Patent ID: 6142542
Filing Date: 2000-11-07
Classification: B60R,B62D

Abstract:
An impact dissipator for mounting between the frame and an external surface of a vehicle comprising:(a) a mounting means adapted for attachment to a vehicular frame,(b) an elongated structural member pivoted upon the mounting means and adapted to be temporarily secured against pivoting at a position spaced from the pivot point of the structural member, such elongated structural member having an impact end adapted for positioning near the external surface of the vehicle and an end opposite such impact end adapted for positioning away from the external surface of the vehicle,(c) at least a portion of said elongated structural member being longitudinally movable with respect to the mounting means within a limited range of longitudinal movement,(d) retention means arranged and constructed to prevent the elongated structural member from pivoting with respect to the frame of the vehicle within a portion of the longitudinal range of movement of the structural member portion and being inoperative within a further range of longitudinal movement of said portion of the elongated structural member from preventing pivoting thereof about its pivot point with the mounting means, and(e) means to urge the elongated structural member upon receiving an external impact to pivot toward a substantially vertical orientation with its pivot point disposed upwardly from the impact end of the member.