Abstract: A deployable dent shield assembly for a vehicle includes a deployable dent shield element adapted for translation between a stowed position comprising a coiled configuration disposed below a vehicle element and a deployed position overlaying at least a portion of a vehicle door and/or fender. The dent shield assemblies may be manually-operated or power-operated.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
March 30, 2017
Date of Patent:
March 26, 2019
Assignee:
Ford Global Technologies LLC
Inventors:
Howard E. Churchwell, II, John W. Jensen, Mahmoud Yousef Ghannam
Abstract: A cushioning assembly includes a vehicle that has at least two doors. A first shield apparatus and a second shield apparatus are each coupled to the vehicle. The first shield apparatus and the second shield apparatus are positionable to cover the doors. The first shield apparatus and the second shield apparatus shield the doors from impact damage. A pump is coupled to the vehicle. The pump is in fluid communication with the first shield apparatus and the second shield apparatus. The pump selectively inflates and deflates the first shield apparatus and the second shield apparatus. A control is provided for selectively actuating and de-actuating the pump.