other crash box remains intact.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2006Date of Patent: September 14, 2010Assignee: Gestamp Hardtech ABInventor: Lars Karlander
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Publication number: 20100194126Abstract: An elongate mechanical device for vehicles, for absorbing impacts, which includes a profiled or tubular elongate part of polygonal cross section, and an end part mounted at one end of the elongate part, at an angle perpendicular to the axis of the elongate part, and intended for fastening to other elements. In the vicinity of its end, the elongate part includes cutouts, which create adjusted regions or faces, in the vicinity of edges of its cross section, and a rigid fastening is provided between the elongate part and the end part that maintains the adjusted regions in direct contact with the end part, the adjusted regions being dimensioned to withstand compressive loads and a tilting torque during impacts.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 24, 2008Publication date: August 5, 2010Applicant: ArcelorMittal Tubular Products VitryInventors: Wilder De Queiroz, Thierry Derchu, Raymond Deslande
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Publication number: 20100176609Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 12, 2009Publication date: July 15, 2010Applicant: TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING NORTH AMERICA, INC.Inventor: Faheem Gill
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Publication number: 20100164238Abstract: Flanges (68) are provided on outer sides (in an upper-lower direction) of a pair of narrow side walls (66) of a crash box (50). Each of flanges (68) is provided to be connected to the narrow side wall (66) at the central portion thereof, and the both lateral portions thereof (wing-like flanges (70a, 70b)) extend parallel to the narrow side walls (66) and in the opposite directions relative to each other. Therefore, even when an impact load is applied to the crash box (50) in an oblique direction of the vehicle, owing to disposition of the flanges (68) the crush box (50) is suppressed from lateral falling, so that excellent impact-absorbing property is stably obtained. Because the flanges (68) are formed parallel to the narrow side walls (66), the impact absorbing member can be appropriately prevented from the lateral falling resulted from the impact load acting in an oblique direction of the vehicle, and can be compactified in size. As a result, mountability on a vehicle is improved.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2009Publication date: July 1, 2010Inventors: Makoto Nakanishi, Mitsutoshi Kano
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Publication number: 20100156122Abstract: 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 a first plate part 31 disposed on the front underrun protector 5 side and a second plate part 32 disposed on the first plate part 31 on the bracket 6 side. The first plate part 31 is formed to be wider in the lateral direction of the vehicle than the second plate part 32. The first and second plate parts 31 and 32 are stacked to form a leaf spring shape in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 8, 2006Publication date: June 24, 2010Applicant: Isuzu Motors LimitedInventor: Takashi Saitou
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Patent number: 7740293Abstract: A combination bumper cover and stiffener for vehicles maintains a good appearance and maximizes the absorption of shocks when a pedestrian is hit by the front of a vehicle. The combination bumper cover and stiffener includes a stiffener and a bumper cover. The stiffener includes a first mounting surface which contacts a front end module carrier of a vehicle, an extension surface which extends from the first mounting surface towards a front of the vehicle, and a second mounting surface which is formed by bending an edge of the extension surface towards a rear of the vehicle. The bumper cover is mounted at one surface thereof to the second mounting surface.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2008Date of Patent: June 22, 2010Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventor: Tak Su Kim
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Patent number: 7735902Abstract: A front structure of a motor vehicle has a lower bumper that runs in the vehicle transverse direction, and an upper bumper arranged above the lower bumper. The lower bumper and upper bumper are supported on the vehicle structure via crash boxes. The lower bumper defines a closed hollow profile and is supported on a front-end body, in particular on a luggage compartment depression, of the motor vehicle via the associated crash boxes.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2009Date of Patent: June 15, 2010Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche AktiengesellschaftInventor: Ralf Wurtemberger
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Publication number: 20100140967Abstract: The invention relates to a motor vehicle, in particular a utility vehicle, with a driver's cab (2) which has a driver's cab floor (4). In order to improve occupant protection, the driver's cab floor (4) has, in the front region (3) of the motor vehicle, at least one receiving space (14) for at least one crash element (16).Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2006Publication date: June 10, 2010Applicant: Daimler AGInventor: Mario List
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Publication number: 20100117385Abstract: An underride compatibility apparatus is provided for a vehicle structure. The apparatus includes a frame arranged to support the vehicle structure. The frame includes an energy absorption portion arranged for absorption of impact energy. The apparatus also includes a beam arranged substantially transverse to the vehicle structure, below the frame, and remote from the energy absorption portion. The apparatus also includes a flexible member configured to carry a tensile load, but not a substantial compressive load. The flexible member distributes the impact energy between the energy absorption portion and the beam when the member is loaded in tension during an underride impact, but does not affect the impact energy absorption of the energy absorption portion during a direct impact.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 11, 2008Publication date: May 13, 2010Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: John G. Jenuwine, Elizabeth L. Larue
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Publication number: 20100109356Abstract: A system for absorbing impact energy includes a container formed with a plurality of faces, wherein the container is attached to a vehicle. An energy-absorbing material is substantially contained within the container. At least one elongated member having a proximate end and a distal end is included, wherein the proximate end is proximate to a first face of the container. A long axis of the at least one elongated member may intersect the first face. A bumper may be connected to the distal end of the at least one elongated member.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2009Publication date: May 6, 2010Inventor: Stephen D. Shoap
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Publication number: 20100109353Abstract: A vehicle bumper system includes a beam configured to attach to a vehicle and a thermoformed energy absorber positioned on the beam. The energy absorber comprises a frame and a crush lobe extending from the frame. The crush lobe comprises a lobe wall extending between the frame and an outer wall. The change in lobe wall thickness may be constant. The outer wall is curved away from the frame.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 4, 2008Publication date: May 6, 2010Applicant: SABIC INNOVATIVE PLASTICS IP B.V.Inventors: Kent Allen, Brian Joseph Czopek, Eric D. Kowal, Sandeep Kulkarni, Dhanendra Kumar Nagwanshi
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Publication number: 20100108424Abstract: A safety device for a vehicle, capable of relaxing a collision load acting on a colliding body. The safety device (10) for a vehicle has colliding body receiving sections (24), and opposite longitudinal ends of each colliding body receiving section (24) are bent to form legs (26) having ends (26A). The ends (26A) are fixed to side frames (16) on the vehicle body side to form impact absorption members (22). The safety device (10) is adapted so that, while supporting a collision load, the impact absorption members (22) are displaced to absorb collision energy of the colliding body. The impact absorption members (22) can produce displacement regions that acts against an increase in the displacement in the direction of collision to suppress an increase in supporting load.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 29, 2008Publication date: May 6, 2010Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOYOTA CHUO KENKYUSHOInventors: Atsushi Suzuki, Hidekazu Nishigaki, Atsushi Kawaguchi, Yasuo Asaga, Daisuke Yamada, Tomoko Abe, Yoshikatsu Kisanuki
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Publication number: 20100109355Abstract: The invention relates to an assembly comprising a rear impact beam and an impact absorber. The beam and the absorber have respective fastener means fastening them to a motor vehicle body-in-white. The absorber is shaped to absorb a corner impact and is designed to be arranged in the vicinity of a rear corner of the body-in-white in line with the longitudinal direction of the beam so as to leave a gap between a proximal end of the beam and the absorber.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 7, 2008Publication date: May 6, 2010Applicant: COMPAGNIE PLASTIC OMNIUMInventor: Fernando Ballesteros
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Patent number: 7708323Abstract: A vehicle body strength adjusting system is provided in which a bumper beam includes a body portion which extends in a widthwise direction of a vehicle and inclined portions which extend from left and right opposite ends of the body portion and which are inclined in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle body. Further, the vehicle body strength adjusting system includes a variable crush-strength device which is disposed between the inclined portions of the vehicle body frames, which can be crushed when a collision with the vehicle occurs, and which has a variable crush-strength. A first bolt hole is formed in each of the inclined portions of the bumper beam and a second bolt hole is formed in the mounting bracket of the variable crush-strength device. At least one of the first bolt hole and the second bolt hole is an elongate hole. The first bolt hole and the second bolt hole are fastened to each other by a bolt.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2008Date of Patent: May 4, 2010Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shunji Suzuki, Yuta Urushiyama, Yasuaki Gunji
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Patent number: 7699383Abstract: A pedestrian protection apparatus for a vehicle, including a plate member which is disposed at a front face of the vehicle, which includes front and rear portions, and which is fixed at the rear portion to the vehicle with at least a leading end part of the front portion protruded from the front face of the vehicle, the apparatus being arranged to sweep a leg portion of a pedestrian, thereby protecting the leg portion, wherein the leading end part includes at least one horizontally extending portion and a plurality of vertically extending portions each having an anterior surface substantially orthogonal to a horizontal plane, the horizontally extending portion and the vertically extending portions being formed integrally with the leading end part so as to be alternately disposed in the frontward and backward direction of the vehicle and extend in a staircase-like form.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2008Date of Patent: April 20, 2010Assignee: Kojima Press Industry Co., Ltd.Inventors: Masanobu Fukukawa, Yoshihiro Ogura, Kaoru Ito, Kuniaki Hasegawa, Hiroki Kurokawa, Yoshiyuki Yamamoto, Naoki Goda
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Publication number: 20100078949Abstract: A vehicle front structure reinforces a portion around a bumper to prevent local stress concentration. The vehicle front structure includes a first reinforcement (4) attached to the central part in the vehicle width direction of a bumper member (2), and includes second reinforcements (11) attached to the vehicle inside parts of corner parts (10) each defined by a side member (3) and the bumper member (2). The first reinforcement (4) is arranged so as to cover an upper part (2b) and a lower part (2c) of the bumper member (2). A side end part (4b) in the vehicle width direction of the first reinforcement (4), which is arranged in the upper part (2b) and the lower part (2c), is formed so as to extend to the outside in the vehicle width direction toward the rear of the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 21, 2009Publication date: April 1, 2010Applicant: Suzuki Motor CorporationInventors: Daigoro HAMA, Shohei Sugimoto
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Patent number: 7681700Abstract: The energy absorber system is adapted to a motor vehicle having side rails. The system comprises a top absorber beam positioning in front of the side rails of the motor vehicle, a bottom absorber beam for being positioned beneath the top absorber beam, and at least two uprights providing a rigid connection between the top and bottom beams. The system also includes a rigid cross-member extending between the side rails and being secured directly to the side rails, the top beam being secured to bear against the cross-member.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2006Date of Patent: March 23, 2010Assignee: Compagnie Plastic OmniumInventors: Stephane Ginja, Laurent Rocheblave
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Patent number: 7677616Abstract: A bumper absorber includes an upper leg and a lower leg, each of which extends in a longitudinal direction of an automobile, and a spanning portion. The spanning portion connects the upper leg and the lower leg, and faces an outer surface side of the bumper absorber in a longitudinal direction of the automobile. Each of the upper leg and the lower leg includes a buckling inductive portion that serves as a starting point of the buckling that is caused when the spanning portion receives an impact load. The buckling inductive portion is formed as an angular transition portion in which the angle of inclination between inner side surfaces changes. The inner side surfaces mutually face between the upper leg and the lower leg that include the buckling inductive portion.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2008Date of Patent: March 16, 2010Assignees: Hayashi Telempu Co., Ltd., Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Takahiko Taniguchi, Seiho Yonezawa, Soshi Mitsuyama, Hiroyasu Miyamoto
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Publication number: 20100052342Abstract: A front structure of a motor vehicle has a lower bumper that runs in the vehicle transverse direction, and an upper bumper arranged above the lower bumper. The lower bumper and upper bumper are supported on the vehicle structure via crash boxes. The lower bumper defines a closed hollow profile and is supported on a front-end body, in particular on a luggage compartment depression, of the motor vehicle via the associated crash boxes.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 20, 2009Publication date: March 4, 2010Applicant: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche AktiengesellschaftInventor: Ralf Wurtemberger
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Publication number: 20100032970Abstract: A main body of an impact energy absorber is formed by integrally molding a deformable portion and a plurality of deformation controlling portions which are adapted to control the direction of plastic deformation of the deformable portion. The deformation controlling portions have such a configuration and shape that, when a compression load equal to or greater than a predetermined value is input to the main body in a tube axis direction, the deformable portion undergoes plastic deformation in at least one of a radially outward direction and a radially inward direction of the main body concurrently with the compressive plastic deformation in the tube axis direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 6, 2009Publication date: February 11, 2010Applicant: MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATIONInventors: Katsuya NISHIGUCHI, Toshitsugu UEOKA, Kenichi YAMAMOTO, Kenji MURASE
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Publication number: 20100026021Abstract: 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 4, 2007Publication date: February 4, 2010Inventors: Xiangfan Fang, Christoph Seper
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Publication number: 20100026020Abstract: A sliding-type apparatus for absorbing front shock energy is disclosed. The sliding-type apparatus of the present invention includes a driver panel (130), which is provided on the front surface of a driver's cab defined by a front part protective shell (110) of a railway vehicle so as to be movable backwards, and a bottom shock absorber (150), which is provided under the lower surface of the driver panel (130). The sliding-type apparatus further includes a front shock absorber (170), which is provided on the front surface of the driver panel (130), and a driver panel shock absorber (190), which is provided at a position towards which the driver panel is moved backwards. Thus, when a railway vehicle is involved in a collision, the several shock absorbers are consecutively collapsed to efficiently absorb shock energy. Furthermore, the driver panel is moved backwards without being deformed by the shock energy. Therefore, the safety of the driver is ensured.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2006Publication date: February 4, 2010Inventors: Tae-Soo Kwon, Hyun-Seung Jung
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Publication number: 20100019517Abstract: 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: October 2, 2009Publication date: January 28, 2010Applicant: TRAFFIX DEVICES, INC.Inventor: Geoffrey B. Maus
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Publication number: 20100019518Abstract: A vehicle having an energy-absorbing device mountable to a bumper of the vehicle is provided. The energy-absorbing device is attached to a vehicle rail having an inner rail surface and an edge surface. The energy-absorbing device defines a first crush surface interfacing with the inner rail surface. In a first embodiment, the energy-absorbing device defines a second crush surface positioned to directly interface with the edge surface of the vehicle rail in the event of an impact. The energy-absorbing device is configured to transmit load received from the impact directly to the edge surface of the vehicle rail through the second crush surface. This results in an efficient joint for the energy-absorbing device.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 24, 2008Publication date: January 28, 2010Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Bryan J. Stewart, Raviraj U. Nayak
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Publication number: 20100013250Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 24, 2008Publication date: January 21, 2010Applicants: INOAC CORPORATION, TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Hiroaki Suzuki, Yasuhiro Toyoguchi, Soshi Mitsuyama
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Publication number: 20100013249Abstract: A bow-formed bumper beam for a vehicle has a hat profile with a central flange (11), two webs (12, 13), and side flanges (14, 15). The beam has fastening portions (20, 21) at its sides where the side flanges form fastening areas (30-33) for fastening the beam to the vehicle with the central flange facing outwards. In the area between the fastening areas, the side flanges have bent edges (26, 27) and in association with the beginning of the bent edges, they have transverse dents (29). These dents will easily be flattened out when the beam is bent in a collision so that the local tension in these sensitive areas is reduced. Thereby, the risk of cracking is reduced.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2006Publication date: January 21, 2010Inventors: Lars Karlander, Henrik Kohkoinen
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Patent number: 7637545Abstract: A collision detection apparatus has a support member which is fixed to side members of a vehicle, an absorber which is arranged at a vehicle front side of the support member to define a space therebetween, a chamber member defining therein a chamber space which is substantially sealed, and a pressure sensor for detecting a pressure in the chamber space. The chamber member is arranged in the space defined between the absorber and the support member. A collision of the vehicle is detected based on a variation in the pressure of the chamber space.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2007Date of Patent: December 29, 2009Assignee: Denso CorporationInventors: Hisashi Takahashi, Takatoshi Tanabe
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Publication number: 20090315344Abstract: A mounting for the front unit of a motor vehicle has a container integrated in the mounting for holding an operating fluid. The container is arranged in an installation position of the mounting in the motor vehicle at the height of an impact region of a leg or hip of a pedestrian. A front surface of the mounting is formed by a front side of the container. The container acts as an energy absorption body in the case of an impact with a pedestrian on the front of the vehicle. A method for producing the mounting producing the container or one or more container parts and integrating the container or one or more container parts into the mounting. The mounting can be used as a component of a motor vehicle front. The mounting can be part of a device for protecting pedestrians in the case of an impact with a pedestrian on the front of a motor vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2007Publication date: December 24, 2009Applicant: FAURECIA KUNSTSTOFFE AUTOMOBILSYSTEME GMBHInventor: Pascal Joly-pottuz
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Publication number: 20090311044Abstract: In one embodiment, a safety trailer has semi-tractor hitches at both ends and a safety wall that is fixed to one side of the trailer. That side, however, can be changed to the right or left side of the road, depending on the end to which the truck attaches. A caboose can be attached at the end of the trailer opposite the tractor to provide additional lighting and impact protection. Optionally, the trailer can be equipped with overhead protection, lighting, ventilation, onboard hydraulics, compressors, generators and other equipment, as well as related fuel, water, storage and restroom facilities and other amenities.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 31, 2008Publication date: December 17, 2009Applicant: IWAPI INC.Inventors: Kevin K. Groeneweg, David Meyerink, Duane Meyerink, LeRoy Severson
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Publication number: 20090302624Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2007Publication date: December 10, 2009Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventor: Stefan Zielke
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Publication number: 20090295176Abstract: In an impact absorbing device in which an interior pipe is arranged inside of an exterior pipe having a tapered part, an interior pipe's side wall is provided with holes, a movable body is placed therein, a support part is placed inside of the interior pipe, and an impact absorbing device is comprised. In this device, during impact absorption, the support part excepts a part of a movable body accommodation part, blocks up an inner side opening of a movable body hole of the interior pipe and the movable body can contact with the tapered part, and is placed inside the movable body holes, and at the time of storing of the interior pipe, the movable body is stored in the movable body accommodation part.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 1, 2006Publication date: December 3, 2009Inventors: Kousuke Matsubara, Ryo Nakano
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Publication number: 20090295177Abstract: A bumper beam for a vehicle has a hat beam profile, i.e. a generally U-shaped cross-section with the crown (12-16) pointing outwards. In each attachment region (20) it h a transverse bulkhead (25) fastened between the crown's sides (12,13) and running generally in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 1, 2007Publication date: December 3, 2009Inventors: Mattias Asplund, Lars Karlander
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Publication number: 20090273197Abstract: The invention relates to a bumper beam which has a generally U shape with a central flange (12; 12?) and two webs (13, 14; 13?, 14?), which central flange in the longitudinal middle portion of the beam points outwards from a vehicle and has a longitudinal concavity (17; 17?), which deepens progressively towards the end portions of the beam in order to change to or connect to fastening plates (20,21;20?,21?).Type: ApplicationFiled: November 8, 2007Publication date: November 5, 2009Inventor: Per Muskos
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Patent number: 7611177Abstract: A bumper for a motor vehicle that includes a proximity sensor is provided. The bumper includes a bumper beam having a vehicle surface and an energy absorbing surface, the vehicle surface having a bracket to attach to a forward end or rearward end of the motor vehicle. An energy absorber extends along a length of the bumper beam, the energy absorber having a bumper beam side and an impact side. The bumper beam side of the energy absorber can have a tab to attach to the energy absorbing surface of the bumper beam and the impact side can have a plurality of box-shaped energy absorbing sections and a sensor section. The proximity sensor is attached to the energy absorber at the sensor section.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2008Date of Patent: November 3, 2009Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventors: David William Schelberg, Mingher Fred Shen
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Publication number: 20090267367Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2006Publication date: October 29, 2009Inventors: Masaaki Morikawa, Osamu Nagasaka
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Publication number: 20090267365Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 7, 2009Publication date: October 29, 2009Inventors: Roberto PUPPINI, Giancarlo FRANCONE
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Publication number: 20090267366Abstract: A reusable system for cushioning impacts to a vehicle includes a bumper mounted via shock absorbers (18) to the chassis (12) of the vehicle; a remote sensor means for detecting location and relative velocity of objects in proximity of the vehicle; a processor; a primary airbag (20) mounted within the bumper, expandable outwards from some bumper upon inflation; an inflation means for the primary airbag; a valve for releasing gas from the primary air bag and a retracting means for compressing primary airbag, wherein a signal from processor indicating imminent impact triggers inflation of primary airbag beyond bumper protecting bumper and retracting means collapses airbag for reuse.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 20, 2006Publication date: October 29, 2009Inventor: Mordechai Vodavoz
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Publication number: 20090267369Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 26, 2009Publication date: October 29, 2009Applicant: Kojima Press Industry Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kazutoshi Hasegawa, Yuichiro Fukakusa, Yoshihiro Ogura, Kuniaki Hasegawa