AU2016101202A4

AU2016101202A4 - Bumper Assembly

Info

Publication number: AU2016101202A4
Application number: AU2016101202A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Bruce Spencer; Richard Webber
Original assignee: Stut No 1 Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Stut No1 Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2016-07-20
Filing date: 2016-07-20
Publication date: 2016-08-18
Anticipated expiration: 2024-07-20

Abstract

A bumper assembly for a vehicle, the assembly comprising: a backing plate for attachment to a vehicle; a bumper member adapted for removable attachment to the backing plate, the bumper member comprising an impacting face and one or more side walls extending from the impacting face towards the backing plate during use; and at least one elongate fastener wherein cross section of said fastener decreases along longitudinal direction of the fastener, the fastener being adapted for being received into: a bore extending in between opposed side walls of the bumper member, and into an aperture located on an attachment portion of the backing plate Fla LaJ r- oo oo m r*

Description

BUMPER ASSEMBLY

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention is directed to a bumper assembly. More specifically, the invention is directed to an energy absorbing bumper assembly for a vehicle such as a mining vehicle.

BACKGROUND

Any references to methods, apparatus or documents of the prior art are not to be taken as constituting any evidence or admission that they formed, or form part of the common general knowledge. A number of different types of energy absorbing bumper assemblies have been developed for mounting on vehicles including mining vehicles in order to absorb energy from an impact on the bumper without transmitting the energy to the vehicle.

The impact absorbing bumper module is subject to compressive forces during use and as a result is more susceptible to wear and damage in comparison with the bumper mounting mechanism such as a mounting plate. Vehicle mounted bumper assemblies not only have to absorb the impact when the vehicles are backing into a loading bay, but they must also endure tremendous vertical friction caused by weight being added and removed from the vehicle at the loading bay. Any resulting friction on an impacting face of the bumper module can quickly wear out the bumper module. Therefore, in many instances, the bumper module often requires replacement without necessarily repairing the bumper mounting mechanism.

Replacing a worn bumper module can be surprisingly difficult and time consuming. Corroded anchor bolts and mounting plates that have been welded in place may also need to be cut off. Consequently, a need exists for a bumper assembly that allows the bumper module to be easily replaced in a convenient manner without significant downtime.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect, the invention provides a bumper assembly for a vehicle, the assembly comprising: a backing plate for attachment to a vehicle; a bumper member adapted for removable attachment to the backing plate, the bumper member comprising an impacting face and one or more side walls extending from the impacting face towards the backing plate during use; and at least one elongate fastener wherein cross-section of the fastener decreases along a longitudinal direction of the fastener, the fastener being adapted for being received into: a bore extending in between opposed side walls of the bumper member, and into an aperture located on an attachment portion of the backing plate.

In a second aspect, the invention provides a bumper assembly for a vehicle, the assembly comprising: a backing plate for attachment to a vehicle; a bumper member adapted for removable attachment to the backing plate, the bumper member comprising an impacting face and one or more side walls extending from the impacting face towards the backing plate during use; and at least one elongate fastener, the fastener being adapted for being received into: a bore extending in between opposed side walls of the bumper member, wherein cross-section of the bore decreases along a longitudinal direction of the fastener or said bore, and an aperture located on an attachment portion of the backing plate.

In an embodiment, the elongate fastener and/or the bore comprises a tapered configuration. In an alternative embodiment, the fastener or the bore comprises a stepped configuration.

In an embodiment, the attachment portion projects outwardly from the backing plate, the attachment portion being adapted to be received into a corresponding attachment receiving portion of the bumper member. Preferably, the attachment portion extends outwardly and lies in an orthogonal plane relative to the plane of the backing plate.

In an embodiment, during use, the aperture located on the attachment portion is substantially in alignment with the bore for receiving the elongate fastener therethrough.

In an embodiment, the backing plate comprises at least two and preferably three attachment portions for engagement with the elongate fastener wherein the respective aperture on each of the attachment portions is in substantial alignment with the bore of the bumper member for receiving and engaging the elongate fastener.

In an embodiment, the elongate fastener comprises a head portion and a tapering shank portion such that the shank portion is adapted for being received into the bore and the aperture during use. Preferably, at least one side wall of the bumper member comprises a recess portion adapted for accommodating the head portion of the elongate fastener during use.

In an embodiment, the elongate fastener further comprises a locking arrangement, preferably located at an end portion of the elongate fastener, for preventing the fastener from being withdrawn out of the bore.

In an embodiment, the bumper member comprises a polymeric material and the backing plate comprises a metallic material.

In an embodiment, the bumper assembly further comprises one or more anchoring members for anchoring and receiving tethering means for lifting the bumper member during use. Preferably, the anchoring member comprises an eyelet bolt mounted upon the side wall of the bumper member.

In yet another aspect, the invention provides a bumper member adapted for removable attachment to the backing plate, the bumper member comprising: an impacting face and one or more side walls extending from the impacting face towards the backing plate during use; at least one bore extending in between opposed side walls of the bumper member, and at least one attachment receiving portion for receiving an attachment portion extending outwardly from a backing plate; wherein during use the bore and the attachment receiving portion is adapted for receiving an elongate fastener, wherein cross section of said fastener decreases along a longitudinal direction of the fastener.

In another aspect, the invention provides a bumper member adapted for removable attachment to the backing plate, the bumper member comprising: an impacting face and one or more side walls extending from the impacting face towards the backing plate during use; at least one bore extending in between opposed side walls of the bumper member wherein cross-section of the bore decreases along a longitudinal direction of the fastener or said bore, and at least one attachment receiving portion for receiving an attachment portion extending outwardly from a backing plate; wherein during use the bore and the attachment receiving portion is adapted for receiving an elongate fastener.

In yet another aspect, there is provided a method for attaching a bumper member to a vehicle, the method comprising: positioning a bumper member in close proximity to a backing plate attached to the vehicle; inserting an elongate fastener simultaneously into a bore extending in between opposed side walls of the bumper member and into an aperture located on an attachment portion of the backing plate, said fastener having a tapered configuration; and engaging the fastener with the bore and the attachment portion by axially moving the fastener into the bore thereby fastening the bumper member to the backing plate.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention.

The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in anyway. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows:

Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a bumper assembly 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a sectional view of the bumper assembly 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3 is a side view of the bumper assembly 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 4 is a top view of the bumper assembly 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 5 is a sectional view of the pin 30 used in conjunction with the bumper assembly 100.

Figure 6 is a perspective view of the pin 30 used in conjunction with the bumper assembly 100.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to Figures 1 to 4 a bumper assembly 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated.

The bumper assembly 100 comprises a backing plate 10 that can be attached to a mounting surface on a vehicle by way of fastening bolts 12. In a typical mounting arrangement, the fastening bolts 12 are received into bolt holes 13 provided on the backing plate 10 and fastened to the vehicle by using nuts 14 and washers 16. The backing plate 10 is also provided with outwardly extending attachment portions 18, each of which enable the attachment of a replaceable bumper member 20 onto the backing plate 10.

The bumper member 20 is in the shape of a cuboidal block and includes an impacting face 21 that provides an impacting surface for the bumper member 20. The bumper member also includes a first pair of side walls 23, and a second pair of side walls 25. A quick-release fastening arrangement is provided for enabling the quick release of the bumper member 20 from the backing plate 10. The quick-release fastening arrangement includes a plurality of elongate and tapered pins 30. A detailed illustration of each tapered pin 30 has been provided in Figure 5.

In a fastened configuration, as shown in Figures 2 to 4, the pins 30 extend through a bore 22 that extends in between opposed side walls 25 of the bumper member 20 and through apertures 19 located on each of the attachment portions 18 of the backing plate 10. Each of the pin 30 comprises a head 32 and a tapering shank 34. In the presently described embodiment, the pin 30 tapers in a downwardly direction from a transverse diameter of 31mm (at the head portion) to 25mm (at the shank portion). The taper of each of the pins 30 enables the pins 30 to be received and held in position in the respective bores 22 and apertures 19 of the respective attachment portions 18. Advantageously, a locking arrangement 36 is also provided for preventing the pins 30 from being withdrawn from the bumper member 20. The locking arrangement 36 includes a locking member in the form of a lynch pin that is receivably engaged with a free end of the shank 34 in a locked configuration and prevents the pin 30 from being withdrawn out of the bore 22. It will be understood that in alternative embodiments, one or more of the bores 22 may also be provided with a tapered configuration.

In the fastened configuration, each elongate pin 30 engages with three substantially aligned attachment portions (18A, 18B and 18C) which are received and engaged with corresponding attachment receiving portions 27 positioned along the length of the bore 22. Specifically, the respective aperture 19 on each of the attachment portions 18A, 18B and 18C is in substantial alignment with the bore 22 of the bumper member 20. The attachment portions 18 are shaped Such an arrangement allows each tapered pin 30 to simultaneously engage with the bore 22 of the bumper member 20 and three of the attachment portions (18A, 18B and 18C) and provide a quick-release fastening arrangement for releasing the bumper member 20 from the backing plate 10 and enable quick and easy replacement of the bumper member 20 when the bumper member 20 is damaged and needs replacement.

The side wall 25A (top wall) also includes a recessed portion 24 that accommodates the head 32 when the shank 34 is in engagement with the bore 22 of the bumper member 20 in the fastened configuration.

The bumper assembly 100 is also provided with anchoring members 40 that can be positioned on the bumper member 20 during use. The anchoring members 40 are in the form of eyelet bolts that can be screwed into a side wall of the bumper member 20. The eyebolts are used as a lifting aid when the bumper member is fitted to the vehicle.

In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. The term “comprises” and its variations, such as “comprising” and “comprised of” is used throughout in an inclusive sense and not to the exclusion of any additional features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Throughout the specification and claims (if present), unless the context requires otherwise, the term "substantially" or "about" will be understood to not be limited to the value for the range qualified by the terms.

Any embodiment of the invention is meant to be illustrative only and is not meant to be limiting to the invention. Therefore, it should be appreciated that various other changes and modifications can be made to any embodiment described without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A bumper assembly for a vehicle, the assembly comprising: a backing plate for attachment to a vehicle; a bumper member adapted for removable attachment to the backing plate, the bumper member comprising an impacting face and one or more side walls extending from the impacting face towards the backing plate during use; and at least one elongate fastener wherein cross-section of the fastener decreases along a longitudinal direction of the fastener, the fastener being adapted for being received into: a bore extending in between opposed side walls of the bumper member, and an aperture located on an attachment portion of the backing plate.

2. A bumper assembly in accordance with claim 1 wherein the attachment portion projects outwardly from the backing plate, the attachment portion being adapted to be received into a corresponding attachment receiving portion of the bumper member.

3. A bumper assembly in accordance with claim 1 or claim 2 wherein during use the aperture located on the attachment portion is substantially in alignment with the bore for receiving the elongate fastener there-through.

4. A bumper assembly in accordance with claim 3 comprising at least two and preferably three attachment portions for engagement with the elongate fastener wherein the respective aperture on each of the attachment portions is in substantial alignment with the bore of the bumper member for receiving and engaging the elongate fastener.

5. A bumper assembly in accordance with any one of the preceding claims wherein the elongate fastener comprises a head portion and a tapering shank portion such that the shank portion is adapted for being received into the bore and the aperture during use.

6. A bumper assembly in accordance with claim 5 wherein at least one side wall of the bumper member comprises a recess portion adapted for accommodating the head portion of the elongate fastener during use.

7. A bumper assembly in accordance with any one of the preceding claims wherein the elongate fastener further comprises a locking arrangement, preferably located at an end portion of the elongate fastener, for preventing the fastener from being withdrawn from the bore.

8. A bumper assembly in accordance with any one of the preceding claims wherein the bumper member comprises a polymeric material and the backing plate comprises a metallic material.

9. A bumper assembly in accordance with any one of the preceding claims further comprising one or more anchoring members positioned on the bumper member.

10. A bumper assembly in accordance with claim 9 wherein the anchoring member comprises an eyelet bolt mounted upon the side wall of the bumper member.

11 .A bumper assembly for a vehicle, the assembly comprising: a backing plate for attachment to a vehicle; a bumper member adapted for removable attachment to the backing plate, the bumper member comprising an impacting face and one or more side walls extending from the impacting face towards the backing plate during use; and at least one elongate fastener, the fastener being adapted for being received into: a bore extending in between opposed side walls of the bumper member wherein cross-section of the bore decreases along a longitudinal direction of the fastener, and an aperture located on an attachment portion of the backing plate.

12. A bumper member adapted for removable attachment to the backing plate, the bumper member comprising: an impacting face and one or more side walls extending from the impacting face towards the backing plate during use; at least one bore extending in between opposed side walls of the bumper member, and at least one attachment receiving portion for receiving an attachment portion extending outwardly from a backing plate; wherein during use the bore and the attachment receiving portion is adapted for receiving an elongate fastener, and wherein cross section of said fastener decreases along longitudinal direction of the fastener.

13. A bumper member adapted for removable attachment to the backing plate, the bumper member comprising: an impacting face and one or more side walls extending from the impacting face towards the backing plate during use; at least one bore extending in between opposed side walls of the bumper member wherein cross-section of the bore decreases along a longitudinal direction of the fastener or said bore, and at least one attachment receiving portion for receiving an attachment portion extending outwardly from a backing plate; wherein during use the bore and the attachment receiving portion is adapted for receiving an elongate fastener.

14. A method for attaching a bumper member to a vehicle, the method comprising: positioning a bumper member in close proximity to a backing plate attached to the vehicle; inserting an elongate fastener simultaneously into a bore extending in between opposed side walls of the bumper member and into an aperture located on an attachment portion of the backing plate, said fastener having a tapered configuration; and engaging the fastener with the bore and the attachment portion by axially moving the fastener into the bore thereby fastening the bumper member to the backing plate.