Bumper assembly for a vehicle

Abstract

Aspects of the present invention relate to a bumper assembly (10) for a vehicle (12), the bumper assembly (10) comprising a bumper (14) comprising an upper portion (16) and a lower portion (18); and a cover (32) releasably attachable to the lower portion (18) of the bumper (14). The upper portion (16) of the bumper (14) comprises a first support surface (24) for supporting an object (26) during an impact event, and the first support surface (24) defines a contact plane (25). The cover (32) comprises a second support surface (38) for supporting the object (26) during the impact event. When the cover (32) is attached to the bumper (14), the second support surface (38) is configured to provide an extension to the first support surface (24) in the contact plane (25) during an impact event.

Description

[0001] BUMPER ASSEMBLY FOR A VEHICLE

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a bumper assembly for a vehicle. In particular, a bumper assembly comprising a cover releasably attachable to a bumper is disclosed. Aspects of the invention relate to a bumper assembly for a vehicle, and to a vehicle.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] In vehicles designed for both on and off road driving, it is known to have a ride height of the vehicle that is adjustable between a higher ride height and a lower ride height. The higher ride height is intended for off road driving and the lower ride height is intended for on road driving. At the higher ride height, the ground clearance of the vehicle is greater compared to the lower ride height. Additionally, at the higher ride height, the approach angle of the vehicle is typically also greater compared to the approach angle of the vehicle in the lower ride height so that the off road driving capabilities of the vehicle are improved.

[0006] During an impact event between an object and the vehicle, the object will interact differently with the vehicle depending on whether the vehicle is in the higher or lower ride height due to the differing approach angles and heights of the vehicle.

[0007] It is an aim of the present invention to improve the support provided to an object during an impact event and, in particular, improve the support provided to an object during an impact event when the vehicle is at a higher, off road ride height.

[0008] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Aspects and embodiments of the invention provide a bumper assembly for a vehicle, and a vehicle as claimed in the appended claims.

[0010] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a bumper assembly for a vehicle, the bumper assembly comprising: a bumper; and a cover releasably attachable to the bumper, wherein the bumper comprises a first support surface for supporting an object during an impact event, wherein the cover comprises a second support surface for supporting the object during the impact event, and wherein, when the cover is attached to the bumper, the second support surface provides an extension to the first support surface in the same plane as the first support surface during an impact event.

[0011] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a bumper assembly for a vehicle, the bumper assembly comprising: a bumper comprising an upper portion and a lower portion; and a cover releasably attachable to the lower portion of the bumper, wherein the upper portion of the bumper comprises a first support surface for supporting an object during an impact event, the first support surface defining a contact plane, wherein the cover comprises a second support surface for supporting the object during the impact event, and wherein, when the cover is attached to the bumper, the second support surface is configured to provide an extension to the first support surface in the contact plane during an impact event.Advantageously, during an impact event, the object will contact the first support surface and the second support surface in the contact plane. The cover provides an extension to the support surface of the upper portion of the bumper, which improves the support provided to the object, during the impact event. The cover effectively reduces both the height of the bumper and the approach angle of the vehicle. The support provided by the cover may be particularly advantageous when the object is a lower limb of a pedestrian. The cover is particularly useful when the bumper assembly is attached to a vehicle that is adjustable between multiple ride heights (i.e., an on road ride height, and an off road ride height). For example, when the vehicle is being driven on the road and at a higher, off road ride height, the cover improves the support provided to the object, during the impact event. The cover can be detached from the bumper when the vehicle is being driven off road and at the higher, off road ride height so that the cover does not affect the approach angle of the vehicle.

[0012] For either of the above-described aspects of the invention, the following embodiments apply.

[0013] In an embodiment, when the cover is attached to the bumper, the second support surface may extend substantially along the contact plane such that the cover provides an extension to the first support surface in the contact plane. Prior to an impact event, both the first support surface and second support surface may be in the same plane. In an alternative embodiment, when the cover is attached to the bumper, prior to an impact event the first support surface and the second support surface may reside in substantially parallel planes that are offset from one another by 50 mm or less.

[0014] In an embodiment, when the cover is attached to the bumper, the cover does not extend beyond the contact plane in a forwards direction. As such, during an impact event, the cover does not alter how the object interacts with the first support surface. During an impact event, the object contacts the first support surface and the second support surface in the contact plane at the same time. The object does not contact the cover prior to contacting the first support surface in the contact plane.

[0015] The contact plane may be defined by the forwardmost part of the first support surface. As such, during an impact event the first point of contact between the object and the bumper assembly is as the object contacts the first support surface and the second support surface in the contact plane.

[0016] In an embodiment, the cover may comprise a third support surface extending from and inclined relative to the second support surface of the cover and wherein, when the cover is attached to the bumper, the third support surface is rearwards of the contact plane and beneath the bumper such that the third support surface of the cover may support the object as the object rotates beneath the bumper assembly during the impact event. The third support surface of the cover may provide support to the object as the object rotates beneath the bumper assembly, during an impact event. The cover, when attached to the bumper, may limit rotation of the object, during an impact event. The support provided by the cover during rotation may be particularly advantageous when the object is a lower limb of a pedestrian.

[0017] In an embodiment, an angle of inclination of the third support surface relative to the first support surface may increase in a rearwards direction. The increasing angle of inclination may improve the rotational supportprovided by the cover (due to the angle of the object changing as it rotates further under the vehicle), during an impact event.

[0018] In an embodiment, the lower portion of the bumper may comprise an outer surface that extends from the first support surface of the upper portion of the bumper in a rearwards direction and at an inclined angle relative to the first support surface, and wherein the cover may be releasably attachable to the outer surface of the lower portion of the bumper. The inclined outer surface of the lower portion of the bumper may increase the approach angle of the bumper assembly, which is useful when the vehicle is used off road. When the cover is attached to the lower portion of the bumper, the cover may be in front of the outer surface and so may reduce the approach angle of the vehicle, which may be useful for improving support of an object, during an impact event and non-off road use of the vehicle.

[0019] In an embodiment, the cover may be configured to substantially cover the outer surface of the lower portion of the bumper. The approach angle of vehicle may be reduced across the whole outer surface of the lower portion of the bumper, ensuring that the object may be supported in an impact event, across the entire surface of the lower portion of the bumper.

[0020] In an embodiment, the contact plane may be substantially perpendicular to the ground when the bumper assembly is attached to the vehicle. The bumper assembly may increase the vertical support provided to an object, during an impact event.

[0021] In an embodiment, the cover may be configured to reduce an approach angle of the bumper assembly by between 2.5° and 10°.

[0022] In an embodiment, the extension to the first support surface in the contact plane provided by the cover may be at least 40 mm or from 40 mm to 80 mm.

[0023] In an embodiment, the cover may be deformable. The cover may deform, during an impact event, so as to dissipate energy from the object.

[0024] In an embodiment, the first support surface may be deformable.

[0025] In an embodiment, the cover may be formed of a metal or a polymer. The cover may be formed of lightweight materials (e.g. a metal or a polymer) to ease manual installation.

[0026] In an embodiment, the lower portion of the bumper may comprise attachment portions for releasably attaching the cover thereto.

[0027] According to further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vehicle comprising the bumper assembly according to the invention.In an embodiment, the contact plane may extend substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle. The bumper assembly may increase the vertical support provided to an object during an impact event.

[0028] In an embodiment, a ride height of the vehicle may be adjustable between an on road ride height and an off road ride height, the off road ride height being higher than the on road ride height, and wherein, when the cover is attached to the bumper and the vehicle is in the off road ride height, the lowermost point of the extension to the first support surface in the contact plane provided by the second support surface of the cover may be 455 mm or less above the ground. The cover may reduce the approach angle of vehicle, and may improve the support provided to an object in an impact event, when the vehicle is being used in the higher off road ride height but on the road.

[0029] Within the scope of this application it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples, and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and / or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. That is, all embodiments and / or features of any embodiment can be combined in anyway and / or combination, unless such features are incompatible. The applicant reserves the right to change any originally filed claim or file any new claim accordingly, including the right to amend any originally filed claim to depend from and / or incorporate any feature of any other claim although not originally claimed in that manner.

[0030] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] One or more embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0032] Figure 1 schematically shows a perspective view of the bumper assembly according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0033] Figure 2 shows a side view of a part of a bumper assembly of Figure 1 ;

[0034] Figure 3 schematically shows a perspective view of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 4a shows a side view of the bumper assembly of Figure 1 during an impact event;

[0035] Figure 4b shows a further side view of the bumper assembly of Figure 1 during an impact event; and Figure 5 shows a further side view of a part of the bumper assembly of Figure 1.

[0036] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] A bumper assembly 10 fora vehicle 12 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is described herein with reference to the accompanying Figures. The vehicle 12 may comprise the bumper assembly 10 as shown in Figure 3.

[0038] The bumper assembly 10 comprises a bumper 14. As shown in the embodiment in the Figures, the bumper 14 may be a front bumper of a vehicle 12. The bumper 14 comprises an upper portion 16 and a lower portion 18. The upper portion 16 of the bumper 14 may be disposed above the lower portion 18 of the bumper 14 relative to the ground, when the bumper assembly 10 is attached to the vehicle 12. The lower portion 18 of the bumper 14 may be a bash plate and / or a rock shield of the vehicle 12.The upper portion 16 of the bumper 14 may be between the lower portion 18 of the bumper 14 and a bonnet 13 of the vehicle 12. The upper portion 16 of the bumper 14 may extend from the lower portion 18 of the bumper 14 to the bonnet 13. As shown in the embodiment in the Figures, the upper portion 16 may extend from a lower end 20 adjacent to the lower portion 18 of the bumper 14 to an upper end 22 adjacent to the bonnet 13. The upper portion 16 of bumper 14 may extend laterally. The upper portion 16 of bumper 14 may extend laterally at least from one of the headlights of the vehicle 12 to the other headlight of the vehicle 12. As shown in the embodiment in the Figures, the upper portion 16 of bumper 14 may extend laterally across substantially the width of the vehicle 12.

[0039] As shown in the embodiment in the Figures, the upper portion 16 of the bumper 14 may comprise at least one panel. As shown in the embodiment in the Figures, the upper portion 16 of the bumper 14 may comprise a plurality of panels. Each panel may be planar or curved (e.g., convex in shape), or each panel may comprise a combination of planar and curved sections. The upper portion 16 of the bumper 14 may comprise one or more grilles. Each grille may cover an opening behind the bumper 14 to allow air to enter or exit the vehicle 12. In the embodiment shown in the Figures, the upper portion 16 of the bumper 14 comprises two grilles.

[0040] The upper portion 16 of the bumper 14 comprises a first support surface 24. The first support surface 24 is for contacting an object 26 during an impact event. The first support surface 24 may provide support forthe object 26 during an impact event. An object 26 is any object 26 that the vehicle 12 could come into contact with during an impact event. The object 26 may, for example, be a lower limb of a pedestrian. The first support surface 24 may be provided by at least part of an outer surface of the upper portion 16 of the bumper 14.

[0041] The first support surface 24 may exert a reaction force on to the object 26, during the impact event, as described further below in relation to Figures 4a and 4b. The first support surface 24 may be an outer surface of the upper portion 16 of the bumper 14 such that, when the bumper assembly 10 is attached to the vehicle 12, the first support surface 24 may be a forwardmost surface of the vehicle 12.

[0042] As shown in the embodiment in the Figures, the first support surface 24 may be substantially vertical when the bumper 14 is attached to the vehicle 12. The first support surface 24 may be substantially planar. As shown in the non-limiting embodiment in the Figures, the first support 24 may extend laterally from one of the headlights of the vehicle 12 to the other headlight of the vehicle 12. The vertical extent of the first support surface 24 may be from the lower portion 18 of the bumper 14 to the bonnet 13.

[0043] The first support surface 24 defines a contact plane 25 (as shown in Figure 4a). During the impact event, the object 26 makes contact with the bumper assembly 10 in the contact plane 25. The contact plane 25 may be substantially perpendicular to the ground when the bumper assembly 10 is attached to the vehicle 12. In the embodiment shown in the Figures, substantially the whole of the first support surface 24 provides the contact plane 25. However, in alternative embodiments, the first support surface 24 may not be planar. In such embodiments, the contact plane 25 may be defined by a part of the first support surface 24. The contact plane 25 may be defined by a forwardmost part of the first support surface 24.The lower portion 18 of the bumper 14 may extend from or adjoin the lower end 20 of the upper portion 16 of the bumper 14. In this way, when the bumper assembly 10 is attached to the vehicle 12, the lower portion 18 of the bumper 14 may extend between the upper portion 16 of the bumper 14 at an upper end 34 thereof, and to an undercarriage 28 of the vehicle 12 at a lower end 36 thereof. The lower portion 18 of the bumper 14 may be integral with the upper portion 16 of the bumper 14. Alternatively, the lower portion 18 of the bumper 14 may be mounted to the upper portion 16 of the bumper 14.

[0044] As shown in Figure 2, the lower portion 18 of the bumper 14 may comprise an outer surface 29. The outer surface 29 may extend from the first support surface 24 of the upper portion 16 of the bumper 14 in a rearwards direction. As such, when the bumper assembly 10 is attached to the vehicle 12, the outer surface 29 of the lower portion 18 of the bumper 14 may extend from the first support surface 24 in a direction towards a rear 30 of the vehicle 12. In this way, some or all of the outer surface 29 of the lower portion 18 may not be in the contact plane 25. The outer surface 29 may be at an inclined angle relative to the first support surface 24. Providing the lower portion 16 of the bumper 14 with an inclined outer surface 29 may increase the approach angle of the vehicle 12. As shown in Figure 5, the outer surface 29 of the lower portion 18 may extend at an angle of inclination a from 40° and / or up to 60° relative to the first support surface 24. In Figure 5, dashed line 39 is parallel to the first support surface 24 but spaced apart from the first support surface 24 to improve the ease of showing the angle of inclination a. In certain embodiments, the outer surface 29 of the lower portion 18 may extend at an angle of inclination a from 52° and / or up to 56° relative to the first support surface 24. For example, the outer surface 29 of the lower portion 18 may extend at an angle of inclination a of 54° relative to the first support surface 24. When the bumper assembly 10 is not attached to the vehicle 12, the vehicle 12 may have an approach angle from 25° and / or up to 45°. An approach angle is the maximum angle of incline a vehicle can climb from a horizontal plane without interference i.e. without the front bumper or undercarriage touching the ground.

[0045] As shown in the embodiment in the Figures, the outer surface 29 of the lower portion 18 may be substantially planar. The lower portion 18 of the bumper 14 may comprise a panel. The lower portion 18 of the bumper 14 may have a smaller lateral extent than the upper portion 16 of the bumper 14. The lower portion 18 of the bumper 14 may be aligned with the first support surface 24 of the upper portion 16 of the bumper 14. The lateral extent of the lower portion 18 of the bumper 14 may be at least the same as the lateral extent of the first support surface 24 of the upper portion 16 of the bumper 14. In the non-limiting embodiment shown in the Figures, the lower portion 18 of the bumper 14 extends laterally from a position aligned with one of the headlights of the vehicle 12 to a position aligned with the other headlight of the vehicle 12.

[0046] The bumper assembly 10 comprises a cover 32 releasably attachable to the lower portion 18 of the bumper 14. When attached to the bumper 14, the cover 32 reduces the approach angle of the vehicle 12. The cover 32 is configured to extend away from the lower portion 18 of the bumper 14 to partially fill a space in front of the lower portion 18 of the bumper 14. The cover 32 may be attached and detached from the bumper 14 by a user. For example, a user may attach the cover 32 to the lower portion 18 of the bumper 14 when the vehicle 12 is being driven on the road, and may detach the cover 32 from the lower portion 18 of the bumper 14 when the vehicle 12 is being driven off road.The cover 32 may be releasably attachable to the outer surface 29 of the lower portion 18 of the bumper 14. As shown in the embodiment in the Figures, the cover 32 is configured to extend across (i.e. cover) the majority of the outer surface 29 of the lower portion 18 of the bumper 14. In this way, when the cover 32 is attached to the bumper 14, the cover 32 may substantially shield the outer surface 29 from view.

[0047] The cover 32 may extend from a front edge 40 to a rear edge 45. When attached to the bumper 14, the front edge 40 of the cover 32 may be adjacent or proximate to the upper end 34 of the lower portion 18 of the bumper 14. The rear edge 45 of the cover 32 may be adjacent or proximate to the lower end 36 of the lower portion 18 of the bumper 14. The front and rear edges 40, 45 of the cover 32 may contact the lower portion 18 of the bumper 14 when the cover 32 is attached to the bumper 14.

[0048] The lower portion 18 of the bumper 14 may comprise attachment means (not shown) for releasably attaching the cover 32 thereto. The cover 32 may comprise corresponding attachment means for attaching the cover 32 to the lower portion 18 of the bumper 14. The cover 32 may be attached to the lower portion 18 of the bumper 14 by any suitable attachment means known in the art, for example each of the cover 32 and lower portion 18 of the bumper 14 may comprise one or more apertures (not shown) configured to receive a fastener for securing the cover 32 to the bumper 14. The cover 32 may be attached or detached manually.

[0049] The cover 32 comprises a second support surface 38 for supporting the object 26 during the impact event. The second support surface 38 is defined by an outer surface of the cover 32. When the cover 32 is attached to the bumper 14, during an impact event the object 26 contacts the cover 32 rather than the outer surface 29 of the lower portion 18 of the bumper 14. The second support surface 38 may therefore exert a reaction force on to the object 26, during the impact event. As shown in Figure 2, the second support surface 38 may be an upper, front surface of the cover 32 such that, when the cover 32 is attached to the bumper 14, the second support surface 38 is proximate the upper portion 16 of the bumper 14. The second support surface 38 extends from the front edge 40 of the cover 32. The second support surface 38 may be the forwardmost surface of cover 32 when the cover 32 is attached to the bumper 14. As shown in Figure 1 , the second support surface 38 may extend along the width of the cover 32.

[0050] As shown in the embodiment in the Figures, when the cover 32 is attached to the bumper 14, the second support surface 38 extends substantially along the contact plane 25 such that the cover 32 provides an extension to the first support surface 24 in the contact plane 25. In this way, the object 26 may make initial contact with both the first support surface 24 and the second support surface 38, during the impact event. The second support surface 38 may be substantially planar. The second support surface 38 may provide an extension to the lower end 20 of the first support surface 24 of the upper portion 16 of the bumper 14. The extension to the first support surface 24 in the contact plane 25 provided by the cover 32 may be at least 40 mm, or from 40 mm to 80 mm. When the cover 32 is attached to the bumper 14, the cover 32 may not extend beyond to the first support surface 24 in a forwards direction. The cover 32 may not extend beyond to the contact plan 25 in a forwards direction.The cover 32 may comprise a third support surface 42 extending from and inclined relative to the second support surface 38 of the cover 32. The third support surface 42 may extend between the second support surface 38 and the rear edge 45 of the cover 32. As shown in the embodiment Figure 2, the third support surface 42 may extend from the rear edge 45 of the cover 32 to the second support surface 38. The second support surface 38 extends from the third support surface 42 to the front edge 40 of the cover 32. Together the third support surface 42 and the second support surface 38 may define the outer surface of the cover 32. The outer surface of the cover 32 may be a continuous, smooth surface. As shown in Figure 1 , the third support surface 42 may extend over the width of the cover 32.

[0051] When the cover 32 is attached to the bumper 14, the third support surface 42 is rearwards of the contact plane 25 and beneath the bumper 14 such that the third support surface 42 of the cover 32 supports the object 26 as the object 26 rotates beneath the bumper assembly 10 during the impact event. When the bumper assembly 10 is attached to the vehicle 12, the third support surface 42 may extend from the second support surface 38 in a direction towards the rear 30 of the vehicle 12.

[0052] An angle of inclination of the third support surface 42 relative to the first support surface 24 may increase in a rearwards direction. In this way, the third support surface 42 may have a convex curvature. As shown in Figure 5, the third support surface 42 may have an angle of inclination p from 60° and / or up to 90° relative to the first support surface 24. In certain embodiments, the third support surface 42 may have an angle of inclination p from 65° and / or up to 71° relative to the first support surface 24. For example, the third support surface 42 may have an angle of inclination p of 68° relative to the first support surface 24. The angle of inclination of the outer surface of the cover 32 may increase in the rearwards direction such that the outer surface of the cover 32 may be substantially perpendicular to the first support surface 24 at the lower end 36 thereof i.e. rearwards of the third support surface 42. As further shown in Figure 5, the third support surface 42 may have a greater angle of inclination relative to the first support surface 24 than the outer surface 29 of the lower portion 18 of the bumper 14, such that an approach angle of the bumper assembly 10 is reduced. The cover 32 may be configured to reduce an approach angle of the bumper assembly 10 by between 2.5° and 10°.

[0053] When the cover 32 is attached to the bumper 14, at least part of the second support surface 38 and / or the third support surface 42 of the cover 32 may be spaced from the outer surface 29 of the lower portion 18 of the bumper 14, such that a void (not shown) is defined between the outer surface of the cover 32 and the outer surface 29 of the lower portion 18 of the bumper 14. The cover 32 may be deformable. In this way, during the impact event, the second support surface 38 and / or the third support surface 42 may deform into the void, as described in relation to Figure 4a and 4b. The cover 32 may comprise lateral side portions 46 that extend between the second support surface 38 and / or the third support surface 42 and the outer surface 29 of the lower portion 18 of the bumper 14, when the cover 32 is attached to the bumper 14, so as to provide further stiffness to the cover 32. The side portions 46 may be normal to the outer surface 29 of the lower portion 18 of the bumper 14 when the cover 32 is attached to the bumper 14.

[0054] The cover 32 may be formed of a metal or a polymer. For example, the cover 32 may be formed of aluminium or steel. The cover 32 may be formed of carbon fibre. The stiffness of the cover 32 may vary depending on thematerial of the cover 32. The table below shows non-limited examples of suitable materials and the respective stiffness for the cover 32:

[0055]

[0056] Advantageously, the cover 32 provides an extension to the first support surface 24 of the upper portion 16 of the bumper 14 during an impact event, which improves the support provided to the object 26. The cover 32 effectively reduces both the height of the bumper 14 and the approach angle of the vehicle 12. The cover 32 is particularly useful when the bumper assembly 10 is attached to a vehicle 12 that is adjustable between multiple ride heights (i.e., an on road ride height, and an off road ride height). For example, when the vehicle 12 is being driven on the road and at the higher, off road ride height, the cover 32 may improve the support provided to the object 26, during the impact event. The cover 32 can be detached from the bumper 14 when the vehicle 12 is being driven off road and at the higher, off road ride height so that the cover 32 does not affect the approach angle of the vehicle 12.

[0057] Figure 3 shows a vehicle 12 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] As shown in Figure 3, the vehicle 12 comprises the bumper assembly 10. The bumper assembly 10 provides a front bumper for the vehicle 12. As described in relation to Figures 1 and 2, the cover 32 may be releasably attachable to the lower portion 18 of the bumper 14. The contact plane 25 may extend substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis 27 of the vehicle 12.

[0059] The vehicle 12 may be suitable for off road driving. The vehicle 12 may therefore be driven off road or on the road. A ride height of the vehicle 12 may be adjustable between an on road ride height and an off road ride height, the off road ride height being higher than the on road ride height. The ground clearance of the vehicle 12 is greater in the off road ride height compared to the on road ride height. The vehicle 12 has a greater approach angle when the ride height is adjusted to the off road ride height, when compared to the on road ride height. The cover 32 may be attached to the bumper 14 when the vehicle 12 is in the on road height or the off road height. However, the cover 32 is most beneficial for improving the support to an object 26 during an impact event when the vehicle 12 is in the off road ride height. When the cover 32 is attached to the bumper 14 and the vehicle 12 is in the off road ride height, the lowermost point of the extension to the first support surface 24 in the contact plane 25 provided by the second support surface 38 of the cover 32 may be 455 mm or less above the ground.

[0060] Figures 4a and 4b show the bumper assembly 10 during the impact event.During the impact event, the vehicle 12 contacts the object 26. As described in relation to Figures 1 and 2, the object 26 may make contact with the first support surface 24 of the upper portion 16 of the bumper 14 and the second support surface 38 of the cover 32. The first support surface 24 and the second support surface 38 support the object 26 during an impact event in the contact plane 25. The second support surface 38 may have a stiffness substantially equal to the first support surface 24 such that the first support surface 24 and the second support surface 38 may provide substantially equal support to the object 26. The first support surface 24 of the upper portion 16 of the bumper 14, and the second support surface 38 of the cover 32 may at least partially deform, during the impact event. The second support surface 38 may deform such that the void defined between the second support surface 38 and the outer surface 29 of the lower portion 18 of the bumper 14 is reduced.

[0061] Since the second support surface 38 provides an extension to the first support surface 24 in the contact plane 25 during an impact event, the second support surface 38 increases the support the bumper 14 provides to the object 26 in the contact plane 25 during the impact event. This increase in support provided by the bumper 14 may reduce the amount by which the object 25 rotates beneath the vehicle 12 during an impact event. This is particularly beneficial when the vehicle 12 is in the off road ride height, where the distance between the ground and the bumper 14 is increased. Increasing the support provided in the contact plane 25 and reducing the amount by which the object 25 rotates beneath the vehicle 12 is particularly advantageous when the object 26 is a lower limb of a pedestrian. The cover 32 may be particularly beneficial when the vehicle 12 is driven on the road at the off road ride height. The cover 32 may be removed when the vehicle 12 is driven off road and at the off road ride height.

[0062] As shown in Figure 4a, at the start of an impact event a lower portion 31 of the object 26 may not contact the vehicle. The lower portion 31 of the object 26 may rotate beneath the bumper assembly 10 over the course of the impact event. As the lower portion 31 of the object 26 rotates beneath the bumper assembly 10, the lower portion 31 may be supported by the third support surface 42 of the cover 32. The lower portion 31 of the object 26 may first contact a part of the third support surface 42 that is proximate to the second support surface 38 of the cover 32. The lower portion 31 of the object 26 may continue to rotate such that the lower portion 31 of the object 26 is sequentially supported by more rearward parts of the third support surface 42 during the impact event. The third support surface 42 therefore supports the object 26 as it rotates beneath the vehicle 12 and the amount of rotation of the lower portion 31 of the object 26 beneath the bumper assembly 10 may be limited by the third support surface 42. The third support surface 42 is particularly advantageous when the object 26 is a lower limb of a pedestrian and the vehicle is in the off road ride height.

[0063] When the vehicle 12 is in the on road ride height, the first support surface 24 of the upper portion 16 of the bumper 14 and the outer surface 29 of the lower portion 18 of the bumper 14 may provide sufficient support for the object 26, during an impact event, as the bumper 14 is closer to the ground and the approach angle of the vehicle 12 is smaller. The additional support provided by the cover 32 to an object 26 during an impact event may therefore not be needed.It will be appreciated that various changes and modifications can be made to the present invention without departing from the scope of the present application.

[0064] As described above, the first support surface 24 may deform during an impact event. Therefore, the position of the contact plane 25 may change during the impact event. For example, as the object 26 contacts the first support surface 24 at the front of the vehicle 12 during an impact event, the first support surface 24 may deform rearwards causing the position of the contact plane 25 move rearwards.

[0065] In the present invention, the cover 32 provides an extension to the first support surface 24 in the contact plane 25 during an impact event to support the object 26. In the embodiment shown in the Figures, the second support surface 38 of the cover 32 and the first support surface 24 of the upper portion 16 of the bumper 14 are in the same plane prior to an impact event. Therefore, the object 26 may contact both the first and second support surfaces 24, 38 at the same time during an impact event.

[0066] However, the skilled person will appreciate that the same effect can be achieved by the second support surface 38 of the cover 32 being slightly offset from the first support surface 24 of the upper portion 16 of the bumper 14 i.e. not in the same plane prior to an impact event. Then, during an impact event, the object 26 may contact the first support surface 24 causing the first support surface 24 to deform and the contact plane 25 to move in a rearwards direction relative to the rest of the vehicle 12. As the contact plane 25 moves rearwards, the contact plane 25 will then align with the second support surface 38 so that the second support surface 38 provides an extension to the first support surface 24 in the contact plane 25. As such, in an alternative to the above-described embodiment, the second support surface 38 of the cover 32 may be slightly offset either forwards or rearwards of the first support surface 24 of the upper portion 26 of the bumper 14. The second support surface 32 may be offset by 50 mm or less from the first support surface 32. The second support surface 38 and first support surface 24 may reside in substantially parallel offset planes prior to an impact event. The first support surface 24 is configured to deform during an impact event such that the contact plane 25 aligns with the second support surface 38 and the second support surface 38 provides an extension to the first support surface 24 in the contact plane 25. The cover 32 may also deform due to contact with an object 26 during an impact event.

[0067] The skilled person will appreciate that the shape of the upper portion 16 of the bumper 14 and the first support surface are not limited to that of the above described embodiment. In certain embodiments, the upper portion 16 of the bumper 14 may not be substantially planar. The first support surface may be defined by only a portion of the outer surface of the upper portion 16 of the bumper 14.

[0068] In the above-described embodiment, the ride height of the vehicle may be adjustable between an on road ride height and an off road ride height, the off road ride height being higher than the on road ride height. In other embodiments, the ride height of the vehicle may be adjustable between multiple ride heights. The multiple ride heights may include an on road ride height, an accessible ride height, an intermediate off road ride height, and / or a maximum off road ride height. The on road ride height may be a nominal height. The accessible ride height may be lower than the nominal height. The intermediate off road ride height may be approximately 40mm higher than the nominal height. The maximum off road ride height may be approximately 75 mm higher than the nominal height. Where the ride height is lower than the nominal height, the vehicle may have an reduced approach angle. Where the ride height is higher than the nominal height, the vehicle may have an increased approach angle. The cover may be attached to the bumper where the vehicle is higher than the nominal height.

[0069] In the above-described embodiment, the cover may comprise side portions extending between the second support surface and / or the third support surface of the cover and the outer surface of the lower portion of the cover. In other embodiments, the cover may not comprise the side portions. The second support surface and / or the third support surface may provide stiffness to the cover. The second support surface may have a greater stiffness than the third support surface.

[0070] In the above-described embodiment, at least part of the second support surface and / or the third support surface of the cover may be spaced from the outer surface of the lower portion of the bumper, such that a void is defined therebetween. In other embodiments, the void may comprise reinforcement to provide further stiffness to the cover. The reinforcement may comprise a void filler, such as a foam, to substantially fill the void. Alternatively or additionally, the reinforcement may comprise ribs, or stiffeners, extending along an inner surface of the cover.

[0071] In the above-described embodiment, the cover is releasably attachable to the lower portion of the bumper. In other embodiments, the cover may be releasably attachable to the upper portion of the bumper. In this way, the cover may extend from the lower end of the first support surface of the upper portion of the bumper.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A bumper assembly for a vehicle, the bumper assembly comprising:a bumper comprising an upper portion and a lower portion; anda cover releasably attachable to the lower portion of the bumper,wherein the upper portion of the bumper comprises a first support surface for supporting an object during an impact event, the first support surface defining a contact plane,wherein the cover comprises a second support surface for supporting the object during the impact event, andwherein, when the cover is attached to the bumper, the second support surface is configured to provide an extension to the first support surface in the contact plane during an impact event.

2. A bumper assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the cover comprises a third support surface extending from and inclined relative to the second support surface of the cover and wherein, when the cover is attached to the bumper, the third support surface is rearwards of the contact plane and beneath the bumper such that the third support surface of the cover supports the object as the object rotates beneath the bumper assembly during the impact event.

3. A bumper assembly according to claim 2, wherein an angle of inclination of the third support surface relative to the first support surface increases in a rearwards direction.

4. A bumper assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lower portion of the bumper comprises an outer surface that extends from the first support surface of the upper portion of the bumper in a rearwards direction and at an inclined angle relative to the first support surface, and wherein the cover is releasably attachable to the outer surface of the lower portion of the bumper.

5. A bumper assembly according to claim 4, wherein the cover is configured to substantially cover the outer surface of the lower portion of the bumper.

6. A bumper assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the contact plane is substantially perpendicular to the ground when the bumper assembly is attached to the vehicle.

7. A bumper assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover is configured to reduce an approach angle of the bumper assembly by between 2.5° and 10°.

8. A bumper assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the extension to the first support surface in the contact plane provided by the cover is at least 40 mm or from 40 mm to 80 mm.

9. A bumper assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover is deformable.

10. A bumper assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover is formed of a metal or a polymer.

11. A bumper assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lower portion of the bumper comprises attachment portions for releasably attaching the cover thereto.

12. A bumper assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, when the cover is attached to the bumper, the first support surface and the second support surface may reside in substantially parallel planes that are offset from one another by 50 mm or less prior to an impact event.

13. A vehicle comprising the bumper assembly according to any one of the preceding claims.

14. A vehicle according to claim 13, wherein the contact plane extends substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle.

15. A vehicle according to claim 13 or 14, wherein a ride height of the vehicle is adjustable between an on road ride height and an off road ride height, the off road ride height being higher than the on road ride height, and wherein, when the cover is attached to the bumper and the vehicle is in the off road ride height, the lowermost point of the extension to the first support surface in the contact plane provided by the second support surface of the cover is 455 mm or less above the ground.

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