AU700329B2

AU700329B2 - A bull-bar assembly

Info

Publication number: AU700329B2
Application number: AU56108/96A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Henri Baumann
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1991-05-28
Filing date: 1996-06-18
Publication date: 1998-12-24
Anticipated expiration: 2012-05-28
Also published as: AU5610896A

Description

be tilted forward away from the front of the vehicle thereby permitting forward tilting of the cabin. Typically the bumper bar includes an aperture formed therein which provides access to a tow bar of a tow bar assembly comprising a plurality of heavy steel plates which are mounted on the chassis.

The mounting of a bumper bar to a motor vehicle typically involves the welding of mounting brackets to the bumper bar and to either the chassis of the vehicle or a chassis mounting such as an existing tow bar assembly. The mounting procedure may also involve some modification of the chassis or the chassis mounting to which the bumper bar is attached. Such alterations can be rather time consuming and 7 wherein the method of attachment does not readily facilitate the removal or replacement of the bumper bar.

Furthermore, because the configuration of the chassis and/or the chassis mountings of a particular vehicle may differ from those pertaining to a different make and/or model of vehicle, the mounting brackets are invariably manufactured 20 to suit the particular vehicle to which it is desirous to fit *i the bumper bar or bull bar. It will be appreciated that the need to manufacture mounting brackets to suit the disposition of the mountings of many different models of motor vehicle is both costly and time consuming.

The present invention aims to alleviate the above disadvantages and to provide a bull-bar assembly which will be reliable and efficient in use. Other objects and

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advantages of this invention will hereinafter become apparent.

With the foregoing and other objects in view, this invention in one aspect resides broadly in a bull bar assembly including:a primary transverse frame member which is mountable on a vehicle; an auxiliary frame member which is also mountable on a vehicle and which in combination with said primary transverse frame member forms a protective frame assembly, said auxiliary frame member being capable of displacement relative to said transverse frame member, and releasable retaining means for retaining said auxiliary frame member in an operative position relative to said transverse frame member.

The bull bar assembly may also include a cover which is adapted to cover or at least partially conceal the connection between the primary transverse frame member and the auxiliary frame member.

The primary transverse frame member may be constructed from any suitable material and may possess any suitable shape. For example, the transverse frame member may be constructed from metal or plastics materials and may include a top wall and a dependent skirt.

The transverse frame member and the auxiliary frame member may be releasably or otherwise movably connected to one another whereby the auxiliary frame member, or at least 4 portions thereof, may be displaced from the transverse frame member. For example, the auxiliary frame member may be pivotally connected to the primary transverse frame member.

To facilitate the connection of the primary transverse frame member to the auxiliary frame member, the primary transverse frame member may include a plurality of mountings adapted to facilitate the attachment thereto of the auxiliary frame member. The mountings may include mounting apertures, mounting flanges or a series of projections or recesses adapted for engagement with complementary recesses or projections forming part of either the auxiliary frame member or the attachment means.

The auxiliary frame member may follow or complement the 1 contours of a motor vehicle and wherein the assembly may include a plurality of interconnected auxiliary frame members, some or all of which may be connected to the primary transverse frame member. The auxiliary frame member may also include mountings including mounting apertures or flanges facilitating the attachment of the frame member to 20 the primary transverse frame member.

The retaining means may comprise the connection means used to effect a releasable connection between an auxiliary frame member and the primary transverse frame member. For example, the retaining means may be a mechanical fastener such as a bolted connection maintaining the connection between the auxiliary frame member and the transverse frame member.

Alternatively, in the case where the auxiliary frame member is capable of movement relative to the transverse frame member whilst remaining connected thereto, the retaining means may be adapted to retain the auxiliary frame member in a desired or operative position with respect to the transverse frame member. For example the retaining means may comprise a locking member which is adapted to engage portions of both the transverse frame member and the auxiliary frame member. Alternatively, the retaining means may be adapted to disable or otherwise prevent movement of the pivotal connection used to connect the auxiliary frame member and the transverse frame member. However, it will also be appreciated that the retaining means may comprise a releasable connection between the auxiliary frame member and a fixture on the vehicle.

The cover may be integral with or attached to either the primary transverse frame member or the auxiliary frame member and wherein the cover may be a substantially solid object or it may be a shell. The cover may include attachment means 20 for attaching of the cover to the auxiliary frame member and/or the primary transverse frame member and/or connection means for connecting the auxiliary frame member to the primary transverse frame member. In an alternative embodiment, an adhesive may be used to attach the covering means to either the primary transverse frame member or the auxiliary frame member.

The cover may provide shock absorbtion characteristics 6 and in one embodiment may include a resilient contact portion which may be adapted to protect the primary transverse frame member from damage in the event of a minor collision.

Alternatively, the cover may be manufactured predominantly from a material having shock absorbing characteristics. For example, the cover may be molded from a resilient material such as a plastics material or a rubber material. Preferably the cover is molded from a polyurethane material.

The cover may also include a plug or cap intended to close or cover any exposed aperture or recess formed therein.

In a further aspect, this invention resides in mounting means for mounting a primary transverse frame member on a motor vehicle including:a primary transverse frame member mounting bracket portion adapted to be connected to a rear portion of the primary transverse frame member, and a vehicle mounting portion adapted to be connected to the vehicle. Preferably the mounting portions are constituted by respective brackets which are adjustably 20 connected to one another. Preferably, the primary transverse frame member mounting portion is adjustably mounted to the rear of the primary transverse frame member and there are provisions for adjustably mounting the vehicle mounting portion to the vehicle.

In one embodiment, the primary transverse frame member may include a rear mounting flange and the mounting means may include a primary transverse frame member mounting bracket 7 having a primary transverse frame member mounting bracket portion adapted for connection to the mounting flange. The mounting flange and the primary transverse frame member mounting bracket may each include a plurality of mounting apertures through which a threaded fastener or the like may pass. The mounting apertures may be slotted thereby permitting adjustment of the relative position of the bracket and the primary transverse frame member to suit the particular disposition of existing chassis mountings on the vehicle.

The primary transverse frame member mounting bracket may **.also include a vehicle mounting bracket portion having formed therein a plurality of mounting apertures and wherein a threaded fastener or the like may pass through a selected mounting aperture and a corresponding aperture formed in the chassis mounting. The mounting apertures again, may be slotted.

In a further embodiment, the primary transverse frame member mounting bracket may be adapted for connection to a vehicle mounting bracket and wherein both brackets may include a plurality of slotted apertures through which a threaded fastener or the like connecting the two brackets may pass. The vehicle mounting bracket may also include a vehicle mounting bracket portion which may be adjustably connected to a selected chassis mounting and may include a plurality of slotted apertures.

In yet another aspect, this invention relates to a 8 mounting for mounting a bumper bar to the chassis of a motor vehicle including:a first mounting portion for attachment to the chassis; a second mounting portion for attachment to the bumper bar, and mounting means on said second mounting portion which permits adjustment in the location relative thereto of connecting means connecting the second mounting portion and the bumper bar.

The mounting may be made from any suitable material.

However in the preferred embodiment the mounting is an aluminium extrusion.

In one embodiment, the first and second mounting portions may be orthogonal and wherein there may be provided a third mounting portion which may provide support for attachments such as a skirt dependent from the bumper bar.

*4° Consequently the mounting may be channel shaped.

The mounting may also include attachment means pertaining to the first mounting portion which permits adjustment of the location relative thereto of connecting means connecting the first mounting portion and the chassis.

4 4 The mounting means and the attachment means may each comprise an aperture, such as a slotted aperture, or plurality of apertures formed in the second and first mounting portions respectively. Alternatively the mounting means and the attachment means may each comprise a recess adapted to receive and retain therein the head of a 9 mechanical fastener. Furthermore, the mounting means and the attachment means may extend in any direction along the length of the second and first mountings respectively.

The mounting may also include a towing member such as a vertically or horizontally disposed tow bar which may be used to facilitate towing of the vehicle.

In order that this invention may be more easily understood and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings which illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention, wherein:- FIG. 1 is a front view of a bull-bar assembly 4* 4 4 0 *04* 44 4 444 0 a.

a 4 404 4S 4 4, 4 .4.4 constructed FIG. 2 is a illustrated FIG. 3 is a illustrated FIG. 4 is a illustrated FIG. 5 is a illustrated in accordance with the present invention; top view of the bull-bar assembly in figure 1; side view of the bull-bar assembly in figure 1; sectional view of the bull-bar assembly in figure 1; sectional view of the bull-bar assembly in figure 1; .4 4 FIG. 6 is a perspective view of mounting means for mounting a primary transverse frame member to a vehicle; FIG. 7 is a front view of a portion of another bull-bar assembly constructed in accordance with the present invention; FIG. 8 is a side cross-sectional view of the bullbar assembly illustrated in figure 7; FIG. 9 is a side cross-sectional view of the bullbar assembly illustrated in figure 7 showing in detail the connection between the primary transverse frame member and the vehicle chassis; FIG. 10 is a plan view of a portion of the bullbar assembly illustrated in figure 7 showing in detail the retaining means for retaining the auxiliary frame member in an operative position, and FIG. 11 is a rear view of a hinge member.

Figures 1 to 4 illustrate a bull-bar assembly including a primary transverse frame member or bumper bar 11, and a plurality of auxiliary frame members 12 releasably attached to the bumper bar 11 and which cooperate to form a protective grid to be mounted on the front of a motor vehicle.

The bumper bar 11 has a substantially shaped transverse cross-section and includes a front wall 13 positioned intermediate a top wall 14 and a bottom wall and wherein the top wall 14 and the bottom wall 15 each include a rear peripheral flange 16 and 17 respectively. The bumper bar 11 further includes a plurality of mounting apertures 18 and 19 formed in the flanges 16 and 17 to which may be attached vehicle mounting means 20 connecting the bumper bar 11 and chassis mountings, not shown, of a motor vehicle.

The frame members 12 include an inverted, substantially o 0 11 shaped central frame member 21 and two side frame members 22 each having an end 23 which is welded to an intermediate portion 24 of the central frame member so as to form a single unit. Each frame member 21 or 22 is constructed from a length of tubular steel or aluminium which has been bent such that the frame members 21 and 22 follow or enhance the contours applicable to the motor vehicle to which the bullbar 10 is to be attached to.

The free ends 26 of the frame member 21 each include a mounting notch formed therein and a mounting plate 27 welded thereto such that in an assembled state the mounting plates 27 abut against the top wall 14 of the bumper bar 11 and the side edges 28 of the notches abut against the front wall 13 of the bumper bar 11 as illustrated in figure 4.

The central frame member 21 is secured to the bumper bar 11 by bolts 29 having threaded ends 30, and wherein the shank of each bolt extends through an aperture 31 and a threaded aperture 32 formed in the top wall 14 of the bumper bar 11 and the mounting plate 27 respectively.

20 The central frame member 21 is further secured to the bumper bar 11 by two shaped bolts 33 which extend about respective ends 26 of the frame member 21 and which extend through respective mounting apertures 34 formed in the front wall 13 of the bumper bar 11. The bolts 33 are retained in 25 place by nuts 35 and washers The free ends 25 of the outer frame members 22 are each closed by a mounting plate or threaded welded spigot 36 and S S

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S S 12 are spaced from the top wall 14 of the bumper bar 11 by a cast cover 44. The cover 44 includes a recess 45 adapted to fit about a respective end 25 of an outer frame member 22 and further includes a spigot 46 for insertion in a corresponding aperture formed in the top wall 14 of the bumper bar 11.

The frame members 22 are each secured to the bumper bar 11 by bolts 37 each having a threaded shank 38 and wherein the shank of each bolt extends through a mounting aperture 39 formed in the spigot 46 and a threaded aperture 40 formed in the mounting plate 36. The head of the bolt 37 is shown spaced from the top wall 14 of the bumper bar 11 by a tapered washer 47.

It will be appreciated that other constructions may be employed to bolt the frame member to the bumper bar including the replacement of the welded spigot with a split spigot having an inwardly converging recess in which is seated the head of a bolt used to connect the frame member to the bumper bar and wherein the expanded spigot is retained within the frame member as a consequence of a load applied to the bolt.

20 o* *e The connections securing the central frame member 21 to the bumper bar 11 are each shielded from view by a cover 41 adapted to cover same. Each cover 41 is cast from a plastics or rubber material and includes an intermediate portion of bolt 33 and a base plate 42 cast therein. The base plate 42 is positioned intermediate the top wall 14 of the bumper bar 11 and the mounting plate 27 and includes an aperture 43 r 13 through which the shank of bolt 33 may pass.

In use, covers 41 are positioned on the bumper bar 11 such that the ends of bolts 33 extend through apertures 34 and apertures 31 and 32 are suitably aligned.

The free ends 26 of the central frame member are placed within the recess defined by the covers 41 and the bumper bar 11 and are secured to the bumper bar by tightening nuts and by threading bolts 29 through apertures 31, 32 and 43.

Similarly, the outer frame members 22 are secured to the bumper bar 11 by threading bolts 37 through apertures 39 and 20 oeoo o 25 *o o r 2 oo ooo oo or When the frame members 21 and 22 are not attached to the bumper bar, plugs, not illustrated, may be placed in or over any mounting apertures formed therein.

A skirt 50 if desired may be secured to the base wall of the bumper bar using a plurality of bolts and/or other fasteners, not shown, and wherein the bottom wall of the bumper bar includes a lip 51 against which an edge of the skirt 50 may abut. An additional skirt 52, if desired, may be secured to the base 53 of skirt 51.

Figure 6 illustrates mounting means 20 for mounting a bumper bar 11 to a motor vehicle, not shown, including a bumper bar mounting bracket 61 and a vehicle mounting bracket 62.

The bumper bar mounting bracket 61 includes a bumper bar mounting flange 64 and a web 65 positioned intermediate the bumper bar mounting flange and the front wall 13 of the 14 bumper bar 11. The bumper bar mounting flange 64 includes upper and lower, horizontally orientated, slotted mounting apertures 62 and 63. The web includes a plurality of mounting apertures The bumper bar mounting flange may be secured to the rear flanges 16 and 17 of the bumper bar 11 using bolts, not shown, adapted to extend through a selected aperture 18 and a slotted aperture 62 and through a selected aperture 19 and slotted aperture 63 respectively.

The vehicle mounting bracket when viewed in plan is substantially shaped and includes a bracket mounting portion 66, having a plurality of vertically orientated slotted apertures 69, and a vehicle mounting portion 67 having a plurality of horizontally orientated, slotted apertures 71, separated by an intermediate portion 68.

In use bolts, not shown, may be passed through aligned apertures 69 and 70 and subsequently tightened so as to connect the vehicle mounting bracket and the bumper bar mounting bracket together. Similarly, bolts may be passed 20 through apertures formed in the chassis mountings and a selected aperture 71 and subsequently tightened so as to connect the vehicle mounting bracket to the vehicle.

It will be appreciated that the disposition of the mounting means 20 relative to the chassis mountings may be altered by selecting appropriate apertures 18 and 19 and by sliding the bumper bar mounting bracket in a lateral direction as indicated by arrows 80, and/or by sliding the 0 00 0 0 000 0 00 0 0 0* 00 0 0**0 *00 0 0 00000 vehicle mounting bracket in a vertical direction, as indicated by arrows 81, relative to the bumper bar mounting bracket, and/or by selecting an appropriate aperture 71 and by sliding the vehicle mounting bracket in a horizontal direction, as indicated by arrows 82, relative to the chassis mounting.

Figures 7 to 10 illustrate yet another bull-bar assembly 100 comprising a primary transverse frame member or bumper bar 101, a pair of vertically disposed frame members 102, (only one of which is shown), being of hollow construction and each extending upwardly and forwardly from the transverse frame member 101. The bull-bar assembly also includes a second or intermediate transverse frame member 103 which is connected to the two frame members 102.

The bull-bar assembly 100 is connected to a vertically disposed wall 104 of a chassis member 105 by connecting means 106 which includes a shaped extruded connecting member 107 made of aluminium. The connecting member 107 includes an upper mounting flange 108 and a lower mounting flange 109 separated by an intermediate mounting flange 110.

The mounting flanges 108, 109 and 110 each include a pair of channel shaped recesses 111 formed therein which extend along the length thereof. The recesses 111 are each substantially shaped and are each adapted to receive 25 slidably therein the head of a bolt 112, each bolt being retained within the respective recess by opposing inwardly directed lips 113.

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The intermediate mounting flange 110 is releasably secured to the chassis member 105 by a plurality of bolts 112a which extend through apertures formed in the wall 104 and which are retained in place by nuts 114.

The connecting means 106 also includes a pair of upper and a pair of lower shaped mounting brackets 116 each having a horizontally disposed mounting flange 117, which is releasably attached to either the upper or the lower flange 108 or 109 respectively by bolts 112, and a vertically disposed mounting flange 118, each of which includes a pair mounting apertures formed therein.

The rear of the bumper bar 101 is provided with a pair of upper mountings 119 and a pair of lower mountings 120 which have been welded thereto. The upper mountings 119, located at opposite ends of the bumper bar 101, are releasably secured to respective abutting mounting flanges 118 by bolts 121. Similarly, the lower mountings 120, also located at opposite ends of the bumper bar, are releasably secured to respective abutting mounting flanges 118.

The rear wall of the bumper bar 101 is also supported by the abutting end portions 122 and 123 of the upper and lower flanges 108 and 109 respectively.

The bumper bar 101 may also include an aperture 125 formed in the front wall thereof and which provides access to a vertically disposed, cylindrical, toe bar 126. The toe bar includes an enlarged head portion 127 which rests upon a horizontally disposed plate 128 supported at opposite ends by opposing mounting flanges 116, and a dependant shank 129, which extends through aligned apertures formed in the plate 127 and flanges 108 and 109.

The bumper bar 101 also includes a separate lower skirt 130. The skirt includes an upper mounting portion 131 which is receivable within, and may be welded to, a complementary shaped recess formed in a lower wall of the bumper bar 101.

The skirt also includes a plurality of rearwardly directed ribs 132 which abut against corresponding ribs of a skirt supporting member 133 which is welded to the lower edges of mounting brackets 116a and is supported from behind by lugs 134 dependent from respective flanges 120.

The lower end 136 of each auxiliary frame member 102 is hingedly connected to the bumper bar 101 such that each auxiliary frame member may rotate relative to the bumper bar 101 about an axis containing pins 138.

The pins 138 are each rotatably supported by a yoke 140 and wherein each yoke includes a pair of opposing flanges 139 separated by a respective web. The web is releasably secured oooee 20 to a flange 141 dependent from flange 109 by a bolt 142.

••co The pins 138 are each connected to a respective cast arm member 143 having a plurality of circular ribs 143a which are each welded to the internal wall of a respective auxiliary frame member 102, access thereto being provided by the 25 removal of a portion of the rear wall thereof, not shown.

The bull-bar assembly is also provided with two covers 145 made from a polyurethane material and each being adapted 18 to at least partially conceal the hinged connections connecting the frame members 102 to the bumper bar 101. The covers each include a bore which is adapted to receive the lower portion of a respective frame member 102 and wherein each cover is also adapted to conceal the cutaway formed in each of the respective frame members for the purposes of welding the arm members thereto. The covers 145 are each connected to respective a arm member 143 using threaded fasteners 175.

The bull-bar assembly also includes a pair of locking assemblies 150 for retaining the auxiliary frame members in an operative upstanding position as shown in figure 9. Each locking assembly includes a hinge comprising two shaped hinge members 151 and 152 which are pivotally connected by a pin 153 and which are adapted to close from either side about auxiliary frame member 103.

Each hinge member 152 is supported by and spaced from o 6.0. the bumper bar 101 by a chrome spacing member 154 and a too.

to. polyurethane washer 155. Furthermore, each hinge member 152 99e*** 20 is secured to a base plate 156 which is welded to plate 128 by two bolts 157, each having a shank 159 which extends through a respective sleeve 160 welded to hinge member 152 at too.

161. The ends of each shank are threaded and are also retained within respective threaded apertures formed in the plates 156.

Each hinge member 152 is also provided with a threaded sleeve 163 which is adapted to receive the threaded end of a 9 .9 19 respective locking member 164 and a polyurethane cover 165 intended to at least partially conceal the means by which the hinge member 152 is connected to the bumper bar. The hinge members 151 each also include an outer cover made from polyurethane and each include an aperture formed therein through which the threaded end of a respective locking member may extend.

In use, a suitable length of the extruded connecting member 107 may be attached to the wall 104 of a chassis member using a plurality of bolts 112 so as to facilitate the subsequent connection thereto of a bumper bar as described below or a bull-bar assembly of the type illustrated in figures 7 to For example, pairs of upper and lower brackets 116 and 116a may be attached to the connecting member 107 at appropriate positions along the length thereof which will permit the mounting brackets 119 and 120 previously welded to a bumper bar to be subsequently attached thereto using bolts 121.

Furthermore, in use, the auxiliary frame member 102 may be released from it's operative upstanding position by unscrewing the locking member 164 thereby enabling the upper hinge member 151 may be released from its clamping position about frame member 103 as illustrated by arrow 170 in figure 8. This then permits the forward rotation of the auxiliary frame member about an axis containing pin 138 as illustrated by arrow 171 thereby permitting the user to tilt the cabin of the vehicle, not shown.

Similarly, the auxiliary frame member 102 may be retained in an operative position as shown in figure 8 by clamping hinge members 151 and 152 about frame member 103 and by the subsequent engagement of the locking member 164 with the sleeve 163.

It will of course be realised that while the above has been given by way of illustrative example of this invention, all such and other modifications and variations thereto as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of this invention as is herein defined in the appended claims.

*o 0 **o 21 THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS: i. A bull bar assembly including:a primary transverse frame member mountable on a vehicle; an upstanding auxiliary frame member connected to and extending upwardly from said primary transverse frame member; connection means for connecting said auxiliary frame member to said transverse frame member, and shock absorbing means mounted on said primary transverse 0 frame member such that said shock absorbing means projects forwardly beyond said primary transverse frame member and said auxiliary frame member, and wherein said shock absorbing .o .00" S"means conceals the connection means when viewed from the forward direction.

0 15 2. A bull bar assembly as claimed in claim i, wherein said connection means is releasable.

3. A bull bar assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein there is provided a mounting for mounting said primary transverse frame member on the vehicle said mounting including:a first mounting portion for attachment to a chassis of the vehicle; a second mounting portion for attachment to the primary

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Claims

4. A bull bar assembly as claimed in Claim 3, wherein said attachment means includes a channel which extends longitudinally along at least part of said second mounting portion, said channel being adapted to retain therein a head portion of a mechanical fastener. A bull bar assembly as claimed in Claim 3 or Claim 4, wherein there is provided fastening means on said first mounting portion which permits adjustment in the location relative thereto of attachment means connecting said first mounting portion to the chassis.
6. A bull bar assembly as claimed in claim 5, wherein said fastening means is a slot which extends longitudinally along at least part of said first mounting portion, said slot being adapted to retain therein a head portion of a mechanical fastener.
7. A bull bar assembly substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to figures 1 to 6. DATED THIS FIFTH DAY OF NOVEMBER, 1998. HENRI BAUMANN by PIZZEYS PATENT TRADE MARK ATTORNEYS S..9 IV OS S ABSTRACT A bull bar assembly 100 including a primary transverse frame member 101 and an auxiliary frame member 102 which in combination form a protective frame assembly for a motor vehicle. The particular construction of the frame assembly permits the displacement of frame member 102 relative to the frame member 101 and wherein frame member 102 is retained in an operative position by releasable retaining means 164. a