Land vehicles: bodies and tops – Bodies – Structural detail
Reexamination Certificate
1998-10-29
2002-05-14
Pape, Joseph D. (Department: 3612)
Land vehicles: bodies and tops
Bodies
Structural detail
C296S190050, C296S190050, C180S068400
Reexamination Certificate
active
06386624
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to a front end assembly for an automotive vehicle, and more particularly to a front end assembly which includes an integrated grille system and a stabilizer bar.
BACKGROUND ART
A grille opening reinforcement (GOR) is one of the most important components in the front end of today's automobile. Components such as the fenders, grilles, headlamps, and park/turn lamps are assembled to the GOR, which makes the GOR integral to front end fit and finish functions. The GOR provides attachments, locators, and structural support to the surrounding mating components. It also provides access for lamp bulb replacement, secondary hood latch release levers, and all other maintenance and repair requirements.
Arguably, the primary function of a GOR is to provide assembly plants with a controlled and predictable front-end build for their vehicles. An original equipment manufacturer (OEM) typically requires a GOR on all its vehicles because of the capability to coordinate the fit and finish of all front end exterior components. However, a disadvantage of conventional GOR designs is that much of the structure of the GOR is duplicated by the attached grille. Furthermore, each of the components listed above must be assembled to the GOR at an OEM assembly plant on the trim line, such that multiple operators and work stations are required.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a front end assembly which eliminates the duplication of structure between a conventional GOR and a grille.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a front end assembly which incorporates several front end components into a single, integrated structure.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a front end assembly which reduces cost and weight.
Accordingly, a front end assembly is provided for attaching components to a front end of an automobile chassis which eliminates the duplication of structure between a conventional grille opening reinforcement and grille, and incorporates several front end components into an integrated structure. The front end assembly includes a stabilizer bar adapted for attachment to the chassis front end, and a grille system adapted for attachment to the chassis front end and the stabilizer bar. Preferably, the area occupied by the stabilizer bar on the chassis front end is substantially less than the area occupied by the grille system, such that structure is not duplicated between the stabilizer bar and the grille system. The grille system has a grille mounted therein, lamp canisters defined on either end thereof, and lamps mounted within the lamp canisters. Therefore, the grille system allows several components to be attached to the chassis front end as one integrated unit.
The above objects and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention are more readily understood from a review of the attached drawings and the accompanying specification and claims.
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Billiu Andrew
Brown Julie N.
Schultz John P.
Bliss McGlynn & Nolan, PC
Pape Joseph D.
Patel Kiran B.
Plastech
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