Importance

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Abstract

An impact resistent flexible grille is located in an impact zone at a front end of an automobile having a grille support structure and an energy absorbing bumper. The flexible grille is rigidly fastened to the grille support structure and the bumper by rigid attachments that are located so that the flexible grille flexes to avoid damage when the front bumper collapses rearwardly responsive to a front end impact. Elastomeric tethers connect deflected portions of the flexible grille to the grille support structure to guide them back to their original position when the bumper returns to its original position. In one arrangement, the rigid attachments are located along a vertical centerline of the flexible grille and an elastomeric tether connects each upper corner of the flexible grille to the grille support structure. In a second arrangement, sides of the flexible grille are rigidly attached to the grille support structure on a horizontal centerline and an upper end of the flexible grille is connected to the grille support structure by a plurality of elastomeric tethers. In a third arrangement, an integral nib of the flexible grille is snapped into an aperture of the bumper and moves forwardly in the aperture of the bumper to accommodate initial movement of the bumper when it collapses rearwardly.

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First Claim