Plural Impact Bars Vertically Spaced In Impact Plane Patents (Class 293/146)
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Patent number: 11753113Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure describe a snowmobile including a chassis, a tunnel, an engine, a drive track and a drivetrain. The tunnel is attached to the chassis and includes running boards located on either side of the tunnel. The engine is attached to the chassis and within an engine bay. The drivetrain is operatively connected to the engine to deliver propulsive power to the drive track, wherein the running boards extend forward alongside at least a portion of the engine bay.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2021Date of Patent: September 12, 2023Assignee: ARCTIC CAT INCInventor: David L. Vigen
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Patent number: 10696256Abstract: A bumper protection apparatus, the apparatus comprising: an anchor body having an exterior top wall, an exterior bottom wall, and an exterior side wall extending therebetween; the top wall comprising a top recessed annular section with top interior peripheral wall, and a bottom recessed annular section with bottom interior peripheral wall, and an annular shoulder separating the top interior peripheral wall and the bottom interior peripheral wall, to form a generally graduated cylindrical void bottom within the anchor body; a base wall formed with bottom interior peripheral wall, the base wall being opposite to exterior bottom wall; the base wall having an aperture extending therefrom to exterior bottom wall; and a cover comprising an exterior cover wall and an interior cover wall with an edge wall therebetween, the cover dimensioned to fit snugly in the anchor body within the top recessed annular section.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2018Date of Patent: June 30, 2020Inventor: Robert Krensky
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Publication number: 20150115572Abstract: Disclosed are a tubular back beam assembly for a vehicle and a method of manufacturing the tubular back beam assembly. The tubular back beam assembly may include a plurality of main members, each of which is formed by cold rolling and hot stamping. The plurality of main members may be coupled to form a vertically stacked structure with flat portions coupled in a surface contact fashion. Or the tubular back beam assembly may include a main member and at least one support member that are directly coupled to form a vertically stacked structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 8, 2014Publication date: April 30, 2015Applicant: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventors: Hyun Gyung KIM, Seok Jae Park, Dong Hak Kim
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Patent number: 8864198Abstract: A tubular back beam for a vehicle is provided to effectively cope with crashes, including a head-on crash, an offset crash, etc., thus promoting excellent crashworthiness, and thereby maximally reducing damage to a vehicle body, in addition to maximally mitigating injuries to a pedestrian and a passenger.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2012Date of Patent: October 21, 2014Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corp.Inventor: Hyun Gyung Kim
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Patent number: 8556286Abstract: A crash attenuator includes a crash cushion having a front end, a rear end, and a trailer hitch component disposed adjacent the front end. The trailer hitch component is capable of being secured to a mating hitch component located on a towing vehicle, such that the hitch components are capable of being rotated relative to each other about a substantially vertical axis. The crash attenuator further includes at least one wheel supporting the crash cushion. The wheel is rotatable about a substantially horizontal axis and is spaced rearwardly from the hitch component. A pair of tethers are positioned on opposite sides of the hitch component and are moveable relative to one or more retraction mechanisms connected to the crash cushion.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2013Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Assignee: Energy Absorption Systems, Inc.Inventors: Bret Eckert, Michael J. Buehler, James B. Welch
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Publication number: 20130187396Abstract: In a method for producing a motor vehicle bending cross member bending a double-U-profile is initially formed from a metal plank. The double-U-profile has two U-shaped longitudinal sections which are connected by a web. The outer legs of the double-U-profile are longer than the inner legs which are connected by the web.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 24, 2012Publication date: July 25, 2013Applicant: Benteler Automobiltechnik GmbHInventors: Franz Ulrich Brockhoff, Stefan Grottke, Stefan Schmitz, Holger Diersmann
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Patent number: 8453786Abstract: A front section for a motor vehicle body features a main frame that includes, but is not limited to an upper bumper carrier, a lower reinforcing element for the bumper that extends underneath the upper bumper carrier and a sub-frame that is elastically fixed on the main frame by means of a buffer. The buffer is held between an end piece of the reinforcing element and the main frame.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2007Date of Patent: June 4, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Theobald Hock, Viet-Hung Nguyen, Martin Leonhard Sachs
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Patent number: 8439412Abstract: A motor vehicle forward structure is provided with at least two vehicle chassis beams, at least two crash boxes, which are arranged at the front ends of the vehicle chassis beams, and at least one transverse beam structure, which is secured to the crash boxes. The transverse beam structure exhibits two transverse bumper carriers with a first transverse bumper carrier above the crash boxes, and a second transverse bumper carrier below the crash boxes. The crash boxes are fixed in a left and right end area of the transverse beam structure, between the transverse bumper carriers and at the ends of the vehicle chassis beams.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2011Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventor: Stanislaw Klimek
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Patent number: 8388012Abstract: A crash attenuator includes a crash cushion having a front end, a rear end, and a trailer hitch component disposed adjacent the front end. The trailer hitch component is capable of being secured to a mating hitch component located on the towing vehicle, such that hitch components are capable of being rotated relative to each other about a substantially vertical axis. The crash attenuator further includes at least one wheel supporting the crash cushion. The wheel is rotatable about a substantially horizontal axis and is spaced rearwardly from hitch component. One or more tethers are positioned on opposite sides of the hitch component and are moveable relative to one or more guides connected to the crash cushion.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2012Date of Patent: March 5, 2013Assignee: Energy Absorption Systems, Inc.Inventors: Michael J. Buehler, Bret Eckert, James B. Welch
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Patent number: 8276953Abstract: A bumper system for a motor vehicle includes, but is not limited to, a bumper cross member, which is fixed to a stiff frame of the motor vehicle, a pliable bumper shell, a compressible structure which is formed between an upper area of the shell and the cross member and one support section which supports the lower area of the shell, which, together with a crash box holding the cross member is anchored to the flange plates of the frame.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2011Date of Patent: October 2, 2012Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Matthias Erzgräber, Theobald Hock, Heino Wentzien, Stefan Glaser, Andreas Wüst
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Patent number: 8251437Abstract: The assembly is of the type comprising two pairs of front longitudinal members of a chassis of a motor vehicle and support and fixing mounting plates arranged at the front ends of the longitudinal members and comprising a front bumper shield comprising a one-piece plastics material frame consisting of an upper bumper beam and a lower bumper beam and two vertical members connecting the upper and lower bumper beams, the vertical members of the frame being configured to act as impact absorbers and fixed resting directly against the mounting plates.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2009Date of Patent: August 28, 2012Assignee: Faurecia Bloc AvantInventors: Vincent Gonin, Julien Dufee, Laurent Droz Bartholet
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Patent number: 8172286Abstract: A motor vehicle front structure is provided with at least one front frame having two side members and an impact cross member structure. Two crash boxes are fixed between the respective front end of the side members and the impact cross member structure. Each of the crash boxes includes, but is not limited to a first and a second leg that are jointly fixed to the front end of each side member and in the shape of a V in the direction of the impact cross member structure turn into ends spread from each other The spread ends are fixed on end regions of the impact cross member structure.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2011Date of Patent: May 8, 2012Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventor: Stanislaw Klimek
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Patent number: 8152211Abstract: A motor vehicle front structure is provided with at least one front frame having two side members and an impact cross member structure. Two crash boxes are fixed between the respective front end of the side members and the impact cross member structure. Each of the crash boxes includes, but is not limited to a first and a second leg that are jointly fixed to the front end of each side member and in the shape of a V merge with ends spread from each other in the direction of the impact cross member structure. The spread ends are fixed on end regions of the impact cross member structure. A connecting structure with honeycomb construction is arranged between the legs.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2011Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventor: Stanislaw Klimek
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Patent number: 8136830Abstract: A crash attenuator includes a crash cushion having a front end and a rear end, and a restraint element disposed adjacent the front end and capable of being coupled to a towing vehicle. The crash attenuator further includes at least one wheel supporting the crash cushion. The restraint element is operable between at least an impact condition and a non-impact condition.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2010Date of Patent: March 20, 2012Assignee: Energy Absorption Systems, Inc.Inventors: Michael J. Buehler, Bret Eckert, James B. Welch
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Patent number: 8100444Abstract: A bumper system for a motor vehicle includes, but is not limited to, a bumper cross member, which is fixed to a stiff frame of the motor vehicle, a pliable bumper shell, a compressible structure which is formed between an upper area of the shell and the cross member and one support section which supports the lower area of the shell, which, together with a crash box holding the cross member is anchored to the flange plates of the frame.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2006Date of Patent: January 24, 2012Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Matthias Erzgräber, Theobald Hock, Heino Wentzien, Stefan Glaser, Andreas Wüst
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Publication number: 20110115241Abstract: This assembly is of the type comprising at least two pairs of front longitudinal members (12, 16) and supporting and attachment plates (20) positioned at the front ends of the longitudinal members (12, 16), a front bumper shield (8) comprising a one-piece frame (22) in plastic material formed with an upper bumper beam (24) and a lower bumper beam (26) and two uprights (28) connecting the upper (24) and lower (26) bumper beams, the shield (8) further comprising an additional beam (40) made with the frame (22) in the same material, said additional beam (40) comprising means for attaching at least one piece of auxiliary equipment of the motor vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 12, 2010Publication date: May 19, 2011Applicant: FAURECIA BLOC AVANTInventor: VINCENT GONIN
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Publication number: 20110031769Abstract: The present invention refers to a bumper cross beam (1) which includes several sections having an increased height in the (Z) direction due to a vertical displacement of the central partial region 3 of the bumper cross beam.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 23, 2008Publication date: February 10, 2011Applicant: PEGUFORM GMBHInventor: Mike Löeffler
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Patent number: 7874572Abstract: A crash attenuator includes a crash cushion having a front end, a rear end, and a trailer hitch component disposed adjacent the front end. The trailer hitch component is capable of being secured to a mating hitch component located on the towing vehicle, such that hitch components are capable of being rotated relative to each other about a substantially vertical axis. The crash attenuator further includes at least one wheel supporting the crash cushion. The wheel is rotatable about a substantially horizontal axis and is spaced rearwardly from the substantially vertical axis. The crash attenuator further includes at least one restraint element operable between at least a disengaged condition, wherein the crash cushion is capable of rotating about the substantially vertical axis, and an engaged condition, wherein the at least one restraint element constrains rotation of the crash cushion about the substantially vertical axis.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2005Date of Patent: January 25, 2011Assignee: Energy Absorption Systems, Inc.Inventors: Michael J. Buehler, Bret Eckert, James B. Welch
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Patent number: 7810870Abstract: A vehicle body stricture includes a vehicle frame having a pair of longitudinally extending first frame members spaced apart from one another supporting opposite lower side portions of a vehicle and a laterally extending second frame member extending between respective front portions of the first frame members. A vehicle body is supported on the vehicle frame. A bumper assembly is supported by at least one of the first frame members and the second frame member having a front bumper facia member with a lower edge that extends downward toward an underside of the second frame member. A compatibility member extends laterally between the first frame members, with at least a portion of the compatibility member extending below the second frame member. The compatibility member has at least one attachment point fixed to the second frame member.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2008Date of Patent: October 12, 2010Assignee: Nissan Technical Center North America, Inc.Inventors: Brian C Shepard, Dave Coakley
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Publication number: 20100127520Abstract: The invention provides an impact absorber module (10) for a motor vehicle, the module comprising: a top transverse element (12) for bearing against an impact beam (32) of the vehicle; a bottom transverse element (14) and two uprights (16a, 16b) connecting the top and bottom transverse elements (12, 14) together so as to form substantially a frame (18) referred to as an absorber frame, the bottom transverse element (14) or one of the two uprights (16a, 16b) being designed to bear against a bottom structural part (36) of the vehicle; and a wall (30) forming an air guide and extending from the top transverse element (12) towards a radiator (54) of the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2008Publication date: May 27, 2010Applicant: COMPAGNIE PLASTIC OMNIUMInventors: Stephane Ginja, Sebastien Charnaux, Philippe Gilotte
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Patent number: 7699347Abstract: A system for absorbing impact energy includes a container formed with a plurality of faces. An energy absorbing material is substantially contained within the container. A first elongated member has a proximate end and a distal end. The proximate end is proximate and approximately perpendicular to a first face of the container. A long axis of the first elongated member intersects the first face. A first bumper is connected to the distal end of the first elongated member. A second elongated member has a proximate end and a distal end. The proximate end is proximate and approximately perpendicular to a second face of the container. A long axis of the second elongated member intersects the second face. The second elongated member is approximately perpendicular to the first elongated member. A second bumper connected to the distal end of the second elongated member.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2008Date of Patent: April 20, 2010Inventor: Stephen D. Shoap
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Patent number: 7695018Abstract: A system for absorbing impact energy includes a container formed with a plurality of faces. An energy absorbing material is substantially contained within the container. A first elongated member has a proximate end and a distal end. The proximate end is proximate and approximately perpendicular to a first face of the container. A long axis of the first elongated member intersects the first face. A first bumper is connected to the distal end of the first elongated member. A second elongated member has a proximate end and a distal end. The proximate end is proximate and approximately perpendicular to a second face of the container. A long axis of the second elongated member intersects the second face. The second elongated member is approximately perpendicular to the first elongated member. A second bumper connected to the distal end of the second elongated member.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2008Date of Patent: April 13, 2010Inventor: Stephen D. Shoap
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Publication number: 20090050395Abstract: A colliding object determination device for a vehicle having a bumper reinforcement member (12) includes a sensor (20) and a determination circuit (40). The sensor (20) is located in a front portion of a vehicle for measuring a collision state quantity correlating with a collision load generated in a collision of a colliding body with the vehicle. The determination circuit (40) determines whether the colliding body is a pedestrian based on the measured collision state quantity. The sensor (20) is located on an upper half region of a front end face of the bumper reinforcement member (12). Thus, accuracy of discriminating the pedestrian from other objects can be improved.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 24, 2006Publication date: February 26, 2009Applicants: Denso Corporation, TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Toshio Hosokawa, Yujiro Miyata, Motomi Iyoda, Ryotaro Kachu, Hiroyuki Takahashi
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Patent number: 7287788Abstract: A single component bumper beam and lower frame midrail structure, is formed through a hydroforming process to create a uniform “B-shaped” cross-sectional configuration with internal crash triggers to enhance crash performance. The mounting legs of the integral bumper structure are formed with a reduced cross-section at the terminal ends thereof to facilitate insertion into lower frame midrails formed from a pair of horizontally disposed tubes. The terminal end portions of the mounting legs are formed with a longitudinally extending slot to receive a central co-joined wall member formed through the welding of the two vertically oriented tubular members in the lower frame midrails. The single component bumper and longitudinally extending mounting leg structure can be formed by welding together two vertically oriented tubes.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2005Date of Patent: October 30, 2007Assignees: Ford Global Technologies, LLC, Vari-Form, Inc.Inventors: Ari Caliskan, Dean Gericke
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Patent number: 7255378Abstract: A bumper system for an automotive vehicle includes a unitary bumper beam substrate which defines upper and lower channel sections which are capped for part of their length by stiffening elements which provide localized increased strength and resistance to elastic buckling and collapsing of the bumper beam.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2005Date of Patent: August 14, 2007Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Ridha Baccouche, Chelliah Madasamy, David Wagner, Hikmat Mahmood
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Patent number: 7044516Abstract: A bumper beam assembly for a vehicle comprises a bumper beam having at least two round pipes, a bracket, first and second support members, first and second side frames, and a bracket formed into a rounded shape to match the external shape of the round pipes. The round pipes are arranged vertically and the sum of the diameters of the round pipes is smaller than the height of the bumper beam. The first and second support members have arc-shaped recesses which conform to the external shape of the round pipes and support the round pipes to connect the side frame to the round pipes, and one of the round pipes is positioned below a central point of the first and second side frames, and one of the round pipes is positioned above the central point.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2004Date of Patent: May 16, 2006Assignees: Suzuki Motor Corporation, Kohzu Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Akira Kobayashi, Hidekazu Takahashi, Isao Hakamata, Masaaki Suzuki
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Patent number: 7007989Abstract: A back beam structure of an automobile bumper in which the back beam is shaped to have the predetermined spaces respectively on top and bottom by bending one panel many times so that both ends of the panel meet at the front center of the back beam. The ends of the panel meeting at the front center of the back beam are bent to a round shape so that they contact the inner surface of the rear side of the panel. Multiple brackets are installed in intervals connecting the upper and lower parts of the back beam at the front side of the back beam.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2004Date of Patent: March 7, 2006Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventor: Byung Kyu Yoon
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Patent number: 6971692Abstract: Protective structure for vehicles, suitable for being used, in particular, in the case of collision between a vehicle and a pedestrian, of the type comprising at least a bumper strip (2), for the protection of the vehicle, comprising a lower portion (21) and an upper portion (22). The upper portion protrudes outwards with respect to the lower portion and comprises a buffer (T). The structure also comprises at least one reinforcement (3) situated inside said lower portion of the bumper strip.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2004Date of Patent: December 6, 2005Assignees: ADLEV S.r.l., Plastal S.p.AInventors: Pasquale Gioia, Marco Luga Righini, Mario Vismara, Alessandro Riva, Jean Louis Toneatti
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Patent number: 6874831Abstract: A front structure for a motor vehicle having a bumper cross-member and a grille, the structure being fabricated as a unitary piece of plastics material.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2000Date of Patent: April 5, 2005Assignee: Compagnie Plastic OmniumInventors: Laurent Pouget, Thierry Gourlot
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Patent number: 6592158Abstract: In a method of making a steel crossbeam for use as component of a bumper for motor vehicles, a composite element is formed by attaching sheet metal strips in parallel disposition onto a broadside of a steel sheet strand across an entire length thereof, whereby the sheet metal strips have a width which is narrower than a width of the steel sheet strand. The composite element is then shaped through roll-forming in a direction transverse to the longitudinal extent of the composite element into a crossbeam.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2001Date of Patent: July 15, 2003Assignee: Benteler AGInventors: Markus Kettler, Udo Klasfauseweh, Peter Goer
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Patent number: 6578904Abstract: A motor vehicle structure including at least two upper side-members arranged at the level of the bumper, at least two lower side-members connected to the upper side-members by two linking supports, and a cross-member linking the two lower side-members at their front end. The front ends of the lower side-members are substantially in line with the front ends of the upper side-members and the two linking supports are arranged substantially between the front ends of the upper and lower side-members. The rear end of the lower side-members is designed to be supported on a stop portion of a structural element in a case of a head-on impact.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2002Date of Patent: June 17, 2003Assignee: RenaultInventors: Marc Yvetot, Emmanuel Boudard
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Patent number: 6540275Abstract: The invention provides a structure of a front part of a vehicle body that is simple and free from the risk of maloperation. In the event of a collision between the vehicle and a pedestrian, a projecting part sweeps the pedestrian by parts of his or her legs lower than the knees in the event of a collision between the vehicle and the pedestrian, causing the pedestrian to be thrown over toward the vehicle, and after an energy-absorbing member has absorbed impact energy exerted on the legs, the pedestrian is caused to drop onto the top of a hood and protected from secondary damage.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2000Date of Patent: April 1, 2003Assignee: Mazda Motor CorporationInventors: Tatsuhiko Iwamoto, Arihiro Furumoto, Yutaka Tsukiji, Masao Hara, Yushi Matsuda, Daisaburou Adachi, Masanori Ogawa, Takayuki Nakamae, Sakayu Terada, Kazuma Kondou
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Patent number: 6474708Abstract: A bumper arrangement for a front end or a rear end of an automobile having a bumper cover enclosing the bumper arrangement has a transverse support having a first and a second end. First and second spacer consoles are connected to the first and second ends of the transverse support, respectively. First and second stop plates are connected to the first and second spacer consoles opposite the transverse support. The first and second stop plates secure the bumper arrangement to longitudinal support beams of the car body extending in the longitudinal direction of the automobile. A transverse beam is positioned below the transverse support in a mounted position of the bumper arrangement. Spacer stays connect the transverse beam to the stop plates and are positioned below the spacer consoles. The transverse support and/or the spacer consoles, at least over portions thereof, have two or more deformation areas arranged next to one another in the longitudinal direction of the automobile.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2000Date of Patent: November 5, 2002Assignee: Benteler AGInventors: Ludger Gehringhoff, Wulf Härtel, Knut Schöne, Ralf Schmidt, Dieter Braun
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Patent number: 6435577Abstract: The inventive combination comprises a front bumper skin (34) pertaining to a motor vehicle and an inner closing part (12) pertaining to an engine compartment, mounted to the rear of said skin in relation to the principal direction in which the vehicle travels. The closing part (12) comprises a front transversal profiled section (18).Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2000Date of Patent: August 20, 2002Assignee: Peguform FranceInventor: Thierry Renault
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Publication number: 20020047281Abstract: A bumper arrangement for a vehicle has a transverse support to be connected transversely to longitudinal supports of a frame of a vehicle. The transverse support has a shell member of a U-shaped cross-section with a stay and two legs connected to opposite sides of the stay. The legs have a grate structure comprised of several adjacently positioned and spaced apart ribs defining adjacently positioned openings.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 25, 2001Publication date: April 25, 2002Applicant: Benteler Automobiltechnik GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Wulf Hartel, Hendrik Korinth
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Patent number: 6290272Abstract: Provided in an energy absorber (1) for bumpers (2, 3) of motor vehicles are stiffening elements (5), which have free-standing front sides (6) facing away from a rear mounting structure (4). The stiffening elements (5) have in the longitudinal direction a lateral center-to-center distance from one another that corresponds to the standard dimensions of a human leg. Side faces of the stiffening elements (5) which face one another are designed such that, in the event of collision with a leg, the stiffening elements (5) are deformable independently of one another, and in the event of collision with an object larger than a leg, the stiffening elements (5) engage one another at their side faces in a manner hindering deformation with an abrupt increase in the stiffness of the energy absorber (1). By this means, braking with a relatively low deceleration is achieved in a collision with the leg, whereas the energy absorber (1) is adequately stiff in a collision with a larger object.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2000Date of Patent: September 18, 2001Assignee: Peguform GmbHInventor: Stefan Braun
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Patent number: 6203078Abstract: The invention provides a bumper for a pickup truck or other utility vehicle and which can be adapted to receive and support an accessory such as a crane, winch or carrying rack. The bumper includes an elongate rigid support frame for positioning transversely of the length of the truck, support frame having a vertically extended central portion, and tapered side portions. Optionally, at least one accessory receiver is rigidly attached to the support frame for receiving and supporting an accessory. Bracket members are rigidly attached to the frame for attachment to a vehicle. The bumper resists downward rotational and translational deflection relative to a utility vehicle when an accessory is in use on the bumper.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 1998Date of Patent: March 20, 2001Inventor: Robert B. Karrer
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Patent number: 6176529Abstract: An energy absorption device designed to be mounted on the rear of a high elevation vehicle (e.g. a truck, cargo carrier, trailer or semi-trailer). More particularly, a torsional under-ride guard for use with a high elevation vehicle, which torsional under-ride guard reduces the likelihood that another vehicle will under-ride the high elevation vehicle and absorbs some of the impact energy created when another vehicle collides with the torsional under-ride guard.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 1999Date of Patent: January 23, 2001Assignee: Henschen div. of QDS ComponentsInventors: James A. Kitzmiller, Terry D. Campbell
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Patent number: 6176530Abstract: Apparatus is dislosed for protecting vehicles including a crossbeam and a console mounting the crossbeam to the frame of the vehicle at a location which corresponds to the expected point of impact of a force generated by a collision, the console including an upper portion connected to the frame and comprising a hardened portion thereof, a lower portion comprising a non-hardened portion of the console, and a boundary area between these upper and lower portions comprising a weakened area of the console whereby upon impact the console is adapted to pivot about the weakened area for deformation of the console thereabout.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 1999Date of Patent: January 23, 2001Assignee: Volvo Lastvagnar ABInventor: Peter Gollungberg
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Patent number: 6022057Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 1997Date of Patent: February 8, 2000Assignee: Kelowna Hectares B.V.Inventor: Jan Willem Vermeulen
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Patent number: 5779289Abstract: A front end bumper assembly for tractors is constructed from hollow steel fluid reservoir tanks for providing ballast. The bumper assembly has an upper grille for protecting the nose-radiator region of the tractor and two spaced lowermost horizontally disposed bumper arms. The bumper assembly is attached to a tractor by a bracket assembly at a location below the center of gravity of the tractor to concentrate the bumper weight for bearing upon front steering wheels for better traction and steering.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 1996Date of Patent: July 14, 1998Inventor: William Haston Alexander, Jr.
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Patent number: 5407239Abstract: A bumper beam for a vehicle bumper, having a base beam preferably made of an extruded aluminum alloy, and an impact beam attached to an outer surface of the base beam with these members joined together by sliding engagement in an axial direction of the base beam. The bumper beam and the impact beam can be made of straight linear members each having a relatively small cross sectional area. In particular, the base beam may have a pair of vertically spaced identical members extending in a mutually parallel relationship which are joined together by the impact beam.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 1992Date of Patent: April 18, 1995Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Takeo Arai, Yasuo Muraoka, Fumiaki Fukuchi
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Patent number: 5277465Abstract: A grill guard which can be adapted to different vehicles includes a pair of horizontal tubes fastened to a pair of vertical side plates. The side plates are attached to the bumper of a vehicle by an L-shaped bracket attached to the lower end of each side plate, a triangular plate attached near the middle of each side plate, and an L-shaped bracket connecting each triangular plate to the bumper. Each side plate has a plurality of regularly shaped holes along the rear edge thereof for adjusting the vertical spacing of the triangular plate from the lower L-shaped bracket. A dog fastens the tubes to the side plates at each intersection thereof.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 1992Date of Patent: January 11, 1994Assignee: Quality S Manufacturing, Inc.Inventor: Dennis E. Weir
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Patent number: 5215343Abstract: A nudge bar of the kind comprising a pair of spaced vertical bars whose front surfaces provide the most forward parts of the nudge bar, one for either side of the vehicle radiator and a horizontally extending elongate loops connected with the two vertical bars. At least the front part of each vertical bar is formed as a moulding of resilient plastics or rubber material. A particularly suitable material is a semi-rigid, self skinning, foamed polyurethane. Preferably, a metal insert in the form of a strip extends through each moulding to strengthen it and, where appropriate, to facilitate fixing. In a preferred arrangement, each vertical bar comprises a rear metal part and a front moulded part, the metal part providing projecting front edges which mate with corresponding grooves in the moulded part, and a plate is provided in the metal part, adjacent the front edges, and on which the moulded part seats when fitted.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 1992Date of Patent: June 1, 1993Assignee: Jib Engineering Ltd.Inventor: William C. Fortune
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Patent number: 5094469Abstract: In a trailer hitch device for a motor vehicle wherein a trailer hitch is mounted on a member beam, the improvement comprising the fact that the member beam has both its ends respectively fixed to right and left rear bumper stays and is covered with a rear bumper face, and that the trailer hitch is fixed to the member beam and has its coupling bowl portion at its distal end protruded rearward of the vehicle body of the vehicle through an opening provided in the bumper face.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 1990Date of Patent: March 10, 1992Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Akihito Yamamoto, Michihiro Kawamura, Yasunori Kumagai, Kenichi Sato
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Patent number: 5031947Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 5, 1990Date of Patent: July 16, 1991Inventor: Ming-Tang Chen
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Patent number: 4721333Abstract: An arrangement for forming a bumper structure of an automobile having a rear door mounted on a body thereof to be openable and closing includes a bumper divided into a lower member fixed to a rear end portion of the body at a position lower than the rear door and an upper member attached to a lower end portion of the rear door. The upper member has end portions elongating oppositely in the direction of the width of the body beyond the rear door. A pair of receiving members are attached to the rear end portion of the body so as to face respectively the end portions of the upper member of the bumper elongating oppositely beyond the rear door when the rear door is closed.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 1986Date of Patent: January 26, 1988Assignee: Mazda Motor CorporationInventor: Akie Morio
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Patent number: 4201000Abstract: A snow plow attachment includes a first part for engagement with a bumper of a stalled vehicle and detachably attachable to the blade of the snow plow and a rearwardly disposed second part engageable with the central portion of the blade, vertically considered, to brace the first part in its bumper-engaging position. In one embodiment of the invention, the attachment is secured to the upper portion of the plow blade and in another, the attachment is secured to both upper and lower portions thereof.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 1978Date of Patent: May 6, 1980Inventor: George H. Stanford
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Patent number: 4168855Abstract: A light-weight resilient vehicle protection bumper assembly comprising resilient bumper bars clamped to a vehicle chassis which extend across the width of the vehicle at its front end (in some cases also at its rear end), the bumper bars being formed from transparent polycarbonate tubing, mounted in rubber.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 1978Date of Patent: September 25, 1979Inventor: Kevin E. Koch