Abstract:
An aerodynamic front bumper storage assembly for use with trucks, sports utility vehicles and recreational vehicles which can be adapted for specific recreational use. The bumper storage assembly includes a bumper shell secured to the frame of the vehicle. The bumper shell is constructed from molded plastic which has a top surface, a front surface, a rear surface, a bottom surface, and opposing left and right surfaces which define an interior cavity. The rear surface is configured to be coextensive with the front end engine components of the vehicle. The bumper shell includes a center storage compartment and left and right side compartments which are molded into the bumper shell. The storage compartments are defined by bottom walls supported by four side walls and are respectively accessible from the top surface through center, left and right apertures disposed in the top surface. The center aperture and left and right side apertures each have lids hingedly attached to one of the side edges of the apertures. The lids have a front edge and a rear edge each having a length, wherein the length of the rear edge is greater than the length of the front edge forming an air foil shape which forces the lids into a closed position over the apertures when the vehicle is moving.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention is related to the front bumpers of vehicles, and more particularly to a front bumper assembly for a truck, recreational vehicle or sports utility vehicle which has multiple functions to extend the versatility of the vehicle. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Trucks and sports utility vehicles (SUVs) are recognized for their ability to haul items typically not possible in conventional passenger vehicles. Open bed pick-up trucks present a unique problem in that the primary function is for carrying of large loads which causes a reduction or elimination of storage space for smaller items, especially those that must be kept out of the elements. For example, if the passenger compartment of a pick-up truck is filled with occupants, there is limited room for items that must be kept out the elements such as food, tools, soda pop, and so forth. Leaving a power tool such as an electric drill in the back of the pick-up exposes the power tool to the elements wherein the sun and or rain can damage the tool as well as leaving the tool exposed to a potential thief. 
     The owner of a pick-up truck or SUV can also break so-called “open container” laws in many states by simply transporting of liquor with a broken seal within the vehicle. However, placing the liquor in the bed of the pick-up truck exposes the liquor to the elements. In Northern States the liquor may freeze, and in Southern States be warmed so high to cause the liquor to “cook” spoiling the flavor. However, placing of the liquor within the vehicle may expose the driver to a fine for transporting liquor within a vehicle. Some states have even found placement of liquor in an SUV which does not have a separately accessible trunk to be considered fineable offense. 
     This is but a few reasons why sport utility vehicles and pick-up trucks require additional storage area and a number of patents have issued in an attempt to address this matter. 
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,823,585 discloses a storage bumper set for a sports truck that can be used on the front or the rear of the truck. This bumper is attached to or in combination with the existing bumper and includes a cover plate that allows access to the interior compartments of the storage bin. Disadvantages of this device include a cover that opens upwardly and can be forced opened by the wind as well as setting forth a storage container that is not esthetically pleasing as it is attached to an existing bumper and physically extends outward from the vehicle. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 3,614,136 a discloses truck bumper storage device which is similar to the previously mentioned disclosure. The device is attached to the rear of a truck and includes separate closure compartments for sealing various components within each of the separate storage bins. This bumper replaces an existing bumper, making it more esthetically pleasing. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,570,986 discloses yet another rear bumper for a pick-up truck having storage compartments that are sealed by a closure lid. The closure lid being on the top side of the bumper with claims limited to a pair of elongated box structures forming open toped boxes. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,016,932 discloses a bumper with storage compartment that can accessed from the sides of the bumper. An objective of this invention is to provide resistance to moisture penetration by placement of the doors wherein direct rain cannot enter the compartment. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,364,142 disclose a rear storage bumper for a pick-up truck which includes wrap around extensions wherein the bumper looks more like and OEM product. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,674,782 discloses yet another storage bumper having a lid that extends the length of the bumper with support structure so that the entire length of the bumper may be used for storage of long items. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,756,457 discloses a storage apparatus for vans and the like vehicles which attaches to an existing bumper and allows the introduction of large components such as suit cases. This bumper removably attached to the fender. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,901,895 discloses yet another bumper storage compartment which is used primarily for storing of a cover performing either a tent like structure or for encompassing items placed within the truck bed. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,460,420 discloses use of a compartmentized plastic bumper wherein various components of the vehicle such as windshield washer fluid, rear window washer fluid, headlight washer fluid can all be placed within the storage container providing more interior room in the engine compartment. 
     What is lacking the art is an aerodynamically designed front bumper for a vehicle which has an internal storage capacity wherein the bumper is recessed with conventional protruding items such as radiator, power steering, or the like drive units are accommodated by the shape of the interior portion of the bumper with the exterior portion available for placement of storage items. What is also lacking in the art is a storage bumper assembly which can specially adapted for recreational use. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is an objective of the invention to provide a front bumper assembly for a truck or sports utility vehicle which includes insulated, water-tight storage compartments. 
     It is another objective of the invention to provide a front bumper assembly design having an internal storage capacity which is aerodynamically designed to enhance the vehicle performance. 
     It is a further objective of the invention to a bumper assembly with storage compartments having hinged lids which have a configuration which forces the lids into a closed position due to the aerodynamic forces of the wind while the vehicle is traveling, with tighter closure caused by higher vehicle speeds. 
     It is yet a further objective of the invention is to provide a front bumper assembly having internal storage compartments which is formed to extend rearwardly so as to fit around engine accessories, thus providing a bumper that makes use of all available space so as to prevent extrusion from the vehicle beyond acceptable distances. 
     Still another objective of the instant invention is to provide a front bumper assembly having internal storage compartments which are insulated, thus allowing items to be placed in the compartments to be kept cold or warmed depending upon environmental conditions and the types of components stored. 
     Still another objective of the instant invention is to provide a heat exchanger disposed in bumper which is coupled to the existing engine system so as to provide a warmed storage area in cold environments. 
     Yet another objective of the instant invention is to provide a water pump within the bumper which is coupled with a hose and shower head assembly wherein water can be drawn from one of the compartments allowing an individual to rinse off after outdoor activities such as surfing, bicycling, running, swimming, working or the like. 
     Still another objective of the instant invention is to provide an integrated safe within the bumper which cannot be opened by conventional automobile access means that includes a personalized combination for storage of security items outside the vehicle. 
     Still another objective of the instant invention is to include a power inverter within the bumper to provide 110 volt electricity for use with construction endeavors or an individual may use a power saw or the like electrical driven device for operation at job sites. 
     In accordance with the above objectives, an aerodynamic front bumper storage assembly is provided which is adapted for use with trucks, sports utility vehicles and recreational vehicles. The bumper storage assembly includes a bumper shell secured to the frame of the vehicle. The bumper shell is constructed from molded plastic which has a top surface, a front surface, a rear surface, a bottom surface, and opposing left and right surfaces which define an interior cavity. The rear surface is configured to be coextensive with the front end engine components of the vehicle. 
     The bumper shell includes a center storage compartment and left and right side compartments which are molded into the bumper shell. The storage compartments are defined by bottom walls supported by four side walls and are respectively accessible from the top surface through center, left and right apertures disposed in the top surface. The center aperture and left and right side apertures each have lids hingedly attached to one of the side edges of the apertures. The lids have a front edge and a rear edge each having a length, wherein the length of the rear edge is greater than the length of the front edge forming an air foil shape which forces the lids into a closed position over the apertures when the vehicle is moving. 
     The left, right and center apertures can have perimeters formed as an inset channels in the top surface. The left, right and center lids have rubber gaskets peripherally attached to the lower surface, wherein the rubber gaskets are configured for mated engagement with the inset channels. 
     The bumper assembly can include a lockable compartment disposed within the center storage compartment which has a base fixedly attached to the frame of the vehicle. A lid is hingedly attached to the base, and includes a means for locking the lid to the base. The means for locking the lid to the base can comprise a combination lock or a key-operated lock. 
     In one aspect of the invention, the bumper assembly can include a water pump disposed in the bumper shell which is operatively coupled to the vehicle electrical system. A means is provided for fluidly coupling the water pump to the center storage compartment. A hose is provided having a proximal end coupled to the water pump and a distal end positionable outside of the bumper shell whereby water can be stored in the center storage compartment and pumped through the hose. The distal end of the hose can includes a shower head. A heat exchanger coil can disposed in the center storage compartment which is fluidly coupled to the vehicle engine cooling system. 
     In another aspect of the invention, the bumper assembly can include an electrical outlet mounted in said bumper shell which is in electrical communication with the vehicle electrical system. The vehicle electrical system is electrically coupled to a power inverter which can be disposed in the bumper shell. 
     In still another aspect of the invention, the bumper assembly can further comprise an oxygenator pump disposed in the bumper shell which is coupled to the vehicle electrical system. A means for mounting a fishing rod holder assembly on the front surface of the bumper shell can also be provided. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
     FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a storage bumper assembly according to a preferred embodiment of the invention in which the bumper assembly is installed on a vehicle. 
     FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of the storage bumper assembly of FIG. 1 installed on a vehicle. 
     FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the bumper assembly of FIG. 1 in which the compartment lids are shown in an open configuration. 
     FIG. 4A is a front elevational view of the bumper assembly of FIG. 1 showing the position of the air foil. 
     FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the bumper assembly of FIG. 1 taken from the bottom right showing the position of the air foil. 
     FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the bumper assembly of FIG. 1 taken from the top right in which the compartment lids are shown in an open configuration. 
     FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the lower surface bumper assembly of FIG. 1 taken from the bottom right showing configuration of the rear surface. 
     FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the bumper assembly of FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 8 is a front view of the bumper assembly of FIG. 1 in which the interior walls of the inner compartments are shown in phantom. 
     FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A—A of FIG.  7 . 
     FIG. 10A illustrates a perspective view of the bumper assembly of FIG. 1 in an embodiment which provides a mobile shower facility. 
     FIG. 10B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the bumper assembly of FIG. 1 in an embodiment which provides a mobile shower facility. 
     FIG. 11 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the bumper assembly of FIG. 1 in an embodiment which provides a an electrical outlet. 
     FIG. 12A illustrates a perspective view of the bumper assembly of FIG. 1 in an embodiment adapted for use in recreational fishing. 
     FIG. 12B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the bumper assembly of FIG. 1 in an embodiment adapted for use in recreational fishing. 
     FIG. 13 illustrates the bumper assembly of FIG. 1 in an embodiment adapted for use in free range calve feeding. 
     FIG. 14 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the bumper assembly of FIG. 1 in an embodiment which includes ventilation fans installed in the center compartment. 
     FIG. 15 illustrates a perspective view the bumper assembly of FIG. 1 in which a safe is installed in the center compartment. 
     FIG. 16 illustrates a perspective view of the bumper assembly of FIG. 1 with a distance sensors and air bags therein. 
     FIG. 17 illustrates a perspective view the bumper assembly of FIG. 1 with a flush-mounted cleat installed therein. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate the storage bumper assembly  10  according to a preferred embodiment of the invention as installed to the front bumper of an automotive vehicle  5 . The vehicle  5  is preferably a sports utility vehicle (SUV), pickup truck, van, recreational vehicle, or other similar automotive vehicle, however the storage bumper assembly  10  can be also installed a suitably designed car. The storage bumper assembly  10  can have any suitable functional shape, however in the preferred embodiment the storage bumper assembly  10  is configured to maximize its aerodynamic characteristics. 
     In the practice of the invention, the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) bumper can be removed and replaced with the bumper assembly  10 . The storage bumper assembly  10  provides the normal “bumper” function of the OEM bumper, and provides many additional useful functions, as will be described herein. To create an esthetically pleasing effect, the storage bumper assembly  10  is configured to appear integrally formed with the vehicle body, and to this end, preferably has an exterior color which matches the vehicle paint. The bumper assembly  10  is bolted directly to the frame of the vehicle  5  using any suitable attachment means. 
     As shown in FIGS. 1-9, the bumper assembly  10  includes a bumper shell  11 . The bumper shell  11  is constructed from molded plastic. In the preferred embodiment, the bumper shell  11  is formed from a plastic which has superior strength and impact absorption properties. The bumper shell  11  has a top surface  20 , a front surface  12 , a left side surface  14 , a right side surface  15 , a lower surface  21  and a rear surface  22 . The bumper shell  11  is typically larger than the OEM bumper, and extends forwardly and extends downwardly a greater distance than the OEM bumper, and unlike the OEM bumper, also extends rearwardly into the engine compartment. In order to maximize the interior storage area, the rear surface  22  is configured to closely fit around the front end engine components. The preferred embodiment of the bumper assembly  10  is custom made for a specific vehicle make and model, and accordingly, will precisely fit around the front end of the vehicle engine. This can be seen in FIG. 6 which illustrates a perspective view of the lower surface  21  of the bumper shell  11  in which it can be seen that the rear surface  22  can be asymmetrical. The precise configuration of the rear surface  22  is dependent on the placement of the engine components in the specific vehicle. 
     In addition to its functional aspects to be described hereafter, the bumper assembly  10  is configured to optimize its aerodynamic characteristics. The configuration of the bumper shell  11  advantageously diverts air flowing under the vehicle to the vehicle&#39;s existing front mounted radiator and transmission/oil coolers. As seen in FIGS. 4A and 4B, an air foil  41  is mounted on the lower surface  21  and extends downwardly from the bumper shell  11 . When installed, the bumper shell  11  hangs approximately 2 inches lower that a typical OEM bumper, and advantageously reaches lower (and therefore cooler) air that the OEM air dam, which prevents turbulent air from going below the vehicle&#39;s body and causing lift and turbulence in the airflow. The inventors have found that in application, this effect provided by the bumper shell  11  improves engine and vehicle cooling while reducing drag and lift aerodynamically. The installation of the bumper assembly  10  on a vehicle therefore provides the potential for improved mileage and overall performance. 
     The bumper shell  11  has a plurality of water-tight storage compartments which can be configured as box-like containers depending from the top surface  20 . This configuration advantageously creates double-walled, insulated compartments. The position of the interior walls of the compartments can be most clearly seen in FIGS. 8 and 9. Insulation material  51  can be disposed within the bumper shell  11 . Suitable insulation materials would include a flexible polyolefin, such as polyethylene or a foamed polyurethane, or a close cell polythene foam, such as polycarbonate. In the preferred embodiment, the storage bumper assembly  10  includes a center compartment  24 , a left side compartment  25 , and a right side compartment  26 . The compartments can include lighting fixtures mounted therein which are coupled to the vehicle electrical system. 
     The center compartment  24  is elongated, and is preferably sufficiently insulated so that the center compartment  24  can be used as an ice chest or thermal container. The center compartment  24  is accessed through a center aperture  27  in the top surface  20 . The center aperture  27  has a generally trapezoidal configuration with front and rear edges  128   a,b  and side edges  127   a,b.  The rear edge  128   b  has a length greater than front edge  128   a  such that side edges  127   a,b  are outwardly divergent from one another. A center lid  34  configured for mated engagement with center aperture  27  is hingedly attached to one of side edges  127   a,b.  The center aperture  27  has a perimeter which can be formed as an inset channel  54 . The center lid  34  has a lower surface  34   b  which includes a peripherally attached rubber gasket  55  which is configured for mated engagement with the inset channel  54 . 
     The left compartment  25  and right compartment  26  are positioned on either side of center compartment  24 . The left and right compartments  25  and  26  are preferably symmetrically configured. The left compartment  25  is accessed through a left aperture  28  in the top surface  20 . The left aperture  28  has an asymmetrical configuration with front and rear edges  131   a,b  and left and right side edges  120   a,b.  The rear edge  128   b  has a length greater than front edge  128   a.  A left lid  36  configured for mated engagement with left aperture  29  is hingedly attached to the right side edge  130   b.  The left aperture  27  has a perimeter which can be formed as an inset channel  56 . The left lid  36  has a lower surface  36   b  which includes a peripherally attached rubber gasket  55  which is configured for mated engagement with the inset channel  54 . The right compartment  26  similarly includes right aperture  29 , right lid  38 , right inset channel  58  and right aperture gasket  59 . 
     The shape of the lids and the side-hinging arrangement described above is a key aspect of the present invention. In an open position, the lids present a wing-like shape to the oncoming wind when the vehicle is in motion. This effect is best illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 8. This wing-like shaped utilizes the forward motion of the vehicle to close and lock the lids should they inadvertently be left open. For the center lid  34 , the trapezoidal configuration of the lid  34  and the location of the hinges on the side edges of the aperture  27  advantageously creates an air foil when the center lid is in an open position. In an open position, the top surface  34   a  of center lid  34  is positioned at an oblique angle to the horizontal such that forward motion of the vehicle forces the lid into a closed position over the center aperture when vehicle is moving. The asymmetrical shapes of the left lid  36  and the right lid  38  and the position of the hinge at the outer side edges also creates an air foil effect when the lids are in an open position so that the lids are shut by onrushing air. Another advantage of the aerodynamic design of the lids is that they are held more tightly in place by the air flow at higher speeds. The compartments and lids can also be provided with push-down type latches which automatically latch when the vehicle is moving at a sufficient speed. 
     In the preferred embodiment, the inset channels  54 ,  56 ,  58  intersect with rearwardly extending drainage channels  154 ,  156  and  158  (FIG.  8 ). The forward motion of the vehicle causes water to be routed back away from the compartments. 
     The integrally formed compartments in the bumper assembly  10  of the invention advantageously provides auxiliary storage space for the vehicle. In addition, the structure of the compartments also allows the bumper assembly  10  to perform a variety of useful functions. The bumper assembly  11  can also be adapted for specialized recreational applications with very little modification of the basic structure. In one aspect of the invention as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, a water pump  63  can be disposed in either the left or right side compartments  25 ,  26 . The water pump can be electrically coupled to the vehicle electrical system  8 . The water pump  63  is fluidly coupled to the center compartment  24  using any suitable means, such as conduits  62 . This arrangement allows water to be stored in the center compartment  24  and pumped out using water pump  63  through a hose  64  which has a proximal end coupled to the water pump  63  and a distal end positionable outside of the bumper shell  11 . A shower head unit  65  can be attached to the distal end of the hose  64 . In this way, the bumper assembly  10  can enable a user to have ready access to a portable shower facility at any desired location, such as the beach, work site, camp site etc. 
     Hot water can be provided by means of a heat exchanger  66  mounted in the center compartment  24 . The heat exchanger  66  is coupled to the vehicle cooling system  7 . Warm engine coolant is routed through the heat exchanger  66  to heat the water in the center compartment  24 . This action also augments the vehicle cooling system  7  by helping to cool the vehicle engine. The heat exchanger  66  can be coupled to a thermocouple which can manually selectively set to the desired temperature. 
     The heat exchanger  66  can also be utilized when the center compartment  24  is dry. In this way, items stored in the center compartment  24  can be kept warm. This is highly desirable in colder climates to keep stored items from freezing such as oil, water and emergency items. It can also be used to maintain the temperature of hot food items which may be stored in the center compartment  24 . 
     In another aspect of the invention illustrated in FIG. 11, a power inverter  71  can be disposed in one of the compartments which is electrically coupled to the vehicle electrical system  8 . The power inverter  71  is coupled to at least one weatherproof electrical outlet  70  installed in the bumper shell  11 . The outlet  70  can be installed in any desired location, either on the outside surface of the bumper shell  11  or inside one of the compartments. This arrangement allows the operation standard 110V household electronic items. 
     The bumper assembly can  10  also be adapted to provide a specialized vehicle for recreational fishing as shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B. In this embodiment, one of the left or right side compartments  25 ,  26  can include an oxygenator pump  73  which is coupled to the vehicle electrical system  8  (FIG.  12 B). As illustrated in FIG. 12B, this arrangement allows the left side compartment  25  to be used as a live bait well. The right side compartment  26  can be used for tackle storage, and the center compartment  24  can be used as a ice chest. As shown in FIG. 12A, a fishing rod holder assembly  74  can be attached to the front surface  18  of the bumper shell  11 . 
     The bumper assembly  10  can also be adapted for any number of highly specialized situations, both industrial and recreational. One such application is a unique solution to the problem of feeding of free-range calves. An embodiment of the bumper assembly  10  adapted for this circumstance is illustrated in FIG.  13 . In this embodiment, calf formula  81  is stored in the compartments. A plurality of swiveling calf nipples  82  are installed in the lower surface  21  so as to be accessible by the calves as they approach the vehicle. This arrangement advantageously allows many calves to be feed simultaneously. 
     In some situations, it may be desired to store wet items in the storage compartments such as swimsuits, scuba gear, etc. In order to effectively aerate the compartments to prevent mildew, the left lid  36 , center lid  34  and right lid  38  can include vent openings. As shown in FIG. 14, the center lid  34  can have an aperture  83  to provide ventilation. The aperture  83  can be covered with a suitable screening material. A battery-operated ventilation fan  84  can be mounted under the aperture  83  to speed moisture removal from the center compartment  24 . 
     To provided added security for valuable items, the bumper assembly  10  can include an integral safe box within the compartments. As shown in FIG. 15, a reinforced safe box  30  can be installed within the center compartment  24 . The safe box  30  is preferably bolted directly to the frame of the vehicle  6  for added security. The safe box has a base  31  and a hingedly attached lid  32 . The safe box  30  can use any suitable locking means, such as the a combination lock  33  as shown, or can have a key lock. 
     Referring now to FIG. 16, the front surface  12  of bumper assembly  11  can also include a plurality of distance sensors  77  as are presently commonly used on the back of SUV&#39;s. As is well known in the art, the distance sensors  77  sense when a imminent impact is detected, e.g. an obstacle 10 feet away approaching at 40 mph. The sensors  77  are operable to provide an audible warning signal to the driver. The bumper assembly  10  can also include air bags  79  installed therein which are electrically coupled to the sensors  77 . The sensors  77  can be operable to trigger the inflation of the air bags  79  when an impact is imminent. This feature is highly advantageous as it protects both the vehicle itself and the object, person, or animal in danger of being hit by the vehicle. 
     Any variety of useful hardware accessories can be installed into the bumper shell  11 . An example is shown in FIG. 17 in which a flush mounted cleat  86  can be installed in the front surface  18 . The cleat  86  attached to the vehicle frame. The cleat  86  is flush with the front surface  18  in a closed position, and is manually extendable to a open position. 
     In addition to the embodiments described above, the invention contemplates any number of specialized adaptions to the basic structure of the bumper assembly  10 , and the invention is not limited in this regard. 
     It is to be understood that while a certain form of the invention is illustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific form or arrangement of parts herein described and shown. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention and the invention is not to be considered limited to what is shown and described in the specification and drawings.