Benteler Automotive Corporation

Craig A Fellows

Todd W J Tjoelker

Tyler Steven Hernden

Davon M Browne

An energy absorbing impact system is designed for vehicle bumpers and the like, and includes a base member connected with a vehicle frame, and having a central opening therein. An impact receiving member is spaced apart from the base member, and is connected with a vehicle bumper. An invertible, tubular energy absorbing crush member is positioned between the base and impact receiving member, and includes a generally square lateral cross-sectional shape, with flat face portions disposed between opposite corner portions. One end of the crush member is connected with the impact receiving member, and the opposite end of the crush member is partially slit longitudinally to define planar tabs which are flared outwardly and connected with the base member adjacent the central opening, such that impact on the impact receiving member forces the crush member through the central opening in the base member, causing the face portions to tear longitudinally away from the corner portions as the crush member inverts through the central opening to absorb energy associated with the impact.

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Pierson, MI, United States of America

Craig A Fellows