Push bumper

A push bumper apparatus configured to be coupled to a vehicle.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a vehicle bumper, and more particularly to a push bumper apparatus configured to be coupled to a vehicle in front of an existing bumper system, such as the type used on law enforcement vehicles. Push bumpers are often used to push stalled or disabled vehicles out of the way.

Conventional push bumpers are typically coupled with bolts or screws to an existing vehicle bumper. This requires making holes in the existing bumper, often through a structural member of the bumper, or at least making holes though the bumper cover or fascia to gain access to any preexisting holes. Such installation results in permanent damage to the existing bumper and/or fascia, which reduces the vehicle's resale value or requires costly repair before resale. Moreover, installation that requires making holes in the existing vehicle bumper or fascia is often a time-consuming and therefore relatively expensive proposition. Furthermore, coupling a push bumper directly to an existing vehicle bumper with bolts or screws can result in a concentration of force from the push bumper to relatively small areas of the existing bumper.

According to an illustrative embodiment, a push bumper apparatus of the present invention is configured to be coupled to a vehicle including a bumper, a frame assembly positioned in longitudinally spaced relation to the bumper, and a fascia positioned in longitudinally spaced relation in front of the bumper. The push bumper apparatus includes at least one push member, a front clamping member including a first clamping surface configured to face a front surface of one of the bumper and the frame assembly, and a rear clamping member including a second clamping surface configured to face a rear surface of one of the bumper and the frame assembly. A fastener connects the front clamping member and the rear clamping member such that the one of the bumper and the frame assembly is clamped between the first clamping surface and the second clamping surface. A support member is configured to secure one of the front clamping member and the rear clamping member to the push member without requiring new openings to be formed through any of the bumper, the frame assembly, and the fascia.

Illustratively, the at least one push member comprises a first vertical push member, and a second vertical push member is positioned in laterally spaced relation to the first vertical push member. A connecting member is coupled to and extends between the first and second vertical push members. The connecting member illustratively comprises a horizontal shelf configured to receive at least one accessory thereon. Further, a speaker bracket illustratively extends downwardly from the shelf.

Further illustratively, the support member is configured to pass through a pre-existing opening formed within the fascia.

Illustratively, the first and second vertical push members are releasably coupled to the connecting members such that the lateral spacing between the first and second vertical push members may be varied by replacing the connecting member with a second connecting member having a different width.

Illustratively, the frame assembly includes a laterally extending cross-frame member, the first clamping surface of the front clamping member being configured to face a front surface of the cross-frame member, and the second clamping surface of the rear clamping member being configured to face a rear surface of the cross-frame member, such that the cross-frame member is clamped therebetween.

Further illustratively, a breakaway coupling is coupled to the support member and is configured to disconnect the push member from the one of the front clamping member and the rear clamping member upon the application of a predetermined force to the push member.

According to a further illustrative embodiment, a push bumper apparatus of the present invention is configured to be coupled to a frame assembly of a vehicle, the vehicle including a bumper positioned in longitudinally spaced relation to the frame assembly, and a fascia positioned in longitudinally spaced relation in front of the bumper. The push bumper apparatus includes a push member, a coupler configured to be supported by the frame assembly, and a lower support member configured to secure the coupler to the push member and extending vertically below the bumper from the coupler to the push member. An upper support member is configured to secure the coupler to the push member and extends vertically above the bumper from the coupler to the push member.

Illustratively, the coupler includes a front clamping member including a first clamping surface configured to face a front surface of the frame assembly, and a rear clamping member including a second clamping surface configured to face a rear surface of the frame assembly. A fastener connects the front clamping member and the rear clamping member such that the frame assembly is clamped intermediate the front clamping surface and the rear clamping surface.

Illustratively, the push member includes a first vertical push member, the push bumper apparatus further including a second vertical push member positioned in laterally spaced relation to the first vertical push member, and a connecting member coupled to and extending between the first and second vertical push members.

Illustratively, the lower support member passes through a first pre-existing opening formed within the fascia, and the upper support member passes through a second pre-existing opening formed within the fascia in spaced relation to the first pre-existing opening.

According to a further illustrative embodiment, a push bumper apparatus of the present invention is configured to be coupled to a frame assembly of a vehicle, the vehicle including a bumper positioned in longitudinally spaced relation to the frame assembly, and a fascia positioned in longitudinally spaced relation in front of the bumper. The push bumper apparatus includes a first push member, a second push member positioned in laterally spaced relation to the first push member, a first clamping member including a first clamping surface configured to face a first frame surface of the frame assembly, and a second clamping member including a second clamping surface configured to face a second frame surface of the frame assembly. A fastener connects the first clamping member and the second clamping member such that the frame assembly is clamped between the first clamping surface and the second clamping surface. A first support arm is configured to couple the first clamping member to the first push member, and a second support arm is configured to couple the first clamping member to the second push member, the second support arm position being positioned in laterally spaced relation to the first support arm.

Illustratively, the push bumper apparatus further includes a connecting member extending between the first and second push members, the first and second push members being releasably coupled to the connecting member such that the lateral spacing between the first and second push members may be varied by replacing the connecting member with a second connecting member having a different width.

Illustratively, the frame assembly includes a laterally extending cross-frame member, the first clamping surface of the first clamping member being configured to face a front surface of the cross frame member, and the second clamping surface of the second clamping member being configured to face a rear surface of the cross-frame member, such that the cross-frame member is clamped therebetween.

Further illustratively, the first and second support arms are configured to pass through pre-existing openings formed within the fascia.

According to yet another illustrative embodiment, a push bumper of the present invention is configured to be coupled to a frame assembly of a vehicle, the vehicle including a bumper positioned in longitudinally spaced relation to the frame assembly, and a fascia positioned in longitudinally spaced relation in front of the bumper. The push bumper apparatus includes a first push member, a second push member positioned in spaced relation to the first push member, and a connecting member having a first end connected to the first push member and a second end connected to the second push member. A coupler is configured to couple the first and second push members to the vehicle frame assembly.

Illustratively, the first and second push members are coupled to the vehicle frame assembly without requiring new openings to be formed in any of the bumper, the frame assembly, and the fascia.

Further illustratively, the coupler comprises a front clamping member including a first clamping surface configured to face a front surface of the frame assembly, and a rear clamping member including a second clamping surface configured to face a rear surface of the frame assembly. A fastener connects the front clamping member and the rear clamping member such that the frame assembly is clamped intermediate the front clamping surface and the rear clamping surface.

Further illustratively, the frame assembly includes a laterally extending cross-frame member, the first clamping surface of the front clamping member being configured to face a front surface of the cross-frame member, and the second clamping surface of the rear clamping member being configured to face a rear surface of the cross-frame member, such that the cross-frame member is clamped therebetween.

Additional features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description of the illustrated embodiment exemplifying the best mode of carrying out the invention as presently perceived.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A push bumper10according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention is coupled to a conventional vehicle12as illustrated in FIG.1. While the illustrated vehicle12used in combination with the push bumper10is a 2003 Ford Crown Victoria automobile, it should be appreciated that the push bumper10of the present invention may find equal applicability with other vehicles.

Referring nowFIGS. 1-3, the push bumper10includes a clamp assembly14that is coupled to a frame assembly15of the vehicle12. The frame assembly15illustratively includes longitudinally extending first and second main frame members16aand16b(FIG.8). A front cross-frame member16cextends laterally between the first and second main frame members16aand16band is illustratively positioned longitudinally behind a conventional bumper17of the vehicle12(FIGS.3and8). The bumper17is illustratively coupled to the cross-frame member16cby bumper mounts18aand18b(FIG.8). A rear cross-frame member (not shown) may likewise extend between the main frame members16aand16bproximate the rear of the vehicle12. As known in the art, the frame assembly15is formed from a rigid material, typically steel.

While in the following description, the clamp assembly14is described as being coupled to the cross-frame member16c, it should be appreciated that the clamp assembly14may be coupled to other members of the frame assembly15, including either of the main frame members16aand16b.

A vehicle push member assembly19is coupled to the clamp assembly14and includes first and second laterally spaced vertical push members20and22. A bumper cover or fascia21of the vehicle12is positioned intermediate the bumper17and the push member assembly19. The first and second push members20and22are coupled to a horizontal connecting member, illustratively a shelf24. The shelf24is illustratively welded to the push members20and22, although other fastening means, such as conventional bolts may be readily substituted therefor. The shelf24may be utilized to support accessories, such as fog lights, sirens, speakers, etc. (not shown).

The clamp assembly14is configured to transmit axial forces from the push member assembly19directly to the cross-frame member16cover a distributed area. As such, the push bumper10is coupled proximate the front of a vehicle12to allow the vehicle12to push objects, such as other vehicles, using the push bumper10to transmit axial forces directly and efficiently onto the structure of the vehicle's existing frame assembly15.

Referring further toFIGS. 2 and 3, the push members20and22each include a substantially rectangular support column26and an outer sheath28. The columns26are illustratively formed from metal, although any material of suitable structural strength may be used. A pair of bolts or threaded studs30are supported within each support column26and facilitate coupling to the clamp assembly14in the manner detailed below. The sheaths28include a substantially rectangular lower portion32and a tapered upper portion34. The sheaths28are illustratively formed from a rigid thermoplastic, such as polypropylene, although other similar materials, such as resilient elastomers, which do not tend to leave marks on the bumper of a vehicle being pushed, may be substituted therefor. The use of thermoplastic materials also provides for a cost-effective means of varying colors as desired.

The clamp assembly14includes a main first, or front clamping member36and a pair of laterally spaced second, or rear clamping members38and40. With reference toFIGS. 2-5, the front clamping member36includes a first, rearwardly facing clamping surface42configured to face a front surface43of the cross-frame member16c. The front clamping member36further includes first and second vertically spaced flanges44and46configured to extend above and below top and bottom surfaces48and50of the cross-frame member16c. First and second lower mounting members52and54are fixed to the lower flange46of the front clamping member36and extend forwardly therefrom. The first and second lower mounting members52and54include a pair of longitudinally spaced mounting portions56and57, each with an aperture58and59, respectively, formed therethrough (FIG.4). First and second upper mounting members60and62extend upwardly and forwardly from proximate the upper flange44of the front clamping member36. Each upper mounting member60and62is substantially L-shaped and includes a first leg64and a second leg66coupled to the first leg64and extending substantially perpendicular thereto. The second leg66includes a mounting aperture68formed therein (FIG.4).

The upper flange44of the front clamping member36includes a pair of receiving apertures70and72which are coaxially aligned with a pair of receiving apertures74and76formed in the lower flange46. The aligned apertures70and74are configured to receive a first retaining member, such as a bolt78, while the aligned apertures72and76are configured to receive a second retaining member, such as a bolt80. The apertures70and72are illustratively threaded, wherein the bolts78and80pass with clearance through the apertures74and76and are then threadably received within the apertures70and72, respectively. As illustrated inFIG. 3, the cross-frame member16cis received intermediate the first clamping surface42, defined by the front clamping member36, and the bolts78and80.

The first and second rear clamping members38and40cooperate with the front clamping member36to sandwich or clamp the cross-frame member16ctherebetween. Each rear clamping member38and40comprises a substantially rectangular plate86having an aperture88formed proximate the center thereof. Each plate86defines a second, forwardly facing clamping surface90configured to face a rear surface92of the cross-frame member14. The aperture88of each plate86is configured to be coaxially aligned with apertures94and96formed through the first clamping surface42of the front clamping member36(FIG.5). Fasteners98and100pass through the apertures94and96of the front clamping member36and through preexisting openings97formed within the cross-frame member16c. The apertures88of the plate members86are illustratively threaded, such that the fasteners98and100are threadably received therein and the second clamping surface90of the rear clamping members38and40are drawn toward the first clamping surface42of the front clamping member36. As such, the cross-frame member16cis clamped between the first and second clamping surfaces42and90.

First and second lower support members or arms102and104couple the clamp assembly14to the push member assembly19. Each lower support member102and104is substantially L-shaped and includes a generally horizontal first leg105and a generally vertical second leg106extending perpendicular to the first leg105. A rear end of each lower support member102and104is coupled to the first and second lower mounting members52and54of the front clamping member36by way of fasteners, illustratively bolts107and108, respectively. More particularly, the bolts107pass through apertures110formed at a rear end of the first leg105of the first lower support member102, and are threadably received within the apertures58of the first lower mounting member52. The bolts108are received within apertures112formed within a rear end of the first leg105of the second lower support member104and are threadably received within the apertures59of the second lower mounting member54.

The bolts107and108illustratively define releasable or breakaway couplings connecting the lower support members102and104to the front clamping member36. The bolts107and108are selected based upon their shear strength which, in turn, depends upon the grade and type of material, and bolt diameter. More particularly, the bolts107and108are configured to shear or break away upon the application of a force above a predetermined value. In the illustrated embodiment, the bolts107and108comprise ½-13 hex caps screws, grade 8 with a yellow zinc coated finish. When the push bumper10is being used under normal conditions, a force will be transferred from the push member assembly19through the lower support members102and104and to the clamp assembly16. However, a sudden and large impact upon the push member assembly19, generating a force above the predetermined value, will cause the bolts107and108to shear, resulting in a disconnect between the lower support members102and104and the front clamping member36.

A front end of each first and second lower support member102and104is coupled to the first and second push members20and22by way of nuts118and119threadably received on the mounting studs30. More particularly, the second leg106of the first and second lower support members102and104each include apertures120and121, respectively, configured to receive the mounting studs30of the push member assembly19.

First and second upper support members or arms122and124are positioned generally above the first and second lower support members102and104. A rear end of each upper support member122and124includes an aperture126,108through which a fastener, illustratively bolt130,132passes and is threadably received within one of the mounting apertures68of the upper mounting members60and62, respectively. The front end of each upper support member122and124likewise includes an aperture134,136which is coaxially aligned with an aperture138,140, respectively, formed within an L-shaped mounting member142. The mounting member142is secured to the first and second push members20and22by nuts144threadably received on upper ones of the mounting studs30which pass through apertures146and148formed within the member142. Fasteners, illustratively bolts150and152, are received within the coaxially aligned apertures134,138and136,140.

In a manner detailed above with respect to the bolts107and108, the bolts150and152received within the apertures134,138and136,140illustratively define releasable or breakaway couplings which are configured to shear upon the application of a force exceeding a predetermined value. As such, sudden impact upon the push member assembly19will cause the bolts150and152to shear and thereby disconnect the push member assembly19from the clamp assembly16. It should be appreciated that the bolts130and132may likewise define breakaway couplings. Illustratively, the bolts130,132and150,152comprise ½-13 hex caps screws, grade 8 with a yellow zinc coated finish.

With further reference toFIGS. 1 and 3, a portion of each first and second lower support member102and104intermediate the rear end and the front end passes through a first set of pre-existing openings154and156formed within the bumper cover or fascia21of the vehicle12. More particularly, the lower support members102and104extend from the clamp assembly16below the bumper17, through the openings154and156formed in a lower portion of the fascia21, and couple to the push member assembly19. Likewise, a portion of each first and second upper support members122and124intermediate the rear end and the front end passes through a second set of pre-existing openings158and160formed within the fascia21of the vehicle12. More particularly, the upper support members122and124extend from the clamp assembly16above the bumper17, through the openings158and160formed above the openings154and156and immediately below the vehicle grille162. After passing through the openings154and156, the upper support members couple to the push member assembly19.

Installation of the push bumper10begins with initial preparation of the vehicle12. More particularly, the front hood of the vehicle12is opened and secured in a raised position. Next, the vehicle's dust shroud (not shown) is removed. From the bottom of the vehicle12, the front clamping member36is coupled to the cross-frame member16cin front of the vehicle's radiator164(FIGS.3and8). The retaining members, such as bolts78and80, are next installed within the front clamping member36. More particularly, the bolts78and80are passed upwardly through apertures70and72and then threadably received within apertures74and76, respectively. The bolts78and80are positioned behind the cross-frame member16cand in front of the radiator164.

In the next installation step, the first and second rear clamping members38and40are positioned behind the front clamping member36and in front of the radiator164. Bolts98and100, pass through apertures94and96from the front of the front clamping member36and through pre-existing openings97formed in the cross-frame member16c. The bolts98and100are threadably received within apertures88of the rear clamping members38and40. Next, the first and second upper support members122and124are inserted through openings158and160between the vehicle grille162and front fascia21. Bolts130and132are passed through apertures126and128and are threadably received within apertures68of the upper mounting members60and62, respectively, thereby coupling the upper support members122and124to the front clamping member36.

Next, the first and second lower support members102and104are coupled to the front clamping member36. More particularly, bolts107pass through apertures110formed within first lower support member102, and are threadably received within apertures58of the first lower mounting member52. Bolts108are received within apertures112formed within second lower support member104and are threadably received within apertures59of the second lower mounting portion54.

The L-shaped mounting member142is next secured to the first and second upper support members122and124by bolts150and152passing through apertures138and140and threadably received within apertures134and136, respectively. Next, the first and second push members20and22are secured to the first and second lower support members102and104and mounting member142by passing mounting studs30through apertures120,121and146,148, respectively. Nuts118,119and144are received on studs30.

Finally, all fasteners are tightened securely. The vehicle's dust shroud is then replaced, thereby completing the installation. The vehicle's hood may be lowered and secured.

Turning now toFIGS. 6-10, an alternative embodiment push bumper210is illustrated. In the following detailed description, it should be noted that similar reference numerals refer to similar components as described above with respect to the embodiment ofFIGS. 1-5. Again, for illustrative purposes the vehicle12used in combination with the push bumper210is a 2003 Ford Crown Victoria automobile. However, it should be appreciated that the push bumper210of the present invention may find equal applicability with other vehicles. The push bumper210includes a clamp assembly214which is configured to couple to a member, such as front cross-frame member16c, of a frame assembly15.

A vehicle push member assembly219is coupled to the clamp assembly214and includes first and second laterally spaced vertical push members220and222. As with the push bumper10ofFIGS. 1-5, a bumper cover or fascia21of the vehicle12is positioned intermediate the bumper17and the push member assembly219. The first and second push members220and222are coupled to a horizontal connecting member, illustratively a shelf224. More particularly, the push members220and222each include a stanchion226having a plurality of slots225configured to receive a plurality of tabs227coupled to opposing ends of the shelf224. Fasteners, illustratively bolts228, secure the opposing ends of the shelf224to the stanchions226of the push members220and222. Opposing ends of an upper stabilizing bar229likewise includes tabs230configured to be received within slots231formed within the stanchions226of each push member220and222. The stabilizing bar230is secured to the stanchions226by fasteners, such as bolts232. Protective trim233is coupled to an outer edge234of each stanchion226. Illustratively, the trim233is formed from a elastomeric material, although other materials, such as thermoplastics, may be substituted therefor.

The tabs227and230together with the bolts228and232define a releasable coupling such that the lateral distance between the push members220and222may be adjusted. More particularly, the bolts228and232may be removed, and the tabs227and230of the shelf224and the stabilizing bar230withdrawn from the slots225and231of the stanchions226, respectively. Once removed from the push member assembly219, the shelf224and the stabilizing bar230, having a first width (W) (FIG. 8) between respective opposing ends, may be replaced with a second shelf224′ and a second stabilizing bar230′ having a second width between respective opposing ends. The second width may be different from the first width such that the lateral distance between the push members220and222is variable.

The shelf224may be utilized to support accessories, such as fog lights, sirens, etc. (not shown). As shown inFIG. 6, a speaker bracket235may extend downwardly from the shelf224and is configured to support a speaker (not shown). Fasteners, such as bolts237, are used to couple the speaker bracket235to the shelf224.

The clamp assembly214of the present embodiment is substantially similar to the clamp assembly14detailed above with respect to the push bumper10ofFIGS. 1-5. The clamp assembly214includes a main first, or front clamping member236and a pair of laterally spaced second, or rear clamping members38and40. With further reference toFIGS. 6-10, the front clamping member236includes a first, rearwardly facing clamping surface42configured to face a front surface43of the cross-frame member16c. First and second lower mounting members252and254are fixed to a lower flange46of the front clamping member236and extend forwardly therefrom. Each of the first and second lower mounting members252and254includes a pair of longitudinally spaced mounting portions256a,256band257a,257b, respectively. A pair of apertures258a,258band259a,259bare formed within the mounting portions256a,256band257a,257b, respectively (FIG.9). First and second upper mounting members60and62extend upwardly and forwardly from proximate an upper flange44of the front clamping member236. A strengthening web263is illustratively coupled intermediate each upper mounting member60,62and the upper flange44of the front clamping member236.

The upper flange44of the front clamping member236includes a pair of receiving apertures270and272which are coaxially aligned with respective apertures258aand259aof the mounting portions256aand257a, respectively. The aligned apertures258aand270are configured to receive a first retaining member, such as a bolt78, while the aligned apertures259aand272are configured to receive a second retaining member, such as a bolt80. The apertures270and272are illustratively threaded, wherein the bolts78and80pass with clearance through the apertures258aand259aand are then threadably received within the apertures270and272, respectively. As illustrated inFIGS. 7 and 8, the cross-frame member16cis received intermediate the first clamping surface42, defined by the front clamping member236, and the bolts78and80.

As with the clamp assembly14detailed above with respect to the push bumper10ofFIGS. 1-5, the first and second rear clamping members38and40cooperate with the front clamping member236to sandwich or clamp the cross-frame member16ctherebetween.

First and second lower support members302and304couple the clamp assembly214to the push member assembly219. Each lower support member302and304is substantially L-shaped and includes a generally horizontal first leg105and a generally vertical second leg306extending perpendicular to the first leg105. A strengthening web307may be positioned intermediate each first leg105and second leg306. A rear end of each lower support member302and304is coupled to the first and second lower mounting members252and254of the front clamping member236. Bolts78and80pass through apertures110aand112aformed at the rear end of the first legs105of the lower support members302and304, respectively. As detailed above, the bolts78and80are threadably received within the apertures270and272of the first clamping member236. Additionally, a fastener, such as bolt107, passes through aperture110band is threadably received within aperture258bof the first lower mounting member252. Likewise, a fastener, such as bolt108, passes through aperture112band is threadably received within aperture259bof the second lower mounting member254.

A front end of each first and second lower support member302and304is coupled to the first and second push members220and222. The second leg306of the first and second lower support members302and304each include a pair of mounting tabs314and315including internally threaded apertures316and317, respectively. A pair of apertures318and319are formed within the stanchions226of each push member220and222. A pair of bolts320and321are configured to pass through the apertures318and319of the push members220and222and to be threadably received within the apertures316and317, respectively, thereby securing the mounting tabs314and315to an inner surface of each stanchion226.

The bolts320and321illustratively define releasable or breakaway couplings connecting the lower support members302and304to the front clamping member236. The bolts320and321are selected based upon their shear strength which, in turn, depends upon the grade and type of material, and bolt diameter. More particularly, the bolts320and321are configured to shear or break away upon the application of a force above a predetermined value. In the illustrated embodiment, the bolts320and321comprise ½-13 hex caps screws, grade 8 with a yellow zinc coated finish. When the push bumper210is being used under normal conditions, a force will be transferred from the push member assembly219through the lower support members302and304and to the clamp assembly216. However, a sudden and large impact upon the push member assembly219, generating a force above the predetermined value, will cause the bolts320and321to shear, resulting in a disconnect between the lower support members302and304and the front clamping member236. It should be noted that the bolts78,107and80,108may similarly be selected to define a breakaway coupling in the manner detailed above.

First and second upper support members122and124are positioned generally above the first and second lower support members302and304. A rear end of each upper support member122and124includes an aperture126,128through which a fastener, illustratively bolt130,132passes and is threadably received within one of the mounting apertures68of the upper mounting members60and62, respectively. The front end of each upper support member122and124likewise includes an aperture134,136which is coaxially aligned with an aperture338,340, respectively, formed within the shelf224. Fasteners, illustratively bolts150and152, are received within the coaxially aligned apertures134,338and136,340, respectively.

In a manner detailed above with respect to the bolts320and321, the bolts150and152received within the apertures134,338and136,340illustratively define releasable or breakaway couplings which are configured to shear upon the application of a force exceeding a predetermined value. As such, sudden impact upon the push member assembly19will cause the bolts150and152to shear and thereby disconnect the push member assembly19from the clamp assembly16. It should be appreciated that the bolts130and132may likewise define breakaway couplings. Illustratively, the bolts130,132and150,152comprise ½-13 hex caps screws, grade 8 with a yellow zinc coated finish.

As with the push bumper10illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 3, a portion of each first and second lower support member302and304intermediate the rear end and the front end passes through a first set of pre-existing openings154and156formed within the bumper cover or fascia21of the vehicle12. More particularly, the lower support members302and304extend from the clamp assembly216below the bumper17, through the openings154and156formed in a lower portion of the fascia21, and couple to the push member assembly219. Likewise, a portion of each first and second upper support members122and124intermediate the rear end and the front end passes through a second set of pre-existing openings158and160formed within the fascia21of the vehicle12. More particularly, the upper support members122and124extend from the clamp assembly216above the bumper17, through the openings158and160formed above the openings154and156and immediately below the vehicle grille162. After passing through the openings154and156, the upper support members122and124couple to the push member assembly219.

Installation of the push bumper210begins with initial preparation of the vehicle12. More particularly, the front hood of the vehicle12is opened and secured in a raised position. Next, the vehicle's dust shroud (not shown) is removed. From the bottom of the vehicle12, the front clamping member236is coupled to the cross-frame member16cin front of the vehicle's radiator164(FIGS.7and8).

More particularly, the first and second rear clamping members38and40are positioned behind the front clamping member36and in front of the radiator164. Fasteners, such as bolts98and100, pass through apertures94and96from the front of the front clamping member36and through pre-existing openings97formed in the cross-frame member16c. The bolts98and100are threadably received within apertures88of the rear clamping members38and40. Next, the first and second lower support members102and104are inserted from outside the vehicle12through the openings154and156within the front fascia21. The support members102and104are then coupled to the front clamping member236. More particularly, bolts107and108are passed through apertures110band112bformed within lower support members302and304, respectively. The bolts107and108are then threadably received within apertures258band259bof lower mounting members252and254.

The retaining members, such as bolts78and80, are next installed within the front clamping member236. More particularly, the bolts78and80are passed upwardly through apertures110aand112aof the lower support members302and304, through apertures258aand259aof front clamping member236, and then threadably received within apertures270and272, respectively. The bolts78and80are positioned behind the cross-frame member16cand in front of the radiator164. Next, the first and second upper support members122and124are inserted through openings158and160between the vehicle grille162and front fascia21. Bolts130and132are passed through apertures126and128and are threadably received within apertures68of the upper mounting members60and62, respectively, thereby coupling the upper support members122and124to the front clamping member36.

Next, the first and second push members220and222are secured to the first and second lower support members302and304by bolts320and321coupling respective stanchions226to mounting tabs314and315.

Finally, all fasteners are tightened securely. The vehicle's dust shroud is then replaced, thereby completing the installation. The vehicle's hood may be lowered and secured.

Turning now toFIGS. 11-13, an alternative embodiment push bumper410is illustrated. In the following detailed description, it should be noted that similar reference numerals refer to similar components as described above with respect to the embodiment ofFIGS. 1-5. The push bumper410is configured to couple to the conventional bumper417of a vehicle412(FIG.13). While the illustrated vehicle412used in combination with the push bumper410is a 2003 Dodge Intrepid automobile, it should be appreciated that the push bumper410of the present invention may find equal applicability with other vehicles.

The push member assembly419of the present embodiment is substantially identical to the push member assembly19as identified above. More particularly, the push member assembly419includes first and second laterally spaced push members20and22coupled to a shelf24. Conventional fasteners, such as bolts420may be utilized to connect the first and second push members20an22to the shelf24. Each push member20and22includes a substantially rectangular column26received within a sheath28. Mounting bolts or studs30are coupled to the columns26and extend rearwardly therefrom.

A clamp assembly414is coupled to the push member assembly418. The clamp assembly414includes a pair of front clamping members436and a pair of rear clamping members438. The front and rear clamping members436and438are substantially identical and are generally comprised of substantially planar plates440. The plates440of the front clamping members436each define a first clamping surface442configured to face a front surface443of the vehicle bumper417. The plate440of each rear clamping member438likewise includes a second clamping surface490which is configured to face a rear surface491of the vehicle bumper417.

The plate440of each front clamping member436includes upper and lower mounting portions444and446which extend above the upper and lower surfaces447and449of the vehicle bumper417, respectively. Likewise, the plate440of each rear clamping member438includes upper and lower mounting portions452and454which are configured to extend above and below the upper and lower surfaces447and449of the vehicle bumper417, respectively. The upper mounting portion444of the front clamping member436includes an aperture456which is configured to be coaxially aligned with an aperture458formed in the upper mounting portion452of the rear clamping member438. Likewise, the lower mounting portion446of the front clamping member436includes an aperture460which is configured to be coaxially aligned within with an aperture462formed in the lower mounting portion454of the rear clamping member438. Upper and lower fasteners464and466are configured to be received within the coaxially aligned apertures456,458and460,462, respectively, such that the bumper417is essentially clamped, or sandwiched between, the first clamping surface442and the second clamping surface490. Nuts468and470may be threadably received on the upper and lower fasteners464and466to secure the rear clamping members438relative to the front clamping members436. Alternatively, the apertures458and462may be threaded such that the rear clamping members238threadably receive the fasteners464and466.

First and second lower support members502and504each include a rear end506having an aperture508coaxially aligned with the apertures460and462of the front and rear clamping members436and438, and which receives the fastener266. A front end510of each lower support member502and504includes a pair of apertures512and514, respectively, which receive the threaded studs or bolts30of the first or second push member20,22. First and second upper support members522and524are positioned generally above the first and second lower support members502and504and include a rear end526having an aperture528configured to be coaxially aligned with the apertures456and458of the upper mounting portions444and452of the front and rear clamping members436and438and to receive the fasteners464. A front end530of each upper support member522and524includes an aperture532(FIG. 13) coaxially aligned with the lower ones of the apertures512and514of the lower support members502and504, and through which one of the bolts30is received. A conventional nut534is threadably received on the bolt30thereby fastening the front end530of the upper support member522and524to the front end510of the lower support member502and504and the push member20,22.

With further reference toFIGS. 11 and 13, a portion of each first and second lower support member502and504intermediate the rear end506and the front end510passes through a first set of pre-existing openings554and556formed within the bumper cover or fascia519of the vehicle412. Likewise, a portion of each first and second upper support member522and524intermediate the rear end526and the front end530passes through a second set of pre-existing openings558and560formed within the fascia519and positioned generally above the openings554and556.

Installation of the push bumper410begins with initial preparation of the vehicle412. More particularly, the front hood of the vehicle412is opened and secured in a raised position. Next, the front and rear clamping members436and438and the upper support members522and524are coupled to the front bumper of the vehicle412. More particularly, the upper support members522and524are positioned between the front fascia519and the bumper417. The upper support members522and524are secured to front and rear clamping members436and438through bolts464and466.

Next, the first and second lower support members502and504are coupled to the front and rear clamping members436and438through bolts464and466. The push member assembly418is then secured to the lower support members502and504by bolts30passing through the columns26. The shelf24is secured to the push members20and22through bolts419. Finally, the sheaths28receive the columns26to complete the push bumper410.