Vehicle fenders – Buffer or bumper type – Joints and connections
Reexamination Certificate
1999-07-23
2001-04-03
Dayoan, D. Glenn (Department: 3612)
Vehicle fenders
Buffer or bumper type
Joints and connections
C293S102000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06209935
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a fascia for an automobile, and more particularly, a fascia for an automobile which can be adjusted for aesthetic appearance.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In motor vehicles, bumper assemblies are employed to protect the vehicle body from minor bumps and typically include a flexible bumper fascia (which is the portion of the bumper assembly seen by the consumer) and a bumper shell for supporting and reinforcing the bumper fascia. The fascia, itself, comprises an upper and a lower portion. The upper portion covers the bumper shell and is rigidly attached to the lower fascia. The lower portion, in turn, is typically attached to the chassis.
Not only does the bumper assembly need to protect the vehicle body from minor bumps, it is also desirable that the bumper assembly be aesthetically-pleasing to the consumer. To achieve this aesthetic aspect, the upper portion of the fascia must be spaced from the vehicle's fender assembly by a predetermined gap. Uniformity of this gap between all points on the fender and upper fascia and consistency of this gap from vehicle to vehicle enhances the overall aesthetic appearance of the vehicle.
While manufacturers have attempted to provide the proper spacing between the upper portion and the fender, they have failed to address a variety of operational and assembly concerns regarding the above discussed alignment. This need manifests itself most specifically in the desire for manufacturing simplicity, cost savings, and operational simplicity. Specifically, when the gap between the upper fascia and the fender is out of tolerance, the upper fascia must be detached from the lower fascia and reattached when in the proper position, or must be modified or machined to set the proper gap. Because of the rigid attachment of the upper fascia to the lower fascia, modifying the gap is costly and difficult. In fact, modifying the gap typically requires adjustment at the assembly plant or dealership in response to a warranty claim, resulting in increased manufacturing or warranty cost.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In view of the above, it is an object of the present invention to provide an upper and lower fascia which can be adjusted both easily and cost effectively to allow adjustment of the gap between the upper fascia and fender of a vehicle.
Accordingly, the present invention provides an adjustable fascia for a bumper of a vehicle which has an upper fascia member and a lower fascia member detachably connected to the upper fascia member. The lower member can be adjusted relative to the upper member to maintain the uniformity and consistency of the gap between the upper fascia and fender.
In one aspect of the present invention, the upper fascia member has an upper series of alternating indentations and protrusions positioned along a face of the upper fascia. Similarly, the lower fascia member has a corresponding lower series of alternating indentations and protrusions. The lower series is positioned on a face of the lower fascia and is adapted to physically communicate with the upper series such that the indentations of the lower series receive the protrusions of the upper series and the indentations of the upper series receive the protrusions of the lower series. A fastener is provided to draw the lower series toward the upper series thereby affixing the upper fascia in place after it has been adjusted.
Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.
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Arnone James L.
Baslock Chad C.
Gondert William G.
Harris Jesse A.
Kavc Andrew R.
DaimlerChrysler Corporation
Dayoan D. Glenn
Fuller III Roland A.
Morrow Jason
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