Patent ID: 8011704

Claim:
A bumper system for a vehicle, comprising: a structural reinforcement beam and one or more trim component covering visible portions of the beam; the beam having a center section forming a step, and end sections forming corners of the vehicle; the one or more trim components having visible surfaces finished for aesthetics; the beam including a bin extendable from a rear-facing cavity in the beam and carrying one or more functional components selected from a group consisting of: a storage pocket, a lighting mount, an accessory mount, an electrical connector for connection to trailer wiring, an electrical connector providing for a remote hookup to electrical power on an exterior of the vehicle, and a recess for receiving a tow hook in a partially hidden position; at least one of the trim components partially covering the beam and another of the at least one trim components covering a visible portion of the bin when in a closed, storage position in the cavity, wherein the bin is pivotably attached to the beam for movement.