[Al Skierkiewicz]

Samuel,
As I pointed out earlier, the rules specify that the bumper needs to be attached to the exterior of the frame perimeter. It does not say bumpers have to be outside the frame perimeter. I expect this to be clarified in the near future so watch for Team Updates. In 2011 the rule read as follows...

A. BUMPERS must provide complete protection of the entire FRAME PERIMETER of the ROBOT (i.e. BUMPERS must wrap entirely around the ROBOT). As part of the 100% coverage, BUMPERS must protect all exterior corners of the FRAME PERIMETER.

In 2012 the rule reads...

Robots are required to use Bumpers to protect all exterior vertices of the Frame Perimeter. For adequate protection, at least 8 in. of Bumper must be placed on each side of each exterior vertex (see Figure 4?1, Figure 4?2, and Figure 4?3).

Emphasis mine to show the difference. That difference, while slight in 2011 required bumpers around the entire Frame Perimeter, 2012 rules specify that as a minimum the bumpers must cover the exterior vertices. It does not say that interior surfaces cannot also be covered. I believe that the GDC had intended the rule to prevent bumpers on interior openings in the frame. That is why I expect it to be changed at a future date.