Bumper system providing storage and accessory functions
AssigneeShape Corp.
InventorsRainer B. Nees, Darin Evans, David B. Chon
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A bumper system includes a structural polymeric reinforcement beam and one or more trim components covering visible portions of the beam. The beam has a center section forming a step, and end sections that form corners of the vehicle. The trim component(s) is a thin, lightweight component surface finished for aesthetics. The beam includes functional features, such as a storage pocket with lockable cover, lighting and accessory mounts, electrical connectors for connection to trailer wiring, remote vehicle electrical power, and/or a hidden tow hook. The bumper system is configured to provide a class II hitch, but via add-on components, can be made to be Class III or IV.
Claims14
A bumper system for a vehicle, comprising:
- a structural reinforcement beam and one or more trim component covering visible portions of the beam;
- the beam having a center section forming a step, and end sections forming corners of the vehicle;
- the one or more trim components having visible surfaces finished for aesthetics;
- the beam including a bin extendable from a rear-facing cavity in the beam and carrying one or more functional components selected from a group consisting of:
- a storage pocket, a lighting mount, an accessory mount, an electrical connector for connection to trailer wiring, an electrical connector providing for a remote hookup to electrical power on an exterior of the vehicle, and a recess for receiving a tow hook in a partially hidden position;
- at least one of the trim components partially covering the beam and another of the at least one trim components covering a visible portion of the bin when in a closed, storage position in the cavity, wherein the bin is pivotably attached to the beam for movement.
A bumper system for a vehicle, comprising:
- a structural reinforcement beam and one or more trim components covering visible portions of the beam;
- the beam having a center section and end sections forming corners of the vehicle;
- the one or more trim components having visible surfaces finished for aesthetics;
- the beam including a lockable module movably connected to the beam and extendable from a recess in the beam, the module including at least one electrical connector thereon that is hidden when the module is in the recess, the at least one trim components including a first trim covering a portion of the beam and a second trim covering a visible portion of the module when the module is in a closed position in the recess.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.