Importance

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Abstract

The bumper system of the present invention includes a beam member adapted to span the front of a vehicle, a bracket for mounting the beam to the vehicle, and a pair of energy absorbing members supported upon the beam on the side thereof opposite from the bracket, the improvement in which system comprises the beam having a generally C-shaped cross section which includes a vertical wall portion, a pair of horizontal leg portions which project forwardly from the upper and lower edges of the vertical wall portion and each leg portion respectively terminating in an inwardly extending lip whereby said leg and lip portions respectively coact with the vertical wall to define upper and lower inwardly opening channels; each energy absorbing member comprising a hollow, rigidified and deflectable structural element which is supported upon the beam such that the major portion of the structural element projects forwardly of the beam, the structural element including: a first portion disposed forwardly of the beam; a second portion disposed within the C-shaped beam and projecting into the upper and lower beam channels; upper and lower transversely extending and outwardly opening grooves formed between the first and second portions and adapted to respectively receive the upper and lower beam lip to retain the energy absorbing member to the beam.

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First Claim