Importance

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Abstract

A bumper system includes a 'W' or 'C' shaped beam having a back wall and mounts along the back wall adapted for attaching the beam to rails of a vehicle frame. An energy absorber engages a face of the beam and has rearwardly-extending energy-absorbing sections that extend through the face into contact with the back wall at each of the mounts for improved energy absorption. The horizontal walls of the beam have front and rear sections that align, but also have a U-shaped intermediate section that weakens the walls for promoting a more uniform and predictable collapse. A one-piece brace includes diagonal straps that hold free ends of top and bottom walls together to prevent premature spreading apart upon impact. The energy absorber includes energy-absorbing sections that extend past the straps to detentingly engage the intermediate sections of the beam.

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First Claim