Reinforced energy absorbing bumper
AssigneeRomeo-Rim, Inc.
InventorPaul M. Condeelis
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An energy absorbing bumper (10) includes a back plate (11) which is adapted to be attached to a vehicle. An elastomeric module (12) includes an impact face (13) and upper and lower rails (14, 15) extending from the impact face (13). One or more metallic inserts (30) are molded into the rails (14, 15). Each insert (30) includes a plurality of longitudinally extending, laterally spaced bars (31) which intersect a plurality of laterally extending, longitudinally spaced bars (32) to form adjacent rows of openings (33, 34). A fastener (17) extends through at least one of the openings (33, 34) in each insert (30) to attach the rails (14, 15) to the back plate (11). The inserts (30) minimize the possibility of shearing of the module (12) at the area of fasteners (17).
Claims7
An energy absorbing bumper for a vehicle comprising a plate adapted to be attached to the vehicle;
- an elastomeric module carried by said plate, said module including an impact face and opposed rails extending from said impact face;
- at least one metallic insert completely embedded in each rail, each said insert having a plurality of adjacent openings therein extending completely through said insert;
- and at least one fastener to attach each rail to said plate, said fastener extending through one of said adjacent openings without engaging said insert.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.