US3869164A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Vehicle with impact-absorbing end portion
Assignee: Volkswagen AG
•
Filing: 1973-04-18
•
Granted: 1975-03-04
•
Expires: 1993-04-18
Abstract
Abstract A vehicle, such as an automobile, having a body designed to yield upon impact at at least one end portion thereof, and having impact absorbing apparatus, including a bumper, arranged entirely within the end portion. The end portion is constructed so as to yield in such a manner that any significant energy dissipation occurs only upon deformation of the impact absorbing apparatus. The end portion is preferably formed of at least one resilient member made of soft plastic material that yields upon impact.
Inventors
- 👤 Kurt Schwenk
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 09:47
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60Q; B60Q1/00; B60Q1/02; B60Q1/04; B60Q1/0491; B60R; B60R19/00; B60R19/02; B60R19/24; B60R19/26; B60R19/52; B60R2019/525; B60R2019/527
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
132 words
In a vehicle, such as an automobile, having a body and, mounted adjacent at least one end of the body, impact absorbing means including a bumper oriented transversely of the body, the improvement comprising an end portion for the body rigidly connected to the remainder of the body adjacent said one end and extending in a smooth surficial transition from the remainder of the body longitudinally of the vehicle beyond the impact absorbing means so that the impact absorbing means is arranged entirely within said end portion of the body, the end portion being distinct and separate from the bumper and deformable independently of the impact absorbing means and being constructed so as to yield in such a manner that significant energy dissipation occurs only upon deformation of said impact absorbing means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
132 words
In a vehicle, such as an automobile, having a body and, mounted adjacent at least one end of the body, impact absorbing means including a bumper oriented transversely of the body, the improvement comprising an end portion for the body rigidly connected to the remainder of the body adjacent said one end and extending in a smooth surficial transition from the remainder of the body longitudinally of the vehicle beyond the impact absorbing means so that the impact absorbing means is arranged entirely within said end portion of the body, the end portion being distinct and separate from the bumper and deformable independently of the impact absorbing means and being constructed so as to yield in such a manner that significant energy dissipation occurs only upon deformation of said impact absorbing means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
25 words
The vehicle defined in claim 1, wherein said end portion includes at least one member, that is detachably connected to the remainder of said body.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
25 words
The vehicle defined in claim 1, wherein said end portion includes at least one resilient member formed of soft plastic material which yields upon impact.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
18 words
The vehicle defined in claim 1, wherein said end portion comprises at least one member defining a hood.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
23 words
The vehicle defined in claim 1, wherein at least one light is arranged within said body behind an opening in said end portion.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
14 words
The vehicle defined in claim 5, wherein said light is secured to said bumper.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
13 words
The vehicle defined in claim 1, wherein said impact absorbing means is self-regenerating.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US2074469A
Cited
US2965403A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-03-03 | 1978-09-02 | 1979-03-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-03-03 | 1982-09-02 | 1983-03-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-03-03 | 1986-09-02 | 1987-03-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |