Bumper Attachment for Rapid Removal

[Ryan Foley]

Dale,

Here is what FRC1995 used last year. There were two of these mechanisms at the top of each bumper. There was also another piece of aluminum-angle mounted on the bottom of the bumper. This lower piece has holes at either end, which would slip over fixed-mounted bolts on the lower side of the drive frame.

The upper mechanisms were activated by hand. By pushing down (1st picture) the white block with bolts would lower, leaving room for the bumper's aluminum angle to be inserted so it is just below the upper lip of the drive frame. By releasing the mechanism, the spring will push the assembly up, inserting the two locking bolts through the bumper aluminum angle and through holes in the drive frame. This locks the bumper in place. You can see the mechanism closed in the 2nd picture. Sorry, I don't have a good closeup of the lower aluminum angle.

These mechanisms worked fairly well for us in the 2009 season. Unfortunately we were behind schedule, so the mechanisms, while planned from mid-season, were built last minute. Better fabrication would help these perform better.