Patent US5219197A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5219197A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Reinforcing insert for an automotive bumper
Assignee: Motors Liquidation Co
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Filing: 1992-08-24
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Granted: 1993-06-15
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Expires: 2012-08-24
Abstract
Abstract An automotive bumper includes a closed cross section impact bar having at least one open end. An insert formed as a plurality of interconnected molded cells is received in the open end and spans the distance between front and rear walls of the impact bar. A positioning rib prevents overtravel of the insert and tuning bumps are provided to create an interference fit between the insert and the impact bar. An energy absorber can be mounted on the impact bar and fitted with the positioning rib of the insert.
Inventors
- 👤 Joseph W. Rich
- 👤 Dean M. Bayer
- 👤 David S. Bryce
- 👤 Richard G. Watson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 08:48
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60R; B60R19/00; B60R19/02; B60R19/18; B60R2019/1806; B60R2019/186; B60R2019/1866
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 18
Claim 1
Independent Claim
52 words
An automotive bumper assembly comprising: (a) an impact bar having a closed cross section and at least one open end; (b) reinforcing means inserted into the open end of the impact bar; and (c) means to prevent overtravel of the reinforcing means when the reinforcing means is inserted into the open end.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
52 words
An automotive bumper assembly comprising: (a) an impact bar having a closed cross section and at least one open end; (b) reinforcing means inserted into the open end of the impact bar; and (c) means to prevent overtravel of the reinforcing means when the reinforcing means is inserted into the open end.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
20 words
The bumper assembly specified in claim 1 wherein the means to prevent overtravel is integrally formed with the reinforcing means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
24 words
The bumper assembly specified in claim 1 wherein the reinforcing means includes a plurality of interconnected cells molded from a semi-elastic stiffened plastic material.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
16 words
The bumper assembly specified in claim 3 wherein the plastic material is low linear density polyethylene.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
22 words
The bumper assembly specified in claim 1 including means for producing an interference fit between the reinforcing means and the impact bar.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
22 words
The bumper assembly specified in claim 5 wherein the means for producing the interference fit is integrally formed with the insert means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
22 words
The bumper assembly specified in claim 6 wherein the means for producing the interference fit is a plurality of raised tuning bumps.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
16 words
The bumper assembly specified in claim 1 including energy absorber means mounted on the impact bar.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
62 words
A reinforced automotive bumper assembly comprising: (a) an impact bar having a closed cross section formed by laterally spaced front and rear walls connected by side walls and at least one open end; (b) a stiffened plastic insert slidably inserted into the open end having a width sufficient to span the distance between the front and rear walls of the impact bar.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
62 words
A reinforced automotive bumper assembly comprising: (a) an impact bar having a closed cross section formed by laterally spaced front and rear walls connected by side walls and at least one open end; (b) a stiffened plastic insert slidably inserted into the open end having a width sufficient to span the distance between the front and rear walls of the impact bar.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
22 words
The bumper assembly specified in claim 9 wherein the insert includes means to prevent overtravel of the insert into the open end.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
52 words
The bumper assembly specified in claim 10 wherein the means to prevent overtravel is a positioning rib integrally formed at an end of the insert so that the rib engages end surfaces of the open end and remains outside of the impact bar when the insert is positioned into the open end.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
59 words
The bumper assembly specified in claim 11 including: (a) an energy absorber mounted on the front wall of the impact bar; (b) a positioning rib formed on the energy absorber so that the rib engages an end surface of the open end and remains outside of the impact bar when the energy absorber is mounted on the front wall.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
27 words
The bumper assembly specified in claim 12 including an offset formed in the positioning rib of the insert for receiving the positioning rib of the energy absorber.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
21 words
The bumper assembly specified in claim 9 including means for producing an interference fit between the insert and the impact bar.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
26 words
The bumper assembly specified in claim 14 wherein the means for producing the interference fit is a plurality of raised tuning bumps molded on the insert.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
20 words
The bumper assembly specified in claim 9 including a strengthening rib formed in the front wall of the impact bar.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1996-06-14 | 1996-12-14 | 1997-06-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2000-06-14 | 2000-12-14 | 2001-06-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2004-06-14 | 2004-12-14 | 2005-06-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |