Abstract: A grille assembly for a vehicle is disclosed and includes a forward frame portion, an aft frame portion, and a plurality of spring portions coupling the forward frame portion to the aft frame portion such that the forward frame is movable relative to the aft frame portion. A front end assembly for a vehicle is also disclosed that includes a bolster assembly and an active grille shutter system supported relative to the bolster assembly. The disclosed active grille shutter system includes a plurality of spring portions coupling forward and aft frame portions such that the forward frame is movable relative to the aft frame. Vanes are supported by at least one of the forward and aft frame portions and are rotatable for controlling airflow.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method capable of providing a bumper capable of providing decreasing reversionary impact forces upon an impacting collider as the bumper is compressed. The apparatus, system and method may include at least a bumper cover; and a scissor mechanism housed within the bumper cover.

Abstract: A motor vehicle has a body, two spaced-apart longitudinal members, a bumper assembly as well as a second bumper cross-member which is spaced apart from the first bumper cross-member.

Abstract: A joint structure of a bumper reinforcement and a side member, the joint structure comprising: a bumper reinforcement that is provided at a vehicle front-rear direction end portion of a vehicle so as to extend in a vehicle width direction, and that includes: a vertical wall and a pair of horizontal walls; a left and right pair of side members that are respectively provided at the vehicle inner side of the bumper reinforcement so as to extend in the vehicle front-rear direction with leading ends of the side members fastened to the vertical wall of the bumper reinforcement; and fastening extensions that are provided at the respective leading ends of the side members, that project out toward a vehicle width direction outer side with respect to a respective side member, and that are fastened to at least one of the horizontal walls of the bumper reinforcement.

Abstract: A vehicle end section structure including: bumper reinforcement (20) that is of elongated shape, that is provided at a vehicle front-rear direction end portion, and that is disposed with length direction in a vehicle width direction; an outside strengthening member (32) that includes a load bearing face facing toward the vehicle front-rear direction outside, that is fixed to the bumper reinforcement (20), and that projects out from the bumper reinforcement (20) in the vehicle vertical direction; and an inside strengthening member (36) that is configured as a separate body to the outside strengthening member (32), that is disposed further to the vehicle front-rear direction inside than the outside strengthening member (32), that is fixed to the bumper reinforcement (20), and that is joined to the outside strengthening member (32) at a position projected out from the bumper reinforcement (20) in the vehicle vertical direction.

Abstract: The disclosed invention prevents damage to a hood and its contents. In a preferred embodiment, a first and second support member are mounted on either side of an access opening. A cross member is slidably retained in a protective, starting position within the support members. The cross member is preferably positioned above the access opening in front of a coiling door hood such that a striking force directed at the hood first encounters the cross member. When struck, the cross member slidably retracts against a force assembly to dissipate the striking force and upon withdrawal of the striking force the cross member returns without human intervention to the protective, starting position.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an energy management system can comprise: a vehicle energy management system comprises: a support structure selected from a bumper beam, a body in white, a body in black, a front-end module, a radiator support beam, a bumper support bracket, a component projecting from the body in white, a component projecting from the body in black, and combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing; a covering; and a coil energy absorber made of plastic. The coil energy absorber has an initial height and is located between the support structure and the covering. The coil energy absorber absorbs energy upon impact such that, after the impact, the coil energy absorber has a final height that is less than or equal to 90% of the initial height.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a method of absorbing energy comprises: impacting a portion of a vehicle comprising a coil energy absorber, and compressing and plastically deforming the coil energy absorber. The coil energy absorber has an initial height and is located between the support structure and the covering, and wherein the coil energy absorber absorbs energy upon impact such that, after the impact, the coil energy absorber has a final height that is less than or equal to 90% of the initial height. The coil energy absorber is made of plastic. The coil energy absorber is located between a fascia and a support structure of the vehicle.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an energy management system can comprise: a support structure; a covering; and a plastically deformable compression spring located between the support structure and the covering. In one embodiment, a method of absorbing energy can comprise: impacting a portion of a vehicle comprising an energy management system and plastically deforming the compression spring. A method for energy management in a vehicle comprises installing the energy management system in a vehicle.

Abstract: A system to couple a plastic part and a body structure includes a plate and an elastic member as part of the body structure. Additionally, the plastic part includes an opening and an oblique stop at an end of the opening. The plate is received within the opening. The elastic member includes a first end that is free and a second end that is fixed to the plate. The elastic member biases the plate with respect to the plastic part. In a first position, the first end of the elastic member contacts the oblique stop. In a second position, the first end of the elastic member contacts the oblique stop such that the first end of the elastic member is displaced in a vertical direction and a horizontal direction compared to the first position. Additionally, the elastic member is slideable along the oblique stop.

Abstract: A frame deformation control apparatus to be used for a frame being constructed of a plurality of sub-frames, the frame deformation control apparatus has a joint unit connecting adjoining sub-frames, the joint unit allows the adjoining sub-frames to turn around the joint unit, a detector measuring a bending moment to be added to the joint unit, and a brake unit restricting the turn around the joint unit of the adjoining sub-frames.

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

Abstract: An impact absorbing device for a vehicle uses a shape memory material that can be heated to repair deformation from a relatively low speed, low energy impact and its stroking force and energy absorption can be tuned by heating. The shape memory material is suitably used in a crash box having an inserted impact absorbing ram, the box being placed, for example, between a bumper and strong body member. The shape memory material is attached to the box and ram for absorbing energy as the ram is driven into the box. Electric resistance heating may be used to repair or tune the shape memory material.

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.

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.

Abstract: The force and energy associated with a collision of a land vehicle is absorbed by a multiple stage system which includes a first stage associated with low impact collisions and a second stage that is associated with high impact collisions. The first stage includes a spring system located in the bumpers of the vehicle and the second stage includes springs and fluid shock absorbers and is located beneath the chassis of the vehicle.

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.

Abstract: An impact damper for a motor vehicle comprises an impact plate on which a collision force acts, as well as an elastically deformable part adjoining the impact plate in the impact direction, by whose elastic deformation in a collision impact energy is absorbed. At least one plastically deformable part is selectively connectable with the elastically deformable part. The plastically deformable part being subject to the influence of the impact plate and being plastically deformable as it absorbs energy in a vehicle collision when connected to operate together with the elastically deformable part.

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.

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.

Abstract: A device for fixing to the front part of a vehicle, comprises a support construction which is assembled from profile parts manufactured from metal plate material and provided with attachment points for fixing thereof to the vehicle, a plastic cover element for separately covering the sides of each profile part facing away from the vehicle, and connecting members connecting the cover element to the support construction, wherein between the profile parts of the support construction and the cover element free spaces are present and the cover element is manufactured from deformable plastic.

Abstract: An energy absorbing bumper that dissipates kinetic energy of a moving mass via conversion to compressive membrane energy stored in a primary beam-column, potential energy stored in two laterally mounted energy absorbers and bending energy stored in a secondary beam-column. During impact the primary beam-column is laterally compressed as it flattens developing a large amount of compressive membrane energy. During deformation, the primary beam-column slides into the secondary beam-column having a central channel that accommodates the primary beam-column.

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.

Abstract: A vehicle body includes a collapsible nose at the front. Behind the collapsible nose is a motor compartment, and behind the motor compartment is a luggage compartment. The passenger compartment is located rearwardly of the collapsible nose, the engine compartment, and the luggage compartment. The driver's seat is located adjacent the rear of the vehicle.

Abstract: A universal bumper system presents first and second shock assemblies attached to a vehicle frame. Each assembly comprises a mounting plate with a housing mounted thereto, the housing receiving a shaft in slidable, reciprocal movement therethrough. At a forward end of the shaft are first and second seats with a compressible sleeve therebetween. At the front end of each slide rod is a mounting bracket for pivotal mounting of a universal bumper bracket with bumper thereto. The independent shock assemblies and bumper pivotally mounted thereto absorb forces from various angles and return the bumper to its original position relative to the vehicle.

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.

Abstract: An air cell bumper device includes a mounting base mounted on a mounting track being fixed to the body of a motor vehicle, and a rubber air bag fastened to the mounting base for impact protection, the rubber air bag having an inflatable big air bag and small air-tight air bags separated around the big air bag by partition walls, and whereby when the rubber air bag is compressed by an impact, the partition walls will be torn permitting air to rapidly move from the big air chamber into the small air chamber to buffer the impact.

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.

Abstract: A pneumatic energy absorbing arrangement, for use between the bumper and the frame of an automobile, includes a piston and cylinder combination which provides for an increasing amount of force or energy absorbed in relation to an increasing amount of travel between the piston and cylinder combination and, therefore, of the automobile itself. Exhaustion of the air within the piston cylinder combination is accomplished by a decreasing area of vent holes as the travel of the piston and cylinder increases. A specific or variable rate spring is provided to bias the piston and cylinder arrangement in an extended before-impact condition and absorb energy. The energy absorption device provided by this invention is reusable in that it is not destroyed during an impact.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bumper construction for mechanized vehicles, especially heavy ones. The bumper is movable relative to the body and chassis of the vehicle, in an upward direction relative to the surface on which the vehicle is travelling.The bumper bar is pivotally affixed to at least two angle members having one arm extending horizontally and second arm extending upwardly and downwardly. The first arm is enclosed in a casing in which is provided an energy consuming device and which is fixedly attached to the chassis.

Abstract: A vehicle bumper includes an elongated shell member for attachment to an end portion of a vehicle. An impact member is received within the shell member for limited lateral sliding movement and is biased outwardly through an elongated opening in the shell member. A coil spring biases the impact member outwardly from the shell member and a shock absorber dampens lateral movement of the impact member. An air bag is received in an outwardly opening elongated cavity in the impact member and is inflatable upon a severe impact. A resilient cover which surrounds the impact member and encloses the air bag includes a pair of inwardly extending elongated ribs in frictional engagement with a pair of parallel grooves provided in an outer portion of the impact member. The cover has a padded outer portion for absorbing minor impacts and is released from engagement with the impact member upon inflation of the air bag. An air spoiler may be secured to the shell member.

Abstract: A telescopic energy absorbing unit that operatively interconnects the bumper and the frame of the vehicle which incorporates an elastomeric energy absorbing medium within the tubular components of the unit and a resilient preload piston in series therewith to assure preload of the bumper and its assured positioning at a station outwardly after permanent foreshortening is experienced in the elastomer energy absorbing medium subsequent to its deflection from an impact load.

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: A new structure of multi-protection safety car bumper to keep a buffer zone between the frame body of the car and the present bumper for the arrangement of U-shaped front steel bar, elastic rubber component, elastic buffer element, U-shaped rear steel bar, U-shaped external bumper and wedged sliding device that comprised of sliding seat and slide guide to place therebetween so as to reciprocally undertake and disperse outside impact force; by the wedged sliding device, the external bumper and the frame body of the car being able to make a relative displacement so as to protect the two side bars of the U-shaped external bumper from not being stressed to extend outward or to drop off.

Abstract: A non-hydraulic energy dissipating collision bumper that functions with surface-to-surface friction in a stacked assembly of one movable disc or ring interleaved between two stationary discs. This bumper has the optimum characteristic of constant force vehicle deceleration, independent of vehicle velocity, and is also capable of responding to oblique bumper impacts at an angle with respect to a bumper normal. It provides accurate lateral bumper centering with set-up springs, as well as automatic system reset after a collision.

Abstract: An energy absorbing bumper mounting arrangement including a longitudinally extending tubular member having a forward portion secured to a vehicle bumper and an aft portion slidably received in a circular opening formed in a vehicle frame portion. A cylindrical capsule of thermoplastic polyester elastomer material has a central passage telescopically receiving the tubular member aft portion. Abutment means fixed on the tubular member engages an intermediate frame wall preventing its forward travel. A preloaded coil spring is concentrically disposed about the tubular member between the forward end of the capsule and the abutment means. The capsule is surrounded by a chamber defined by wall means formed in the frame. A predetermined impact load on the bumper causes the capsule to elastically and plastically deform in a radially outward manner such that upon contacting the chamber walls a permanent set corrugated-like undulation is formed resulting in the dissipation of impact energy.

Abstract: A cushion to provide added impact resistance to front or back bumpers of passenger cars or light trucks. The cushion may be bolted to front or back standard bumpers and consists of two steel plates or rails about 4" wide, and 1/4" thick separated by some 3". It may also be chrome plated for aesthetic reasons. The same rail is bolted to each respective bumper and the interspace between the rails includes steel coil springs approximately 4" apart, welded to and separating the two rails. Each spring is encapsulated with a heat resistant tape wrapping and the space outside the springs and between the rails is filled with shock-absorbing rubber or plastic material. The interior of each spring is accordingly free of the shock-absorbing material and can function as a coil spring without the inhibition of the resilient filling material.

Abstract: A combination bumper and step device adapted to be mounted on the rear of a truck. A pair of horizontally spaced channels are pivotally mounted on the rear of the vehicle frame and extend vertically downwardly therefrom. A pair of vertically spaced horizontally extending steps are rigidly mounted on the spaced channels. A shock absorber is attached to and extends between each of the spaced channels and the truck frame. The steps provide a safe and rigid means for an individual to enter and leave the rear of the truck and the shock absorbers and pivotal mounting of the channels enable the device to move inwardly beneath the truck and absorb a certain amount of impact energy without damaging the device. One of the steps engages the vehicle frame when the device is in a retracted position to provide a positive mechanical stop for the device to prevent damage to the shock absorbers and to prevent any vehicle or other object from running underneath the vehicle body.

Abstract: An improved car carrier of the type including a service vehicle having front and rear wheels, a frame, axle springs, and a displaceable platform is disclosed having structure for pivoting and sliding the displaceable platform along a specified path, and a support foot assembly capable of supporting the load on the displaceable platform during a predetermined interval, when the displaceable platform is displaced from a transport position to a load position. The displaceable platform is itself of angled configuration for ramping of a first car to be carried and for aft attachment and clearance of a second car to be towed.

Abstract: A resiliently mounted automobile bumper which effectively absorbs frontal impact shock by compressive deformation of an energy absorbing material, and tilts or skews during oblique and/or bottoming impact, such as the impact which often results during passage over irregular terrain. The bumper is pivotally mounted at either end by a pair of individually pivoting support arms, and spring loaded against a pair of impact arms. Impact surfaces on the support arms and the impact arms are constructed of an energy absorbing material. Non-frontal impact pivots the bumper assembly away from the impact arms against the loading springs, and a mechanical governor assembly controls the bumper's return to the static position while assuring proper placement of the impact arms.

Abstract: In a highway type motor vehicle, a Multiple Stage Flexible Bumper comprising in combination a bumper bar mounted transversely across the front of the motor vehicle, multiple stage coil compression springs, a pair of spring seats to secure the ends of the springs, retainer bolts for securing the ends of the springs in the seats, longitudinal bolts, rivets or welds for securing the seats on one end of the springs to the vehicle frame, longitudinal bolts, rivets or welds for securing the seats on the other end of the springs to the vehicle bumper bar to form a completely flexible, 360.degree.

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: A push bumper is disclosed which is removably attachable to the front of a conventional snow plow and usable in pushing stalled vehicles and the like. The push bumper includes a rigid push plate, the front face of which is covered by a resilient material. The push plate is attached to the front of the snow plow through a hinge so that the plate pivots about a vertical axis and will follow the vehicle being pushed.

Abstract: A bumper for a suspension of a tracklaying vehicle has a first plate formed with a throughgoing hole through which engages one longitudinal end of a bolt. The other longitudinal end of this bolt is screwed into a second plate that is therefore held at a maximum spacing from the first plate. A helical compression spring having in unstressed condition an overall length greater by a predetermined distance than this maximum spacing is braced in compressed condition between the plates. Two telescoping sleeves, one fixed to each of the plates, coaxially surrounds the rod and have free ends extending past each other. Each of these ends has a respective abutment and these two abutments are spaced apart by a distance substantially equal to the difference between the length of the spring in the compressed and uncompressed condition. Thus should this rod break the two abutments will engage each other and prevent the first plate from being violently ejected.

Abstract: A vehicle body front structure includes: a front side frame; a lower member placed at an outer side of the front side frame in the vehicle width direction; and a gusset placed between the front side frame and the lower member. The front side frame includes a first bending point which absorbs an impact load by being bent by receiving impact load upon a collision of the vehicle. An inner side of the gusset in the vehicle width direction is joined to the outer side of the front side frame in the vehicle width direction and extends from a front end of the front side frame to a first bending point. A tapered part which is inclined toward the front side frame as extending backward from the front end of the gusset is formed in an outer side of the gusset in the vehicle width direction.