The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Sep. 03, 1996
Filed:
Sep. 12, 1994
Eduard Ament, Aichwald, DE;
Baumeister +Ostler GmbH & Co., Aichwald, DE;
Abstract
To ensure that a cross element forming an attachment tube or rod (18) extending across the back portion of a motor vehicle, can absorb energy if an object impinges against a net (14) suspended from the attachment rod or tube, a tubular insert element (24) is located in a chamber formed in the end of the cross element, to which a kinetic energy absorbent deformation structure is coupled. The deformation structure may be another tubular body (25), for example a plastic injection-molded part. A shaft (36) having a coupling end for attachment to a holding bracket for coupling the cross element to the vehicle is formed with radially projecting ears (46) which, upon impingement of an object against the net, will cause the shaft to withdraw into the deformation body (25), causing deformation thereof and thereby absorbing kinetic energy. A spring (41), under normal conditions, holds the shaft in one of two extreme positions. The deformation body and the insert element (24), being of plastic, receive the shaft snugly, thereby preventing rattles; the presence of the spring additionally ensures that no rattles occur upon movement of the vehicle.