Spring Type Patents (Class 293/135)
  • Patent number: 12054112
    Abstract: A cross member (1) for a bumper beam includes an outer beam (2) with a main beam portion (3) comprising an upper beam wall (12), a lower beam wall (14) and a front beam wall (16), defining together a beam inner volume (17) open in a back direction, a reinforcement element (4) defining a reinforced area (24) of the outer beam (2), located inside a part of said beam inner volume (17) and having a cross section, defining a reinforcement inner volume (25) open in the rear direction, a closing plate (6) closing at least a part of the beam inner volume (17). The cross section of the reinforcement element (4) has a shape which is not matching the shape of the outer beam (2) in the reinforced area (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2024
    Assignee: ARCELORMITTAL
    Inventors: Elie Gibeau, Yannis Kheyati, Nabil Menegady
  • Patent number: 11999310
    Abstract: A refrigeration trailer condenser protection apparatus having a pair of front rails with connection rods disposed thereon for connecting a street side bracket and a curb side bracket, the street side bracket and curb side bracket having mounting holes for mounting the protection apparatus to a lower side of the condenser unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2024
    Assignee: Haulin' Hooves, LLC
    Inventor: Aaron King
  • Patent number: 11565594
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a body and a charging pad. The body defines first and second wheel wells on opposing lateral sides of the body. The body defines a cavity along a bottom surface of the body between the wheel wells and a rear end of the vehicle. The charging pad is disposed within the cavity such that the charging pad spans a distance between the first and second wheel wells. The charging pad has a secondary coil disposed therein. The secondary coil is configured to receive electrical power from a primary coil of a charging station via induction to recharge a vehicle battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Michael John Harmon, Tithal Bhandari, Hussain Z Tajmahal, Yejin Han, Ryan Warner, Rachel Williams
  • Patent number: 11091203
    Abstract: A vehicle body structure includes a vehicle structure, and an off-center impact structure. The vehicle structure has a front side member with a front end and a front-section extending rearward from the front end. The front side member extends in a vehicle longitudinal direction. The off-center impact structure includes a leaf-spring assembly with a plurality of leaf-springs attached to one another. The off-center impact structure is attached to the front side member at the front-section such that the leaf-spring assembly extends in a lateral outboard direction from the front side member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Michael McGory, Patrick Grattan
  • Patent number: 11052848
    Abstract: An energy absorbing device includes a deformable elongate member that is arranged such that the device, in use, deforms in a controlled manner upon the absorption of impact energy. The invention also provides a chassis and a vehicle incorporating the energy absorbing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: City University of Hong Kong
    Inventors: Jian Lu, Yuan Gao, Tao Tang, Lu Yao
  • Patent number: 10881214
    Abstract: A modular bed includes a base frame unit and a plurality of support frame units mounted on the base frame unit to be displaced from each other. Each of the support frame units has a lead bar, a trailing bar, four mounting frames, a support panel, and four bent leaf springs each coupling the support panel to a respective one of the mounting frames so as to provide cushioning effect for the support panel in response to movement of the support panel from an unloaded position to a loaded position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: ULIFE HEALTHCARE INC.
    Inventor: Ya-Hsin Chung
  • Patent number: 10737646
    Abstract: A rear impact guard includes first and second bumper support members that are identical to one another and configured to be coupled to a rear end of the vehicle along first and second sides of a longitudinal axis of the vehicle, respectively. The rear impact guard also includes third and fourth bumper support members configured to be coupled to the rear end of the vehicle and coupled to a floor assembly of the vehicle. The third and fourth bumper support members are identical and different from the first and second bumper support members. The third bumper support member is spaced outwardly from the first bumper support member, and the fourth bumper support member is spaced outwardly from the second bumper support member. The rear impact guard further includes a horizontal bumper mounted at a lower end of each of the first, second, third, and fourth bumper support members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: Wabash National, L.P.
    Inventors: Andrzej Wylezinski, Brian C. Belcher
  • Patent number: 10053037
    Abstract: A rear impact guard includes a bumper support member configured to be coupled to a rear end of a vehicle and a horizontal bumper mounted at a lower end of the bumper support member. The bumper support member includes a generally triangular prism member having a generally triangular-shaped face, a vertical member, a horizontal member, and an angled member, and wherein the vertical, horizontal, and angled members are coupled to outer edges of the triangular-shaped face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: Wabash National, L.P.
    Inventors: Andrzej Wylezinski, Brian C. Belcher
  • Publication number: 20140217758
    Abstract: A front end for a motor vehicle is disclosed which includes a bumper covering and a support extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle between the bumper covering and a supporting body component. The support has a buckling load which is less than the loading capacity of a connection of the support with the supporting body component and is able to elastically buckle in a collision.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Marco Nickel, Matthias Erzgraeber, Theobald Hock
  • Publication number: 20140001781
    Abstract: A shock absorbing trailer hitch attachment for vehicle protection is presented. A shock absorbing attachment is inserted into the trailer hitch receiver tube of any vehicle with an existing trailer hitch. The trailer hitch attachment contains shock absorbing capabilities and is designed to compress in order to reduce impact to the vehicle. Specifically, this attachment minimizes the amount of shock forces on a vehicle's bumper, via impact, between other vehicles, structures, and objects. The attachment does not require alteration of existing trailer hitch receivers and will add purpose to the routinely underutilized trailer hitch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2012
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Inventor: Michael Leking
  • Patent number: 8544905
    Abstract: A structural part for a motor vehicle includes an inner component having a generally rectangular cross section and configured in the form of a multichamber hollow section made of light metal, and an outer component having a generally rectangular cross section. The inner and outer components are movable in a telescoping manner relative to one another between an idle state and an activated state. A first locking mechanism is provided to lock the idle state and a second locking mechanism is provided to lock the activated state. The movement of the inner and outer components from the idle state to the activated state is hereby realized by an actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Benteler Automobiltechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Christian Handing, Kegham Arzoumanian, Andreas Hitz, Otto Buschsieweke
  • Patent number: 7950705
    Abstract: An underrun protector mounting structure includes: a chassis frame; a front underrun protector which is disposed at the front or rear of the chassis frame and extended in a lateral direction of the vehicle; a bracket 6 for fixing the front underrun protector to the chassis frame; and a support part interposed between the front underrun protector and the bracket. The support part has a first plate part disposed on the front underrun protector side and a second plate part disposed on the first plate part on the bracket 6 side. The first plate part is formed to be wider in the lateral direction of the vehicle than the second plate part 32. The first and second plate parts are stacked to form a leaf spring shape in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Isuzu Motors Limited
    Inventor: Takashi Saitou
  • Patent number: 7931319
    Abstract: A bumper of a motor vehicle includes a cross member which is disposed transversely to a side rail of a motor vehicle frame and movable from a standby position in a direction of the motor vehicle. Placed between the cross member and the side rail is a crash box. A coupler maintains a distance between the cross member and the crash box, when the cross member assumes the standby position, and a strut extends at an inclination between the cross member and the crash box to connect the cross member to the crash box. The strut is supported upon the cross member by a linear guide and supported upon the crash box by a swivel joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Benteler Automobiltechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Christoph Schmidt, Frank Seifert, Torsten Gröning
  • Publication number: 20100219649
    Abstract: A bumper of a motor vehicle includes a cross member which is disposed transversely to a side rail of a motor vehicle frame and movable from a standby position in a direction of the motor vehicle. Placed between the cross member and the side rail is a crash box. A coupler maintains a distance between the cross member and the crash box, when the cross member assumes the standby position, and a strut extends at an inclination between the cross member and the crash box to connect the cross member to the crash box. The strut is supported upon the cross member by a linear guide and supported upon the crash box by a swivel joint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Applicant: Benteler Automobiltechnik GmbH
    Inventors: CHRISTOPH SCHMIDT, Frank Seifert, Torsten Gröning
  • Patent number: 7413227
    Abstract: A bumper apparatus for a vehicle is provided. The bumper apparatus includes a bumper and a spring comprising a flexible ribbon of material. The spring has a first connector portion coupled to the bumper and a second connector portion adapted to couple to the vehicle. The spring also has a curvy portion coupled to the first and second connector portions. The bumper apparatus further includes a stop engaging the spring to hold the spring in a partially flexed state to preload the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Tru-Form Metal Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph W. Straughn
  • Patent number: 7290812
    Abstract: An impact energy management system for absorbing or displacing kinetic energy during a collision. The system includes a housing defining a chamber and a contact element disposed at least partially within the chamber and longitudinally movable therein. At least a first load bearing pin is disposed between the energy adsorbing member and the housing. Prior to the collision, the contact element is disposed in an impact position, and upon the collision, the contact element moves within the chamber and the first pin deforms a segment of at least one of the housing or contact element, thereby reducing the force of the impact by transferring energy into the deformation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley W. Smith, David W. Parkinson
  • Patent number: 7275776
    Abstract: An impact energy management system for absorbing or displacing kinetic energy during a collision. The system includes a housing defining a chamber and a contact element disposed at least partially within the chamber and longitudinally movable therein. A tab extends from a side wall of one of the housing and the contact element. Prior to a collision, the contact element is disposed in an impact position, and upon the collision the contact element moves within the chamber. The tab contacts a side wall portion of an other of the one of the housing and the contact element. The side wall of the housing and/or the contact element tears to absorb or displace kinetic energy during the collision, thereby reducing the force of the impact by transferring energy through the tearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: David W. Parkinson, Earl H. Nelson
  • Patent number: 6877795
    Abstract: A mechanical, active crash pulse management structure for providing modification of crash pulse, wherein the structure has a dormant (initial) state volume, but then in the event of a crash, timely expands into a much larger deployed volume for providing management of an expectant crash energy. The preferred crash energy management structure is a before expansion honeycomb celled material brick, wherein expansion of the honeycomb brick is in a plane transverse to the cellular axis of the cells thereof, and crash crush is intended to be parallel to the cellular axis. In the event of a crash, either an active or passive activation mechanism is provided for causing expansion of honeycomb celled material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Alan Lampe Browne, Nancy L. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6739635
    Abstract: A bumper device for an Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) includes a bumper supporting member combined to a vehicle body of the AGV, and a bumper supported on the bumper supporting member. The bumper device also includes a movement supporting device installed at the bumper supporting member and to movably support the bumper, and a movement sensor to sense a movement of the bumper. Thus, the bumper device promptly senses and effectively absorbs an impact from multiple directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jae-sung Byun
  • Patent number: 6702366
    Abstract: A mechanical, active crash pulse management structure for providing modification of crash pulse, wherein the structure has a dormant (initial) state volume, but then in the event of a crash, timely expands into a much larger deployed volume for providing management of an expectant crash energy. The preferred crash energy management structure is a before expansion honeycomb celled material brick, wherein expansion of the honeycomb brick is in a plane transverse to the cellular axis of the cells thereof, and crash crush is intended to be parallel to the cellular axis. In the event of a crash, either an active or passive activation mechanism is provided for causing expansion of honeycomb celled material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Alan Lampe Browne, Nancy L. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20030006619
    Abstract: Disclosed is a bumper device for an AGV comprising a bumper supporting member combined to a vehicle body of the AGV, and a bumper supported on the bumper supporting member, further comprising a movement supporting means installed at the bumper supporting member and movably supporting the bumper; and a movement sensor sensing a movement of the bumper. With this configuration, the present invention provides a bumper device for an AGV, which can promptly sense and effectively absorb an impact given from every region and every direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2001
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jae-Sung Byun
  • Patent number: 6371540
    Abstract: A bumper beam for motor vehicles includes vertical front and rear plates made of at least one metallic material. At least one elongated core made of metallic material is positioned between the two sole plates. An energy absorber is located at each end of the core and formed of a metallic hollow body, the energy absorber being positioned at right angles to the sole plates or to the core. The metallic materials of the core and the energy absorber have a ratio of elastic limit to breaking stress that is lower than that of the sole plate metallic material and lower than 0.9.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignees: Peugeot Citröen {overscore (A)}utomobiles S.A., Recherche et Developpement du Groupe Cockerill Sambre en Abrégé
    Inventors: Thierry Campanella, Richard Kergen, Pascal Magain
  • Patent number: 6264258
    Abstract: This invention relates to a motor vehicle protector against car intrusion into its bottom. It mainly comprises two stationary frames (i.e., steady rests), two pendant arms (i.e., pending arms) and a pipe frame, wherein the upper end of the pendant arms is connected to the rear end of the stationary frame while the pipe frame is connected at the lower and rear side of the two pendant arms. The pipe frame is composed of an upper horizontal annular pipe, a lower horizontal annular pipe, a plurality of upright pipes, and multi-group piling pipes. Additionally, an warning alarm is provided at the rear end of the upper horizontal annular pipe, and a strip front fender is fixed at the internal side of the upright pipe and the lower horizontal annular pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Inventors: Boliang Li, Bocheng Li
  • Patent number: 6227583
    Abstract: An extendable element absorbs impact energy from a baffle and is capable of being moved by a trigger connected to a collision monitoring system. The device is moved in the longitudinal direction out of an initial position, in which it is received essentially in a vehicle side member, into a working position and is capable of being detained in this position. At the same time, the extendable element is guided in a cylinder arranged in the vehicle side member. The cylinder is connected to the vehicle side member via a turn-up profile arrangement which is capable of being transferred out of a position of rest into a deformation position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Konrad Eipper, Matthias ScheffzĂ¼k
  • Patent number: 6217090
    Abstract: A safety bumper system provides both impact protection for a vehicle and its occupants, and also provides fire protection for one or more areas of the vehicle after an impact sufficient to collapse the bumper. A first embodiment comprises a safety bumper assembly for the front and/or rear of a vehicle having a movable outer bumper shell, which is affixed to an inner plate with a relatively fixed bumper support member of the vehicle structure in between the outer bumper shell and inner plate, with compression springs urging the outer shell to an extended position away from the bumper support member, and tension springs urging the inner plate toward the bumper support member. A collapsible bladder is positioned between the outer bumper shell and the fixed bumper support portion, and contains a fire suppressant with a nozzle extending from the bladder to one or more critical areas of the vehicle, e.g., fuel tank and engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Inventor: Mohammed Berzinji
  • Patent number: 6189941
    Abstract: An energy-absorbing deformation system for a motor vehicle has at least one collapsing section movable with energy absorption from an extended absorption position into a telescoped deformation position. The at least one collapsing section is held in the normal resting position in its deformation position, and a drive device is associated with the at least one collapsing section. The collapsing section can be moved abruptly into an absorption position when the drive device is activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: DaimlerChrylser AG
    Inventor: Matthias Nohr
  • Patent number: 6174008
    Abstract: bumper arrangement for a motor vehicle includes a bumper mounted in such a way that it can be moved between a rest position and an operating position. A spring acts on the bumper and is prestressed in the rest position. A locking device holds the bumper in the rest and/or operating position. A control unit actuates the locking device as a function of signals from an accident detection sensor system. When the locking device is unlocked, the spring moves the bumper abruptly into the operating position in which the bumper absorbs impact loads resulting from relative velocities up to a predetermined limit in a substantially elastic manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Johann Kramer, Bernd Schroder, Martin Tebbe
  • Patent number: 6106039
    Abstract: A bumper structure for a vehicle comprises a first cross member, a bumper stay, a reinforcement, and a front bumper facsia. The bumper stay is connected with the first cross member to extend forward. The reinforcement is arranged in front of the bumper stay to be connected with the bumper stay. The bumper facsia is arranged in front of the reinforcement. The bumper stay includes a first portion being dispose on its front side and a second portion, which is different in strength from the first portion, being disposed on its rear side. The bumper facsia pushes backward the reinforcement with a front portion of the vehicle colliding with an obstacle. At that time, the reinforcement functions as a mass while one of the first portion and the second portion, which is low in strength, functions as a spring and is then crushed. Hence, a deceleration rises sharply relative to a moving stroke of the bumper facsia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tetsuo Maki
  • Patent number: 6050624
    Abstract: If an impact occurs with an impact energy which exceeds an elastic limit of a bumper while a shock-absorbing member is in a projected position, a bumper stay is forced to move rearward along a first actuating chamber to cause the shock-absorbing member to pivot to a received position. The impact energy is primarily absorbed by an elastic force of a first spring which biases the shock-absorbing member toward the projected position. When the impact energy is not thoroughly absorbed by the first spring, the shock-absorbing member fully pivots into its received position by the bumper stay which is continuously moved rearward. At this time, a second spring which biases the shock-absorbing member forward and is prevented from being stretched forward by the shock-absorbing member, is contacted with the bumper stay via a support plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Heui Su Kim
  • Patent number: 5971451
    Abstract: Disclosed is a vehicle bumper including an inner bumper member, an outer bumper member with facial protective cover, and a plurality of mechanical cushions spacedly extended between the two bumper members. The inner bumper member is provided at an inner side with a plurality of fixedly mounted first pressure-resistant magnet sets and is connected to the front of a vehicle via connecting members extended from a backside of the inner bumper member. With the mechanical cushions, a buffer space is left between the two bumper members, allowing the bumper to produce a multiplied pressure-resistant effect and evenly absorb external force impacting on the vehicle. A plurality of second pressure-resistant magnet sets are fixedly mounted to an inner side of the outer bumper member corresponding to the first pressure-resistant magnet sets. The first and the second magnet sets are magnetically repulsive, so that the outer bumper member is pushed outward when it approaches to the inner bumper member under external force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Inventor: Ching-Yuan Huang
  • Patent number: 5947538
    Abstract: An impact absorbing device, preferably for trucks, attenuates the impact of colliding vehicles. A rigid mount secures the apparatus to the truck rear underside. A rigid chassis is suspended from the mount. An impact absorbing bumper exposed for contact at the truck rear controls a displaceable ram that is slidably captivated by the chassis. A wound band assembly suspended beneath the chassis is activated by displacement of the ram. The wound band assembly connects to suitable levers on each side of the chassis that interconnect it with shock absorbers. Energy is dissipated in the shock absorbers over a predetermined compression deflection. This distance is substantially less than the travel distance of the ram, and the mechanical advantage reduction is provided by the combination of the levers and the wound band assembly. When the bumper is forcibly impacted, the ram accelerates longitudinally, tightening the wound band assembly and compressing the shock absorbers through the levers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Sail D White Ents. Inc.
    Inventor: Donald J. White
  • Patent number: 5941582
    Abstract: A bumper device for motor vehicle is disclosed. A series of impact absorbing means to reduce the force of impact from collision that is transmitted onto the chassis of a vehicle is disclosed. The impact absorbing means includes: a hydraulic cylinder and piston means, an impact receiving means, a liaising and resilient body means. The impact receiving means includes a pneumatic tubular body secured to it to be the contact body on collision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Inventor: Tah Hee Tan
  • Patent number: 5833283
    Abstract: An accessory mounting unit for attachment to the rear end of a truck having an elongate substantially rigid mounting member which is coupled through a spring connection to a truck frame rail. Front and rear bumper shells having convex curvilinear external configurations are sealingly secured to front and rear faces of the mounting member. A depending portion of the mounting member is adapted to have a mudflap attached thereto, and apertures formed in the rear bumper shell are adapted to receive accessories such as vehicle lights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: Freightliner Corporation
    Inventor: Jeffrey H. Shaw
  • Patent number: 5478127
    Abstract: A flexible automobile grille, particularly suited for mounting flush with an impact-absorbing bumper, is capable of resiliently deflecting with the stroke of the bumper. The grille is provided with a dual support arrangement by which an upper edge of the grille is resiliently attached directly to the automobile engine hood, while the lower edge is resiliently supported by support members which interconnect the grille's lower edge to the engine hood. The dual support approach of this invention serves to enable greater stroking of the grille during impact, yet contributes additional rigidity to make the grille relatively unsusceptible to road and aerodynamically induced vibrations, and amenable to physical handling during opening and closing of the engine hood.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1995
    Assignee: Lacks Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Lee A. Chase
  • Patent number: 5451077
    Abstract: The vehicle frame has a rear section carrying the engine and passenger bearing cab, and a front section carrying a resiliently mounted bumper. The two frame sections have confronting, overlapping end portions connected together for pivotal movement relative to each other about a vertical axis. A releasable locking pin is normally retained by a frangible detent in an operative position in which it prevents any pivotal movement of one frame section relative to the other. When the bumper collides with another vehicle, or the like, it drives a release pin against the locking pin thereby breaking the detent and releasing the locking pin while simultaneously causing the front frame section to be swung out of alignment with the rear frame section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1995
    Inventor: Joseph Fantauzzo
  • Patent number: 5358294
    Abstract: A bumper for vehicles, particularly passenger cars, has a dimensionally stable support which is held in position on an adjacent vehicle body by holders. In order to reduce the expenditures of time and cost during the manufacturing of the dimensionally stable support and of the holders, the holders are integrally constructed in one piece with the dimensionally stable support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1994
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche AG
    Inventor: Eberhard Palmer
  • Patent number: 5273330
    Abstract: The present invention includes a mounting assembly for securing an energy absorber unit to vehicular support. A collar having a hub portion is secured to the energy absorber. The hub portion includes at least one circumferential ramp and flange. A mounting plate having at least one tab is secured to the vehicular support. As the collar is placed adjacent the mounting plate, the ramp is rotated into a slip fit with the tab. Preferably, a locking projection of the mounting plate is received in an opening on the flange of the collar to prevent inadvertent rotation of the collar out of a secured position. Also, an alignment key and notch can be formed on the mounting plate and collar, respectively, to facilitate proper orientation of the collar during installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1993
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald G. Petry, Richard R. Lovelace, Karl D. Freeman, Francis W. Barton
  • Patent number: 5031947
    Abstract: A vehicular bumper assembly is formed of an outer bumper with one or more arcuate faces and one or more resilient pipes having outer surfaces conforming to the arcuate faces. The pipes are located adjacent to the faces and serve a buffering function when the outer bumper moves rearwardly in a collision. A buffer spring assembly absorbs an initial first portion of a collision force. The pipes then absorb a second portion of the collision force. The assembly also has a touch switch for enabling the vehicle's horn during a collision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1991
    Inventor: Ming-Tang Chen
  • Patent number: 5022692
    Abstract: A spring mounted molding is provided for a vehicle on the body adjacent to a wrap-around end portion of the bumper. The molding and end portion of the bumper have mating cam surfaces. When the bumper moves towards the vehicle upon impact, the mating camming surfaces interact causing the molding to be deflected outwardly and the end portion of the bumper to slide therebeneath thus avoiding damage to the parts. Upon retraction of the bumper to its normal position, the spring mounting causes the molding to return to its normal position lying against the body of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1991
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventors: John Horansky, Thomas J. Butkovich
  • Patent number: 5004394
    Abstract: A push roll assembly mounted to a material receiving apparatus, such as a paver or other material receiving machine, includes a resilient link which allows energy transferred during contact of a supply truck with the push rolls to be gradually transferred to the material receiving machine, to thereby smoothen the impact between such truck and the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1991
    Assignee: Cedarapids, Inc.
    Inventors: Jon D. Goodwin, Joseph E. Musil
  • Patent number: 4950009
    Abstract: A safety step bumper assembly for a vehicle includes a frame having a base member constructed for fixed attachment to the chassis of a vehicle, an elongated step bumper member mounted upon the frame in a predetermined axial position and a predetermined rotational position, and a pin joining the step bumper member and frame in pivotable relationship. The step bumper member pivots, relative to the frame, from, and returns to, the predetermined rotational position. The safety step bumper assembly defines a slot, and the pin member engages in the slot and moves therein between a first pin position spaced from the chassis, with the step bumper member in the predetermined axial position, and a second pin position relatively closer to the chassis. The assembly also includes, e.g. a leaf spring for biasing the step bumper member toward the predetermined axial and rotational position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 21, 1990
    Inventor: Robert W. Vetter
  • Patent number: 4852704
    Abstract: An energy and absorption and barrier device for automotive vehicles and a method manufacture thereof. The device includes a plurality of metal strips in stacked relation having sinusoidal shapes and devices for securing the ends of the strips together. The method involves forming the strips in dies having adjustable stroke lengths so as to successively form corrugations in the strip in sequence from the center to the outer ends of the strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1989
    Assignee: USX Corporation
    Inventors: Roger L. Brockenbrough, Donald L. Douty
  • Patent number: 4786459
    Abstract: An energy absorber for preventing vehicle damage during low speed collisions comprising a threaded post for slideably mounting a vehicle bumper to a vehicle structure, a housing for tightly embracing a friction member, a friction member rotatably mounted in the housing, a sleeve engaging the threaded post which is responsive to the movement of the bumper for rotatably driving the friction member and a clutch for engaging the friction member with the sleeve. During a low speed vehicle impact, the inward displacement of the vehicle's bumper, with respect to the vehicle's structure, rotatably drives the friction member in the housing and the kinetic energy of the moving vehicle is absorbed by the work done in rotating the friction member in the housing. After the impact, the bumper is returned to its initial position by a spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1988
    Inventor: James D. Mundo
  • Patent number: 4685712
    Abstract: A spring mounted molding is provided for a vehicle on the body adjacent to a wrap-around end portion of the bumper. The molding and end portion of the bumper have mating cam surfaces. When the bumper moves toward the vehicle upon impact, the mating camming surfaces interact causing the molding to be deflected outwardly and the end portion of the bumper to slide therebeneath thus avoiding damage to the parts. Upon retraction of the bumper to its normal position, the spring mounting causes the molding to return to its normal position lying against the body of the vehicle. A spring urged extension is telescopically received in the end of the molding and defines the molding camming surface. The extension takes up any space between the molding and the end portion of the bumper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1987
    Assignee: Chrysler Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Raymond J. Wachowski, Francis A. Mulso
  • Patent number: 4671551
    Abstract: A movable molding is provided for a vehicle on the body adjacent to the wrap-around end portion of the bumper. The molding and end portion of the bumper have mating abutment surfaces. When the bumper moves towards the vehicle upon impact, the mating abutment surfaces interact causing the molding to be moved against the action of a spring along a slide element thus avoiding damage to the parts. Upon retraction of the bumper to its normal position, the spring biases the molding back to its normal position lying against the body of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1987
    Assignee: Chrysler Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Leo F. Walsh, Frank A. Mulso
  • Patent number: 4629232
    Abstract: A spring mounted molding is provided for a vehicle on the body adjacent to a wrap-around end portion of the bumper. The molding and end portion of the bumper have mating cam surfaces. When the bumper moves towards the vehicle upon impact, the mating camming surfaces interact causing the molding to be deflected outwardly and the end portion of the bumper to slide therebeneath thus avoiding damage to the parts. Upon retraction of the bumper to its normal position, the spring mounting causes the molding to return to its normal position lying against the body of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1986
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventors: William C. Zimlich, Julius P. Fraeyman, Ronald C. Johnson
  • Patent number: 4542925
    Abstract: A bumper arrangement for an automotive vehicle is disclosed which includes a bending-resistant bumper support resting on parts affixed to the vehicle, an undulating leaf spring extending over the length of the bumper arranged in front of this bumper support, and a cover which can be locked to the bumper support and which serves to hide the leaf spring from view. The leaf spring is fashioned integrally with the bumper support, and is preferably made of a reinforced synthetic resin. The wavy windings of the leaf spring are aligned in the support zone extending transversely with respect to the automotive vehicle, in the longitudinal vehicle direction, and, in the laterally wrapped-around end zones of the support, approximately in the transverse vehicle direction. Energy absorbing elements and impact buffers are interposed between the undulations of the leaf spring and between the bearing support and the adjacent section of the leaf spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1983
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1985
    Assignee: Daimler-Benz Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Guntram Huber, Wolfgang Fischer, Wolfgang Klie
  • Patent number: 4466646
    Abstract: This bumper assembly forms a streamlined end of a vehicle and incorporates a channeled inner spring bumper which supports a cellular energy absorber unit and displaceable lamp assemblies. The lamp assemblies are displaced to a protected position within the inner bumper as the energy absorber unit and the inner spring bumper operate to dissipate impact energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1983
    Date of Patent: August 21, 1984
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: John A. Delmastro, Paul D. Van Duyn
  • Patent number: 4440429
    Abstract: A shock-absorbing bumper arrangement for a motor vehicle, comprising a cover made of an elastic material and a beam is constructed so as to eliminate the use of hydraulic damper struts by constructing the beam of fiberglass-reinforced plastic (at least in its transversely extending part) and fixing the beam to body frame elements in the manner of a 2-point loaded beam at two locations spaced relatively far apart outside of a middle longitudinal plane of the vehicle. The beam is constructed of a transverse part and approximately longitudinally directed support parts which secure the beam to body frame elements. In accordance with one embodiment, the transverse part and the supports of the beam are unitarily constructed as a single piece, while, in accordance with a second embodiment, the transverse part, which is formed of fiberglass-reinforced plastic, is formed as a part that is separate from the support parts, which support parts are formed of a light metal and plugged into hollow ends of the beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1981
    Date of Patent: April 3, 1984
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche AG
    Inventor: Wolfgang Eyb
  • Patent number: 4401332
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided an improved bumper construction for an automotive vehicle.The vehicle has a plurality of bumper mounting stays and a body panel adjacent the stays.The bumper construction comprises a thin-walled plastic bumper, a reinforcement member mounted to the bumper at an intermediate section thereof adjacent the body panel and a spring member interposed between the reinforcement member and the vehicle body panel. The reinforcement member and the intermediate section of the bumper are adapted to define a closed bumper configuration. The spring member is operatively connected to the reinforcement member and the vehicle body panel such that the intermediate section of the bumper is supported through the spring member by the body panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1981
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1983
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshimitsu Kimura, Yutaka Ohmura