US5385375A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Reinforced impact beam for a bumper assembly and method of manufacture
Assignee: Motors Liquidation Co
•
Filing: 1993-11-01
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Granted: 1995-01-31
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Expires: 2013-11-01
Abstract
Abstract An impact beam includes front, rear, top and bottom side walls connected to form a closed cross section. A foam gusset is formed in place and secured inside the impact beam, preferably along the midpoint of the impact beam. The gusset spans the distance between the front and rear walls, as well as the distance between the side walls to provide increased resistance to deformation.
Inventors
- 👤 Terry B. Morgan
- 👤 Dean M. Bayer
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 08:09
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60R; B60R19/00; B60R19/02; B60R19/18; B60R19/24; B60R19/26; B60R19/34; B60R2019/1806; B60R2019/186; B60R2019/1866; B60R2019/1886
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
99 words
A reinforced bumper assembly mounted at the front or rear end of an automobile comprising: (a) a unitary impact beam having a closed cross section formed by laterally spaced front and rear walls connected by top and bottom walls and at least one open end; (b) rib means formed in at least one of the front and rear walls; (c) a foam gusset spanning the distance between and bonded to at least the front and rear walls; (d) energy absorber means mounted on the front wall of the impact beam; and (e) a fascia covering the energy absorber means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
99 words
A reinforced bumper assembly mounted at the front or rear end of an automobile comprising: (a) a unitary impact beam having a closed cross section formed by laterally spaced front and rear walls connected by top and bottom walls and at least one open end; (b) rib means formed in at least one of the front and rear walls; (c) a foam gusset spanning the distance between and bonded to at least the front and rear walls; (d) energy absorber means mounted on the front wall of the impact beam; and (e) a fascia covering the energy absorber means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
The reinforced bumper assembly of claim 1 wherein the foam gusset is formed from urethane.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
27 words
The reinforced bumper assembly of claim 1 wherein the rib means is an outwardly projecting strengthening rib integrally formed in the front wall of the impact beam.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
38 words
The reinforced bumper assembly of claim 1 wherein the foam gusset is centered about the midpoint of the impact beam and bonded to each of the front and the rear walls and the top and the bottom walls.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
16 words
The reinforced bumper assembly of claim 1 wherein the impact beam is a unitary roll-formed member.
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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) | 1998-01-30 | 1998-08-01 | 1999-01-31 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2002-01-30 | 2002-08-01 | 2003-01-31 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2006-01-30 | 2006-08-01 | 2007-01-31 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |