US3822907A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Bumper arrangement
Assignee: Volkswagen AG
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Filing: 1973-07-09
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Granted: 1974-07-09
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Expires: 1993-07-09
Abstract
Abstract A bumper system has at least one element for absorbing impact energy by deflection in a direction generally parallel to the direction of the impact. The element has a terminal energyabsorption value beyond which additional energy is not absorbed and further deflection does not occur. The bumper system also includes a mounting support that is used to join the element to the object to be protected and that is capable of asymetrical energy-absorbing deformation so that, upon receipt by the bumper system of an impact having an energy value greater than the terminal energy-absorption value of the element and after full deflection of the element, the fully-deflected element is rotated through an angle of at least 90*.
Inventors
- 👤 H Appel
- 👤 H Majer
- 👤 C Oehlerking
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 07:58
CPC Classifications
B; B62; B62D; B62D21/00; B62D21/15; B62D21/152; B60; B60R; B60R19/00; B60R19/02; B60R19/24; B60R19/26
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
134 words
In a bumper system for protection of an object from an impact and having means for absorption of the impact energy by deflection in a direction generally parallel to the direction of the impact, said means having a terminal energy-absorption value beyond which additional impact energy is not absorbed and further deflection does not occur and the system further having at least one mounting support for connection of said means to the object protected, the improvement comprising means, in the mounting support, for ensuring asymmetrical energy-absorbing deformation of the support so that, upon receipt by the bumper system of an impact having an energy value exceeding the terminal energyabsorption value and after full deflection of the energyabsorbing means in said direction, the fully-deflected energyabsorbing means is rotated to at least an approximately vertical plane.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
134 words
In a bumper system for protection of an object from an impact and having means for absorption of the impact energy by deflection in a direction generally parallel to the direction of the impact, said means having a terminal energy-absorption value beyond which additional impact energy is not absorbed and further deflection does not occur and the system further having at least one mounting support for connection of said means to the object protected, the improvement comprising means, in the mounting support, for ensuring asymmetrical energy-absorbing deformation of the support so that, upon receipt by the bumper system of an impact having an energy value exceeding the terminal energyabsorption value and after full deflection of the energyabsorbing means in said direction, the fully-deflected energyabsorbing means is rotated to at least an approximately vertical plane.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
46 words
A bumper system according to claim 1 wherein the mounting support deformation means includes means, in a portion of the mounting support toward which the fully-deflected energy-absorbing means is to be rotated, for providing a lower impact-withstanding rigidity than in the remainder of the mounting support.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
58 words
A bumper system according to claim 2 wherein the mounting support includes at least one wall imparting structural rigidity to the support and further wherein the impact-withstanding rigidity means includes the provision, in cross-section of a lesser wall thickness in the wall of said mounting support portion than in the wall of the remainder of the mounting support.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
28 words
A bumper system according to claim 2 wherein the impact-withstanding rigidity means includes the provision, in said mounting support portion, of corrugations arranged generally perpendicular to said direction.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
41 words
A bumper system according to claim 2 wherein the impact-withstanding rigidity means includes the provision, in a portion of the mounting support opposite that to which the fully-deflected element is to be rotated, of corrugations arranged generally parallel to said direction.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
28 words
A bumper system according to claim 1 wherein the protected object is the front portion of an automotive vehicle and, upon impact, the fully-deflected element is rotated downwardly.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
37 words
A bumper system according to claim 1 wherein the means for absorption of impact energy comprises a shock absorber oriented to absorb impact energy by telescopic action in said direction against the resistance of a pressure medium.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
40 words
A bumper system according to claim 1 wherein the protected object is the front portion of an automotive vehicle having a frame and further wherein each mounting support comprises at least one longitudinal member attached rigidly to the vehicle frame.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
44 words
A bumper system according to claim 8 wherein the longitudinal member has a fork-shaped zone for attachment to the frame including portions that extend toward the frame and define a line generally perpendicular to said direction at the points of attachment to the frame.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
39 words
A bumper system according to claim 1 wherein the mounting support connects the means to the protected object in an orientation such that deflection of the means occurs in a direction not parallel to the direction of the impact.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3097725A
Cited
US3638748A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-07-08 | 1978-01-07 | 1978-07-09 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-07-08 | 1982-01-07 | 1982-07-09 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-07-08 | 1986-01-07 | 1986-07-09 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |