Abstract: A side impact protection system for a motor vehicle body having a stowed position and a deployed position, the system includes a first L-shaped rigid structure comprising a first portion and a second portion; a second L-shaped rigid structure comprising a first portion and a second portion; a synthetic cable fixedly attached to the second portions of the first and second L-shaped rigid structures, wherein the synthetic cable is made from a plurality of helically braided bundles of fibers selected from a group consisting of aramid fibers and liquid crystal polymer fibers characterized by strain-at-failure exceeding about 3 percent; and a deployment device in operative communication with the first portions of the first and second L-shaped rigid structures to selectively extend the first portion outwardly from the deployment device, and wherein in a stowed position the second portions are at about the same plane and in a deployed position the second portions are parallel and the synthetic cables form a web-like

Abstract: A vehicle door includes an inner panel, an outer panel operatively connected to the inner panel, and an impact beam. At least a portion of the impact beam is outboard of the outer panel to enable a thinner and more compact door compared to prior art doors. A rub strip is preferably attached to the impact beam to form a preformed part. The rub strip protects the door from damage resulting from minor impacts and conceals the impact beam from view.

Abstract: The invention provides a protection piece for protecting a side bodywork part. It possesses both a side wall suitable for covering at least part of the side bodywork part and a flap for extending towards the side bodywork part, the flap being arranged in such a manner as to be capable of retracting so as to allow the wall of said protection piece to move towards the side bodywork part in such a manner that in the event of contact with an obstacle and for forces below a predetermined threshold only the protection piece is deformed, thereby preserving the side bodywork piece. The invention also provides a bodywork assembly and a bodywork part.

Abstract: Shield pads are removably attachable to a vehicle side and doors to protect against dents and scratches, as by impacts by doors of adjacent vehicles. The shield pads are preferably detachably mounted by one or more suction cups on each pad. Spaced-apart straps extend between the shield pads. An elastic strap extends from one shield pad and is detachably attached when the shield pads are rolled up together. Ease of handling, maneuvering, rolling up and storage of the shield pads, are provided.

Abstract: A deployable cellular structure providing impact energy absorption capability is disclosed. The structure may be packed when not in use and deployed automatically or manually to provide impact protection. The structure is useful in a variety of situations including vehicular protection of occupants, deployable highway safety barriers, and aviation emergency safety devices.

Abstract: An approach is provided for minimizing dings and dents on the side of a vehicle. A protective apparatus includes telescopic members attachably engaged on the edges of a door of a vehicle, wherein the height of the apparatus is adjustable.

Abstract: An elongated carrier for receiving a bumper member. In one illustrative embodiment, the elongated carrier includes one or more walls with one or more inner surfaces that define at least part of a cavity, and further includes a slot into the cavity. The slot is preferably defined by at least two terminating ends of the one or more walls, wherein the two terminating ends are defined by terminating end surfaces that are separate from the one or more inner surface of the one or more walls. Preferably, at least one of the inner surfaces of the one or more walls has an inwardly extending nub.

Abstract: As assembly structured to protect external surface areas of an automobile or like vehicle including a housing of portable, lightweight construction removably mounted within the interior of the vehicle. An elongated flexible protective member is movably connected to the housing and selectively positionable between an outwardly extended operative position, wherein the protective member overlies exterior surfaces of the vehicle, and a retracted position, wherein at least a majority of the length of the protective member is stored within the interior of the housing. The protective member is preferably of sufficient length to extend in overlying relation to a midline surface area and in substantially surrounding relation to an outer periphery of the vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus for the protection of the outer bed walls of pickup trucks. This apparatus consists of a retractable screen having an outer layer of shock absorbing material suitable to receive signage and a rear layer of non abrasive material that can be placed on the surface of a truck without scratching the finish. Protective Cover for the Sides of a Vehicle is contained in a strong non rusting protective housing that mounts on top of the side bed wall. The length of Protective Cover for the Sides of a Vehicle would be of sufficient size to cover the length of a truck bed side wall.

Abstract: A deployable cellular structure providing impact energy absorption capability is disclosed. The structure may be packed when not in use and deployed automatically or manually to provide impact protection. The structure is useful in a variety of situations including vehicular protection of occupants, deployable highway safety barriers, and aviation emergency safety devices.

Abstract: A system for attaching a fender trim molding piece adapted to be held firmly and removably in place by a combination of hooked mounting fasteners. The hooked ends of the mounting fasteners hold the edge of the fender wheel well opening. The flat end of the fasteners are inserted through mounting holes or slots in the fender trim molding and are then pulled through the holes with a tool such as common pliers. The fasteners are then bent back over the fender trim towards the hooked end thereby trapping the fastener and leaving the fender trim piece attached to the edge of the wheel well.

Abstract: A flexible impact energy absorption resilient and flexible rubber strip accessory has an adhesive layer for affixing it to an exterior curved automobile body surface. An inexpensive preferred embodiment is formed using tire tread strips cut from the carcasses of discarded automobile tires. Thus, steel belted tires provide embedded reinforcement for absorbing higher levels of impact energy without any visible damage to the tread strip or the adjacent car body surface upon which it is affixed. This accessory has an adhesive layer for attachment to a car surface having a manually protective paper or plastic cover so that it may be retrofit upon an exterior surface of an automobile without requiring any special tools. The accessory is universally adaptable to a large range of automobile body styles.

Abstract: A reinforcement rib is provided at the reverse side of the elongated side molding in longitudinal direction and a portion of the reinforcement rib is elevated to form a welding rib. In the clip as an attachment member, a rib hole is provided for inserting the welding rib therein and the open side of the rib hole from which the welding rib is projecting is formed with a larger bore. The side molding body is integrally formed with the attachment member by housing a dislocation preventing portion formed by heat riveting a tip end of the welding rib inserted into the rib hole of the attachment member. Thus integrated side molding with the attachment member is attached to the outer panel of the vehicle by the leg portion provided at the attachment member.

Abstract: A device is disclosed that can be attached to a parked vehicle along its sides and protect the vehicle from dings or dents that might be caused by activity adjacent to the vehicle such as the opening and closing of the doors of an adjacent vehicle. The device has telescoping sections that allow it to be extended when it is attached to a vehicle. The device detachably connects to the vehicle and when not needed can be removed from the side of the vehicle and compacted for storage. In a preferred embodiment magnets are embedded in the device to allow it to detachably connect to the vehicle. Progressively smaller hollow telescoping sections of the device retract into the next larger section to achieve a compacted and easily stored device. An interlocking mechanism is incorporated into each section to prevent the sections of the device from becoming disjointed.

Abstract: Shield pads are removably attachable to a vehicle side and doors to protect against dents and scratches, as by impacts by doors of adjacent vehicles. The shield pads are preferably detachably mounted by one or more suction cups on each pad. Spaced-apart straps extend between the shield pads. An elastic strap extends from one shield pad and is detachably attached when the shield pads are rolled up together. Ease of handling, maneuvering, rolling up and storage of the shield pads, are provided.

Abstract: A recessed portion is formed partially in an outer panel. The recessed portion has an inner wall which inclines slightly downwardly toward the inside of a body and an inner-most wall extending vertically. A retaining member is mounted on the inner-most wall. Formed on the retaining member is a locking face confronting the inner wall and a raised portion. A flange portion is provided on a bumper face. The flange portion is formed into a tapered configuration in which the thickness thereof decreases as it extends toward a distal end thereof and has a lock hole formed at a position corresponding to the raised portion. The flange portion is held between the locking face and the inner wall and is locked on the locking face by fitting the raised portion in the lock hole.

Abstract: Vehicle body protectors for protecting external mirrors and a lower portions of the vehicle extending from a rear surface of the front wheel well to a front surface of the rear wheel well under the doors of the vehicle are constructed from conformable sheets of impact absorbing material having peripheral means for coupling the protector to non-external portions of the vehicle body and to other portions of the protector so that the body protectors remain in fixed position on the vehicle body during motion of the vehicle. The body protectors can be formed from more than one layer of material to form an outer layer, a liner layer of resilient energy absorbing material positioned on the under surface of the outer layer for engagement with an outer surface of the vehicle body, and optionally an intermediate reinforcing layer.

Abstract: A protector device (10) for the side doors of a vehicle wherein the device (10) includes an elongated flexible protector member (20) having a resilient outer covering (22) whose rear surface is provided with a pair of magnetic sheets (23); wherein, the intermediate portion of the resilient outer covering (20) is formed into a looped capture member (30) having a narrow neck portion (31) that is adapted to be captively engaged between a door (101) and the doorframe of the vehicle (100).

Abstract: A running board mounting bracket has a structural body having a distal end and a support end. A mounting flange extends from the structural body at the support end and is canted relative to the longitudinal extent of the structural body. The mounting flange has bores for mounting the bracket to an inboard surface of a vehicle frame. A web extends between the mounting flange and the distal end redirecting bending forces from the interface between the mounting flange and the structural body and transferring the bending forces from the structural body to the mounting flange in a compressive manner. The web has a rib extending along the web forming an I-beam relation with the structural body.

Abstract: A portable vehicle finish protection apparatus adapted for temporary magnetic installation on a vehicle when the vehicle is parked closely adjacent another vehicle and is therefore susceptible to exterior finish damage as a result of the edge of a door of the adjacent vehicle impacting against the side of the vehicle to be protected. The vehicle finish protection apparatus includes a unitary body formed of a relatively dense polyethylene closed cell foam material having first and second elongated bumper sections which are joined by a living hinge such that the first and second bumper sections are normally aligned in an operational configuration, but may be folded together at the hinge to effect a compact storage configuration. Each of the first and second bumper sections includes flat, flexible magnet panels distributed along its length to facilitate removably affixing the apparatus to the side of a vehicle by magnetic attraction.

Abstract: A lightweight, flexible, removable, bullet-resistant protective shield placed easily on the lateral side of a vehicle door which includes a magnetic backing covered by a bullet-resistant mesh material. It lacks any further mounting apparatus and can be manually placed on either lateral, exterior sides of that portion of a vehicle that encloses the front or rear seat compartments. The two-layer, protective shield can be easily installed, removed and transferred from one vehicle door to another. The bullet-resistant exterior vehicle body protector is of such a dimension as to cover the portion of the vehicle below the side windows and between the front and rear quarter panels longitudinally.

Abstract: The invention is distinguishable from prior similar inventions in that it consists of a bullet resistant, removable, flexible, lightweight, protective rubber shield with magnetic backing. Sandwiched between the rubber shield and magnetic backing is a mesh material resistant to penetration from bullets or other propelled projectiles.

Abstract: The invention is distinguishable from prior similar inventions in that it consists of a removable, flexible, lightweight, protective rubber shield with magnetic backing.

Abstract: An assembly made up of at least two motor vehicle bodywork parts, including a base part having an outside face carrying an overmolded film with an edge, wherein said base part is partly covered by one or more masking pieces, in particular trim, arranged in such a manner as to mask at least a portion of the edge of the film of the base part.

Abstract: A car door protecting device for preventing dents and scratches to car doors. The car door protecting device includes a panel having a first side, a second side, a top edge, a bottom edge, and a pair of side edges. The panel comprises a resiliently flexible material. A plate is attached to and extends along the bottom edge. The plate is orientated generally perpendicular to the bottom edge and generally facing the second side of the panel. The plate is positioned under a bottom portion of the door and the top edge of the panel is extended through a window of the door such that the window may be closed on the proximal portion. The panel generally covers the outer surface of the door.

Abstract: A guard for replaceably attaching to, and protecting, a side of a vehicle from dings. The guard includes a body, a magnet for replaceably attaching the body to the side of the vehicle, and a cushion for protecting the side of the vehicle from scratches from the magnet. The body is made of polyethylene foam for absorbing impacts, and is slender, elongated, semi-cylindrically-shaped, and has a rear surface that is flat and rectangular-shaped for facing the side of the vehicle, and a front surface that is semi-cylindrically-shaped for facing the ambient. The magnet is flexible for conforming to the side of the vehicle, and is a flat and rectangular-shaped strip that has a front surface that abuts against, conforms completely to, and is coincident with, the rear surface of the body, and a rear surface for facing the side of the vehicle.

Abstract: There is provided an elongate body side molding suitable for attachment to the side of a vehicle body, which molding comprises: i) one or more stabilising strip(s); ii) one or more layer(s) of a polymeric material with a relatively high coefficient of thermal expansion; and iii) one or more layer(s) of a polymeric material with a relatively low coefficient of thermal expansion; the layers of polymeric material with high and low coefficients of thermal expansion being so arranged that, over a predetermined range of temperatures, the overall shape of the body side molding is substantially maintained.

Abstract: A vehicle door and fender protection assembly for preventing vehicle doors and fenders from being nicked, scratched, and dented. The vehicle door and fender protection assembly includes padded members being adapted to attach to doors and fenders of a vehicle; and also includes shell members being adapted to cover the padded members; and further includes a vehicle attachment assembly for attaching the padded members and the shell members to the vehicle.

Abstract: A multiple piece bodyside molding includes a cover piece connected to a base piece. The cover is formed in a manner and shape so that it may be chrome-plated while reducing the likelihood of bath/tank contamination during the chrome-plating process. Subsequent to being chrome-plated, the cover is connected to the base so as to form the resulting bodyside molding. The cover may be attached to the base via ultrasonic welding, vibration welding, snap-on connectors, or via heat-deforming or extension tabs in different embodiments of the invention.

Abstract: A door assembly for a vehicle. The door assembly includes a frame structure and an intrusion structure. The frame structure includes an inner panel member and an outer panel member. The intrusion structure has an impact absorbing portion and is coupled to the frame structure such that the intrusion structure abuts an exterior surface of the outer panel member. A method for fabricating a vehicle door assembly is also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a motor vehicle bumper strip, said strip having a channel-section with an upright web and being suitable for being fixed to a bumper by snap-fastening along the longitudinal edges thereof. It comprises at least one projection directed towards the inside of the channel-section on at least one of its longitudinal edges.

Abstract: An automobile protection device including an elongated cushion inside an elongated fabric sleeve, the ends of which are connected to flexible stops through elastic straps. Each strap having a hook and loop fastener attached to a respective end thereof. Each hook and loop fastener includes a first portion attached to a respective one of the straps and a second portion attached to a respective inside edge of an automobile door. The protection device is attached to the door of the automobile by engaging the respective first and second portions of each of the hook and loop fasteners such that flexible stops are positioned between the inside edges of the door and the body of the automobile and closing the door so that the device cannot be removed from the door.

Abstract: A multiple piece bodyside molding includes a cover piece connected to a base piece. The cover is formed in a manner and shape so that it may be chrome-plated while reducing the likelihood of bath/tank contamination during the chrome-plating process. Subsequent to being chrome-plated, the cover is connected to the base so as to form the resulting bodyside molding.

Abstract: A multiple piece bodyside molding includes a cover piece connected to a base piece. The cover is formed in a manner and shape so that it may be chrome-plated while reducing the likelihood of bath/tank contamination during the chrome-plating process. Subsequent to being chrome-plated, the cover is connected to the base so as to form the resulting bodyside molding. The cover may be attached to the base via ultrasonic welding, vibration welding, snap-on connectors, or via heat-deforming or extension tabs in different embodiments of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus for protecting the external body of an automobile from minor dents, scratches, and the like caused by the impingement of objects such as doors from adjacent vehicles, shopping carts, and the like. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the automobile body protection apparatus comprises flexible convoluted tubing and means for removably attaching and for positioning the flexible convoluted tubing along the external surface of the automobile. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the automobile body protection apparatus includes means for locking the device to the automobile.

Abstract: A body protector assembly for a vehicle for preventing dents and keeping one's vehicle clean. The body protector assembly for a vehicle includes a plurality of thin pieces of material made essentially of plastic and adapted to removably attached to selected parts of a body of a vehicle with powerful magnetic fastening members. A plurality of elongate impact-resistant members are securely mounted to the thin pieces of material with loop members. A sufficiently thin, durable sheet of material is detachably mounted to an underside of a vehicle with fasteners. The sufficiently thin pieces of material can be detachably attached to the thin, durable sheet of material.

Abstract: A removable protector for protecting a side of a vehicle from dents and scratches caused by objects coming toward the side of the vehicle. The protector comprises a first strap with a first securement means, a second strap with a second securement means, an elongated member with a hollow passage, and a magnet attached to the elongated member.

Abstract: A vehicle body side protector for protecting the side of a vehicle bodies from damage. The vehicle body side protector includes a row of panels having a pair of opposite end panels and at least one middle panel interposed between the end panels. Each of the panels is pivotally coupled to the adjacent panels in the row of panels. The row of panels is detachably mounted to a side of a vehicle to protect the side of the vehicle from dent and ding damage.

Abstract: A device for fastening bumper fairings to the fenders of a motor vehicle. A window is formed in the rim of the bumper fairing and a resilient tongue is provided in the fender to penetrate into said window when the bumper is in place, thereby holding the rim in its housing.

Abstract: A removable, portable, foldable protector for side doors of parked vehicles. A plurality of panels, preferably but not necessarily of plastic are connected, side-by-side, by hinges which will allow the panels to fold on each other when folded and to allow the panels to unfold into a locked position and then mounted to the inner and outer edge of each front door by means of a combination plastic-rubber clamp or any other suitable means. Each panel forming the protector further has a foam rubber material attached to the side of the panel that will face the vehicle door. Thus, when the device is installed on the vehicle with the vehicle parked in a parking lot, the opening of an automobile door adjacent thereto will not mar the automobile finish.

Abstract: A body side sill molding attachment for a motor vehicle includes a main body portion, first flange and a second flange. The first flange upwardly extends and includes a plurality of ribs adapted to frictionally engage an inboard side of a downwardly extending flange of a motor vehicle sill. The second flange longitudinally extends along an upper edge of the main body portion and includes a plurality of apertures adapted to align with a corresponding plurality of slots provided in the motor vehicle sill. Each of the apertures and associated slots are adapted to align and receive a mechanical fastener for securing an upper edge of the body side sill molding attachment to the vehicle.

Abstract: A trim strip has a bar of an at least partially transparent plastic having parallel inner and outer faces, an opaque decor layer laminated to the inner face, and a layer of adhesive on the opaque decor layer. The trim strip is adhered to a board edge with the decor layer against the board edge and the outer face directed away therefrom, and edges of the trim strip at the outer face are machined with removal of material so that the decor layer is left exposed through the bar at the machined edges.

Abstract: A vehicle side bumper or protection device is provided to protect the sides of vehicles such as automobiles against the violent impact of carelessly opened doors of adjacent vehicles parked too close. The bumper or protection device includes an elongated cushioned pad which covers a substantial portion of the automobile side and resists the impact. The pad is releasably secured to a front side portion of the automobile and inside the trunk by a pair of straps and a locking bar. A first strap extends forwardly from the pad and is secured by a hook to the front end. A second strap extends rearwardly from the pad and is secured around the locking bar by a buckle. The locking bar maintains a bias fit against oppositely disposed inside side walls of the trunk. When the trunk is closed and locked, this arrangement makes the bumper or protection device theft resistant. A pair of these protection devices can be used to protect each side of the vehicle.

Abstract: An automobile door protection device including an elongated cushion, the ends of which are connected to flexible stop through a pair of elastic straps. The straps which have VELCRO hook and loop fasteners attached to them near the flexible stops that work with corresponding VELCRO hook and loop fasteners permanently attached to the inside edge of the automobiles door to allow the cushion to fit tightly against the outside surface of the automobiles door. These VELCRO hook and loop fasteners also work to hold the cushion in a set position. The VELCRO hook and loop fasteners and flexible stops are placed on the inside edge of the automobiles door in the space between the automobile door and automobile side body panel. The automobiles door is then closed, trapping the flexible stops so that the device can not be removed.

Abstract: Improved plastic cladding and body molding parts are provided. These improved parts incorporate at least one and preferably a plurality of large gas channels within the plastic part having corresponding attachment surfaces to allow easy and efficient attachment of the improved parts to a substrate surface. The large gas channels are designed to provide sufficient attachment surfaces so that the monolithic, one-piece plastic part can be attached directly to the desired substrate surface using an adhesive system. Preferably, the adhesive system is an adhesive tape applied directly to the attachment surfaces. More preferably, the adhesive is an acrylic plastic tape applied directly to the attachment surfaces. The improved plastic cladding and body molding parts are especially adapted and suitable for use in automotive applications. A method of attaching the improved plastic cladding and body molding parts to the substrate surface is also described.

Abstract: An apparatus used to protect a motor vehicle has a low profile housing placed below a rear bumper of the vehicle, and a cover placed within the housing in an accordion-like fashion. In one embodiment, an electric motor drives a roller belt assembly which frictionally engages with the cover to provide a force to aid a user in either the extension from or the retraction into the housing of the cover. In an alternate embodiment, the roller assembly includes webbing material geometrically positioned to prevent the cover from becoming entangled in the rollers. At least one roller assembly can be flexibly positioned to permit even force to be applied to the cover during extension from and retraction into the housing even if the cover becomes bunched to one side of the roller assembly. The electric motor is controlled from an extension handle attached to a forward portion of the cover.

Abstract: The invention is a broadcast vehicle constructed in the form of a fifth wheel vehicle. The vehicle walls are insulated to provide a sound proof broadcast studio. The vehicle is self contained with a generator power source, an extendable antenna, and a control access from inside and outside of the vehicle. Windows are constructed such that the bottom of the windows in the broadcast studio are off-set inward at the bottom of the window and slanted out to the top of the window such that a side impact to the vehicle will not break the double pane cushion mounted glass.

Abstract: An elongated, tubular shaped plastic case housing (13A) with an attached opening door (13) and its mounting (16) retains an elongated impact absorbing pad (1) and its inner retracting cord mechanism (4). Pad (1) when placed on vehicle works as a barrier between a vehicle door being struck and the other striking. Magnets (3) inside pad (1) attracts pad to vehicle panels.

Abstract: The present invention relates to moldings such as trim strips and, more particularly, to moldings comprising an outer layer and an inner layer which are bonded together mechanically by a plurality of mating lugs and recesses disposed along the interface of the two layers. Ideally, the materials utilized for the first and second layers will be sufficiently compatible such that adhesive bonding will also be accomplished between the layers, without generally requiring a separate adhesive be disposed therebetween. Various methods for manufacturing the moldings in accordance with the teachings of the present invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for protecting the outer side surface of a vehicle comprising a protective sheet attached to a rod with the rod being attached to hangers disposed on the windows of the vehicle, wherein the rod is foldable so as to make for compactness and be easily stored when the sheet is then rolled around the folded rod. When the protective sheet is next to the car door, for example, when parked, any externally applied force, such as exerted by a neighboring parked car, will be absorbed by the device. The hanger comprises a hooked end connected to an elongated base which can be readily retracted into a horizontal or parallel position with the hook end being fitted over a window of the vehicle to the rod in a stored position, and into a vertical or perpendicular position in the operated position, so that compactness is enhanced and simplicity is maintained.