Abstract: The present invention is predicated upon the provision of a system and method for reinforcement of a structural member, which may include attachment features for placement of an activatable material onto a carrier and/or attachment of the system to a structural member.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and assembly for fastening and reinforcing a structural member (e.g., an automotive vehicle pillar, such as an automotive “B” pillar). The assembly preferably includes a structural member having a first and a second portion defining a cavity therebetween. An expandable reinforcement material, such as an epoxy-based reinforcement material, and a spacer are typically disposed within the cavity. The assembly also typically includes a fastener or fastening assembly. In operation, the spacer preferably assists in supporting the first and second portions of the structural member during changes of state (e.g., softening) of the reinforcement material.

Abstract: There is disclosed a reinforced structural assembly and a method of using the assembly for reinforcing components of an automotive vehicle. The assembly generally includes a first member and a second member with a reinforcement material intermediate the first and second member. According to the method, the assembly is placed in a cavity of an automotive vehicle and the reinforcement material is expanded to promote connection between the first member and a surface defining the cavity and to promote connection between the second member and another surface defining the cavity.

Abstract: A filter housing assembly which inhibits the ingestion of foreign matter and particulates into the air intake and air flow openings of a motor vehicle to safeguard the interior cabin and HVAC equipment typically utilized in vehicles. The filter housing assembly of the present invention consists of a filter housing member adapted to house a filter which may be integrated within the assembly as an integral manufactured component in sealable engagement or a snap-fit, modular engageable assembly which allows the selected filter to be removed and replaced at will to ensure that the air intake portions of the vehicle or free from debris and unwanted foreign matter.

Abstract: There is disclosed a reinforced structural assembly and a method of using the assembly for reinforcing components of an automotive vehicle. The assembly generally includes a first member and a second member with a reinforcement material intermediate the first and second member. According to the method, the assembly is placed in a cavity of an automotive vehicle and the reinforcement material is expanded to promote connection between the first member and a surface defining the cavity and to promote connection between the second member and another surface defining the cavity.

Abstract: A reinforced structural assembly and a method of using the assembly for reinforcing components of an automotive vehicle. The assembly generally includes a first member and a second member with a reinforcement material intermediate the first and second member. According to the method, the assembly is placed in a cavity of an automotive vehicle and the reinforcement material is expanded to promote connection between the first member and a surface defining the cavity and to promote connection between the second member and another surface defining the cavity.

Abstract: There is disclosed a fuel fill assembly and a method of forming the same. The assembly typically includes a first component (e.g., an outer body panel) and a second component (e.g., a wheelhouse) of an article of manufacture such as an automotive vehicle. The assembly also typically include an annular member at least partially between the first and second components and a pair of seal for sealing between the annular member and the first and second components.

Abstract: A filter housing assembly which inhibits the ingestion of foreign matter and particulates into the air intake and air flow openings of a motor vehicle to safeguard the interior cabin and HVAC equipment typically utilized in vehicles. The filter housing assembly of the present invention consists of a filter housing member adapted to house a filter which may be integrated within the assembly as an integral manufactured component in sealable engagement or a snap-fit, modular engageable assembly which allows the selected filter to be removed and replaced at will to ensure that the air intake portions of the vehicle or free from debris and unwanted foreign matter.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and assembly for fastening and reinforcing a structural member (e.g., an automotive vehicle pillar, such as an automotive “B” pillar). The assembly preferably includes a structural member having a first and a second portion defining a cavity therebetween. An expandable reinforcement material, such as an epoxy-based reinforcement material, and a spacer are typically disposed within the cavity. The assembly also typically includes a fastener or fastening assembly. In operation, the spacer preferably assists in supporting the first and second portions of the structural member during changes of state (e.g., softening) of the reinforcement material.

Abstract: There is disclosed a reinforced structural assembly and a method of using the assembly for reinforcing components of an automotive vehicle. The assembly generally includes a first member and a second member with a reinforcement material intermediate the first and second member. According to the method, the assembly is placed in a cavity of an automotive vehicle and the reinforcement material is expanded to promote connection between the first member and a surface defining the cavity and to promote connection between the second member and another surface defining the cavity.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle vibration reduction and damping system for use in an automotive body panel assembly having an inner body panel and an outer body panel is disclosed. An expandable material, such as a polymer-based foamable material, is disposed on at least one edge of a damping member mounted to at least a portion of the body panel assembly. The system is activated as the vehicle undergoes the final vehicle assembly process and paint operation which activates and transforms the expandable material to expand, bond and structurally adhere the damping member with the body panel assembly for vibrational damping and noise reduction.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle vibration reduction and damping system for use in an automotive body panel assembly having an inner body panel and an outer body panel. An expandable material, such as a polymer-based foamable material, is disposed on at least one edge of a damping member mounted to at least a portion of the body panel assembly. The system is activated as the vehicle undergoes the final vehicle assembly process and paint operation which activates and transforms the expandable material to expand, bond and structurally adhere the damping member with the body panel assembly for vibrational damping and noise reduction.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a high temperature injection molded polymeric rainhat for a heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning air intake of an automotive vehicle is provided. The rainhat includes a flange for adhesively and sealably joining to a portion of the generally planar automotive vehicle cowling encircling a flared air inlet opening. A water dam joined to the flange extends beyond an end of the flared opening. The water dam has an extreme upper edge forming an opening. A foreign matter ingestion preventer is also included. The foreign matter ingestion preventer has a plurality of first curvilinear supports extending in a first direction over the water dam upper edge opening. Each first support has opposite ends joined with the water dam, and each first support has a middle portion domed above the opening of the water dam. Each first support has a tapered exterior side.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a high temperature injection molded polymeric rainhat for a heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning air intake of an automotive vehicle is provided. The rainhat includes a flange for adhesively and sealably joining to a portion of the generally planar automotive vehicle cowling encircling a flared air inlet opening. A water dam joined to the flange extends beyond an end of the flared opening. The water dam has an extreme upper edge forming an opening. A foreign matter ingestion preventer has a plurality of first curvilinear supports extending in a first direction over the water dam upper edge opening. Each first support has opposite ends joined with the water dam, and each first support has a middle portion domed above the opening of the water dam. Each first support has a tapered exterior side. The foreign matter ingestion preventer also has plurality of second supports intersecting with the first curvilinear supports.