Abstract: An impact damper for a motor vehicle comprises two fluid chambers. These fluid chambers are interconnected by a fluid passage. In case of an impact of the motor vehicle against an obstacle, the fluid flows from one fluid chamber to the other fluid chamber through the throttled passage. If the impact occurs with a high velocity beyond a predetermined velocity, the impact damper behaves like a rigid body. It may therefore occur that the vehicle is damaged to a higher degree than it would in case of lack of the impact damper. For preventing such situation, the passage is provided by perforated and sandwiched discs. One disc acts as a support disc, one other disc acts as a throttling disc. The throttling disc is provided with a weakening line and is broken at a predetermined pressure different between the two fluid chambers. After rupture has occurred, the flow resistance through the passage is reduced and therefore the rigid behavior of the impact damper is eliminated.

Abstract: A two-stage automobile bumper comprising two buffers set in two inner supporting frames which are supported in two outer supporting frames welded at the front of the chassis and a bumper fixed at the front end of the buffers. When the bumper receives a shock, pins combining the buffers with said inner supporting frames are to be cut into two pieces and coiled springs are to be compressed to absorb the shock force.

Abstract: An impact absorbing device is provided for a vehicle having a bumper. The device comprises an energy absorber having an axis along which it is reducible in length at a substantially uniform rate in response to an impact force to absorb the energy of impact. At last one bendable plate is secured between the vehicle frame and bumper adjacent to but spaced vertically from the energy absorber. When the bumper is impacted with a force at an angle to said axis, the plate will bend in a direction generally perpendicular to the axis and constrain the energy absorber to reduce in length along the axis and absorb the impacting force.

Abstract: A simple yet reliable apparatus is disclosed for dissipating sudden impacts or applications of force. Sudden impacts are dissipated through the sequential shearing of rods or pins anchored perpendicularly to the incoming force and through the compression and evacuation of gel through holes or valves in a cylinder. By varying the diameter and length of the cylinder, pistons, the number size and composition of shear pins, the number and size of restriction holes and or the amount of gel, the system can reliably dissipate impacts within predetermined limits.

Abstract: A yielding arrangement of a bumper at the body of a motor vehicle in which the bumper is connected with a longitudinal bearer by way of impact shock absorbers under interposition of a deformation member. For purposes of obtaining a high energy absorption with a comparatively large deformation displacement, the deformation member is essentially formed by several roll sheet metal members which extend substantially parallel to the impact shock absorber along the inner walls of a housing secured at the longitudinal bearer. The roll members are connected at their ends opposite the bumper with the housing and at their other ends are secured at the impact shock absorber.

Abstract: A mounting system for a vehicle-mounted impact absorption box filled with a collapsible open cell network provides a lessened tendency for disintegration when subjected to the vibrations of the vehicle. The system contains a bolt surrounded by a region of transverse cells, with the bolt bonded to the cell walls and passing therethrough in a generally perpendicular direction. A further feature of the system is a pivot bracket constructed in two parts--a rigid portion and a pivot arm, the latter stabilized by springs which absorb torsional impulses on the arm arising from the vehicle vibrations. These two features work in conjunction with each other in reducing shock damage to the interior of the box, and thereby increase the life expectancy of the box as a whole.

Abstract: A filament-reinforced plastic composite tube or tubular component is adapted to be load bearing and to more efficiently absorb energy by stable collapse in the event of axially compressive impact. The tubular component has at least one substantially planar wall comprising coplanar laminations of filament-reinforced plastic, wherein at least a portion of the filaments are non-oriented material such as graphite or glass and extend axially substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tube. The tubular component is characterized in that the tube is provided at one end with a collapse trigger means adapted to promote stable, energy absorbing collapse of the tube. Specifically, the tube wall has a bevelled end surface forming at least one apex substantially normal to the plane of the aforesaid coplanar laminations. Each bevelled end surface is at an angle of about 5.degree.-40.degree. to a line coplanar with the laminations and perpendicular to the axially extending filaments thereof.

Abstract: A vehicle mounted crash attenuator includes an array of parallel diaphragms. A set of cell assemblies is interposed between adjacent diaphragms, and each cell assembly is formed of two L-shaped sheet metal components which are riveted together to form a rectangular column extending between the adjacent diaphragms. These columns are cross braced by ribbed braces which extend diagonally between adjacent columns. These cross braces stabilize the columns against long column buckling and promote short column buckling, thereby increasing the energy absorbing capability of the columns.

Abstract: A vehicle body structure includes a rear frame rail having its forward end secured to the rearward end of a rocker structure by a hollow torque box structure. A tension member extends between the outboard wall of the rocker structure and the torque box structure to reinforce the weldments between the torque box structure and the rocker structure under impact loads transferred from the frame rail to the rocker structure by the torque box structure.

Abstract: A mounting system for a vehicle-mounted impact absorption box filled with a collapsible open cell network provides a lessened tendency for disintegration when subjected to the vibrations of the vehicle. The system contains a bolt surrounded by a region of transverse cells, with the bolt bonded to the cell walls and passing therethrough in a generally perpendicular direction. A further feature of the system is a pivot bracket constructed in two parts--a rigid portion and a pivot arm, the latter stabilized by springs which absorb torsional impulses on the arm arising from the vehicle vibrations. These two features work in conjunction with each other in reducing shock damage to the interior of the box, and thereby increase the life expectancy of the box as a whole.

Abstract: A vehicle bumper assembly is provided which comprises a substantially tubular reinforcing beam, a face cover, and a means for attaching said face cover to said reinforcing beam such that the reinforcing beam includes a material which has a flexural modulus at 72.degree. F., according to ASTM Standard D-790 (0.05 in./min.) of about 100,000 psi to about 500,000 psi and a deflection temperature according to ASTM Standard D-698 (264 psi) 1/4" thick samples of at least 155.degree. F. The present invention also includes a process for making a vehicle bumper assembly comprising the steps of molding a first material to form a face cover; extrusion molding a second material to form a tubular section; blow molding said tubular section to form a substantially tubular reinforcing beam having means adapted for attaching said reinforcing beam to a vehicle; and attaching said face cover to said reinforcing beam.

Abstract: An impact damper which is equipped with an economical, cost-effective work piston, on which not only can a weight reduction be made, but also a substantial simplification in manufacture can be achieved. This impact damper is also designed to be deformable instantaneously upon collision with an obstacle when the force of the collision exceeds a predetermined range. The work piston is designed as a tubular body closed on a side facing a fluid containing chamber, and is provided with a breaking or buckling point, whereby energies can readily be absorbed, even at relatively high impact velocities.

Abstract: An impact attenuating body is disclosed for use on trucks or the like, the impact attenuating body being arranged for engagement by vehicles or the like, the impact attenuating body being further adapted for gradually arresting motion of the vehicle and dissipating its impact energy. The impact attenuating body is formed with a collapsible form including laterally extending members with interconnecting brackets forming rows of compartments, the compartments being generally elongated along the direction of travel of the vehicle, selected compartments being void and different densities of shock absorbing material such as expanded plastic foam being arranged in the other compartments for arresting movement of the vehicle and dissipating its impact energy as the vehicle travels a selected distance after initial engagement with the body, the arrangement of shock absorbing material in the compartments being selected for causing the vehicle to continue generally along its initial travel direction.

Abstract: A crash protection structural component is constructed as a hollow sleeve pe body which is open at its ends. The hollow body is made of at least one strand of fiber compound material formed into a netting. The netting is constructed for an irreversible stepwise take-up of energy in response to a shock load or impact, whereby the strand layers delaminate at the strand intersections or junctions of the netting as the strand layers are taking up shearing loads in response to a compression load which is applied to the component in the direction of its longitudinal axis.

Abstract: The bumper system of the present invention is of a modular design wherein two substantially identical, laterally extending members are secured at their laterally innermost ends to define an integrated bumper device and wherein each module includes an energy absorbing hollow core element formed of a relatively rigid, though deflectable, high strength plastic material mounted in front of and upon a relatively stiff transverse support beam member which is, in turn, adapted to be secured to a vehicle frame through a suitable rearwardly extending bracket structure and which energy absorbing element and support beam are encapsulated in an elastomeric outer skin layer.

Abstract: A vehicle bumper bar is made of at least one completely closed box shaped dy wound of fiber-reinforced synthetic resin impregnated strands or bands with a fiber orientation that may vary along the length of the bar and also from one wall of the box shape to the other. Several bodies of closed cross-section may be bonded together, for example by the resin curing, to form a single integral body of approximately square configuration. Towing elements may be integrated directly into the bar.

Abstract: A bumper mounting system for a motor vehicle includes a pair of bumper connectors which extend from the vehicle frame to support a bumper bar on their outer ends. Each connector extends substantially parallel with the vehicle longitudinal axis and is resiliently attached intermediate its fore and aft ends to the frame by an elastomeric isolator bracket assembly. The aft end of the connectors are flexibly coupled to the frame by means of a resilient pivotal support. The connectors allow the bumper to serve as a tuned dynamic absorber mass reducing bending amplitude of the vehicle body thereby avoiding undesirable resonant shake of the body structural components such as the floor pan, seats, steering column, wheels etc., during engine idle.

Abstract: An improved shear-type pressure relief device is provided which is useful in conjunction with pressure chambers requiring relief when system pressures exceed a predetermined level, such as in the shock absorbing piston and cylinder assemblies of present day vehicle bumpers. The relief device is preferably in the form of an integral, metallic body including a flange in engagement with a pressure chamber wall adjacent a relief opening, with a projection extending into the opening. The juncture between the flange and projection is advantageously very sharp (having a radius of less than about 0.020 inches) and the device is designed to shear upon experiencing high system pressures for relief purposes. In the case of vehicle bumpers the shear device is located on the shiftable, bumper-mounted piston thereof, and circumscribes the usual stationary, tapered, frame-mounted, flow-restricting rod.

Abstract: An energy absorbing apparatus is provided to dissipate the energy of the impact force of a vehicle. A plurality of energy absorbing sheets are arranged in a stacked relation to resist the impact force and to thereby dissipate the energy of the force. Each sheet has a honeycomb structure of hexagonal cells that are filled with a deformable material such as polyurethane foam and that are defined by walls of relatively rigid material. In operation, an impact force is applied to the stack of energy absorbing sheets and each sheet is thereby caused to cut or shear into its abutting sheet so that at least a portion of the energy of the impact force is dissipated. As the stacked sheets cut into one another, the energy of the force is further dissipated by the compression of the polyurethane foam of the sheets.

Abstract: An assembly for absorbing energy between first and second bodies subject to relative movement comprising a cutting ring on one of the bodies dimensioned to cut into and remove a layer from a cylindrical member on the other body. The ring has an annular cutting edge with an inner diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the cylinder member. The two bodies can be, for example, two tubes forming a coupling device between two railroad cars. The outer surface of the cylindrical member can have longitudinal grooves to promote small chip formation during the cutting operation, thereby reducing the chance of jamming.

Abstract: High velocity impact landing forces are attenuated in apparatus (10) utilizing an energy absorbing tube (12) of composite fibrous material, that is, a fiber reinforced plastic. The energy absorbing tube (12) is disposed in force transmitting relation between an anvil (14) disposed at one end and structure (16) for applying a force to the opposite end of the tube (12) to provide force attenuating apparatus. The tube (12) is progressively crushed onto the anvil (14) by the force applying structure (16) to dissipate energy. The force attenuating apparatus (10) is used in an energy absorbing seat (20) to provide occupant protection against high impact forces. Other uses of the force attenuating apparatus (10) is in a landing gear mechanism (76) and a vehicle bumper system (89).

Abstract: A load support is arranged to be connected to a parachute and has a center guide tube slidably receiving a landing rod. This landing rod is of a sufficient length to project beyond the lower end of the guide tube so as to engage the ground ahead of the load support. A slidable friction connection is provided between the landing rod and the load support for cushioning the landing shock of such support. Brake pads are used as the friction connection, and such brake pads are associated with adjustment apparatus comprising a rotatable holder for the brake pads and a cam and cam follower assembly which serves to adjust the compression of the brake pads on the rod upon rotation of the holder. A pinion and gear connection is provided between the holder and the support to provide the rotatable adjustment.

Abstract: An impact absorbing device comprising a hollow polyhedral body formed with a plurality of elongated cutouts in each of its side walls. These cutouts extend in parallel relation in a direction substantially orthogonal with respect to the longitudinal axis of the polyhedral body, and each cutout has one of its longer edges protruding outward and the other longer edge protruding inward. The polyhedral body is subjected to deformation or partial breakage to absorb an impact imparted to a vehicle as when the vehicle collides against another. The device may be combined with a conventional shock absorber to enhance the effect of impact absorption.

Abstract: PCT No. PCT/FR78/00007 Sec. 371 Date May 2, 1979 Sec. 102(e) Date May 2, 1979 PCT Filed Jul. 7, 1978 PCT Pub. No. WO79/00124 PCT Pub. Date Mar. 22, 1979The bumper device which is the object of the invention relates principally to the absorption of high energy impacts which can be sustained by all types of moving bodies or vehicles and in particular by cars.In its preferred embodiment, the device comprises one or more capacities usually arranged at the front of the vehicle and containing a hydraulic fluid. Each of these capacities is connected by a pipe to a receiving chamber which can be deformed by expansion and is also filled with fluid. Under the influence of a violent impact, these capacities crush and eject the fluid which they contain towards the receiving chambers, the walls of which dilate in proportion to the entry of the fluid. The plastic deformation of these walls absorbs the energy of the impact.

Abstract: An impact absorbing strut or shock absorber is disclosed comprising at least two telescoping tubes defining a damping fluid chamber. A quantity of damping fluid partially fills the chamber and a quantity of compressible gas fills the remainder of the chamber. The compressible gas absorbs small loads imposed upon the shock absorber. A fluid throttling port communicates with the chamber and a blowout plug is normally disposed in the fluid throttling port. When the shock absorber is heavily loaded the plug is ejected from the port to allow the damping fluid to be throttled through the port. A frangible polymeric encasement surrounds the shock absorber and seals the damping fluid and compressible gas therein. Relative movement between the encasement and one of the telescoping tubes is provided to absorb small deflections of the shock absorber without rupturing the encasement.

Abstract: A motor vehicle bumper consisting of an approximately U-shaped relatively elastic base body, of an apron made of elastic plastic material which covers the forwardly disposed web of the base body and is drawn around up to the flanges adjoining the web on both sides, and of a cover constructed as decorative strip and covering at least the remaining visible part of the upwardly disposed flange; the cover is thereby pivotally connected with the base body exclusively by fastening elements disposed substantially in the axial direction of the two bumper supports while the upper flange is surrounded at the end face by clamps formed out of the cover within the area of the bumper supports and possibly also within areas displaced outwardly with respect thereto.

Abstract: A pad adapted to sustain an impact load by stepwise absorption of kinetic energy. The pad incorporates a collapsible, i.e., crushable core adapted to undergo stepwise deformation under the force of the impact load. Stepwise deformation of the core provides, during impact load application, a significant lowering of the peak dynamic load sustained by the pad and applied to the pad support. The normally encountered high buckle-initiating peak loads are entirely avoided by the present pad.

Abstract: This invention relates to vehicle bumpers and more particularly to vehicle bumpers with frangible or resiliently collapsible parts which break-away or distort on impact to minimize the loss of control which often occurs when metal and other more usual types of bumpers bend on impact and puncture tires or produce undesirable braking action or become entangled with other parts of the vehicle. This invention is characterized by a vehicle bumper construction wherein at least a portion thereof is comprised of a frangible and collapsible or otherwise deformable end portion made of materials such as plastic impregnated fiber glass or rubberlike materials which extend in front of one or both of the vehicle wheels, which end portions may be attached to reduced length metal or wood bumpers and fracture and breakoff or distort on impact but do not bend into contact with other parts of the vehicle.

Abstract: An electrically powered vehicle achieves maximum structural strength with minimum weight by utilizing a combined body and chassis formed entirely of plastic material, molded and bonded into an integral composite structure which includes a central, hollow longitudinal beam, top, bottom, and side panels of the vehicle body portion, and a power unit supporting chamber at the forward end closing the forward end of the beam and tying it to the side panels. The beam holds the batteries, and the chamber contains all of the components of the power unit including the controlling device. The structure is thus as rigid and light as possible, in addition to eliminating any possibility of any unwanted grounding or electrical paths. The only metal in the vehicle is that of the additional components such as road wheels, suspension members, steering, and power unit and the fasteners and brackets used to retain them in mounted position.

Abstract: An impact absorbing device comprising a hollow polyhedral body formed with a plurality of elongated cutouts in each of its side walls. These cutouts extend in parallel relation in a direction substantially orthogonal with respect to the longitudinal axis of the polyhedral body, and each cutout has one of its longer edges protruding outward and the other longer edge protruding inward. The polyhedral body is subjected to deformation or partial breakage to absorb an impact imparted to a vehicle as when the vehicle collides against another. The device may be combined with a conventional shock absorber to enhance the effect of impact absorption.

Abstract: An energy absorber, especially for motor vehicles for e.g. supporting the vehicle bumper, comprises at least two telescopically displaceable tubular members having a common center axis. At least a portion of the length of the outer member has a smaller inner diameter than the outer diameter of at least a portion of the inner member. The two tubular members are designed so that telescopic displacement of the members causes deformation by means of shrinkage of the inner member, while two successive closely spaced bending zones, facing each other, are formed in the material in the inner member. The outer member has an end portion whose inner diameter is equal to the outer diameter of the inner member. The length of said end portion is at least equal to the inner diameter of said outer member.

Abstract: The energy absorbing device for use as a composite bumper on a vehicle comprises a deformable unit providing a constant energy absorption, the unit being disposed in contact with a resisting structure and a flexible shield, and consisting of a number of energy absorbing members, each energy absorbing member being formed by the juxtaposition of a plurality of elongated hollow members having different lengths. Provision is made within the energy absorbing device of sections having an increasing impact resistance as the impact stress causes the energy absorbing device to be crushed, the stiffness of the energy absorbing device being thus enhanced as a function of the driving in thereof.

Abstract: A longitudinal bearer constructed as hollow profile of a motor vehicle frame, which is equipped with introduction places for introducing chassis forces into the frame and into the longitudinal bearer and with a longitudinal deformable bearer section arranged outside of the introduction places and dissipating impact energy; the longitudinal bearer section which by reason of different wall thicknesses has a resistance to buckling that increases in the direction toward the vehicle center, is transversely subdivided over its length at least into two bearer pieces connected with each other by circumferential seams; the wall thickness of a respective bearer piece becomes greater and/or the wall quality thereof becomes better in the direction toward the vehicle center from bearer piece to bearer piece than the wall thickness and/or the wall quality of the bearer piece disposed in front thereof.