Patent ID: 7845049
Filing Date: 2010-12-07
Classification: B60R,E05F,E05Y,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A bumper assembly for use in a vehicle, the vehicle having a first panel with a first exterior surface and a second panel with a second exterior surface, wherein at least one of the first exterior panel and second exterior panel is movable relative to the other to position the first and second exterior surfaces into and out of proximal and opposing relationship with each other, the bumper assembly comprising: a first bumper having a base configured to be fixedly attached to the first panel and a distal end opposite the base; a magnet positioned in the first bumper between the base and the distal end, with at least a portion of the magnet embedded in the first bumper; and a first bumper opposing portion on the second panel which is attractive to the magnet, wherein the magnet is positioned within the first bumper in sufficiently close proximity to the distal end to exert a magnetic force past the distal end sufficient to retain the first bumper opposing portion proximate to the distal end but without the magnet touching the first bumper opposing portion.