US3638985A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Energy absorbing bumper
Assignee: Ford Motor Co
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Filing: 1969-06-26
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Granted: 1972-02-01
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Expires: 1989-06-26
Abstract
Abstract An energy adsorbing bumper particularly adapted to shield motor vehicle structural members from impact damage. The bumper includes a resiliently deformable, arcuate member secured to one of the structural members and defining therewith a chamber. Web means extend from the arcuate member and into the chamber. Initial collapse of the arcuate member as a whole due to an impart face is followed by a secondary collapse of the web means due to contact with the structural member, thereby providing for the adsorption of large amounts of impact energy. The connection between the arcuate and structural members is hidden from view by a flap integrally formed with and extending from the arcuate member.
Inventors
- 👤 David W Barton
- 👤 George H Muller
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 14:14
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60R; B60R19/00; B60R19/02; B60R19/18; B60R19/20
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
160 words
In an energy absorbing bumper assembly adapted to shield a structure against impact damage, said bumper assembly including an arcuate elastomeric member secured to said structure and having a convex outer surface and a concave inner surface, said elastomeric member and said structure cooperating to define therebetween a cavity, the improvement comprising: resiliently deformable web means extending from the inner surface of said elastomeric member, said web means being of a length such that the ends of the web means remote from the inner surface of said elastomeric member are spaced from said structure when said member is in an undeformed condition, said ends of said web means contacting and being deformed against said structure upon a predetermined deformation of said member toward said structure, said web means being formed in the shape of a grid and cooperating with said inner surface to define a plurality of cells, each of said cells being open to said cavity and otherwise closed.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
160 words
In an energy absorbing bumper assembly adapted to shield a structure against impact damage, said bumper assembly including an arcuate elastomeric member secured to said structure and having a convex outer surface and a concave inner surface, said elastomeric member and said structure cooperating to define therebetween a cavity, the improvement comprising: resiliently deformable web means extending from the inner surface of said elastomeric member, said web means being of a length such that the ends of the web means remote from the inner surface of said elastomeric member are spaced from said structure when said member is in an undeformed condition, said ends of said web means contacting and being deformed against said structure upon a predetermined deformation of said member toward said structure, said web means being formed in the shape of a grid and cooperating with said inner surface to define a plurality of cells, each of said cells being open to said cavity and otherwise closed.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
140 words
In an energy absorbing bumper assembly adapted to shield a structure against impact damage, said bumper assembly including an arcuate elastomeric member secured to said structure and having a convex outer surface and a concave inner surface, said elastomeric member and said structure cooperating to define therebetween a cavity, the improvement comprising: resiliently deformable web means extending from the inner surface of said elastomeric member, said web means being of a length such that the ends of the web means remote from the inner surface of said elastomeric member are spaced from said structure when said member is in an undeformed condition, said ends of said web means contacting and being deformed against said structure upon a predetermined deformation of said member toward said structure, the extremities of said web means remote from said inner surface defining a concave profile.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
140 words
In an energy absorbing bumper assembly adapted to shield a structure against impact damage, said bumper assembly including an arcuate elastomeric member secured to said structure and having a convex outer surface and a concave inner surface, said elastomeric member and said structure cooperating to define therebetween a cavity, the improvement comprising: resiliently deformable web means extending from the inner surface of said elastomeric member, said web means being of a length such that the ends of the web means remote from the inner surface of said elastomeric member are spaced from said structure when said member is in an undeformed condition, said ends of said web means contacting and being deformed against said structure upon a predetermined deformation of said member toward said structure, the extremities of said web means remote from said inner surface defining a concave profile.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
126 words
In a motor vehicle energy absorbing bumper assembly adapted to shield vehicle structure against damage caused by impact forces, said bumper assembly including a resiliently deformable arcuate member secured to said structure and defining therewith a chamber such that deformation of said bumper results in the absorption of a first quantity of impact energy, the improvement comprising: resiliently deformable web means extending from said member into said chamber, a predetermined deformation of said member being sufficient to cause contact between said web means and said structure and a deformation of said web means such that a second quantity of impact energy is absorbed, said web means being formed integrally with said member, the extremities of said web means remote from said member defining an arcuate profile.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
126 words
In a motor vehicle energy absorbing bumper assembly adapted to shield vehicle structure against damage caused by impact forces, said bumper assembly including a resiliently deformable arcuate member secured to said structure and defining therewith a chamber such that deformation of said bumper results in the absorption of a first quantity of impact energy, the improvement comprising: resiliently deformable web means extending from said member into said chamber, a predetermined deformation of said member being sufficient to cause contact between said web means and said structure and a deformation of said web means such that a second quantity of impact energy is absorbed, said web means being formed integrally with said member, the extremities of said web means remote from said member defining an arcuate profile.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
134 words
In a motor vehicle energy absorbing bumper assembly adapted to shield vehicle structure against damage caused by impact forces, said bumper assembly including a resiliently deformable arcuate member secured to said structure and defining therewith a chamber such that deformation of said bumper results in the absorption of a first quantity of impact energy, the improvement comprising: resiliently deformable web means extending from said member into said chamber, a predetermined deforMation of said member being sufficient to cause contact between said web means and said structure and a deformation of said web means such that a second quantity of impact energy is absorbed, said web means being formed in the shape of a grid and cooperating with said member to define a plurality of cells, each of said cells being open to said chamber.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
134 words
In a motor vehicle energy absorbing bumper assembly adapted to shield vehicle structure against damage caused by impact forces, said bumper assembly including a resiliently deformable arcuate member secured to said structure and defining therewith a chamber such that deformation of said bumper results in the absorption of a first quantity of impact energy, the improvement comprising: resiliently deformable web means extending from said member into said chamber, a predetermined deforMation of said member being sufficient to cause contact between said web means and said structure and a deformation of said web means such that a second quantity of impact energy is absorbed, said web means being formed in the shape of a grid and cooperating with said member to define a plurality of cells, each of said cells being open to said chamber.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-01-31 | 1975-08-02 | 1976-02-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-01-31 | 1979-08-02 | 1980-02-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-01-31 | 1983-08-02 | 1984-02-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |