Fluid Drain Or Deflector Patents (Class 296/154)
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Patent number: 11662431Abstract: A sensor assembly for a vehicle includes a base, a sensor body mounted to the base and rotatable relative to the base around an axis in a direction of rotation, and a cover. The sensor body includes a sensor window and a wall having heat fins elongated circumferentially relative to the axis. The cover is positioned to cover the heat fins. The cover includes an inlet open in the direction of rotation. The cover defines an airflow path from the inlet through the heat fins. The cover includes an outlet positioned to direct air across the sensor window.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2021Date of Patent: May 30, 2023Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Michael Robertson, Jr., Venkatesh Krishnan, Segundo Baldovino, Raghuraman Surineedi, Tyler D. Hamilton, Rashaun Phinisee, Colm Boran
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Patent number: 11220161Abstract: A window deflector assembly which can be installed within a window channel of a window frame of a vehicle. The window deflector assembly can include a window deflector and a mounting clip. The mounting clip can provide greater securement to the window deflector by securing to both sides of a window channel and can include structure which can grip a portion of the window deflector on both sides. The mounting clip can be curved to aid installation of the clip into the window channel and to better distribute the load from the window deflector to sides of the window channel.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2019Date of Patent: January 11, 2022Assignee: Lund, Inc.Inventor: Brent Lorenz Rose
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Patent number: 11117453Abstract: Vehicle windows may include water management features. In some embodiments, the vehicle windows include a water management corner piece for managing the flow of water or other precipitation around the window. The water management corner piece may be secured to a window glass pane and may positioned and shaped for channeling the water along an engineered drainage path.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2019Date of Patent: September 14, 2021Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Stuart C. Salter, Chester Stanislaus Walawender, Paul Kenneth Dellock, Daniel J. Martin
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Patent number: 11110782Abstract: The present disclosure improves sealing properties between a glass run and a sealing member provided at an inner peripheral flange of a belt line, if the sealing member of the belt line and the glass run are individual members, to provide high sound insulation properties. The belt line sealing member includes an upper sealing lip and a lower seal lip, which are vertically spaced apart from each other. At an end of the belt line sealing member, a molded part is continuously provided from the upper sealing lip through an inner wall to the lower sealing lip.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2019Date of Patent: September 7, 2021Assignee: Nishikawa Rubber Co., Ltd.Inventor: Masahiro Morioka
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Patent number: 10385941Abstract: A truck bed of a vehicle includes a sheet metal panel defining a drain opening, a mass damper plug disposed within the opening and including a mass casting having a predefined mass configured to tune a frequency of a sound wave of the panel and plug into a predefined range, and defining bolt threads, and a bolt engaged with the bolt threads and configured to secure the plug with the panel.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2017Date of Patent: August 20, 2019Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Kenneth Malone, Robert Reiners, Sara E. Veyo, Hariharan Ganesan
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Patent number: 10286768Abstract: An inner weather strip including: a main body part including at least an exterior lateral wall and a top wall; a seal lip provided on an outer surface of the exterior lateral wall; and a top wall lip provided on an outer surface of the top wall, wherein at least one longitudinal direction end portion of the inner weather strip is provided with an end surface wall, and wherein the end surface wall has a size equal to or larger than a size of an area surrounded by: the seal lip; the main body part; the top wall lip; and a line connecting a tip end of the seal lip and a tip end of the top wall lip, and has a joining part at which the end surface wall and at least a part of an longitudinal direction end surface of the top wall lip are integrally joined.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2017Date of Patent: May 14, 2019Assignees: TOKAI KOGYO CO., LTD., HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Atsushi Ogawa, Takanori Usui
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Patent number: 10279667Abstract: A seal for an automobile door includes a glass run and a belt line inner seal. The glass run has a vertical portion which includes a vertical seal lip, and the belt line inner seal includes an upper belt line seal lip and a lower belt line seal lip. The vertical seal lip is integral and unitary with ends of the upper and lower belt line seal lips, and the vertical portion includes a A-divider wall portion extending vertically and protruding toward the outside of a cabin of the automobile between the upper and lower belt line seal lips. A predetermined gap is formed between the lower belt line seal lip and the divider wall portion when the window glass is in an open state, and the lower belt line seal lip contacts the divider wall portion when the window glass is in a closed state.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2017Date of Patent: May 7, 2019Assignee: Nishikawa Rubber Co., Ltd.Inventor: Atsuo Masumoto
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Patent number: 10155436Abstract: A motor vehicle door assembly includes a door having an internal compartment and a door latch mechanism within that internal compartment. The motor vehicle door assembly also includes a window subassembly. That window subassembly includes a window body and water management feature carried on the window body whereby water is diverted from the door latch mechanism. A related method of diverting water from a door latch mechanism in a motor vehicle door assembly is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2016Date of Patent: December 18, 2018Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Venkatesh Krishnan, Bhupendra A. Patel, Livianu Dorin Puscas
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Patent number: 10119323Abstract: An encapsulated glass assembly includes a glass panel and a plastic frame and a clip. The frame has at least three frame sides and has a lower wall portion extending from an outer wall surface along each of the at least three frame sides. The clip has a C-shaped clip channel and is coupled to a first frame side of the frame such that a portion of the panel is retained within the C-shaped clip channel. An optional clip can be coupled to a second frame side. The plastic frame can alternatively include a C-shaped channel on the second frame side, wherein another portion of the panel is retained within the C-shaped channel. An encapsulant is bonded onto the panel, the frame, and the clip to secure the frame to the panel. The encapsulant has a Shore hardness less than the Shore hardness of the frame.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2017Date of Patent: November 6, 2018Assignees: AGC AUTOMOTIVE AMERICAS R&D, INC., AGC FLAT GLASS NORTH AMERICA, INC.Inventors: David W. Lahnala, Daniel Bennett, Brian Kinross
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Patent number: 10065488Abstract: A vehicle door trim panel (1) is provided with a water drainage portion constituted by an upper wall (3) and a lower wall (4). The upper wall (3) is provided with a water inlet aperture (8), and the lower wall (4) is provided with a water outlet aperture (9). The invention also relates to a vehicle door, and a vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2014Date of Patent: September 4, 2018Assignee: Jaguar Land Rover LimitedInventors: Martin Halliwell, Martin Boonham, David Butlin
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Patent number: 10059378Abstract: A range includes at least two types of motor vehicle including a first vehicle type with a sheet metal roof and a second type with a glass roof. Each of these vehicles includes a body shell structure having side rails with an outer wall facing an outside of the vehicle and an inner wall, forming an interior lining, facing an inside of the vehicle. The side rails are identical for both types of motor vehicle and selectively form a low second support zone for a longitudinal lateral edge of the sheet metal roof of the vehicle of the first type or a high first support zone for a lower face of the glass roof of the vehicle of the second type.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2015Date of Patent: August 28, 2018Assignee: RENAULT s.a.s.Inventor: Remi Degaugue
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Patent number: 10040341Abstract: A seal member includes a seal body in which a lower seal portion along a lower edge of a door and an intersection seal portion that follows an edge of the door intersecting the lower edge are formed integrally with each other, and a drainage hole that opens on an upper edge side of the lower seal portion and via which a vehicle interior side of the lower seal portion is in communication with a vehicle exterior side of the lower seal portion. The seal member is installed on an edge portion of an inner surface of the door and interposed between the door and a vehicle body when the door is closed.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2016Date of Patent: August 7, 2018Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventor: Akira Ishikawa
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Patent number: 10023036Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to a seal assembly including a main door seal that extends around a vehicle door interior surface and that is spaced from a door perimeter. A first seal portion extends from an inward end thereof disposed along the main door seal to an outward end thereof disposed along the vehicle door perimeter. The first seal portion forms a barrier vertically above a latch slot, is capable of intercepting substances disposed above and traveling downward toward the latch slot, and facilitates transport of the intercepted substances to the door perimeter. A second seal portion is disposed between the latch slot and the vehicle door perimeter, and extends downwardly from the outward end of the first seal portion. The second seal portion is configured to impede travel toward the vehicle door interior surface of the intercepted substances that have been transported to the vehicle door perimeter.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2015Date of Patent: July 17, 2018Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Steven Thiele, Khang Nguyen
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Patent number: 9371098Abstract: A spoiler device for a vehicle includes a rear spoiler including an airflow controlling surface that is configured to continue to a roof surface and configured to be provided at a roof end, and an air duct including an air inlet opening to the airflow controlling surface and being formed penetrating through the rear spoiler, the air duct including an air outlet positioned in vicinity to an edge portion of the rear spoiler in a vehicle width direction, the air duct configured to guide an airflow at a vehicle top surface to a border portion between a vehicle rear side and a vehicle lateral side.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2015Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Wataru Yamaguchi, Yukihide Shibutani
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Patent number: 9278657Abstract: An exterior panel for a vehicle having a structure for preventing water from remaining therein, may include reinforcing ribs having a shape inclined downward, integrally formed on an inner surface of the panel, and disposed in a staggered arrangement at left and right sides of the panel, such that zigzag-shaped water drain routes, which guide water flowing into the panel in a downward direction, are formed on the inner surface of the panel, wherein lower end portions of the reinforcing ribs are adjacent to each other in upward and downward directions.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2014Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: Kia Motors CorporationInventors: Chan Joo Moon, Nam Cheol Kim, Sang Soo Lee, Jeong Ho Lee
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Patent number: 8833836Abstract: A water deflector includes a skeleton and a skin. The skeleton fills substantially the entire perimeter of an access opening. The skin is formed integrally over the skeleton, such that at least a portion of the skeleton is captured by the skin. The skin also spans substantially all of an interior of the access opening. A snap feature is formed in the skeleton and configured to mate to a perimeter of the access opening. Therefore, the skeleton is configured to hold the water deflector in the access opening such that the water deflector prevents passage of moisture through the access opening.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2012Date of Patent: September 16, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Brian R. Rusch, James K. Platt, Barbara A. Zuke
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Patent number: 8789873Abstract: A vehicle door system comprises: a door (16) formed from a plurality of panels (18, 20) which define a door cavity (22), one of the panels (20) having an aperture (44) therein at a hinged end of the door; and a check mechanism. The check mechanism comprises a check arm housing (40) mounted within the door cavity (22) and a check arm (42) connected to the vehicle body and extending through the aperture (44) and through the check arm housing (40). The check arm (42) is movable through the check arm housing (40) to allow opening and closing of the door (16). The check arm (42) has a flow restrictor formed on it arranged to restrict the flow of water along the check arm through the aperture.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2009Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Assignee: Land RoverInventors: Dean Nigel, Robin Warmington, Henry Bain
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Patent number: 8662563Abstract: A retractable vehicle canopy assembly provides temporary shelter from precipitation or sun. The assembly includes a housing having a bottom, a top, and a perimeter wall extending between the bottom and the top defining an interior space. The bottom of the housing is configured for coupling to a vehicle adjacent to a door of the vehicle. A slot extends through the perimeter wall of the housing. A plurality of rails is positioned in the interior space. Each of the rails is selectively extendable from the interior space through the slot. A cover is coupled to the rails and extending outwardly from the slot when the rails are extended from the slot whereby the cover is configured to shelter an area adjacent to the door of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2012Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Inventor: Ann M. Hardenbrook
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Patent number: 8632118Abstract: A body panel assembly and a method for manufacturing a body panel assembly are disclosed herein. In a non-limiting embodiment, the body panel assembly includes, but is not limited to, an inner panel having a lower portion. The body panel assembly further includes an outer panel that is connected to the inner panel. The outer panel has a main portion, a transitional portion, and a bent portion. The main portion and the bent portion are positioned on opposite sides of the lower portion. The main portion, the transitional portion, and the bent portion are arranged to form a cavity having an elongated configuration below the inner panel. The bent portion defines an opening extending therethrough. The opening is positioned at least partially below the lower portion of the inner panel. The opening provides ventilation to the cavity.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2011Date of Patent: January 21, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventor: Guangling Song
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Publication number: 20130334837Abstract: A side window visor designed to attach to a vehicle window channel. The side window visor can be arranged and configured to extend over a portion of a window area for preventing inclement weather from entering the passenger cabin with the window slightly opened. A full length tab is reduced to form a plurality of tabs along the tab area of a side window visor. The plurality of tabs located on the side window visor allows the auto-up window feature to be used without causing large resistance and retraction of the window.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2012Publication date: December 19, 2013Applicant: LUND INC.Inventors: Luis H. Serentill, John A. Wargo
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Patent number: 8585126Abstract: A clip for a vehicle drain hole. The vehicle drain hole is operable to allow liquid to escape from a cavity while simultaneously preventing wind noise or dust particulates from entering the hole. The apparatus includes a first surface and a second surface wherein the first surface includes a first aperture. The apparatus further includes an attachment structure mounted to the second surface wherein the attachment structure is operable to connect to the vehicle drain hole. The attachment structure is spaced apart from the first aperture of the first surface thereby allowing the first surface and the second surface to fully cover the vehicle drain hole. This allows a liquid to escape the vehicle drain hole and preventing or reducing the wind entering the vehicle drain hole thereby preventing noise heard by the user.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2012Date of Patent: November 19, 2013Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventors: Mingher Fred Shen, Scott W. Shopoff
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Patent number: 8485593Abstract: A drain plug includes a head part arranged on a peripheral edge of a drain hole from a front side, and an engaging leg engaged with the peripheral edge of the drain hole from a back side. The engaging leg includes a frame wall extending in a direction in which a space between a pair of panels forming a body panel is widened; an opening part facing the a connecting part of the pair of panels of the body panel; engaging parts formed on both side walls of the frame wall, to be engaged with the peripheral edge of the drain hole from the back side; and a guide surface formed on a front wall of the frame wall, to guide the engaging parts to pass through the drain hole.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2010Date of Patent: July 16, 2013Assignee: Piolax Inc.Inventors: Atsushi Ogawa, Tomoki Yamaguchi, Hajime Saito, Toshiya Ohba
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Patent number: 8420223Abstract: An insert with a light weight per unit length, which is securely separable to obtain insert pieces, a method for producing such an insert, and a method for producing long products using such an insert. The insert includes a large number of insert pieces and joining parts formed by the application of a rolling operation and a tension force, and has a ladder-shaped configuration. Slits are defined between adjacent insert pieces, and include first slits, each having a large width in a longitudinal direction of the insert, and second slits, each having a width smaller than that of the first slits so as to be alternately formed. The joining parts include first joining parts, each having a small width in a width direction of the insert, and second joining parts, each having a width larger than that of the first joining parts so as to be alternately formed.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2010Date of Patent: April 16, 2013Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.Inventors: Masatoshi Hotta, Tsuyoshi Shimizu
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Patent number: 8387640Abstract: A retractable umbrella includes an umbrella holder, a retractable tube, a pulling rod, a rainshade screen, and a dripping guide. The umbrella holder is for receiving a regular umbrella and holding water dripped from the regular umbrella. The retractable tube comprises retractable reels, and it is attached on a door frame of a car. Each of the retractable reels is disposed in the retractable tube. The pulling rod is attached to a rim portion of the door accepting frame of the car. The rainshade screen comprises an outer edge, an inner edge, a front edge, and a rear edge. The outer edge is attached to the retractable reels of the retractable tube. The inner edge is attached to the pulling rod. The front edge connects front portions of the inner and outer edges. The rear edge connects rear portions of the inner and outer edges.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2012Date of Patent: March 5, 2013Inventor: Jonathan Kim
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Publication number: 20120248816Abstract: A rain shield comprising a first face, and a second face disposed on an opposite side thereof, wherein a plurality of first pores are defined on said first face and a plurality of second pores are defined on said second face. Each first pore is corresponding to a second pore and are connected by a slope passage. With the angled passage provided in the rain shield, it can be used for ventilation and avoid the permeation of rain.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2011Publication date: October 4, 2012Inventor: Jia-Wei WAN
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Patent number: 8276607Abstract: A retractable umbrella includes a retractable tube, a pulling rod, a rainshade screen, and a drip water collector. The retractable tube comprises retractable reels, and it is attached on a door frame of a car. Each of the retractable reels is disposed in the retractable tube. The pulling rod is attached to a rim portion of the door accepting frame of the car. The rainshade screen comprises an outer edge, an inner edge, a front edge, and a rear edge. The outer edge is attached to the retractable reels of the retractable tube. The inner edge is attached to the pulling rod. The front edge connects front portions of the inner and outer edges. The rear edge connects rear portions of the inner and outer edges. The drip water collector collects water dripped from the rainshade screen, and is disposed at an inner portion of door of the car.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2010Date of Patent: October 2, 2012Inventor: Jonathan Kim
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Patent number: 8210597Abstract: A seal is provided for a hole in a sheet. The clamped hole surface has an articulated line, which divides the hole surface into a first partial surface and a second partial surface inclined relative thereto, exhibiting the following features: a sealing surface for the hole, the geometry of which corresponds to the hole geometry; an elastic element secured to the sealing surface; and the elastic element is incorporated into the hole abuts on one side (e.g., interior) of the sheet, pressing the sealing surface against a second side (e.g., exterior) of the sheet.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2009Date of Patent: July 3, 2012Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventor: Michael Horneck
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Patent number: 8042861Abstract: A tailgate of a motor vehicle has an extensible wind-deflecting device which, in its non-use position, is preferably arranged, so as to lie within an outer contour, in a stowage space. Here, the tailgate is formed substantially from an inner and an outer panel, with a collecting device, which is connected to the inner and to the outer panel and which is arranged in the region of the stowage space, being provided for collecting water which has infiltrated into the stowage space.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2009Date of Patent: October 25, 2011Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AktiengesellschaftInventors: Bela Molnar, Fred Wölfle, Helmut Eck, Stefan Adams, Volker Peitz
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Patent number: 7997639Abstract: A lower guide rail is mounted to a lower surface of a vehicle floor panel. Front and rear cable guides are provided on front and rear ends of the lower guide rail. A lower roller bracket fixed to a slide door is guided by the lower guide rail. An electric actuator unit is mounted to the lower surface of the floor panel. The electric actuator unit includes a cable wind/rewind drum. A watertight cover is mounted to the lower surface of the floor panel in a manner to cover the electric actuator unit. A first inner cable is guided by the front cable guide and has one end portion wound on the wind/rewind drum and the other end fixed to the lower roller bracket. A second inner cable is guided by the rear cable guide and has one end portion wound on the wind/rewind drum and the other end fixed to the lower roller bracket.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2008Date of Patent: August 16, 2011Assignee: Mitsui Kinzoku Act CorporationInventors: Kazuhito Yokomori, Tomoya Yamaguchi
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Publication number: 20110169297Abstract: A vehicle door system comprises: a door (16) formed from a plurality of panels (18, 20) which define a door cavity (22), one of the panels (20) having an aperture (44) therein at a hinged end of the door; and a check mechanism. The check mechanism comprises a check arm housing (40) mounted within the door cavity (22) and a check arm (42) connected to the vehicle body and extending through the aperture (44) and through the check arm housing (40). The check arm (42) is movable through the check arm housing (40) to allow opening and closing of the door (16). The check arm (42) has a flow restrictor formed on it arranged to restrict the flow of water along the check arm through the aperture.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 1, 2009Publication date: July 14, 2011Inventors: Dean Nigel, Robin Warmington, Henry Bain
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Patent number: 7883139Abstract: A drainage arrangement for a tailgate of a motor vehicle body has water outflow spouts in the inner panel of the tailgate. The water outflow spouts are arranged correspondingly to water outflow openings in a rear part or a rear-end trim panel of the body behind a vehicle license plate as viewed in relation to the direction of travel.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2010Date of Patent: February 8, 2011Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche AktiengesellschaftInventors: Martin Grammer, Markus Schmid, Bela Molnar
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Publication number: 20100237652Abstract: A drainage arrangement for a tailgate of a motor vehicle body has water outflow spouts in the inner panel of the tailgate. The water outflow spouts are arranged correspondingly to water outflow openings in a rear part or a rear-end trim panel of the body behind a vehicle licence plate as viewed in relation to the direction of travel.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2010Publication date: September 23, 2010Applicant: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche AktiengesellschaftInventors: Martin Grammer, Markus Schmid, Bela Molnar
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Patent number: 7775581Abstract: A sealing member that mitigates oscillating noises and its installation method is provided. In the sealing member for covering an opening formed at a door inner panel, at least one bead is installed at a covering portion facing the opening. Thus, the stiffness of the covering portion of the sealing member is increased. It is therefore possible to prevent the covering portion from oscillating, thereby inhibiting the sealing member from generating the oscillating noises.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2007Date of Patent: August 17, 2010Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yuji Kita, Takeya Shimomura
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Patent number: 7703834Abstract: A modular reconfigurable bumper system for an off road vehicle includes a center base mountable to the front of the vehicle. The center base has ends, a top face, and a front face. A pair of first mounting locations having associated mounting holes are located on the front face of the center base adjacent its ends and a pair of second mounting locations having associated mounting holes are located on the top face adjacent the ends of the center base. A pair of third mounting locations are located on the ends of the center base. A plurality of optional accessories including end plates, end extenders, an overrider, a prerunner, a stinger, and D-rings are selectively mountable to the center base, all via the first, second, and third mounting locations. The system also includes a rear bumper assembly mountable to the back of the vehicle and having a hinged spare tire carrier and D-rings selectively attachable to the rear bumper via common fourth mounting locations.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2008Date of Patent: April 27, 2010Assignee: Omix-Ada, Inc.Inventors: David E. Hardy, Patrick W. Bennett
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Patent number: 7695048Abstract: A truck, trailer or other type of vehicle with a pair of swinging door panels for providing access to a rear cargo bay includes a hinge seal that closes an air gap between the door panels and the side body panels of the vehicle when the door is open. The seal is particularly useful when used in conjunction with a dock shelter at a loading dock. The hinge seal can be mounted to each of the vehicle's rear door panels and sealingly engage the side body panels as the door opens, or the seal can be mounted to the side body panel and sealing engage the rear door panel. In either case, the seal provides substantially no resistance to the operation of the door hinge until just before the door is fully open.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2006Date of Patent: April 13, 2010Assignee: Rite-Hite Holding CorporationInventor: David Hoffman
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Publication number: 20100078960Abstract: A rain guard assembly for providing shelter to an occupant entering or exiting a vehicle is described. Generally, the retractable rain guard assembly may comprise a housing integrally mounted within a roof of an automobile, a covering retractably held within the housing and having one or more engagement portions positioned along a free end of the covering, and one or more securement members positioned along a door of the automobile and aligned in a manner corresponding to positions of the one or more engagement portions. The one or more securement members are actuatable to engage to corresponding engagement portions such that opening of the door relative to the roof extends the covering therebetween. The covering may be engaged remotely, such as by a key fob, or automatically by a water detection sensor on the automobile.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 13, 2009Publication date: April 1, 2010Inventor: Eileen M. RAYNOR
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Patent number: 7658437Abstract: A bumper skin made of plastics material including a front portion, at least one side overrider, and a face of the bumper skin that is visible presenting a shape irregularity between the front portion and the overrider. The front portion and the overrider are constituted by two distinct parts, at least one of the two distinct parts is linked to the shape irregularity, and the shape irregularity includes a hole passing through the bumper skin.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2006Date of Patent: February 9, 2010Assignee: Compagnie Plastic OmniumInventors: Jean-Yves Demange, Pierre Montanvert
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Patent number: 7641259Abstract: In a rain shelter control system for vehicular doorways, an electronic key ECU causes exterior signal transmitters to periodically transmit request signals. When a portable device receives the request signal in an arrival range of the request signals, the portable device generates a response signal responsive to the request signal. When a receiver receives the response signal from the portable device, the electronic key ECU operates to automatically open any of rain shelters near the portable device, so that a holder of the portable device and passengers fold their umbrellas under the opened rain shelters, so that they can get into a vehicle without being exposed to rain. Besides, the electronic key ECU operates to automatically open the rain shelter when they get off the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2006Date of Patent: January 5, 2010Assignee: DENSO CorporationInventors: Kentaro Teshima, Kazuhiro Nakashima, Takeshi Kumazaki, Haruyuki Tsuzuki
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Patent number: 7625038Abstract: A side door grommet is formed in an L-shaped configuration to be seated in a side door between the primary and secondary door seals to release air pressure experienced when the side door is closed against the body shell. The grommet includes an L-shaped tube that allows air to pass into the interior of the side door and bends downwardly to prevent the passage of water from the interior of the side door through the grommet tube into the sealed area of the side door. A grill is mounted in the grommet to prevent the passage of small fingers and/or toys through the grommet into the interior of the side door. The release of the air bind between the primary and secondary seals allows the side door to be closed with a minimum of effort.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2007Date of Patent: December 1, 2009Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Craig Moccio, Paul Repp, Thomas Leung
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Patent number: 7614682Abstract: A steering assembly and HVAC system, and method of operation, for a vehicle is disclosed. The system may comprise a steering column assembly including a steering column located within a cowl; a steering wheel assembly including a hub operatively engaging the steering column; and a steering assembly HVAC system including a steering column HVAC duct extending along the cowl and having an air outlet adjacent to the hub, whereby air will flow through the steering column HVAC duct and through the air outlet past the hub.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2009Date of Patent: November 10, 2009Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventors: Gregory A. Major, Michael E. Nishek
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Publication number: 20090212591Abstract: A vehicle slider assembly has a frame, upon which a fixed panel and an upper and a lower track are attached, and a slider panel assembly that moves in the tracks. The frame defines a window opening that the moving slider panel assembly opens and closes. The interior surfaces of the frame provide constant sealing surfaces for seals attached to the outwardly directed slider panel surfaces. The lower horizontal portion of the frame is adjacent to the lower track and has drain holes through it. The lower track has a reservoir channel defined in it, such that, moisture that is interior to the vehicle slider assembly accumulates in the reservoir channel and flows through the drain holes to the exterior of the vehicle slider assembly. An appliqué may be disposed over the exterior of the lower frame portion so that the flow of the moisture is hidden in an unencumbered and aesthetically pleasing manner.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2008Publication date: August 27, 2009Inventors: Shane C. Seiple, Charles E. Ash, H. Richard Voght
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Publication number: 20080169672Abstract: A side door grommet is formed in an L-shaped configuration to be seated in a side door between the primary and secondary door seals to release air pressure experienced when the side door is closed against the body shell. The grommet includes an L-shaped tube that allows air to pass into the interior of the side door and bends downwardly to prevent the passage of water from the interior of the side door through the grommet tube into the sealed area of the side door. A grill is mounted in the grommet to prevent the passage of small fingers and/or toys through the grommet into the interior of the side door. The release of the air bind between the primary and secondary seals allows the side door to be closed with a minimum of effort.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 12, 2007Publication date: July 17, 2008Inventors: Craig Moccio, Paul Repp, Thomas Leung
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Patent number: 7293820Abstract: A weather strip for a motor vehicle, which is capable of being attached to a flange provided in an opening portion of a vehicle body or a closing member for closing the opening portion irrespective of a configuration of the flange. The weather strip includes a base portion in which the flange provided in the opening portion or the closing member is adapted to be inserted, and a seal portion integrally formed with the base portion for sealing between the opening portion and the closing member. An extension wall extends from an end of an outer side wall of the base portion by way of a bending part. The extension wall is bonded to a body panel defining the opening portion or the closing member, which is adjacent to the flange, with a double-sided adhesive tape.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2005Date of Patent: November 13, 2007Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.Inventors: Atsushi Hashimoto, Masahiro Nozaki
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Patent number: 7172240Abstract: A vehicle window wind deflector, of the type which has a flange that is fitted into a window channel, has a bridge which fits around a pillar that separates a first pane of the vehicle window from a second pane of the vehicle window. At the location of the pillar it is preferred that the flange be interrupted.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2006Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Inventor: Judd C. Kaufman
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Patent number: 7108313Abstract: A trim assembly suitable for attachment to a door has an interior portion, wherein the interior portion includes at least one retaining mechanism, integrally formed thereon, and wherein the at least one retaining mechanism extends from the trim panel, and a seal having first and second sides, wherein the first side of the seal is adapted to bond to the door frame, and wherein the second side of the seal is capable of being removably retained by the interior portion of the trim panel by the at least one retaining mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2005Date of Patent: September 19, 2006Assignee: Intier Automotive Inc.Inventors: David M. Forrester, Thomas Jalosky, Jim Gruber
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Patent number: 7100966Abstract: There is provided a ventilation structure formed in an automobile door, which is made up of a door inner panel having a hole therethrough. A door hole seal is installed in an interior side of the door inner panel. The door hole seal has a slit or an air hole nearby the hole of the door inner panel, and it covers at least the hole. A door trim is installed on the interior side of the door inner panel sandwiching the door hole seal in combination with the door inner panel. There is/are partially or successively formed a gap or gaps between a periphery of the door trim and the door inner panel. At the time the door is closed, the air in the interior of an automobile is ejected to the exterior of the automobile through the gap or the gaps, the slit or the air hole, and a drain hole which is formed in the door inner panel.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2005Date of Patent: September 5, 2006Assignee: Nishikawa Rubber Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoshihiro Kohara, Takashi Yamashita
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Patent number: 7011357Abstract: The liftgate for a motor vehicle includes a frame member, an inner panel, and an outer panel. The frame member is a U-shaped member formed by a cross member and a pair of spaced apart legs extending from the cross member. The inner panel is connected to the legs and extends part way up the legs of the frame member. The outer panel is connected to the inner panel and is positioned opposite the legs and an inner side of the inner panel. The outer panel also extends part way up the legs of the frame member. The frame member defines a window opening with the inner panel and the outer panel. The frame member forms the entire upper portion of the liftgate.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2004Date of Patent: March 14, 2006Assignee: Alcoa Inc.Inventors: Dinesh C. Seksaria, John W. Cobes
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Patent number: 6973754Abstract: A windowpane is supported in a gasket by a support member so that a space for allowing the windowpane to shift therein is ensured between an end surface of the windowpane and a surface in a channel of the gasket facing the end surface, the gasket having the channel for receiving a peripheral edge of the windowpane, and the support member being removable from the gasket. The windowpane can be easily removed from a body panel by removing the support member and shifting the windowpane into the space.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2002Date of Patent: December 13, 2005Assignee: Asahi Glass Company, LimitedInventors: Shigehiko Iguchi, Nobuyuki Tamai, Nobutaka Kojima
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Patent number: 6938944Abstract: A molded water shield integrated between an exterior panel assembly and a trim panel of a vehicle includes a semi-rigid barrier sheet and a seal integrally molded into the semi-rigid barrier sheet. The seal includes reliefs formed therein and is detachable from the semi-rigid barrier sheet to define an opening through the semi-rigid barrier sheet.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2004Date of Patent: September 6, 2005Assignees: Foamade Industries, Inc., Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Chi H. Koa, Quoc H. Nguyen
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Patent number: 6883847Abstract: A flange cover with a trim lip is provided for finishing a vehicle flange, wherein the flange cover can include a seal. The flange cover is affixed to a single side of the flange and the trip lip projects from an opposed side of the flange to be spaced from the flange. The trim lip can be sized to contact an interior trim piece of the vehicle to occlude a gap between the flange and the interior trim piece. A seal can be operably located on an outside surface of a flange engaging leg.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2003Date of Patent: April 26, 2005Assignee: Schlegel CorporationInventor: Kevin R. Willett