AU2012202001B2 - An impact absorbing assembly, an impact member assembly and a vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an impact absorbing assembly for mounting between a chassis member of a vehicle and an impact member. The impact absorbing assembly comprises: a first mounting bracket adapted for mounting to the impact member; a second mounting bracket adapted for mounting to the chassis member; and one or more crumple zone members adapted for mounting between the first and second mounting brackets for controlled deformation in response to a compressive load being applied to the impact member in use. -n m 4 0k

Description

1 2012202001 04 Apr 2012

AN IMPACT ABSORBING ASSEMBLY, AN IMPACT MEMBER ASSEMBLY AND

A VEHICLE

Field of the Invention [001] The present invention relates to an impact absorbing assembly, an impact member assembly and a vehicle.

[002] The invention has been developed primarily for use in vehicles and vehicle components and will be described hereinafter with reference to this application. However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to this particular field of use.

Background of the Invention [003] Modern motor vehicles are commonly fitted with impact absorbing parts that are designed to absorb energy transferred to the vehicle in the event of a collision. The absorption of energy reduces the force of the impact experienced by the passenger or other parts of the vehicle. Typically, the impact absorbing parts will deform in a controlled manner when the vehicle is involved in a collision absorbing energy.

[004] Modern motor vehicles are also fitted with air bags around the driver and in some cases the passengers to ensure that in the event of a collision, the air bags inflate to protect the driver and passengers from injury resulting from the collision. Such air bags generally have an associated accelerometer which is tuned to trigger and inflate the corresponding air bag at a particular moment in time during the collision. The correct firing of the air bags depends on the crash pulse during the collision which in turn depends on the load deformation response or energy absorption characteristics of the part or parts of the vehicle that are subject to the collision.

[005] The spare parts market provides owners of vehicles with the option to modify or replace certain components in the vehicle. When replacing or modifying such components, it is essential for the correct firing of the air bags that the load deformation response of the replacement or modified components resembles that of the components which have been replaced. If the load deformation response of the 2 2012202001 04 Apr 2012 replaced or modified components varies greatly from the original components, then the air bags will either trigger prematurely or unnecessarily, or they will fire during a collision, well after the time when the inflation of the air bags would be of any real benefit to the driver and passengers. For example, when an owner replaces a standard bull bar with a heavier after-market bull bar, the load deformation response is dramatically different as there is an increase in mass. Therefore, the air bags are unable to be deployed in an appropriate manner reducing the safety of the vehicle.

[006] It is to be understood that, if any prior art information is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the information forms part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

Summary of the Invention [007] The present invention seeks to provide an impact absorbing assembly, an impact member assembly and a vehicle which will overcome or substantially ameliorate at least some of the deficiencies of the prior art, or to at least provide an alternative.

[008] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an impact absorbing assembly for mounting between a chassis member of a vehicle and an impact member, comprising: - a first mounting bracket adapted for mounting to the impact member; - a second mounting bracket adapted for mounting to the chassis member; and - one or more crumple zone members adapted for mounting between the first and second mounting brackets for controlled deformation in response to a compressive load being applied to the impact member in use.

[009] Advantageously, a substantially predictable amount of energy is absorbed from the impact member by the one or more crumble members when the compressive load is applied to the impact member in use. Beneficially, a substantially predictable and reduced amount of energy is transferred to the chassis member when the compressive load is applied to the impact member in use. Furthermore, the risk of the 3 2012202001 04 Apr 2012 impact member and the chassis member deforming, when the compressive load is applied to the impact member in use, is substantially reduced.

[0010] Preferably, the one or more crumple zones members are two or more crumple zone members and wherein two of the two or more crumple zone members are located in spaced relation and opposite to each other when they are mounted between the first and second mounting brackets.

[0011] Advantageously, when the compressive load is applied to the impact member in use, the two crumple zone members can crumple without interference from the other.

[0012] Preferably, each of the one or more crumple zone members has two mounting portions, one mounting portion for mounting to the first mounting bracket and the other mounting portion for mounting to the second mounting bracket.

[0013] Advantageously, the two mounting portions allow the one or more crumple zone members to securely mount to the first and second mounting brackets such that energy can efficiently be transferred from the impact member to the one or more crumple zone members for absorption when the compressive load is applied to the impact member in use.

[0014] Advantageously, the two mounting portions substantially insure the correct orientation of the one or more crumple zone members in use.

[0015] Preferably, each of the one or more crumple zone members has a central portion disposed substantially between the two mounting portions.

[0016] Preferably, the central portion of at least one of the one or more crumple zone members curves outwardly.

[0017] Advantageously, when the one or more crumple zone members deform upon the compressive load being applied to the impact member in use, the central portions of each of the one or more crumple zone members deform substantially outwardly in a predictable manner. Beneficially, the risk of the deformed central portions interfering with the function or the performance of the impact absorbing assembly is substantially reduced. 4 2012202001 04 Apr 2012 [0018] Preferably, the central portion of at least one of the one or more crumple zone members comprises one or more apertures therethrough.

[0019] Advantageously, the one or more apertures substantially reduce the rigidity of the at least one of the one or more crumple zone members such that the at least one of the one or more crumple zone members is able to deform more readily. Furthermore, the one or more apertures control the location of deformation at the central portion at or near the one or more apertures.

[0020] Preferably, each of the one or more apertures is elongate and generally aligned with a length of the impact absorbing assembly.

[0021] Preferably, each of the one or more apertures is elongate and generally aligned laterally to a length of the impact absorbing assembly.

[0022] Preferably, each of the one or more apertures is obround in shape.

[0023] Advantageously, the obround shape of the one or more apertures allows the stress experienced by the one or more crumple zone members, when the compressive load is applied to the impact member, to be more evenly distributed around the one or more apertures such that the one or more crumple zone members deform substantially evenly and thus absorb energy more efficiently.

[0024] Preferably, the chassis member is a side chassis member.

[0025] Preferably, the first and second mounting brackets are integrally formed.

[0026] Advantageously, the first and second mounting brackets being integrally formed allow the first and second mounting brackets to be structurally more rigid and strong. Beneficially, the risk of the first and second mounting brackets from detaching in use is substantially reduced and there are fewer parts.

[0027] Preferably, the first mounting bracket comprises an integral crumple zone member.

[0028] Advantageously, the integral crumple zone member provides additional aid to the one or more crumple zone members in absorbing energy from the impact member when the compressive load is applied to the impact member in use. 5 2012202001 04 Apr 2012 [0029] Preferably, the integral crumple zone member comprises one or more apertures therethrough.

[0030] Advantageously, the one or more apertures substantially reduce the rigidity of the integral crumple zone member such that the integral crumple zone member is able to deform more readily.

[0031] Preferably, the integral crumple zone member is welded to the second mounting bracket.

[0032] Advantageously, the first mounting bracket is securely attached to the second mounting bracket through the integral crumple zone member and thus substantially improving the structural rigidity of the impact absorbing assembly.

[0033] Preferably, the second mounting bracket has an integral crumple zone member.

[0034] Advantageously, the integral crumple zone member provides additional aid to the one or more crumple zone members in absorbing energy from the impact member when the compressive load is applied to the impact member in use.

[0035] Advantageously, the integral crumple zone member provides additional structural rigidity between the first and second mounting brackets.

[0036] Preferably, the integral crumple zone member comprises one or more apertures therethrough.

[0037] Advantageously, the one or more apertures substantially reduce the rigidity of the integral crumple zone member such that the integral crumple zone member is able to deform more readily.

[0038] Preferably, the integral crumple zone member is welded to the first mounting bracket.

[0039] Advantageously, the second mounting bracket is securely attached to the first mounting bracket through the integral crumple zone member and thus substantially improving the structural rigidity of the impact absorbing assembly. 6 2012202001 04 Apr 2012 [0040] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an impact member assembly for mounting to a vehicle having a chassis member, the impact member assembly comprising: - an impact member; and - one or more impact absorbing assemblies as described in any one of the above paragraphs, each of the one or more impact absorbing assemblies being mounted to the impact member via their respective first mounting bracket in use.

[0041] Advantageously, a substantially predictable amount of energy is absorbed from the impact member by the one or more crumble members when the compressive load is applied to the impact member in use. Beneficially, a substantially predicable amount of energy is transferred to the chassis member when the compressive load is applied to the impact member in use. Furthermore, the risk of the impact member and the chassis member deforming, when the compressive load is applied to the impact member in use, is substantially reduced.

[0042] Preferably, the impact member is a side step.

[0043] Advantageously, the impact member assembly is able to absorb energy from side collisions of the vehicle.

[0044] Preferably, the impact member assembly further comprises a cross bar, the second mounting bracket of each of the one or more impact absorbing assemblies being adapted to engage with the cross bar.

[0045] Advantageously, the cross bar substantially improves the structural rigidity of the impact member assembly.

[0046] Preferably, the impact member is a bull bar.

[0047] Advantageously, the impact member assembly is able to absorb energy from front collisions of the vehicle.

[0048] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vehicle, comprising: 7 2012202001 04 Apr 2012 - a chassis member; - an impact member assembly as described in any one of the above paragraphs.

[0049] Advantageously, a substantially predictable amount of energy is absorbed from the impact member by the one or more crumble members when the compressive load is applied to the impact member in use. Beneficially, a substantially predicable amount of energy is transferred to the chassis member when the compressive load is applied to the impact member in use. Furthermore, the risk of the impact member and the chassis member deforming, when the compressive load is applied to the impact member in use, is substantially reduced.

[0050] Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed.

Brief Description of the Drawings [0051] Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: [0052] Fig. 1 shows perspective left (i) and right (ii) rear views of an impact absorbing assembly in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; [0053] Fig. 2 shows perspective left (i) and right (ii) front views of the impact absorbing assembly of Fig. 1; [0054] Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of a bull bar assembly in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the bull bar assembly comprising two impact absorbing assemblies of Fig. 1 joined together via a cross bar; [0055] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the two impact absorbing assemblies of Fig. 3 joined together via the cross bar; [0056] Fig. 5 shows side (i) and top (ii) views of a first crumple zone member and side (iii) and top (iv) views of a second crumple zone member of Fig. 1; 8 2012202001 04 Apr 2012 [0057] Fig. 6 shows perspective left (i) and right (ii) views of an impact absorbing assembly in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention; [0058] Fig. 7 shows side (i), end (ii), and underside views (iii) of the impact absorbing assembly of Fig. 6; and [0059] Fig. 8 shows a side view (i), top view (ii) and a sectional side view taken along B-B (iii) of a side step assembly in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the side step assembly comprising two impact absorbing assemblies of Fig. 6.

Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments [0060] It should be noted in the following description that like or the same reference numerals in different embodiments denote the same or similar features.

[0061] As shown in Figs. 1(i-ii) and 2(i-ii), there is provided an impact absorbing assembly 10 for mounting between a chassis member of a vehicle and a bull bar. The impact absorbing assembly 10 is manufactured from a steel alloy with a thickness of 6mm. In other embodiments, the impact absorbing assembly 10 may be manufactured from any other suitable material that is rigid and strong such as a titanium alloy, a tungsten alloy or a nickel alloy. It will also be appreciated that, in other embodiments, the impact absorbing assembly 10 may be manufactured with any suitable thickness such as 1mm, 4mm, 8mm or 20mm. The impact absorbing assembly 10 comprises a first mounting bracket 20, a second mounting bracket 30 and three crumple zone members 40a, 40b, 40c.

[0062] The second mounting bracket 30 is adapted for mounting to the chassis member. Referring to Figs. 1 (i-ii) and 2(i-ii), the second mounting bracket 30 comprises a tube portion 50, an extension portion 60 and an integral crumple zone member 70. The tube portion 50 has a front opening 80 and a back opening 90. The back opening 90 is adapted to receive a front end portion of the chassis member therethrough such that the front end portion of the chassis member is housed within the tube portion 50. It will be appreciated that the chassis member, in this embodiment, is a side chassis member aligned with the length of the vehicle and has a transverse cross-section that is rectangular in shape. The tube portion 50 further 9 2012202001 04 Apr 2012 has a rectangular transverse cross-section that is incrementally larger than the transverse cross-section of the chassis member such that the front end portion of the chassis member is able to snugly fit within the tube portion 50 when received and housed. The tube portion 50 also has two longitudinal side portions 55a, 55b that are orientated vertically in use and defining individual parallel planes. It will be appreciated that the longitudinal side portion 55a may be on the right side of the impact absorbing assembly 10 in use as shown in Figs. 1(i) and 2(i) or may be on the left side of the impact absorbing assembly 10 in use as shown in Figs. 1 (ii) and 2(ii). In other embodiments, the tube portion 50 may have any shaped transverse cross-section depending on the transverse cross-section of the chassis member such as a square, circle or triangle.

[0063] The extension portion 60 is adapted to abut with a bottom portion of the chassis member when the front end portion of the chassis member is housed within the tube portion 50. The extension portion 60 is planar, elongate and is rectangular in shape. The extension portion 60 extends backwardly from a bottom edge of the back opening 90 of the tube portion 50. The second mounting bracket 30 further comprises a rim portion 100 that extends upwardly from a longitudinal side 105 of the extension portion 60 in the same plane as the longitudinal side portion 55a of the tube portion 50. The rim portion 100 is adapted to reduce lateral movement of the chassis member relative to the impact absorbing assembly 10 when the front end portion of the chassis member is housed within the tube portion 50. The tube portion 50 and the extension portion 60 each comprises a plurality of bolt apertures 110. Each of the bolt apertures 110 is adapted to allow a bolt to pass therethrough and securely attach the chassis member to the tube portion 50 and the extension portion 60. It will be appreciated that the plurality of bolt apertures 110 may be of varying sizes and shapes depending on the shape and size of the bolts required.

[0064] The second mounting bracket 30 further comprises a first flange portion 120 and a second flange portion 127. The first flange portion 120 is rectangular in shape and extends upwardly from a top edge of the front opening 80 of the tube portion 50 such that a longitudinal side 125 of the first flange portion 120 is facing upwardly and orientated transverse to the longitudinal side portions 55a, 55b in use. The first flange portion 120 also has two opposing sides 126a, 126b that are 10 2012202001 04 Apr 2012 orientated vertically in use and the side 126a is in the same plane as defined by the longitudinal side portion 55a of the tube portion 50 and the side 126b is in the same plane as defined by the longitudinal side portion 55b of the tube portion 50. The second flange portion 127 is also rectangular in shape and extends upwardly from a bottom edge of the front opening 80 of the tube portion 50 such that a longitudinal side 128 of the second flange portion 127 is facing upwardly and orientated transverse to the longitudinal side portions 55a, 55b in use. In other embodiments, the first flange portion 120 and the second flange portion 127 may be any suitable shape such as a square, trapezoid or an obround shape.

[0065] The integral crumple zone member 70 is planar and rectangular in shape. The integral crumple zone member 70 comprises an aperture 130 extending therethrough and being rectangular in shape. In other embodiments the integral crumple zone member 70 or the aperture 130 may be any other suitable shape such as a circle, a square or a triangle. The integral crumple zone member 70 extends frontwardly from the longitudinal side portion 55a above the second flange portion 127 and from the side 126a of the first flange portion 120 such that the integral crumple zone member 70 is in the same plane defined by the longitudinal side portion 55a and a longitudinal side 135 of the integral crumple zone member 70 is facing forwardly and orientated vertically in use.

[0066] The first mounting bracket 20 is adapted for mounting to the bull bar and comprises a compression plate 140 and an attachment plate 160. The compression plate 140 is planar and rectangular in shape defined by two longitudinal sides 145a, 145b and two sides 150a, 150b. The longitudinal side 145a of the compression plate 140 is attached to the longitudinal side 135 of the integral crumple zone member 70 such that the compression plate 140 is orientated transversely with the integral crumple zone member 70 and the longitudinal side 145b is in the same plane as define by the longitudinal side portion 55b of the tube portion 50 and orientated vertically in use. In this embodiment, the longitudinal side 145a is welded to the longitudinal side 135 providing a secure attachment and thus improving the structural rigidity of the impact absorbing assembly 10. In other embodiments, any other suitable attachment methods may be used such as interference fitting, riveting or bolting. 11 2012202001 04 Apr 2012 [0067] The attachment plate 160 is adapted to be bolted to the bull bar and comprises a plurality of bolt apertures 165 for this purpose. It will be appreciated that the plurality of bolt apertures 165 may be of varying sizes and shapes depending on the shape and size of the bolts required. The attachment plate 160 extends forwardly and upwardly from the middle of the compression plate 140 and is orientated transversely to the compression plate 140.

[0068] In other embodiments, the first 20 and second 30 mounting brackets are integrally formed such that the impact absorbing assembly 10 is structurally more rigid. Beneficially, the risk of the first 20 and second 30 mounting brackets from detaching in use is reduced and there are fewer parts.

[0069] Referring to Figs. 5(i-iv), the crumple zone members 40a, 40b, 40c are adapted for mounting between the first 20 and second 30 mounting bracket. Each of the crumple zone members 40a, 40b, 40c is rectangular in shape has two opposing sides 170a, 170b and two mounting portions 175a, 175b that are planar defining the same plane. In each of the crumple zone members 40a, 40b, 40c, the mounting portion 175a is disposed along the opposing side 170a and the mounting portion 175b is disposed along the opposing side 170b. It will be appreciated that the mounting portions 170a are for mounting to the first mounting bracket 20 and the mounting portions 170b are for mounting to the second mounting bracket 30. Each of the crumple zone members 40a, 40b, 40c further has a central portion 180 disposed between the respective two mounting portions 175a, 175b. In each of the crumple zone members 40a, 40b, 40c, the central portion 180 is curved and has a transverse cross-section that is shaped in an arc. In this embodiment, the crumple zone members 40a, 40b are equal in dimension and have lengths that are smaller than the length of the crumple zone member 40c. Referring specifically to Figs. 5 (iii-iv), each of the central portions 180 of the crumple zone members 40a, 40b comprises an aperture 190 extending therethrough. Each of the apertures 190 are obround in shape and are orientated such that the lengths of the apertures 190 are transverse to the mounting portions 170a, 170b of the respective crumple zone member 40a, 40b. Furthermore, the aperture 190 is located generally in the middle of the central portion 180 of the respective crumple zone member 40a, 40b. Referring specifically to Figs. 5 (i-ii), the central portion 180 of the crumple zone member 40c comprises three 12 2012202001 04 Apr 2012 apertures 200a, 200b, 200c extending therethrough. The apertures 200a, 200b, 200c are parallel with each other and each of the apertures 200a, 200b, 200c is obround in shape. Each of the apertures 200a, 200b, 200c is also orientated such that the length of each of the apertures 200a, 200b, 200c are transverse to the mounting portions 170a, 170b of the crumple zone member 40c. Furthermore, the apertures 200a, 200b, 200c are also evenly spaced apart.

[0070] In other embodiments, the central portions 180 of each of the crumple zone members 40a, 40b, 40 may have any suitable shaped transverse cross-section such as a zigzag shape or a sinuous shape.

[0071] The impact absorbing assembly 10 further comprises a cross-bar attachment plate 210, support flange 220 and a bash plate bracket 230 (see Fig. 1 (ii)). The cross-bar attachment plate 210 is adapted to attach to a cross-bar with a circular cross-section. The cross-bar attachment plate 210 is circular in shape and is planar. The cross-bar attachment plate 210 is located on the front bottom portion of the longitudinal side portion 55a and lies in the same plane as defined by the longitudinal side portion 55a. The support flange 220 is adapted to support the crossbar when attached to the cross-bar attachment plate 210. The support flange 220 is planar and extends outwardly from the bottom back portion of the longitudinal side portion 55a transverse to the plane defined by the longitudinal side portion 55a. The bash plate bracket 230 extends downwardly from the bottom of the tube portion 50 and is adapted to attach and support a bash plate. The bash plate bracket 230 has an aperture such that the bash plate bracket 230 may be bolted to the bash plate for secure attachment.

[0072] Referring to Figs. 1(i-ii) and 2(i-ii), the mounting portion 170a of the crumple zone member 40a is mounted to the longitudinal side 125 of the first flange portion 120 and the mounting portion 170b of the crumple zone member 40a is mounted to the side 150a of the compression plate 140. The crumple zone member 40a is mounted such that the central portion 180 curves upwardly and outwardly in use. Similarly, the mounting portion 170a of the crumple zone member 40b is mounted to the longitudinal side 128 of the second flange portion 127 and the mounting portion 170b of the crumple zone member 40b is mounted to the side 150b of the compression plate 140. The crumple zone member 40b is mounted such that 13 2012202001 04 Apr 2012 the central portion 180 curves downwardly and outwardly in use. The mounting portion 170a of the crumple zone member 40c is mounted to the longitudinal side portion 55b above the second flange portion 127 and mounted to the side 126b of the first flange portion 120. The mounting portion 170b of the crumple zone member 40c is mounted to the longitudinal side 145b of the compression plate 140. The crumple zone member 40c is mounted such that the central portion 180 curves outwardly away from the integral crumple zone member 70. It will be appreciated that the crumple zone members 40a, 40b, 40c and the integral crumple zone member 70 defines an internal volume therein having a generally rectangular prism shape. In this embodiment, the mounting portions 170a, 170b of the crumple zone members 40a, 40b, 40c are securely mounted to the first 20 and second 30 mounting brackets by welding but, in other embodiments, any other suitable methods may be used such as interference fitting, riveting or bolting.

[0073] The crumple zone members 40a, 40b, 40c are further adapted for controlled deformation in response to a compressive load being applied to the bull bar in use. Similarly, the integral crumple zone member 70 is also adapted for controlled deformation in response to the compressive load being applied to the bull bar in use. In the event when a compressive load is applied to the bull bar, for example when the bull bar collides with an animal or an inanimate object, the energy from the compressive load is transferred to the attachment plate 160 and then to the compression plate 140 of the first mounting bracket 20. The energy is then distributed to the crumple zone members 40a, 40b, 40c and the integral crumple zone member 70. The crumple zone members 40a, 40b, 40c and the integral crumple zone member 70 will then deform absorbing a certain amount of energy and causing the first mounting bracket 20 to move towards the second mounting bracket 30 reducing the internal volume. The remaining energy will be transferred to second mounting bracket 30 and to the chassis member of the vehicle. Since the central portions 180 of the crumple zone members 40a, 40b, 40c are curved outwardly, the central portions 180 will deform outwardly in a predictable manner such that the risk of the deformed crumple zone members 40a, 40b, 40c interfering with the function or the performance of the impact absorbing assembly 10 or the vehicle is substantially reduced. 14 2012202001 04 Apr 2012 [0074] It will be appreciated that the apertures 190, 200a, 200b, 200c reduce the rigidity of the respective crumple zone members 40a, 40b, 40c such that the crumple zone members 40a, 40b, 40c are able to deform more readily. Thus, the crumple zone members 40a, 40b, 40c deform relatively quickly compared to other portions of the impact absorbing assembly 10. In other embodiments, the central portions 180 of each of the crumple zone members 40a, 40b, 40c comprises one or more apertures depending on the rigidity required. The obround and elongate shape of the apertures 190, 200a, 200b, 200c and the alignment of the apertures 190, 200a, 200b, 200c with the length of the impact absorbing assembly 10 in use allows the stress experienced by the crumple zone members 40a, 40b, 40c to be more evenly distributed around the apertures 190, 200a, 200b, 200c such that the crumple zone members 40a, 40b, 40c are able to deform more evenly and thus absorb energy efficiently. Furthermore, the more even distribution of the stress reduces stress concentration on the crumple zone member 40a, 40b, 40c such that there is a reduced risk of brittle failure (i.e. fracture) which can significantly reduce the ability of the crumple zone members 40a, 40b, 40c to absorb energy. In other embodiments, the apertures 190, 200a, 200b, 200c may be any other suitable shape such as a circle, rectangle, or square. Similarly, the aperture 130 of the integral crumple zone member 70 reduces the rigidity of the integral crumple zone member 70 such that the integral crumple zone member 70 is able to deform more readily. Although the rigidity of the integral crumple zone member 70 is reduced, it will be appreciated that the integral crumple zone member 70 is more rigid than the crumple zone members 40a, 40b, 40c as the integral crumple zone member 70 is planar and not curved. Thus, the integral crumple zone member 70 provides structural rigidity between the first 20 and second 30 mounting brackets. In other embodiments, the integral crumple zone member 70 comprises one or more apertures depending on the rigidity required. Also, the mounting portions 175a, 175b of each of the crumple zone members 40a, 40b, 40c allow for secure attachment to the first 20 and second 30 mounting brackets such that energy can efficiently be transferred from the bull bar to the crumple zone member 40a, 40b, 40c for absorption when the compressive load is applied to the bull bar in use. Furthermore, the mounting portions 175a, 175b of each of the crumple zone members 40a, 40b, 40c ensure the correct orientation of the respective crumple zone member 40a, 40b, 40c in use. It will also be appreciated that the crumple zone members 40a, 40b are located in spaced relation and opposite to each 15 2012202001 04 Apr 2012 other when they are mounted between the first 20 and second 30 mounting bracket allowing each of the crumple zone members 40a, 40b to deform in use without interference from the other.

[0075] As the mechanical properties of the 6mm steel alloy used to manufacture the impact absorbing assembly 10 are known and the effect of the size, shape and orientation of the aperture 130 of the integral crumple zone member 70 and the apertures 190, 200a, 200b, 200c of the crumple zone members 40a, 40b, 40c on the mechanical properties of the steel alloy are known, a predictable amount of energy is absorbed by the integral crumple zone member 70 and the crumple zone members 40a, 40b, 40c from the bull bar when the compressive load is applied to the bull bar in use. Beneficially, a predictable amount of energy is transferred to the chassis member when the compressive load is applied to the bull bar in use.

[0076] In modern cars, the accelerometer is located on the chassis member of the vehicle and is adapted to measure the change in acceleration caused by collisions to decide whether to deploy the airbags. Usually, the accelerometer has an algorithm that decides when the change in acceleration is too great and thus deployment of the airbag is required. The algorithm is set to the exact specification of the vehicle and thus any modifications to the standard components of the vehicle changes the ability of the algorithm to deploy the airbags at the necessary time. In particular, the replacement of the standard bull bar with another bull bar can cause significant detriment to the ability of the algorithm to properly deploy the airbags as there may be a significant weight and size difference between the bull bars. For example, the standard bull bar may be replaced with a heavier and larger bull bar changing the deceleration characteristics of the vehicle in low-impact collisions compared to the standard bull bar and hence cause unnecessary deployment of the airbags. The use of the impact absorbing assembly 10 allows a predictable amount of energy to be absorbed by the integral crumple zone member 70 and the crumple zone members 40a, 40b, 40c from the bull bar and reduces the risk of the accelerometer detecting a large change in acceleration from low-impact collisions and deploying the airbags unnecessarily.

[0077] According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a bull bar assembly 240, as shown in Figs. 3 and 4, for mounting to a 16 2012202001 04 Apr 2012 vehicle having two chassis members. The chassis members are a left and right side chassis members aligned with the length of the vehicle and each of the side chassis members having a transverse cross-section that is rectangular in shape. The bull bar assembly 240 comprises two impact absorbing assemblies 10 as described in any one of the preceding paragraphs, a bull bar 250 and a bash plate 260. The bull bar 250 is adapted to be located at the front of the vehicle to protect the vehicle from damage in a collision with an animal or an inanimate object. The bull bar 250 is generally manufactured from a steel or aluminium alloy but can also be manufactured from a polymer such as polycarbonate or polyethylene. The bash plate 260 is adapted to attach to the bottom of the bull bar 250 providing protection to the front undercarriage of the vehicle in use. The bash plate 260 is constructed from a steel alloy but may be constructed from any other suitable material that is able resist substantial impact and abrasion such as an aluminium alloy or titanium alloy.

[0078] In this embodiment, one of the impact absorbing assemblies 10 is adapted to mount to the left side chassis member and has the longitudinal side portion 55a on the right side of the impact absorbing assembly 10 in use. The other impact absorbing assembly 10 is adapted to mount to the right side chassis member and has the longitudinal side portion 55a on the left side of the impact absorbing assembly 10 in use. The attachment plate 160 of each of the impact absorbing assemblies 10 is bolted and secured to the bull bar 250. It will be appreciated that the impact absorbing assemblies 10 are attached on either side of the bull bar 250 such that when the compressive load is applied to the bull bar 250 in use, the energy from the bull bar 250 is distributed amongst the impact absorbing assemblies 10. Furthermore, the capacity to absorb more energy is increased with two impact absorbing assemblies 10. The bash plate bracket 230 of each of the impact absorbing assemblies 10 are also bolted and secured to the bash plate 260. The bolting and securing of the bash plate 260 to the bash plate bracket 230 reduces the bash plate 260 from sagging and keeps the bash plate 260 in an optimal position to protect the undercarriage of the vehicle.

[0079] The bull bar assembly 240 further comprises a cross bar 270 that is elongate and has a circular transverse cross-section. The cross bar 270 is adapted to reduce the impact absorbing assemblies 10 from moving laterally in use, when the 17 2012202001 04 Apr 2012 compressive load is applied to the bull bar, and improve the structural rigidity of the bull bar assembly 240. The cross bar 270 further has a first 270 and second 280 end. The first end 270 attaches to the cross-bar attachment plate 210 of the impact assembly 10 mounted to the left side chassis member and the second end 280 attaches to the cross-bar attachment plate 210 of the impact assembly 10 mounted to the right side chassis member. It will be appreciated that, in use, the cross bar 270 is orientated transversely to the length of the vehicle in use. In this embodiments, the first 270 and second 280 ends of the cross bar 270 is welded to the respective crossbar attachment plates 280 but, in other embodiments, any other suitable method may be used such as interference fitting, bolting or riveting. The support flange 220 of each of the impact absorbing assemblies 10 are attached the cross bar 270 such that the support flange 220 supports the cross bar 270 when attached to the cross-bar attachment plates 210.

[0080] In this embodiment, the bull bar assembly 240 further comprises a winch bracket 300 adapted to support and attach to a winch. The winch bracket 300 comprises a winch plate 310 and two attachment plates 320a, 320b. The winch plate 310 is planar and is rectangular in shape. The winch plate 310 comprises a plurality of apertures adapted to allow a bolt to pass therethrough to bolt the winch thereto. The winch plate 310 further comprises two opposing sides. The attachment plate 320a extends downwardly from one of the opposing sides and similarly the attachment plate 320b extends downwardly from the other opposing side. It will be appreciated that the attachment plates 320a, 320b each define a plane that are parallel with each other. Each of the attachment plates 320a, 320b comprises a circular aperture that is incrementally larger than the cross bar 270 and the circular aperture of each of the attachment plates 320a, 320b are aligned. The circular apertures are adapted to receive the cross bar 270 therethough in use such that the winch bracket 300 is attached to the cross bar 270. It will be appreciated that the winch plate 310 is facing upwardly and horizontal in use. It will also be appreciated that the cross bar 270 and the attachment plates 320a, 320b will be welded together when the cross bar 270 is received therethough by the circular apertures such that the winch bracket 300 is prevented from rotating about the cross bar 270. 18 2012202001 04 Apr 2012 [0081] According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a vehicle comprising the bull bar assembly 240 as described in any one of the preceding paragraphs, a left side chassis member and a right side chassis member. The impact assemblies 10 are attached to the left and right side chassis members such that the bull bar 250 is located in the front of the vehicle and the bash plate 260 is located underneath the front of the vehicle to provide protection to the front undercarriage of the vehicle.

[0082] According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an impact absorbing assembly 330, as shown in Figs. 6 (i - ii) and 7 (i-iii), for mounting between a chassis member of a vehicle and a side step. The impact absorbing assembly 330 is manufactured from a steel alloy with a thickness of 6mm. In other embodiments, the impact absorbing assembly 330 may be manufactured from any other suitable material that is rigid and strong such as a titanium alloy, tungsten alloy or nickel alloy and from any other thickness such as 1mm, 4mm, 8mm or 20mm. The impact absorbing assembly 330 comprises a first mounting bracket 340, a second mounting bracket 350 and three crumple zone members 360a, 360b, 360c.

[0083] The first mounting bracket 340 is adapted for mounting to the side step. The first mounting bracket 340 comprises a tube portion 370 and a compression plate 380. The tube 370 has a circular cross-section and has a straight portion 390 and a curved portion 400. The straight portion 390 is cylindrical in shape and is adapted to support and attach to the underside of the side step and is orientated horizontally in use. It will be appreciated that the straight portion 390 and the underside of the side step are attached by welding or any other suitable attachment method such as interference fitting, bolting or riveting. The curved portion 400 extends from one of the ends of the straight portion 390 and is curved upwardly in use. The compression plate 380 is planar and rectangular in shape defined by two longitudinal sides 410a, 410b and sides 420a, 420b. The curved portion 400 is attached to the middle of the compression plate 380 such that the longitudinal sides 410a, 410b are orientated vertically and the compression plate 380 is angled upwardly. It will be appreciated that the compression plate 380 and the curved 19 2012202001 04 Apr 2012 portion 400 are attached by welding or any other suitable attachment method such as interference fitting, bolting or riveting.

[0084] The first mounting bracket 340 further comprises an integral crumple zone member 430 that is planar and rectangular in shape. The integral crumple zone member 430 comprises an aperture 440 extending therethrough and is rectangular in shape. In other embodiments, the integral crumple zone member 430 or the aperture 440 may be any other suitable shape such as a circle, square or triangle. The integral crumple zone member 430 extends transversely and outwardly from the longitudinal side 410a of the compression plate 380 away from the curved portion 400 to a free longitudinal side 445.

[0085] The second mounting bracket 350 is adapted for mounting to the chassis member of the vehicle and comprises a compression plate 450, a tube portion 460 and an attachment plate 470. The compression plate 450 is planar and rectangular in shape and has the same dimensions as the compression plate 380 of the first mounting bracket 340. The compression plate 450 is defined by two longitudinal sides 455a, 455b and two sides 456a, 456b. The longitudinal side 455a of the compression plate 450 is attached to the longitudinal side 445 of the integral crumple zone member 430 such that the compression plate 450 is transverse to the integral crumple zone member 430 and is parallel and facing the compression plate 380 of the first mounting bracket 340. In this embodiment, the longitudinal side 445 is welded to the longitudinal side 455a providing a secure attachment and improving the structural rigidity of the impact absorbing assembly 330. In other embodiments, any other suitable attachment methods may be used such as interference fitting, riveting or bolting [0086] The attachment plate 470 is adapted to be bolted to the chassis member of the vehicle. The attachment plate 470 is planar and comprises a plurality of bolt apertures 490. It will be appreciated that the plurality of bolt apertures 490 may be of varying sizes and shapes depending on the bolts required. Referring to Figs. 6 (i-ii) and 7 (i-iii), in this embodiment, it is shown that the attachment plate 470 is triangular in shape having a hypotenuse side 500 facing upwardly. The attachment plate 470 comprises a rim portion 510 extending transversely from the hypotenuse side 500 towards the compression plate 450. The rim portion 510 is adapted to abut with a 20 2012202001 04 Apr 2012 portion of the chassis member to reduce movement of the attachment plate 470 during use. It will be appreciated that the attachment plate 470 may be any other suitable shape such as a rectangle, a square or a circle to bolt to the chassis member.

[0087] The tube portion 460 is cylindrical in shape and has a circular cross-section. The tube portion 460 has a first 465a and second 465b end. The first end 465a is attached to the middle of the compression plate 450 and the second end 465b is attached to the middle of the attachment plate 470. The second mounting bracket 350 further comprises two flange portions 520a, 520b adapted to provide additional rigidity to the tube portion 460 and to the attachment to the compression plate 450 and the attachment plate 470. The flange portions 520a, 520b extends tangentially downwardly from either side of the tube portion 460. The ends of each of the flange portions 520a, 520b are attached to the attachment plate 470 and the compression plate 450, respectively.

[0088] The crumple zone members 360a, 360b, 360c are adapted for mounting between the first 340 and second 350 mounting bracket. Each of the crumple zone members 360a, 360b, 360c is rectangular in shape has two opposing sides 530a, 530b and two mounting portions 540a, 540b that are planar defining the same plane. In each of the crumple zone members 360a, 360b, 360c, the mounting portion 540a is disposed along the opposing side 530a and the mounting portion 540b is disposed along the opposing side 530b. It will be appreciated that the mounting portions 540a are for mounting to the first mounting bracket 340 and the mounting portions 540b are for mounting to the second mounting bracket 350. Each of the crumple zone members 360a, 360b, 360c further has a central portion 550 disposed between the respective two mounting portions 540a, 540b. In each of the crumple zone members 360a, 360b, 360c, the central portion 550 is curved and has a transverse cross-section that is shaped in an arc. Each of the central portions 550 of the crumple zone members 360a, 360b, 360c comprises two apertures 560a, 560b extending therethrough. The apertures 560a, 560b are parallel with each other and each of the apertures 560a, 560b is obround in shape. Furthermore, each of the apertures 560a, 560b is orientated such that the length of each of the apertures 560a, 560b are transverse to the mounting portions 540a, 540b of the respective crumple zone 21 2012202001 04 Apr 2012 member 360a, 360b, 360c. Furthermore, the apertures 560a, 560b, 560c are also evenly spaced apart.

[0089] In other embodiments, the central portions 550 of each of the crumple zone members 360a, 360b, 360c may have any suitable shaped transverse cross-section such as a zigzag shape or a sinuous shape.

[0090] The mounting portion 540a of the crumple zone member 360a is mounted to the side 420a of the compression plate 380 and the mounting portion 540b of the crumple zone member 360a is mounted to the side 456a of the compression plate 450. The crumple zone member 360a is mounted such that the central portion 550 curves upwardly and outwardly in use. Similarly, the mounting portion 540a of the crumple zone member 360b is mounted to the side 420b of the compression plate 380 and the mounting portion 540b of the crumple zone member 360b is mounted to the side 456b of the compression plate 450. The crumple zone member 360b is mounted such that the central portion 550 curves downwardly and outwardly in use. The mounting portion 540a of the crumple zone member 360c is mounted to the longitudinal side 410b of the compression plate 380 and the mounting portion 540b of the crumple zone member 360c is mounted to the longitudinal side 455b of the compression plate 450. The crumple zone member 360c is mounted such that the central portion 550 curves outwardly away from the integral crumple zone member 430. It will be appreciated that the crumple zone members 360a, 360b, 360c and the integral crumple zone member 430 defines an internal volume therein having a generally rectangular prism shape. In this embodiment, the mounting portions 540a, 540b of the crumple zone members 360a, 360b, 360c are securely mounted to the first 340 and second 350 mounting brackets by welding but, in other embodiments, any other suitable methods may be used such as interference fitting, riveting or bolting.

[0091] The crumple zone members 360a, 360b, 360c are further adapted for controlled deformation in response to a compressive load being applied to the side step in use. Similarly, the integral crumple zone member 430 is also adapted for controlled deformation in response to the compressive load being applied to the side step in use. In the event when a compressive load is applied to the side step, for example when the side step collides with an animal or an inanimate object, the 22 2012202001 04 Apr 2012 energy from the compressive load is transferred to the tube portion 370 and then to the compression plate 380 of the first mounting bracket 340. The energy is then distributed to the crumple zone members 360a, 360b, 360c and the integral crumple zone member 430. The crumple zone members 360a, 360b, 360c and the integral crumple zone member 430 will then deform absorbing a certain amount of energy and causing the first mounting bracket 340 to move towards the second mounting bracket 350 reducing the internal volume. The remaining energy will be transferred to the second mounting bracket and to the chassis member of the vehicle. Since the central portions 550 of the crumple zone members 360a, 360b, 360c are curved outwardly, the central portions 550 will deform outwardly in a predictable manner such that the risk of the deformed crumple zone members 360a, 360b, 360c interfering with the function or the performance of the impact absorbing assembly 330 or the vehicle is substantially reduced.

[0092] It will be appreciated that the apertures 560a, 560b reduce the rigidity of the respective crumple zone members 360a, 360b, 360c such that the crumple zone members 360a, 360b, 360c are able to deform more readily. Thus, the crumple zone members 360a, 360b, 360c deform relatively quickly compared to other portions of the integral absorbing assembly 330. In other embodiments, the central portions 550 of each of the crumple zone members 360a, 360b, 360c comprises one or more apertures depending on the rigidity required. The obround and elongate shape of the apertures 560a, 560b and the alignment of the apertures 560a, 560b with the length of the impact absorbing assembly 330 in use allows the stress experienced by the crumple zone members 360a, 360b, 360c to be more evenly distributed around the apertures 560a, 560b such that the crumple zone members 360a, 360b, 360c are able to deform more evenly and thus absorb energy efficiently. Furthermore, the more even distribution of the stress reduces stress concentration on the crumple zone member 360a, 360b, 360c such that there is a reduced risk of brittle failure (i.e. fracture) which can significantly reduce the ability of the crumple zone members 360a, 360b, 360c to absorb energy. In other embodiments, the apertures 560a, 560b may be any other suitable shape such as a circle, rectangle, or square. Similarly, the aperture 440 of the integral crumple zone member 430 reduces the rigidity of the integral crumple zone member 430 such that the integral crumple zone member 430 is able to deform more readily. Although the rigidity of the integral crumple zone 23 2012202001 04 Apr 2012 member 430 is reduced, it will be appreciated that the integral crumple zone member 430 is more rigid than the crumple zone members 360a, 360b, 360c as the integral crumple zone member 430 is planar and not curved. Thus, the integral crumple zone member 430 provides structural rigidity between the first 340 and second 350 mounting brackets. In other embodiments, the integral crumple zone member 430 comprises one or more apertures depending on the rigidity required. Also, the mounting portions 540a, 540b of each of the crumple zone members 360a, 360b, 360c allow for secure attachment to the first 340 and second 350 mounting brackets such that energy can efficiently be transferred from the side step to the crumple zone member 360a, 360b, 360c for absorption when the compressive load is applied to the side step in use. Furthermore, the mounting portions 540a, 540b of each of the crumple zone members 360a, 360b, 360c ensure the correct orientation of the respective crumple zone member 360a, 360b, 360c in use. It will also be appreciated that the crumple zone members 360a, 360b are located opposite to each other when they are mounted between the first 340 and second 350 mounting bracket allowing each of the crumple zone members 360a, 360b to deform without interference from the other.

[0093] As the mechanical properties of the 6mm steel alloy used to manufacture the impact absorbing assembly 330 are known and the effect of the size, shape and orientation of the aperture 440 of the integral crumple zone member 430 and the apertures 560a, 560b of the crumple zone members 360a, 360b, 360c on the mechanical properties of the steel alloy are known, a predictable amount of energy is absorbed by the integral crumple zone member 430 and the crumple zone members 360a, 360b, 360c from the side step when the compressive load is applied to the side step in use. Beneficially, a predictable amount of energy is transferred to the chassis member when the compressive load is applied to the side step in use.

[0094] In modern cars, the accelerometer is located on the chassis member of the vehicle and is adapted to measure the change in acceleration caused by collisions to decide whether to deploy the airbags. Usually, the accelerometer has an algorithm that decides when the change in acceleration is too great and thus deployment of the airbag is required. The algorithm is set to the exact specification of the vehicle and thus any modifications to the standard components of the vehicle 24 2012202001 04 Apr 2012 changes the ability of the algorithm to deploy the airbags at the necessary time. In particular, the replacement of the standard side step with another side step can cause significant detriment to the ability of the algorithm to properly deploy the airbags as there may be a significant weight and size difference between the side steps. For example, the standard side step may be replaced with a heavier and larger side step changing the deceleration characteristics of the vehicle in low-impact collisions compared to the standard side step and hence cause unnecessary deployment of the airbags. The use of the impact absorbing assembly 330 allows a predictable amount of energy to be absorbed by the integral crumple zone member 430 and the crumple zone members 360a, 360b, 360c from the side step and reduces the risk of the accelerometer detecting a large change in acceleration from low-impact collisions and deploying the airbags unnecessarily.

[0095] According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a side step assembly 570, as shown in Figs. 8 (i-iii), for mounting to a vehicle having a side chassis member. The side step assembly 570 comprises two impact absorbing assemblies 330 as described in any one of the preceding paragraphs and a side step 580. The side step 580 is adapted to be located at the side of the vehicle to protect the vehicle from damage in a side collision and assist users in entering or exiting the vehicle. The side step 580 is generally manufactured from a steel alloy but may also be manufactured from other materials such as an aluminium alloy, titanium alloy or a polymer.

[0096] In this embodiment, the attachment plate 470 of one of the impact absorbing assemblies 330 is triangular and adapted to be bolted to the front of the side chassis member. The attachment plate 470 of the other impact absorbing assembly 330 is rectangular in shape and adapted to be bolted to the back of the side chassis member.

[0097] The impact absorbing assembly 330 with the triangular attachment plate 470 is attached to a front portion of the side step 580 by having the top of the straight portion 390 welded to the underside of the side step 580. Similarly, the impact absorbing assembly 330 with the rectangular attachment plate 470 is attached to a back portion of the side step 580 by having the top of the straight portion 390 welded to the underside of the side step 580. It will be appreciated that the straight portion 25 2012202001 04 Apr 2012 390 of each of the impact absorbing assemblies 330 is horizontal when each of the attachment plate 470 are bolted to the chassis member such that the side step 580 is also horizontal in use. It will be appreciated that the impact absorbing assemblies 330 are attached evenly along the side step 580 such that when the compressive load is applied to the side step 580 in use, the energy from the side step 580 is distributed amongst the impact absorbing assemblies 330. Furthermore, the capacity to absorb more energy is increased with two impact absorbing assemblies 330. Although it is shown in Figs. 8 (i-iii) that there are two impact absorbing assemblies 330, in other embodiments, there may be one or more impact absorbing assemblies 330.

[0098] According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a vehicle comprising the side step assembly 570 as described in any one of the preceding paragraphs and a side chassis member. The impact assemblies 330 are bolted to the side chassis members such that the side step is located in the side of the vehicle for protection against side collisions and to assist user in entering and exiting the vehicle.

Interpretation

Compressive load: [0099] A “compressive load” is defined in this specification as a load having at least one directional component towards the vehicle.

Embodiments: [00100] Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments. 26 2012202001 04 Apr 2012 [00101] Similarly it should be appreciated that in the above description of example embodiments of the invention, various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments are hereby expressly incorporated into this Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this invention.

[00102] Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form different embodiments, as would be understood by those in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

Specific Details [00103] In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description.

Terminology [00104] In describing the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar technical purpose. Terms such as "forward", "rearward", "radially", "peripherally", "upwardly", "downwardly", and the like 27 2012202001 04 Apr 2012 are used as words of convenience to provide reference points and are not to be construed as limiting terms.

Comprising and Including [00105] In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context reguires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” are used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

[00106] Any one of the terms: including or which includes or that includes as used herein is also an open term that also means including at least the elements/features that follow the term, but not excluding others. Thus, including is synonymous with and means comprising.

Scope of Invention [00107] Thus, while there has been described what are believed to be the preferred embodiments of the invention, those skilled in the art will recognize that other and further modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention, and it is intended to claim all such changes and modifications as fall within the scope of the invention. For example, any formulas given above are merely representative of procedures that may be used. Functionality may be added or deleted from the block diagrams and operations may be interchanged among functional blocks. Steps may be added or deleted to methods described within the scope of the present invention.

[00108] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms.

Industrial Applicability [00109] It is apparent from the above, that the arrangements described are applicable to industries related to vehicles and vehicle components.

Claims (24)

1. Claims The claims defining the invention are as follows:

   1. An impact absorbing assembly for mounting between a chassis member of a vehicle and an impact member, including: -a first mounting bracket adapted for mounting to the impact member; the first mounting bracket having a compression plate acting as a transfer impact surface from the impact member, -a second mounting bracket having a shaping adapted for mounting on an end portion of the chassis and mounting to the chassis member so as to t ran sfe r impact energy to the chassis; and -one or more crumple zone members adapted for acting between the first and second mounting brackets for controlled deformation in response to a compressive load being applied to the impact member in use wherein a substantially predictable amount of energy is absorbed by the one or more crumble members when a compressive load is applied to the impact member in use and limits the predictable amount of t ran sfe r impact energy to the chassis
2. 2. An impact absorbing assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the compression plate of the first mounting bracket and a compression plate of the second mounting bracket are spaced and the one or more crumple zone members extend on lateral sides of the spacing and supportively connecting the compression plate and the compression plate of the second mounting bracket and wherein the central portion of each of the at least one of the one or more crumple zone members curves outwardly and upon a compressive load being applied to the impact member in use predictively absorbs energy and deflects further outwardly.
3. 3. An impact absorbing assembly as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the one or more crumple zone members are selectable for their known predictable amount of energy is absorbed by the one or more crumble members by selection of one or more of: a) material b) thickness of material c) curvature of shape d) inclusion of cut-outs e) mount
4. 4. An impact absorbing assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more crumple zone members are two or more crumple zone members and wherein two of the two or more crumple zone members are located in spaced relation and opposite to each other when they are mounted between compression plate of the first mounting bracket and second mounting brackets.
5. 5. An impact absorbing assembly as claimed in claim 1,2 or 3 wherein each of the one or more crumple zone members has two mounting portions, one mounting portion for mounting to the first mounting bracket and the other mounting portion for mounting to the second mounting bracket; wherein each of the one or more crumple zone members has a central portion disposed substantially between the two mounting portions; and wherein the central portion of each of the at least one of the one or more crumple zone members curves outwardly and upon a compressive load being applied to the impact member in use predictively absorbs energy and deflects further outwardly .
6. 6. An impact absorbing assembly as claimed in claim 1,2or3wherein the shaping of the second mounting bracket is adapted for receiving as a sleeve an end portion of the chassis and mounting to the chassis member so as to effect transfer impact energy linearly to the chassis
7. 7. An impact absorbing assembly as claimed in claim 4 or 5, wherein the central portion of at least one of the one or more crumple zone members comprises one or more apertures therethrough.
8. 8. An impact absorbing assembly as claimed in claim 7, wherein each of the one or more apertures is elongate and generally aligned with a length of the impact absorbing assembly.
9. 9. An impact absorbing assembly as claimed in claim 6, wherein each of the one or more apertures is elongate and generally aligned laterally to a length of the impact absorbing assembly.
10. 10. An impact absorbing assembly as claimed in claim 6, wherein each of the one or more apertures is obround in shape.
11. 11. An impact absorbing assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the chassis member is a side chassis member.
12. 12. An impact absorbing assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first mounting bracket is integral with the impact member.
13. 13. An impact absorbing assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first mounting bracket comprises an integral crumple zone member.
14. 14. An impact absorbing assembly as claimed in claim 12, wherein the integral crumple zone member comprises one or more apertures therethrough.
15. 15. An impact absorbing assembly as claimed in claim 12, wherein the integral crumple zone member is welded to the second mounting bracket.
16. 16. An impact absorbing assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second mounting bracket has an integral crumple zone member.
17. 17. An impact absorbing assembly as claimed in claim 15, wherein the integral crumple zone member comprises one or more apertures therethrough.
18. 18. An impact absorbing assembly as claimed in claim 15, wherein the integral crumple zone member is welded to the first mounting bracket.
19. 19. An impact absorbing assembly as claimed in claim 15, wherein the second mounting bracket further comprises a rim portion that extends upwardly from a longitudinal side of the extension portion in the same plane as the longitudinal side portion of the tube portion wherein the rim portion is adapted to reduce lateral movement of the chassis member relative to the impact absorbing assembly when the front end portion of the chassis member is housed within the tube portion
20. 20. An impact member assembly for mounting to a vehicle having a chassis member, the impact member assembly comprising: □ an impact member; and □ one or more impact absorbing assemblies as defined in claim 1, each of the one or more impact absorbing assemblies being mounted to the impact member via their respective first mounting bracket in use.
21. 21. An impact member assembly as claimed in claim 20, wherein the impact member is a side step.
22. 22. An impact member assembly as claimed in claim 20, further comprising a cross bar, the second mounting bracket of each of the one or more impact absorbing assemblies being adapted to engage with the cross bar.
23. 23. An impact member assembly as claimed in claim 20, wherein the impact member is a bull bar.
24. 24. A vehicle, comprising: - a chassis member; - an impact member assembly as claimed in claim 20.