Grill Patents (Class 296/193.1)
  • Patent number: 7628237
    Abstract: A grille for a vehicle, especially for severe service vehicles, is provided. The grille couples to a front reinforcement assembly of the vehicle's hood using a male and female slip joint, such as a boss and track. The grille and hood also hinge together. A spring engages the grille and the cooling module of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventors: Mark R. Marqueling, Lawrence Hoffman
  • Publication number: 20090267384
    Abstract: A transversely aligned support part is arranged between an assembly support of a vehicle body and a front part. The support part is connected to the assembly support via bolt and clip elements, and the front part is fastenable to the support part by bolts in a manner such that it can be vertically aligned via adjusting elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2009
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Applicant: DR. ING. H.C. F. PORSCHE AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventor: Thomas Ritz
  • Publication number: 20090261601
    Abstract: A carrier for a front end module as a front structure of a vehicle, and a front end module system, comprises a sub frame formed to extend horizontally across an opening of a quadrangular main frame in which a radiator is to be arranged, and air guides are formed on the main frame and the sub frame to project forward.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Applicant: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Hee Sun Shin
  • Publication number: 20090256397
    Abstract: A front-end part of a motor vehicle has an air scoop with an air-guiding duct to a charge air cooler between a central air inlet opening and a lateral air inlet opening of an air-guiding element. Wherein, in a pre-installation position, the air scoop is kept folded away on a central air-guiding element and, in an installation position, is folded back and can be connected to a lateral air-guiding element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2009
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Applicant: DR. ING. H.C. F. PORSCHE AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventor: Christoph Bauernfeind
  • Patent number: 7597384
    Abstract: A hood latch structure (1) for a motor vehicle body having a soft-nose outer skin panel (2) and a hood (3) providing an overlying structure for a grille opening reinforcing front cross member (4). The grille opening reinforcing front cross member (4) supports at least one hood latch (5) carried by a mounting member (6) protruding towards the front of the vehicle. Mounting member (6) is designed to collapse downwards (Z) causing the hood latch (5) to move downwards (Z) when subjected to longitudinal (X) loads above a predetermined threshold load distributed thereupon by the overlying structure such that the hood latch (5) moves away to provide a forgiving upper leg impact zone for the protection of pedestrians in the event of a collision with the motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mattias Wallman, Gunnar Hallneus, Peter Blum, Anders Fredriksson, Mats Erlingfors, Peter Lindmark
  • Publication number: 20090236875
    Abstract: A front fender for an automobile; the fender is provided with an external element; with a supporting trestle, which supports the external element, presents a rigid horizontal supporting bar, and is adapted to be rigidly connected to a frame of the automobile; and with horizontal sword, which on one side is protrudingly mounted on the horizontal supporting bar and on the opposite side is rigidly secured to the external element at an upper portion of the external element itself.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2007
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Applicant: FERRARI S.p.A
    Inventors: Angelo Narducci, Mauro Del Monte, Manuele Ghirelli
  • Patent number: 7581784
    Abstract: A front structure for a vehicle is provided with a vehicle body frame, a front cover covering a front portion of the vehicle body frame, a left-right pair of light units supported on the front cover, a carry pipe supported at the front end of the vehicle body frame, and a grille disposed on the front side of the carry pipe. The carry pipe is provided with a vertical-direction extension portion and a left-right direction extension portion. The grille covers the vertical-direction extension portion from the front side while exposing at least a part of the left-right direction extension portion. Each of the light units has a front extension wall portion overlapping with a flange portion of the grille.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Manabu Ichikawa
  • Publication number: 20090195028
    Abstract: A support for an automotive radiator grille that is supported from the hood assembly of the vehicle is formed of two major components, a support bracket and a rubber stop retained on the support bracket for engagement with the radiator grille when the hood is moved into the lowered, closed position. The rubber stop is formed in a circular configuration with a central projecting bumper that deflects into a cup formed by the support bracket to maintain contact with the radiator grille and provide self-adjusting positioning to accommodate build tolerances and variations in the hood assembly and mounted radiator grille. The rubber stop can be formed of multi-durometer elastomers to provide a tuning to the specific application for the radiator grille support. The rubber stop places a pre-load on the hood latch and closure mechanism through the spring-like deflection of the rubber stop into the cup.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2008
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Inventors: David B. Glickman, Joseph A. Hickey
  • Patent number: 7553552
    Abstract: A radiator grille, or ornament, includes a base material which transmits visible light and is made of an acrylic resin, a first ornamental layer coating the front surface of the base material, and a second ornamental layer coating the rear surface of the base material. The first and second ornamental layers each transmit visible light and have a thickness that is less than the wavelength of the visible light. It is preferred that the first ornamental layer and the second ornamental layer differ from each other in at least one of material, number of layers, thickness, refractive index of visible light, reflectance of visible light, absorptivity of visible light, and transmittance of visible light. The first ornamental layer is a hard coating layer, and the second ornamental layer is a hard coating layer or vapor deposition layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tatsuya Oba, Tetsuya Fujii, Chiharu Totani
  • Publication number: 20090140549
    Abstract: Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to a grille badge including an outer member and an inner member configured to be snapped together. The inner member includes a living hinge to facilitate the connection to the outer member. The inner member is at least initially inserted into the outer member in a bent position, the inner member being bent or snapped into place via the living hinge provided thereto during manufacturing and/or assembly. In certain example embodiments, the outer element includes at least one slot for receiving at least one corresponding tab provided to the inner element. In certain example embodiments, the inner and outer members include corresponding snap features for securing the connection therebetween. An assembled grille badge may be connected, directly or indirectly, to a vehicle (e.g., to the vehicle, to a front-end assembly, to a grille, etc.), for example, using one or more snap features.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2007
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Applicant: Guardian Industries Corp.,
    Inventors: William J. Doroghazi, Greg F. Hintzke, Thomas J. Fenbert
  • Patent number: 7537275
    Abstract: A cushion for an automotive grille mounted in an automotive body. The cushion includes an elongated shank having an exterior thread formed along its length. The shank is adapted to be threadably mounted in a hole in the automotive body so that a portion of the shank is sandwiched in between the grille and the automotive body. The effective thickness of the cushion is controlled by rotation of the shank relative to the automotive body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Umesh Naik
  • Patent number: 7520561
    Abstract: A front structure of an automotive vehicle, comprising a shroud having a shroud upper, shroud lower, and a pair of shroud sides, a bumper face, and a plate member, a front end of which extends to a position near a back face of the bumper face and a rear end of which is attached to the shroud lower, wherein protruding portions are provided at both-side ends of the plate member so as to protrude outward respectively in a vehicle width direction from both-side ends of the shroud lower, and projecting portions are provided at the protruding portions so as to project rearward respectively along side end portions of the shroud lower. Accordingly, the prevention of pedestrian dragging against the vehicle frontal oblique crush can be improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Takayuki Nakamae, Susumu Kuroda, Yasunori Kageyama, Toshio Sakamoto, Hiroki Fujii
  • Publication number: 20090058141
    Abstract: A radiator grille mounting structure for facilitating the mounting of a radiator grille. A radiator grille is mounted on part of a vehicle body frame. The radiator grille is rotated about the part of the vehicle body frame. A support portion included on the radiator grille is connected to a vehicle body cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Inventor: Masayuki HIRUKAWA
  • Patent number: 7481487
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel fascia, grille and the assembly of the fascia and grille. The grille is designed to overly the fascia and close both an upper and lower air intake opening. The fascia supports the grille and receives fasteners from the grille to form an assembly. The fascia includes a horizontal portion. The grille includes a horizontal portion sized to receive a bumper beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignees: Ford Global Technologies, LLC, Decoma International Corp
    Inventors: Chelsia Lau, Jennifer Baffy, Shawn Morgans, Peter MacLean, Daniel Scalici, Girard Moore
  • Patent number: 7469958
    Abstract: A multiple use vehicle accessory is provided. The accessory includes a first a first member and second member that are longer in the longitudinal direction than in the lateral direction. An end support is attached to both an end of the first member and to an end of the second member. The end support extends at an angle to the longitudinal direction. A cross member extends in the lateral direction and spans the distance between opposite sides of the second member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Inventor: Daniel K. Hastings
  • Publication number: 20080308332
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a Front End Module (FEM) assembly and associated assembly method with a rail system to enable efficient assembly, tighter clearances between the front end module assembly and the vehicle, and time and cost savings. The present disclosure provides a FEM assembly including grilles and headlamps and a rail system enabling the FEM to be assembled on a vehicle. Advantageously, the present disclosure allows the FEM to pass between fenders on the vehicle with a very tight clearance condition. The rail system included in the present disclosure allows the FEM to be assembled efficiently while protecting grilles and headlamps from being damaged by fenders and protecting the fenders from damage from the FEM.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2007
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Inventor: Bernardo Gonzalez-Salvador
  • Patent number: 7464984
    Abstract: The replacement grill fits the grill opening of an automobile, the grill having a surround, a mount shelf extended from the surround, and clips for joining the mount shelf to the auto. The grill is further comprised of a multi-layer, substantially porous insert with an outer layer of expanded material, preferably having diamond shaped openings. A center mesh divides the outer layer from a partial, non-porous reflective inner layer, the inner layer having a defined shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Inventor: Sean A. McDaniel
  • Patent number: 7461875
    Abstract: An injection-molded product comprising separate-member-fixing hooks each connected to an edge of its body via a thin hinge, said injection-molded product being formed by injecting a molten resin into a die comprising a pair of die plates, and said hooks extending from the edge substantially perpendicularly to a parting direction of a die in an as-molded state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Eiji Kobayashi, Shoji Sato
  • Patent number: 7455351
    Abstract: A front end structure for a vehicle comprises: a front bumper face; a shroud upper disposed to the rear of the front bumper face; a bumper beam disposed below the shroud upper to span the front ends of right and left front side frames; a center stay made of metal and spanning the shroud upper and the bumper beam; and a front grille supported at the upper side to the shroud upper and supported at the lower side to the front bumper face, the front grille is inclined so that the lower side is located frontwardly of the upper side, and the center stay is integrally provided with a grille support having a root end connected to the center stay and an abutment supporting part extending from the root end towards the bottom of the front grille to support the front grille from below.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Nobuyuki Nakayama, Toshio Sakamoto
  • Patent number: 7416241
    Abstract: A grille and bonnet assembly is mounted at the forward end of an automotive vehicle. The bonnet is formed with a leading edge and a trailing edge with the leading edge positioned above or at an upper edge of the grille during normal operation of the automotive vehicle when the bonnet is closed. The grille and bonnet are designed with corresponding inclined surfaces that are located relative to each other such that a force greater than a predetermined value transmitted from the bonnet to the grille forces at least the upper part of the grille to move forwardly so as to allow the bonnet to move downwardly. Such yielding movement of the grille and bonnet can reduce injuries in the event of an impact between a pedestrian and the bonnet of the automotive vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Volvo Car Corporation
    Inventors: Mattias Wallman, Lennart Olsson, Anders Fredriksson
  • Patent number: 7399027
    Abstract: An automotive vehicle is disclosed with a vehicle body, an ornamental fascia mounted to a front end of the vehicle body and a structural member mounted to the vehicle body front end. The structural member extends through the ornamental fascia to an exterior side of the vehicle body for a compact arrangement of structural, functional and design characteristics of the vehicle front end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: David Woodhouse, Tyler Blake, Freeman Thomas
  • Publication number: 20080157566
    Abstract: A front structure for a vehicle has a grid member configured to allow outside air to be introduced from a forward direction of the vehicle into a compartment of the vehicle, and a part within the compartment disposed on a rear side of the grid member. The grid member has a first bridge and a second bridge intersecting with the first bridge. One of the first bridge and the second bridge has a bridge upper portion having a fragile portion on one of a front side thereof and a rear side thereof in a fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle, and a bridge lower portion having a fragile portion on one of a front side thereof and a rear side thereof in the fore-and-aft direction. The fragile portion of the bridge upper portion and the fragile portion of the bridge bottom portion are on opposite sides in the fore-and-aft direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Applicant: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yuichi Tazaki, Mayumi Endou
  • Publication number: 20080133090
    Abstract: An active grille comprises a plurality of blades and an active material in operative communication with the blades. The active material is in operative communication with the blades and is operative to change at least one attribute in response to an activation signal, wherein fluid flow through the grille changes with the change in the at least one attribute of the active material. By way of example, in vehicle applications, the blades of a grille disposed in front of an engine compartment can be selectively positioned to provide increased airflow through the radiator due to increases in engine coolant temperature. As such, the active grille can be configured to improve vehicle fuel economy while maintaining proper engine cooling. An activation device, controller and sensors may be employed to further control the change in at least one feature of the active grille.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2007
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Alan L. Browne, Nancy L. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7325864
    Abstract: A rotating automotive grille assembly that produces a distinctive and unique appearance for the front end of a motor vehicle where a plurality of elongated bars rotates either by airflow or by a motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Inventor: Valentin Echeverria
  • Patent number: 7326894
    Abstract: A heating element for an inside surface of a front-end module/bumper for a motor vehicle. The heating element is operatively connected to a radar transmitting/receiving unit. The heating element includes a heating film formed of a polymer, an array of conductor strips integrated into the heating film, and an electronic control element that controls the conductor strips. The array of conductor strips is divided into an inner region through which a radar beam from the radar transmitting/receiving unit is transmitted, and an outer region through which the radar beam is not transmitted. The conductor strips in the inner region are inclined by angles of about 45° to about 90° relative to a polarization plane of the radar beam. The conductor strips in the outer region are arranged in a meandering pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Rehau AG & Co.
    Inventors: Matthias Meiler, Edgar Quandt, Marcel Auer, Ernst Opel
  • Patent number: 7311352
    Abstract: A front bumper cover is provided for an automotive vehicle. The front bumper cover includes a plurality of cover parts and a radiator grille having attachment points for fixedly securing the plurality of cover parts thereto. The radiator grille is adapted to mount to the vehicle thereby acting as a load-bearing element for supporting the front bumper cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Decoma (Germany) GmbH
    Inventor: Franz Flotzinger
  • Patent number: 7290830
    Abstract: A method and article of manufacture for an automotive grille facing. Tracks or grooves are formed in the fins of a radiator grille on the exterior side of the grille. The track is adapted to receive an insert having a bead that fits within the groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Inventors: Robert Rester, Li Junping
  • Patent number: 7258394
    Abstract: An all terrain vehicle includes a substantially V-shaped front fender, a substantially V-shaped front carrier bar, and a substantially V-shaped grille. Apexes of the substantially V-shaped front fender, the substantially V-shaped front carrier bar and the substantially V-shaped grille are substantially aligned along a common vertical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Yamaha Motor Mfg. Corp. of America
    Inventors: Keith Kotrla, Craig Smith
  • Patent number: 7182398
    Abstract: A glowing vehicle radiator grille includes multiple ribs securely connected to one another via a connection device for connection to the vehicle radiator, multiple light transmitting groups each securely connected to a corresponding one of the ribs and multiple illuminators each received in a corresponding one of the light transmitting groups to allow light from the illuminators to be transmitted by the light transmitting groups so as to light ambient atmosphere surrounding the ribs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Inventor: Kuo-Hsing Lin
  • Patent number: 7152915
    Abstract: A radiator grille (10) for mounting in a motor vehicle radiator grille arrangement and a method of producing same, includes radiator grille having a substantially rigid frame (11) and at least one bar element (12) arranged within the frame (11). The bar element includes at least one end (12a) which, in the unassembled state of the radiator grille (10), is spaced from a portion (18) of the frame (11) and in the mounted state of the radiator grille (10) is forced into contact with the portion (18). The end (12a) of the bar element (12) and the portion (18) of the frame (11) being movable relative to one another as a result of the external application of force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Decoma (Germany) GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Diehl, Ali Aigner, Marc Huttenlocher
  • Patent number: 7100973
    Abstract: A radiator grille arrangement for a motor vehicle includes first and second fastening mechanism for securing a radiator grille in place. The first and second fastening mechanism are spaced apart from one another substantially corresponding to a vertical extent of the radiator grille. The first fastening mechanism is provided on a lower edge of the radiator grille and is non-releasable. The second fastening mechanism is formed by a guide link device consisting of a groove and a pin guided therein. The groove at least partially extends in a longitudinal axis of the motor vehicle and the pin is movable within the groove as a result of an external action of force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: Decoma (Germany) GmbH
    Inventors: Ali Aigner, Marc Huttenlocher
  • Patent number: 7090265
    Abstract: A radiator casing (1) on a bumper (3) of a vehicle, particularly of a motor car, is achieved using a mounting such that the radiator casing (1) is movable, be means of bearings (7,9) arranged on both sides of the radiator, on a swivel axis (13) disposed transversely to the direction of travel, on the one hand downwards diagonally with respect to the direction of travel into a stop position and after reaching the stop is pivotable in the direction of travel into a lockable basic position and on the other hand in the event of a collision is movable into and unlockable in a deflected position which can be moved back in the opposite direction to the direction of travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Decoma (Germany) GmbH
    Inventor: Hans-Hermann Otte
  • Patent number: 7073849
    Abstract: A snap-on automotive grille overlay (10) that is formed with a thin-walled overlay body (20) configured to duplicate an existing automotive grille when nested thereupon. The overlay body (20) includes an essentially rectangular peripheral border (22) that incorporates a rim (24) extending inward from the border periphery. One or more horizontal slats (28) and vertical bars (26) are formed within the border rim to form an ornamental design that mates with a vehicle existing grille. A plurality of inward-protruding clips (32) are integrally formed within the slats and bars for connecting the grille to the vehicle. The clips are beveled (34) on an interior surface (36) and yield sufficiently to permit deflection over a vehicle grille, thus allowing the grille overlay to be snapped into place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Inventor: Mitchell Nunes
  • Patent number: 7044517
    Abstract: A front grille for attachment to a front part of a vehicle includes a grille main body forming a part of a design surface of the vehicle. The front grille includes an attaching portion for attaching the grille main body to the vehicle, and a portion to be deformed when a load acts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiromi Hyuga
  • Patent number: 7011360
    Abstract: The invention relates to a front panel of a motor vehicle comprising a bumper beam and at least one heat exchanger. This heat exchanger (5) is located below the bumper beam (3) with a substantially vertical orientation and comprises, in a horizontal plane, an upper face having a shape similar to the shape of the bumper beam (3) such that the upper face is covered by the bumper beam (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Valeo Thermique Moteur
    Inventors: Jean-Louis Lanard, Pascal Harand
  • Patent number: 6979053
    Abstract: The reinforcement structure for a front-end module carrier is the reinforcement structure comprises an upper member installed with a hood latch, a vertical member connected to a middle portion of the upper member so as to support the upper member, and a lower member fixed to a lower portion of the vertical member, the lower member having a downwardly dented concave shape. According to the present invention, when an automobile is in motion, by virtue of the use of the lower member formed so as to have the downwardly dented concave shape, it is possible to easily distribute a vertical upward load generated when the hood latch is liable to be raised upward by wind resistance, resulting in the prevention of deformation of the lower member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: Hyundai Mobis Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Mycong-ki Kim
  • Patent number: 6955393
    Abstract: A front end module including a plastic component connected to a metallic substrate. The metallic substrate can be formed by hydroforming and shaped into a substantially unitary member. The plastic component is then molded about the metallic substrate and simultaneously forms connections thereto at discrete locations along the length of the metallic substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignees: General Electric Company, Carlisle Engineered Products, Inc., Vari-Form
    Inventors: James E. Staargaard, Eric Kowal, Thomas M. Goral, Mitch Brown, Keith R. Panter, Larry D. Butterfield, Blair Longhouse, Jerry Klanges, Terry E. Nardone, Dennis Gaida
  • Patent number: 6945593
    Abstract: A front end part for the engine hood of a vehicle that can accommodate small deformations that result from impacts at low speed or other kinds of thrusts without there being any damage to the hood. The part being made of a deformable plastics material and including a strength member for fixing it to an engine hood so as to extend the hood towards the front of the vehicle. The vehicle front face can also include such an end part in addition to a hood and a bumper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Compagnie Plastic Omnium
    Inventors: Gerald Andre, Pascal Banry, Hugues Cheron
  • Patent number: 6923495
    Abstract: In a front body structure of a vehicle and an assembling method of a front body of a vehicle, head-lamp units (6) disposed at both vehicular widthwise sides of a radiator core support panel (1), respectively, are made into movable structures positionally adjustable to front fenders (8), thereby allowing to attach the head-lamp units (6) to the front fenders (8) on the basis of the latter, respectively, and to uniformalize clearances, offset-amounts and the like in parting portions between the head-lamp units (6) and the front ends of the front fenders (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shouichi Kishikawa, Kenji Furukoshi
  • Patent number: 6923496
    Abstract: A bracket/pad anti-flutter grille bumper attached to a motor vehicle frame or front bumper to reduce the vibrations of a hood-mounted grille resulting from road forces or from slamming the hood shut. Alternative mounting of the bracket on an impact absorbing and collapsible bumper assembly allow for movement of the grille on impact, while maintaining the anti-flutter feature when the bumper returns to its normal position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Edward Pleet, Aaron Klop, Richard A Kirkdorffer, Martin Lopez, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6921117
    Abstract: The present invention provides (with reference to FIG. 1) a land vehicle having bodywork which defines an aperture (11) in which a grill (10) is secured by mounting means (20, 21, 22). The mount means (20, 21, 22) comprises an elastically deformable non-metallic material which can deform to allow the grill (10) to move relative to surrounding bodywork when the grill (10) receives an impact, thereby absorbing energy of the impact, and which can subsequently return to the original shape thereof and thereby restore the grill (10) to the pre-impact position thereof. The present invention also relates to a grill (10) compound of a composite material comprising fibres set in a matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Assignee: Axelchoice Limited
    Inventors: Peter John Rackham, Michael Tate
  • Patent number: 6893081
    Abstract: Protrusions are provided in a front end panel, and holes in which the protrusions are fitted are provided in a front fender in a vehicle body. Accordingly, when the front end panel is secured to the vehicle body, the protrusions are fitted in the holes so that the front end panel is provisionally positioned relative to the vehicle body, and is completely secured by fastening bolts thereafter. Therefore, the front end panel can be easily secured to the vehicle body while being positioned to the latter, without providing the main reference hole or the sub-reference hole in the front end panel or without preparing a special tool to hold the front end panel while the front end panel is positioned relative to the vehicle body, prior to tightening the bolts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignees: Denso Corporation, Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Norihisa Sasano, Toshiharu Nagai
  • Patent number: 6886886
    Abstract: The modular front end forms the front portion of a motor vehicle. The modular front end includes a bulkhead defining a plurality of integrally formed attachment mounts. A drive train assembly carrying at least an engine of the motor vehicle is attached to the bulkhead at the attachment mounts. A crash energy absorption assembly is attached to the attachment mounts on the bulkhead and generally extends around the drive train assembly. An apron assembly is attached to the bulkhead at the attachment mounts and is generally positioned above the drive train assembly and crash energy absorption assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: Alcoa Inc.
    Inventors: Dinesh C. Seksaria, Edward A. Timko, John W. Cobes, Todd L. Summe, Kevin R. Pinegar, Thomas J. Murphy
  • Patent number: 6880655
    Abstract: An air-intake structure around a front grille for a vehicle in which an engine radiator is disposed at a front part of the body of a vehicle, and a front of the engine radiator is covered with the front grille. An air-intake port for an engine air-induction duct is disposed above the engine radiator. The air-intake port is offset to the left from a transverse center and is oriented toward the front grille. A closed portion is provided on the front grille which closes the entirety of a portion of the front grille which faces the air-intake port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takaki Suwa, Kojiro Okabe, Tatsuo Marushima
  • Patent number: 6877797
    Abstract: A panel assembly is securable to a front end of a motor vehicle for positioning and securing a plurality of elements thereto. The panel assembly has a core connectable to the front end of a motor vehicle. A skin covers the core. A component mounting structure is molded to the skin. The component mounting structure is adapted to have the plurality of elements attached thereto in spaced relation. The panel assembly may be assembled to the motor vehicle with the plurality of elements secured thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Decoma International Inc.
    Inventors: Jack V. Henderson, Charles John Chuba, John Schultz, Keijo J. Huotari
  • Patent number: 6840571
    Abstract: The modular grill for vehicles such as trucks includes an elongated screen of generally rectangular configuration, with the longest dimension extending horizontally and with the screen having inner and outer surfaces. A plurality of vertically spaced elongated tubular bars are provided which extend horizontally across the screen in surface-to-surface contact with the outer surface of the screen. A plurality of vertically spaced straps are provided, one for each tubular bar, with the straps being in surface-to-surface contact with the inner surface of the screen. Fastening means extend through the straps, screen and tubular bars for retaining the bars on the screen. A roll forming method is disclosed for making the tubular bar with an integral rolled locking system which extends the entire length thereof and holds the bar in tension. The bar is preferably sweep along its longitudinal axis to create a curvature consistent with modern automotive designs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Trim Trends Co, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald G. Graber
  • Patent number: 6814400
    Abstract: A front end assembly for a motor vehicle having spaced apart upper and lower side rails includes an elongated upper cross member adapted to be fixedly secured to and extend between the spaced apart upper side rails. The upper cross member has a mounting surface extending the length thereof. The front end assembly also includes an elongated lower cross member adapted be fixedly secured to and extend between the spaced apart lower side rails. The lower cross member has a mounting surface extending along the length thereof. In addition, the front end assembly includes a component integration panel having upper and lower mounting portions for complementary mating engagement with the mounting surfaces of the respective upper and lower cross members to position the component integration panel between the upper and lower side rails and provide support to the component integration panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Decoma International Inc.
    Inventors: Jack V. Henderson, John Patrick Schultz, Keijo Huotari
  • Patent number: 6810979
    Abstract: A propulsion engine housing for a motor vehicle having at least one door arranged to allow positioning in one closed and one open position. The inside of the door is provided with steps in order to facilitate access to the engine for the driver/mechanic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Volvo Articulated Haulers AB
    Inventors: Peter Johansson, Roger Melander
  • Patent number: 6805213
    Abstract: A motor vehicle incorporates a novel grille which provides a port giving access to the cooling system surge tank. The port is closed by a cover which is removable and replaceable without the use of tools. The cover can carry on an outside face a badge or medallion of the manufacturer. While the cover is removable from the frame in the grille, theft is discouraged by a cord connected between the cover and the vehicle itself. Cutting or breaking the cord does not result in damage to the grille.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel R. Seffernick, Jesus D. Viduya
  • Publication number: 20040178664
    Abstract: A front grille for attachment to a front part of a vehicle includes a grille main body forming a part of a design surface of the vehicle. The front grille includes an attaching portion for attaching the grille main body to the vehicle, and a portion to be deformed when a load acts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2004
    Publication date: September 16, 2004
    Applicant: TOYODA GOSEI CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hiromi Hyuga