* Early Beginnings (1900s): The earliest cars didn't have dedicated bumpers. They might have had metal guards around the body for protection, but these were more for structural support than for impact absorption.
* The First Bumpers (1910s): By the 1910s, some manufacturers started adding rudimentary bumpers to their cars. These were often just simple steel bars attached to the front and rear.
* Development and Standardization (1920s-1950s): Bumpers evolved from simple bars to more complex designs, incorporating springs, rubber, and eventually hydraulic shock absorbers. Safety regulations started pushing for stronger and more effective bumpers.
* 5-mph Bumpers (1970s): The US government introduced regulations requiring cars to withstand a 5 mph impact without significant damage. This led to the development of the modern bumper, often made of a combination of metal and plastic.
* 5-mph Bumpers (1970s): The US government introduced regulations requiring cars to withstand a 5 mph impact without significant damage. This led to the development of the modern bumper, often made of a combination of metal and plastic.
Therefore, there's no single "invention date" for car bumpers. Instead, we can say that they developed over time, with significant advances occurring in the 1910s, 1920s, and 1970s.
