Many motor vehicles, and particularly four- wheel-drive vehicles intended for off-road use, are fitted with a nudge bar assembly which comprises a grid structure extending generally vertically and horizontally across front-facing leading parts of the vehicle, and often partly around the sides of the vehicle. The purpose of the nudge bar is to protect parts on the front of the vehicle, such as the headlamps, radiator, front wheels, front suspension and bodywork, from damaging impact. The present invention relates to a novel form of front bar assembly which may not only provide such protection but which may also be used to perform a different function, particularly when the vehicle is stationary. According to the invention there is provided a vehicle front bar assembly comprising a support structure, means for mounting the support structure rigidly on the front of a vehicle, and a primary grid structure adjustably mounted on the support structure for movement relatively thereto between a first position where the grid structure extends generally vertically across front facing leading parts of the vehicle, and a second, extended position where the primary grid

structure extends generally horizontally from an upper part of the support structure.

When in its normal, substantially vertical position the grid structure may serve as a conventional nudge bar. However, when the grid structure is moved to its extended position, where it extends generally horizontally from an upper part of the front of the vehicle, it may serve as a support rack for supporting equipment and/or as a seat or platform on which to stand. The grid structure may then conveniently be used as a table, seat, or standing platform when the vehicle is stationary, for example at a sporting event where the comparatively high level of the seat or platform thus provided may give the user an excellent elevated viewpoint. The extended grid structure may also occasionally be used for the transport of goods or equipment secured to it, when in its horizontal position, provided the articles carried are not in a position to obscure the driver's view. The front bar assembly according to the invention may be such that it may be fairly readily attached to, or removed from, the vehicle. In this case the assembly may conveniently be supplied as an optional item on new vehicles, or it may be supplied as an accessory for vehicle owners to fit subsequently, either as a replacement for an existing front bar assembly on the vehicle or as an addition to such assembly. Alternatively the assembly may form an integral part of

the bodywork or other structure of the vehicle, in which case the assembly would normally be fitted to the car by the manufacturer.

A part of the primary grid structure which is uppermost in said first position is preferably pivotally mounted on an upper part of the support structure so that it may be swung forwardly and upwardly from its first, vertical position to its second, horizontal position. For example the primary grid structure may be pivotally connected to the support structure by a pivotal linkage system adapted to allow the primary grid structure to pivot through substantially 90° with respect to the support structure. The linkage system may include links adapted to support the primary grid structure when in its extended position.

In a preferred embodiment the linkage system includes upper and lower links pivotally connected between the primary grid structure and a fixed support, the links extending downwardly from the fixed support to the grid structure when the grid structure is in said first position, the links being so dimensioned and connected as to turn the grid structure through about 90° as the grid structure is swung upwardly on the links relative to the fixed support structure.

In any of the above arrangements the primary grid structure preferably extends rearwardly above the bonnet of the vehicle when in said second, horizontal

position.

In another embodiment of the invention the primary grid structure is arranged to swing through about 270° from its first, vertical position. In a further embodiment the primary grid structure is arranged to swing upwardly and forwardly through about 90° into a position where it extends horizontally forwardly from the front of the vehicle.

In this case the primary grid structure may be mounted on the support structure for horizontal displacement rearwardly, when in said horizontal position, so as to overlie the bonnet of the vehicle when rearwardly displaced.

In any of the above arrangements the support structure may be vertically extendible so that the part thereof on which the primary grid structure is mounted may be raised to a vertically extended position with respect to the vehicle before the primary grid structure is moved from its first to its second position. In any of the above arrangements also, the front bar assembly may include a secondary grid structure which normally extends generally across front- facing parts of the vehicle above or below the primary grid structure. The secondary grid structure may be fixed or may be adjustably mounted on the support structure, or an associated support structure, for movement relatively thereto between a first position where it extends across

front-facing leading parts of the vehicle and a second, extended position where the secondary grid structure extends generally horizontally from the support structure. In the case where the secondary grid structure is normally disposed above the primary grid structure it may form part of a linkage for moving the primary grid structure to its extended position. In one such embodiment the secondary grid structure is pivotable through substantially 180° with respect to the support structure so as to extend vertically upwards in its second position, the primary grid structure being pivotable to a position where it extends substantially ar right angles to the secondary grid structure, so that in said second position the primary grid structure is substantially horizontal. The secondary grid structure may be slidable vertically with respect to the support structure as well as being pivotable with respect to the support structure. In any of the above arrangements where the primary grid structure is usable as a seat when in its extended horizontal position, there may be pivotally or detachably connected to the primary grid structure a back rest which may be detached or folded to a position where it lies substantially parallel to the primary grid structure.

The invention includes within its scope a motor vehicle including a vehicle front bar assembly

according to any of the preceding claims.

The following is a more detailed description of embodiments of the invention, by way of example, reference being made to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of an adjustable nudge bar in accordance with the invention, fitted to a motor vehicle, showing the nudge bar in its normal operative position, Figure 2 is a similar view to Figure 1 showing the nudge bar in its extended position,

Figures 3 and 4 are diagrammatic side elevations showing operation of the nudge bar of Figures 1 and 2, Figures 5 and 6 are similar views to Figures 1 and 2 respectively of an alternative and simplified form of nudge bar, and

Figures 7 and 8, Figures 9 and 10, Figures Il¬ ls, and Figures 14 and 15 are diagrammatic side elevations showing the construction and operation of further alternative nudge bars in accordance with the invention.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the front of a four-wheel drive off-road vehicle is indicated at 10, the vehicle comprising the conventional bonnet or hood 11, radiator grill 12, headlamps 13, sidela ps 14, and a robust body structure 15 extending across the front of the vehicle, below the radiator grill 12, and for a

short distance rearwardly around the sides of the vehicle.

As best seen in Figures 2, 3 and 4, the nudge bar assembly includes a fixed support in the form of two spaced channel-sectioned stanchions 16 which are rigidly mounted on the body and/or chassis of the vehicle so as to extend upwardly across the front of the vehicle adjacent each side of the radiator 12. The nudge bar assembly comprises an upper nudge bar 17 and a lower nudge bar 18.

The upper nudge bar 17 comprises a frame 19 formed from tubular steel of circular cross-section, the upper and lower horizontal stretches of the frame being connected by upright bars 20. Metal grids 9 extend between the frame 19 and bars 20. The opposite end portions of the nudge bar 17 are turned rearwardly so as to extend a short distance along each side of the vehicle.

Each bar 20 is pivotally connected to the associated stanchion 16 by two swinging links 21 and 22. The upper link 21 is pivotally connected at 23 to the upper extremity of the stanchion 16 and the other end of the link 21 is pivotally connected at 24 (see Figures 3 and 4) to a point part way along the bar 20. The lower link 22 is pivotally connected at 25 adjacent the lower end of the bar ^• 20 and is pivotally connected at its other end 26 to a point on the stanchion 16 spaced below the upper extremity thereof.

The lower link 22 is arranged to fit within the channel-section of the stanchion 16 whereas the upper link 21 is channel-shaped and is arranged to overlie and embrace the stanchion 16. The arrangement of the links 21 and 22 is such that the upper nudge bar 17 may be swung from its normal operative position, shown in Figures 1 and 3, where it functions as a conventional nudge bar, upwardly and rearwardly to a position, shown in Figures 2 and 4, where it extends generally horizontally above the front portion of the bonnet 11 of the vehicle.

To assist in controlling and guiding the rearwardly turned side portions of the nudge bar 17 during this movement, there is provided at each side of the front of the vehicle an upwardly extending pivoted link 27. The lower end of each link 27 is pivotally connected to a rearwardly turned portion of a tubular bar 28 mounted across the front of the vehicle at a location spaced a short distance above the lower ends of the stanchions 16. The upper end of each link 27 is longitudinally slotted, as indicated at 29 in Figure 2, and a follower (not shown) on the inner side of the side extremities of the tubular frame 19 engages within the slot 29 so that during the upward and rearward swinging movement of the upper nudge bar 17 the rearwardly turned side pieces thereof are controlled and guided by the links 27.

In the position shown in Figures 2 and 4,

where the upper nudge bar 17 extends across the top of the bonnet 11, the nudge bar is supported in this position in cantilever fashion by the links 21 and 22. However, if required, other or further means may be provided for supporting the rear end of the nudge bar 17 on the bonnet or wings of the vehicle. For example, rigid or resilient support pads (not shown) may be provided beneath the rearward parts of the nudge bar so as to engage the vehicle bonnet or wings. In the horizontal position shown in Figures 2 and 4, the nudge bar 17 may serve as a rack for supporting luggage or equipment or may be used as a seat or standing platform, for example for viewing sporting events. In the latter case there may be provided a board or other surface to rest on top of the horizontal nudge bar to provide a more comfortable sitting or standing surface.

To enable the nudge bar to act as a more comfortable seat or more secure rack, a back member 30 is hingedly connected to the upper edge of the nudge bar 17. The back member 30 comprises a tubular steel frame 31 across which extend two steel straps 32 which are pivotally mounted on the upper ends of the bars 20 respectively of the nudge bar 17. In the erected position shown in Figure 2, the back member 30 serves as a back rest but in normal operation of the nudge bar it is folded downwardly to the position shown in Figure 1 so as to lie across the front of the nudge bar. In this

position the straps 32 overlie the bars 20 and stretches of the tubular frame 31 are received in slots 33 formed in those bars. The slots may incorporate spring devices to retain the back member 30 in the folded position. Locking means (not shown) are provided to secure the nudge bar 17 in the normal vertical position shown in Figures 1 and 3, and means may also be provided for securing it in the horizontal position shown in Figures 2 and 4. For example, such means may comprise a removable locking pin or similar device which passes through registering apertures in the stanchions 16 and links 21 or 22.

As may be seen from Figures 2 and 4, the lower nudge bar 18 may also be folded to a horizontal position from the normal operative position shown in Figures 1 and 3.

The lower nudge bar 18 comprises two short bars 34 which are pivotally mounted at one end on the tubular member 28 where the tubular member is supported on the stanchion 16 by brackets 35. The nudge bar 18 comprises a generally U-shaped tubular frame member 36 which extends across and through the extremities of the bars 34. The opposite extremities of the U-shaped frame member 36 are pivotally mounted, as indicated at 37, to portions of the bar 28 spaced outwardly of the brackets 35. A grid structure 38 extends between the bars 34 and the frame member 36. The number plate 39 of the vehicle is mounted on a generally rectangular tubular metal

fra e 40 which is pivotally mounted on the frame bar 36 by pivot devices 41, between the bars 34.

The pivotal connections between the lower nudge bar 18 and the bar 28 allow the nudge bar to be swung from a generally vertical operative position, shown in Figures 1 and 3 , upwardly and outwardly to a generally horizontal position as shown in Figures 2 and 4. In order to retain the lower nudge bar 18 in the horizontal position, a two-arm pivoted strut 42 is pivotally connected between the lower extremity of each stanchion 16 and the extremity of the associated bar 34. The strut 42 folds into the stanchion 16 and bar 34 when the lower nudge bar 18 is in the vertical position and straightens out as shown in Figures 2 and 4 when the nudge bar 18 is swung to the horizontal position. The central pivot 43 of the strut moves through an over- centre position so as to support the nudge bar 18 in the horizontal position. As an extra support, the rectangular frame 40 carrying the number plate may be folded down as shown in Figure 2 to rest on the ground and form a positive support for the front of the horizontal nudge bar. Added rigidity may be provided by tightening up screw clamping devices on the pivotal connectors 37 and 41. The lower nudge bar 18 when horizontal may thus provide a foot rest for people sitting on the upper horizontal nudge bar 17 or may provide an independent support on which people may stand or on which goods and

equipment may be stacked when the vehicle is stationary. Figures 5 and show diagra matically an alternative and simpler form of movable nudge bar assembly. In this arrangement the nudge bar assembly included a fixed support in the form of two spaced vertical stanchions 50 which are rigidly mounted on the body and/or chassis of the vehicle. The nudge bar 51 itself comprises a generally rectangular frame 52 formed from steel tubing across the centre of which extend two vertical spaced parallel member 53 of rectangular cross- section. Horizontal bars 54 extend as a grid between the vertical members 53 and the vertical end portions of the frame 52.

As best seen in Figure 6, the stanchions 50 are shaped to provide a front vertical recess to receive the vertical member 53 on the nudge bar.

The upper tubular horizontal member 55 of the nudge bar is rotatably mounted in circular bearing holes in forwardly projecting lugs 56 at the upper ends of the stanchions 50. The lugs 56 are of half the thickness of the stanchions 50 and the upper ends of the members 53 are similarly reduced in width, as indicated at 57, so that the parts 56 and 57 lie alongside one another when each member 53 engages the front of the corresponding stanchion 50. The reduction in width of the lug 56 on each stanchion 50 provides a horizontal ledge 58 on the upper part of the main portion of each stanchion 50.

Figure 5 shows the nudge bar in its normal

vertical position and Figure 6 shows the nudge bar in a position where it has been swung forwardly and upwardly through 270° so as to extend rearwardly over the top of the bonnet 11 of the vehicle. In this position each member 53 of the nudge bar rests horizontally on the ledge 58 adjacent the top of the corresponding stanchion 50, so as to support the nudge bar 51 in cantilever fashion over the front of the bonnet of the vehicle. However, if required, other or further means may be provided for supporting the rear end of the horizontal nudge bar 51 on the bonnet or wings of the vehicle.

Figures 5 and 6 show only a single nudge bar. However, if required, there may be provided below the pivotable nudge bar 51 a further nudge bar which may be permanently mounted on the vehicle below the primary swinging nudge bar 51 or the secondary lower nudge bar may be arranged to swing to a horizontal position in similar fashion to the lower nudge bar 18 in the arrangement of Figures 1 to 4. Figures 7 and 8 show diagrammatically a modified arrangement in which, instead of being swung forwardly and upwardly through 270°, as in the arrangement of Figures 5 and 6, a nudge bar 60 is swung upwardly through only 90°, to an intermediate position shown in Figure 7, and is so mounted on the vertical stanchions 61 that it may then be displaced horizontally rearwardly as shown in Figure 8 so as to overlie the front part of the bonnet 11 of the vehicle. It will be

appreciated that in this case the pivotal mounting 62 between the upper part of the nudge bar 60 and the stanchion 61 requires to be such as to permit this rearward sliding movement of the nudge bar. In the arrangement of Figures 7 and 8 the lower nudge bar, indicated diagrammatically at 59, may be permanently fixed or may be foldable to a horizontal position in similar fashion to the lower nudge bar of Figures 1 to 4. In the arrangements of Figures 5 to 8, the height of the stanchions 50, 61 and nudge bars 51, 60 are such that they project above the level of the front of the bonnet 11 of the vehicle. However, in some cases this may be regarded as unduly obtrusive during normal use of the vehicle, and it may be preferable to provide an arrangement where the nudge bar, in its normal position, lies below the level of the bonnet 11.

For this purpose the fixed stanchions 50, 61 may be vertically extendable. For example, each stanchion may be telescopic, comprising a central portion of rectangular cross-section which is fixedly secured to the front of the vehicle and a hollow sliding portion on the upper end of which the nudge bar is pivotally mounted in generally similar fashion to the arrangements of Figure ^' s 5 to 8. In this case the two stanchions are extended vertically to clear the front of the bonnet 11 before the nudge bar 51 or 60 is swung and/or slid to extend horizontally rearwardly over the

front of the bonnet.

Locking means are provided to retain the sliding parts of the stanchions in their extended position. For example, the inner and outer parts may be formed with apertures which come into register in one or more extended positions, so that a retaining pin can be inserted.

Other arrangements may be provided for vertical extension of the stanchions. For example, each stanchion may comprise a fixed part securely mounted on the vehicle and a movable channel-section part which embraces the fixed part and carries at its upper end a lug on which the nudge bar is pivotally mounted. The two parts of the stanchion are then connected by parallel inclined links so that the movable part may be swung upwardly to an elevated position, locking means again being provided to retain the movable part of the stanchion in the elevated position. If required, locking means may also be provided to retain the movable parts of each stanchion in an intermediate position.

In the modified arrangement shown in Figures 9 and 10 the secondary lower nudge bar 63, instead of being pivotally mounted at its upper end, is pivotally mounted at its lower end and the fixed stanchion 64 is provided with a forwardly inclined guide slot 65 so that the lower pivotal connection 66 of the secondary nudge bar 63 may be slid forwardly and upwardly to the horizontal position shown in Figure 10, in which

position the secondary nudge bar 63 may act as a foot rest or subsidiary support.

Figures 11-13 show the construction and operation of another embodiment in accordance with the invention. In this arrangement the primary nudge bar 67 is disposed below the secondary nudge bar 68 and is pivotally connected to it along an axis indicated at 69. The upper end of the secondary nudge bar 68 is pivotally and slidably connected to a pivot pin or bar 70 on the upper ends of the stanchions 71. The pin or bar 70 engages in slots 72 in vertical members of the secondary nudge bar 68.

Figure 11 shows the nudge bar assembly in its normal position. In a first adjusted position, the primary nudge bar 67 is swung forwardly and upwardly so as to extend horizontally with respect to the secondary nudge bar 68. Means are provided for locking it in this position and it may then serve simply as a low level seat or support rack. In the second stage of extension, as shown in

Figures 12 and 13, the secondary nudge bar 68, with the primary nudge bar 67 locked in its position at right angles to the bar 68, is swung forwardly and upwardly through 180° to a position where the secondary nudge bar 68 extends vertically above the pivot 70. The secondary nudge bar 68 is then slid vertically downwardly, relatively to the pivot 70, to the lower position shown in Figure 13 where the primary nudge bar 67 then extends

rearwardly and horizontally over the front part of the bonnet 11 of the vehicle for use as a high level support platform or seat.

In any of the arrangements previously described the nudge bar assembly may include a fixed horizontal foot rest supported on the vertical stanchions. In the previously described arrangements where a lower nudge bar is provided, the fixed foot rest may be provided instead of, or in addition to, the lower nudge bar.

Although it is preferred for the primary nudge bar to extend rearwardly across the front of the bonnet of the vehicle when in its horizontal position, the invention includes within its scope arrangements in which the primary nudge bar is pivotally mounted at its upper edge and is swung forwardly and upwardly through 90° so as to extend forwardly and horizontally away from the vehicle, locking means and/or folding support struts being provided for securing and supporting the nudge bar in the horizontal position.

In the further arrangement shown in Figures 14 and 15, the operating parts of the nudge bar assembly are concealed within the body of the vehicle. In order to achieve this, a front bumper part 73 of the vehicle is mounted on the forward ends of two spaced parallel beams 74 which ^' are slidable in guides 75 which are rigidly mounted in the lower part of the vehicle body. The arrangement is such that the bumper part 73 is

normally in the retracted position but may be slid forwardly as shown in Figure 14, in which the assembly is shown partly withdrawn.

A nudge bar 76, comprising a rectangular tubular steel frame and vertical cross bars, normally extends vertically across the front of the vehicle above the bumper part 73. The nudge bar 76 is rigidly mounted on the forward ends of spaced parallel arms 77 which extend at right angles to the nudge bar 76 and are slidably and pivotally mounted on the beams 74 respectively.

Figure 15 shows the nudge bar assembly moved to the erected position where it extends horizontally over the front of the bonnet of the vehicle. As the bumper part 73 is drawn forwardly away from the vehicle, as shown in Figure 14, the nudge bar 76 simultaneously moves with it. When the bumper part 73 is in its forwardmost position, the nudge bar 76 may be swung upwardly, pivoting about the pivotal connections 78, and simultaneously sliding forwards on the beams 74 by virtue of sliding movement of the pivot 78 along horizontal guide slots 79 in the beams 74.

This enables the nudge bar 76 to be swung to the position shown in Figure 15 where it extends rearwardly and horizontally over the front part of the bonnet 11 of the vehicle. As in the previous arrangements locking means, not shown, are provided to secure the nudge bar in the erected position shown in

Figure 15 and also to retain the whole assembly in the retracted position.

If the nudge bar 76 is to serve as a seat on the bonnet of the vehicle, the forwardly extended bumper part 73 may serve as a foot rest or auxiliary support.

It will be appreciated that combinations and variations in the arrangements described above are possible without departing from the scope of the invention, and the particular details given are merely by way of example.