Patent ID: 6409239
Filing Date: 2002-06-25
Classification: B60R,F16F

Abstract:
An energy absorption impact system for vehicle bumpers comprising:a base member adapted to be mounted to a vehicle frame, and including a central opening extending therethrough; an impact receiving member positioned a spaced apart distance from said base member, and configured to be operably connected with an associated vehicle bumper; and an invertible, tubular energy absorbing crush member having a generally square lateral cross-sectional shape, with generally flat face portions thereof disposed between opposite corner portions thereof; said crush member having a first end thereof connected with said impact receiving member, and a second end thereof with said face portions partially slit longitudinally to define generally planar tabs which are flared outwardly and connected with said base member adjacent said central opening, whereby impact on said impact receiving member forces said crush member through said central opening in said base member, causing said face portions to tear longitudinally away from said corner portions as said crush member inverts through said central opening to absorb energy associated with the impact.