Patent ID: 6089629
Filing Date: 2000-07-18
Classification: B60R

Abstract:
In a road transport vehicle having a front and a rear end and an underrun guard comprising a beam supported across the rear end by a support mechanism, said support mechanism comprising a bracket attached to the rear end of the vehicle by a frictional restraint connecting the bracket to the vehicle, said restraint being operative to absorb impact energy applied to the beam and to permit the beam to pivot to prevent excessive damage to the beam, wherein the support mechanism comprises a first plate for attachment to one of the vehicle and the bean, a pair of clamping plates for clamping a segment of the first plate therebetween and intended for attachment of the other of the beam and the vehicle, said first plate and said clamping plate being mounted for relative pivoting about a pivot point, whereby a collision impact to the beam causes said first plate to be forced further between the clamping plates thereby absorbing energy of said impact by generation of friction between the first place and the clamping plates.