Patent · US Expired

Bumper and front rail assembly for vehicle

US5876077A · kind A · utility

40Cited by
9References
12Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateFeb 7, 1997
Grant dateMar 2, 1999
Priority date
Expiry dateFeb 7, 2017

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB60R2019/1813
  • WIPO fieldTransport
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A bumper and front rail assembly includes first and second front rails with a steel cross-member extending therebetween. The steel cross-member has a substantially U-shaped cross-section. A steel forward member is secured to the cross-member and spans the length thereof. The forward member is configured to act as a spring for elastic deformation against the cross-member in a low energy impact. First and second steel crush cans are disposed in the cross-member adjacent the first and second front rails, respectively. The crush cans are configured for improved energy management and can be used with or without the energy absorbing bumper system described.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.