Patent ID: 8267428

Claim:
An energy absorber for a vehicle having a structural member, the energy absorber comprising: an elongate member configured to operate with an instrument panel, the elongate member having a lateral axis and a longitudinal axis, and including a first channel wherein the first channel comprises a generally planar upper surface and a pair of spaced apart laterally extending walls including an engagement feature disposed along the upper surface, the elongate member further including at least one mounting member configured to facilitate attachment of the first channel to a portion of the vehicle such that the engagement feature is disposed adjacent to the structural member, the engagement feature having a shape that complements an outer surface of the structural member, such that when an impact force causes contact between the structural member and the engagement feature, the engagement feature will conform to and engage the structural member and the first channel will at least partially deform to absorb at least a portion of the impact force; and wherein at least one wall of said pair of spaced apart laterally extending walls of said first channel includes at least one opening extending therethrough.