CA2266143A1 - Vehicle grill cover - Google Patents
Vehicle grill cover Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2266143A1 CA2266143A1 CA 2266143 CA2266143A CA2266143A1 CA 2266143 A1 CA2266143 A1 CA 2266143A1 CA 2266143 CA2266143 CA 2266143 CA 2266143 A CA2266143 A CA 2266143A CA 2266143 A1 CA2266143 A1 CA 2266143A1
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- Prior art keywords
- grill
- cover
- motor vehicle
- vehicle
- straps
- Prior art date
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Abstract
A vehicle grill cover which is constructed by the use of a fabric cover and is designed to fit, including any opening necessary to accommodate a given manufacturer's emblem within the design of the grill, within the grill openings of many vehicles on the road today, whether they be one large opening or many smaller ones. The fabric cover is held in place over the grill of the vehicle by the use of the hook and loop fastening straps which engage another strap attached to the grill in a plurality of locations, thereby, allowing for the quick and easy installation and removal of the present invention from the grill of a vehicle. Additionally, the point at which the hook and loop fasteners are attached to the fabric cover is offset in relation to the position of the grill at which it is to be attached. This allows the fabric cover to be stretched tightly over the grill opening ensuring an effective barrier to the passage of cold, outside air, or bugs and debris.
Description
VEHICLE GRILL COVER
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an improvement in the method of blocking the flow of cold air into the engine compartment of a vehicle. More specifically, a device for blocking both the flow of cold air and insects from entering the engine compartment of a veh:ic7_e .
In the past, driving in the cold winter months of l0 the north has created a multitude of problems, not the least of which was getting the vehicle's engine up to its normal operating temperature. A vehuc7_e's engine is designed to operate at its maximum efficiency within a specific range of temperatures . This is typical7_y accomplished by the use of a liquid filled cooling system which circulates coolant around the combustion chambers of the engine and into a heat exchange unit which is most often located behind the front grill of the vehicle. The cooling of the liquid is accomplished by passing it through the heat exchange unit, or radiator, where it passes excess heat to the outside air.
While the cooling system is designed to keep the temperature from surpassing this range, there is no equivalent system to ensure that it will reach and maintain this temperature range.
Often during the winter the ambient air temperature is cold enough to lceep an engine operating at a temperature well below this range. This creates a situation that forces an engine to operate below its intended efficiency levels for periods of time that can last for months .
Additionally, the lowering of an engine's operating temperature also has the added consequence of lessening the effectiveness oi_ the vehicle's interior cab heating system. This is due to the fact that a large majority of the vehicles on th~~ road today employ a system of heating the interior of the 'vehicle which uses the heated engine coolant as a heat source. If the temperature of this coolant is lowered due to the temperature of the outside air, the heating capacity of the system is greatly reduced.
These problems have been solved by providing a grill cover to restrict the flow of air through the radiator thus, allowing the vehicle to more rapidly reach optimum operating temperature. Modern grill covers have often been very unsightly ranging from a piece of cardboard to a piece of canvas affixed across the front of the vehicle.
A further cooling problem also exists during the summer months; smashed insects can collect on the front of the grill and on the interior radiator. This can effect the cooling aspects of the engine and consequently the overall performance of the vehicle. Thus, during the summer a cover is sometimes required. This cover must not inhibit the airflow to the radiator, but ~~hould be designed to prevent bugs and debris from entering t:he engine compartment.
Prior art grill front covers have typically been attached using snaps, ties or bungee cords fastened around the outside of the grill cover. U.S. patent number 4,236,592 issued to Ziegler i.Llustrates the use of button type snaps on a grill. Although this method is effective for holding a grill cover in place, it requires some degree of skill to be used in the initial installation. Further, the use of the button snaps will require that the male portion of the snap be left on the outer surface of the vehicle and thus, permanently deface the front of the vehicle.
A second type of cold front grill cover is shown in U.S. patent number 4,883,139 issued to Gross. This patent illustrates the use of a hard plastic insert that snaps onto the opening of a drill. Although this patent solves the problem of permanently defacing the front of a vehicle, it can be troublesome to install and remove. A
special tool is required to remove the grill front and can create a frustrating situation as weather changes necessitate the removal of the grill front.
From this discussion it can be seen that it would be desirable to provide a grill cover that can be easily installed and removed without permanently defacing the front of the vehicle. Also, it would be desirable to provide such a grill cover that could be upplied in various seasonal embodiments.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is the primary objective of the present invention to provide a method of closing off the grill opening of a vehicle which is being driven in a cold environment.
It is an additional objective of the present invention to provide a grill cover that is esthetically pleasing and does not destroy the appearance of today's modern recessed grill.
It is an additiona_L objective of the present invention to provide a means of maintaining a vehicle's engine operating temperature, at the factory designed levels during cold weather driving, and to provide a device that maintains the vehicle's interior cab heating system operating at a sufficient temperature to effectively heat the vehicle.
Finally, it is an objective of the present invention to provide a modifies. grill cover that can be used during the summer months to px-event smashed bugs and other debris from plugging the radiator.
These objectives are accomplished by the use of a fabric cover that is designed t:o fit, including any opening necessary to accommodate a given manufacturer's emblems within the design of the grill, within the grill openings of many vehicles on the road today, whether they be one large opening or many smaller ones. The fabric cover is held in place over the grill of the vehicle by the use of hook and loop fastening straps, such as VELCRO, which engage another l0 strap attached to the grill i.n a plurality of locations, thereby, allowing for the qui<:k and easy installation and removal of the present invention from the grill of a vehicle. Additionally, the point at which the hook and loop fastening strap is attached to the fabric cover is offset in relation to the position of the grill at which it is to be attached. This allows the fabric cover to be stretched tightly over the grill opening ensuring an effective barrier to the passage of cold, outside air. A further feature of the present invention calls :Eor making the fabric cover slightly larger than the rece~~sed grill area that it will cover. This will form an overlap, as the cover is fastened in place, which will prevent the edges of the cover from folding back into the engine compartment of the vehicle.
A further variation of the present invention utilizes a mesh cover that is attached in accordance with the present invention. This mesh cover may be used in the summer months to keep the vehicle's radiator free of smashed bugs and other debris.
For a better understanding of the present invention, reference should be made to the drawings and the description in which there a..a illustrated and described preferred embodiments of the present invention.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an improvement in the method of blocking the flow of cold air into the engine compartment of a vehicle. More specifically, a device for blocking both the flow of cold air and insects from entering the engine compartment of a veh:ic7_e .
In the past, driving in the cold winter months of l0 the north has created a multitude of problems, not the least of which was getting the vehicle's engine up to its normal operating temperature. A vehuc7_e's engine is designed to operate at its maximum efficiency within a specific range of temperatures . This is typical7_y accomplished by the use of a liquid filled cooling system which circulates coolant around the combustion chambers of the engine and into a heat exchange unit which is most often located behind the front grill of the vehicle. The cooling of the liquid is accomplished by passing it through the heat exchange unit, or radiator, where it passes excess heat to the outside air.
While the cooling system is designed to keep the temperature from surpassing this range, there is no equivalent system to ensure that it will reach and maintain this temperature range.
Often during the winter the ambient air temperature is cold enough to lceep an engine operating at a temperature well below this range. This creates a situation that forces an engine to operate below its intended efficiency levels for periods of time that can last for months .
Additionally, the lowering of an engine's operating temperature also has the added consequence of lessening the effectiveness oi_ the vehicle's interior cab heating system. This is due to the fact that a large majority of the vehicles on th~~ road today employ a system of heating the interior of the 'vehicle which uses the heated engine coolant as a heat source. If the temperature of this coolant is lowered due to the temperature of the outside air, the heating capacity of the system is greatly reduced.
These problems have been solved by providing a grill cover to restrict the flow of air through the radiator thus, allowing the vehicle to more rapidly reach optimum operating temperature. Modern grill covers have often been very unsightly ranging from a piece of cardboard to a piece of canvas affixed across the front of the vehicle.
A further cooling problem also exists during the summer months; smashed insects can collect on the front of the grill and on the interior radiator. This can effect the cooling aspects of the engine and consequently the overall performance of the vehicle. Thus, during the summer a cover is sometimes required. This cover must not inhibit the airflow to the radiator, but ~~hould be designed to prevent bugs and debris from entering t:he engine compartment.
Prior art grill front covers have typically been attached using snaps, ties or bungee cords fastened around the outside of the grill cover. U.S. patent number 4,236,592 issued to Ziegler i.Llustrates the use of button type snaps on a grill. Although this method is effective for holding a grill cover in place, it requires some degree of skill to be used in the initial installation. Further, the use of the button snaps will require that the male portion of the snap be left on the outer surface of the vehicle and thus, permanently deface the front of the vehicle.
A second type of cold front grill cover is shown in U.S. patent number 4,883,139 issued to Gross. This patent illustrates the use of a hard plastic insert that snaps onto the opening of a drill. Although this patent solves the problem of permanently defacing the front of a vehicle, it can be troublesome to install and remove. A
special tool is required to remove the grill front and can create a frustrating situation as weather changes necessitate the removal of the grill front.
From this discussion it can be seen that it would be desirable to provide a grill cover that can be easily installed and removed without permanently defacing the front of the vehicle. Also, it would be desirable to provide such a grill cover that could be upplied in various seasonal embodiments.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is the primary objective of the present invention to provide a method of closing off the grill opening of a vehicle which is being driven in a cold environment.
It is an additional objective of the present invention to provide a grill cover that is esthetically pleasing and does not destroy the appearance of today's modern recessed grill.
It is an additiona_L objective of the present invention to provide a means of maintaining a vehicle's engine operating temperature, at the factory designed levels during cold weather driving, and to provide a device that maintains the vehicle's interior cab heating system operating at a sufficient temperature to effectively heat the vehicle.
Finally, it is an objective of the present invention to provide a modifies. grill cover that can be used during the summer months to px-event smashed bugs and other debris from plugging the radiator.
These objectives are accomplished by the use of a fabric cover that is designed t:o fit, including any opening necessary to accommodate a given manufacturer's emblems within the design of the grill, within the grill openings of many vehicles on the road today, whether they be one large opening or many smaller ones. The fabric cover is held in place over the grill of the vehicle by the use of hook and loop fastening straps, such as VELCRO, which engage another l0 strap attached to the grill i.n a plurality of locations, thereby, allowing for the qui<:k and easy installation and removal of the present invention from the grill of a vehicle. Additionally, the point at which the hook and loop fastening strap is attached to the fabric cover is offset in relation to the position of the grill at which it is to be attached. This allows the fabric cover to be stretched tightly over the grill opening ensuring an effective barrier to the passage of cold, outside air. A further feature of the present invention calls :Eor making the fabric cover slightly larger than the rece~~sed grill area that it will cover. This will form an overlap, as the cover is fastened in place, which will prevent the edges of the cover from folding back into the engine compartment of the vehicle.
A further variation of the present invention utilizes a mesh cover that is attached in accordance with the present invention. This mesh cover may be used in the summer months to keep the vehicle's radiator free of smashed bugs and other debris.
For a better understanding of the present invention, reference should be made to the drawings and the description in which there a..a illustrated and described preferred embodiments of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRA4~IINGS
Figure 1 is a pers~~ective view of the present invention showing the orientatuon of the invention when it is fitted to the front of a vehicle.
Figure 2 is a front elevation view of the present invention showing the configuration of the invention.
Figure 3 is a rear elevation view of the present invention detailing its manner of construction and one possible configuration of the attachment straps.
l0 Figure 4 is a side elevation view of the present invention detailing the orientation of its major components just prior to it being attached to the grill of a vehicle.
Figure 5 is a side elevation view of the present invention detailing the orient~ition of its major components after being attached to the grill of a vehicle.
Figure 6 is a cut-away rear elevation view of the present invention showing the orientation of the sew points of the attachment straps to t:ze grill cross members, this positioning provides the stretching of the fabric on the vehicle front.
Figure 7 is a front cut-away view of the present invention showing the manner in which the vehicle front is attached and may be partially pulled away from the grill of a vehicle, to facilitate attachment and removal of the present invention.
Figure 8 is a front elevation view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention showing it as configured to fit on a vehicle with a plurality of smaller front grill openings.
Figure 9 is a side elevation cut-away view of the present invention showing the manner in which a shearing force is applied to the fabr~_c cover, by the use of the attachment strap, to hold it tightly to the vehicle grill.
Figure 10 is a side elevation cut-away view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention showing the manner in which the fabric cover may extend beyond the grill opening to ensure that the wind force generated by a moving vehicle will not push the edge: in, thus, allowing cold air to enter the engine compartment.
Figure 11 is a front elevation view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention, showing a bug screen to be used during the summer, which attaches to a vehicle in the same fashion as t=he winter front.
Referring now to the drawings, and more specifically to Figures 1, 2 and 7, the vehicle cold air cover 10 consists of a fabric cover 12 made of reinforced vinyl fabric or other flexible material, which is placed over the grill opening 16 of a vehicle 14, covering it entirely. The fabric cover 12 effectively stops the flow of cold air through the grill, thereby, restricting the amount of cold air entering the radiator and the engine compartment.
In the typical configuration, the front end of a vehicle 14 consists of a reces;~ed grill opening 16 which is located between the vehicle headlights 32 and above the vehicle front bumper 34. The grill opening 16 may be spanned internally in either a horizontal or vertical configuration by the grill members 17, which are rectangular shaped bars, or generally flat bars, having one end of the narrow portion of the rectangle forming the outwardly facing surface. The grill members 1'7 are widely spaced, so that air may freely pass through and enter the radiator and engine compartment located directly behind the grill opening 16. It should be stated at this point that various vehicle manufacturers utilize different design configurations of the grill members, this may range from simple horizontal bars to a honeycomb design(not shown). The installation of the fabric cover 12, over the grill opening 16, inhibits the free flow of air to the radiator and engine compartment during the winter months. T~~ze user simply installs the fabric cover 12 onto the grill members 17 in the grill opening 16, thus, allowing the engine to reach the temperature at which it was designed to operate, regardless of the outside temperature.
The fabric cover 12 is also designed and made to fit the varying shapes of the grill openings 16 on the different models of vehicles available on the market today.
Therefore, when necessary, the fabric cover 12 has incorporated into its design an emblem opening 22 which exactly coincides with the location and shape of any make identification emblem 20 that the vehicle 14 manufacturer may have placed within the grill opening 16. Additionally, one of a variety of possible alternative embodiments of the present invention is illustrated by Figure 8 in which the fabric cover 12 is made to fit within a plurality of smaller grill openings 16. This flexioility in design ensures that the present invention will be available to fit all of the vehicles being sold today.
The fabric cover 12 is held in place within the grill opening 16 on the grill members 17 by the use of the loop attachment straps 24 and the hook attachment straps 26.
This process, and the component's orientation within the present invention, is illustrated by Figures 3, 4, 5, 6 and 9. The loop attachment strap c4 is sewn to the back surface of the fabric cover 12 in a plurality of locations, whose actual number can vary greatly depending on the specific application. These are made of a loop type material, such _ 7 _ as VELCRO brand hook and loop fastener, of sufficient length to engage, sometimes wrapping around, the hook straps 26 which are fixed to the grill members 17, by the use of adhesive, in a corresponding position to each of the loop straps 24. Therefore, the present invention typically installs in the grill opening 16 of a vehicle 14, by positioning the loop fasteners 24, located on the back surface of the fabric cover 12, on the hook fasteners 26 located across the top or the bottom and front, as l0 necessary, of the grill members 17 which holds the fabric cover 12 securely within the vehicle's grill opening 16. By placing the hook attachment straps 26 so that they also cover the front of the grill me=mbers 17 they may be used to aid in the installation of the vehicle cold air cover 10 by temporarily attaching to the loop attachment straps 24, prior to completely fastening the loop attachment straps 24 across the top or bottom of the grill members 17.
The present invention provides a novel method of ensuring that the fabric cover 12 is stretched tightly over the grill members 17 and the grill opening 16. The sew points 28 at which the loop straps 24 are attached to the fabric cover 12 are positioned in such a manner so that they are offset from the point at which they engage the hook straps 26 on the grill members 17. The fabric cover stretching force 36 is illustrated in Figure 9, which clearly shows how the sew points 28, positioned inside of the grill members 17, allow the fabric cover 12 to be held taut without being drawn into 'she grill openings 16. Also, it is important to note that the positioning of the hook straps 26 on the grill member: 17 can vary greatly between different vehicle 14 makes or even on user preference.
However, it is critical to have a series of these straps 26, located on the edges of the grill members 17, at points _ g close to the grill frame 18. This enables the fabric cover 12 to be positioned securely within the grill opening 16, while ensuring that the maximum coverage will be maintained during vehicle 14 operation.
During the installation process, the offset of the sew points 28 on the loop straps 24 allow the fabric cover to be pulled tightly by applying an attachment strap force 38 to the loop straps in the direction away from the sew point 28 prior, and attaching it to the hook strap 26 l0 located on the specific grill member 17. By performing this operation on all of the loop straps 24 independently, in each of the vertical rows of loop straps 24, one ensures that the fabric cover 12 will form a tight and uniform barrier to the flow of air into the engine compartment, thus, enabling the engine to run within the designed temperature parameters even in i~he coldest of weather.
The installation process is also accomplished easily from the outside front of the vehicle 14, and does not require that the user work from behind the grill members 17, nor the use of any specialized tools. The manner in which this is accomplished is =_llustrated in Figure 7. The outside edges of the fabric cover 12 are not firmly attached to the grill members 17, to allow access to the hook and loop straps, 26 and 24. The installation or removal of the present invention is accomplished by pulling the edges of the fabric cover in an outwardly fashion, thus,, allowing the user to engage and disengage the loop straps 24 from the grill members 17 on the edge oi= the grill opening 16. This process may be facilitated by an optional release tab 25 which may be sewn to the loo~~ attachment straps 24. The attachment tabs 25 allow the user to easily separate the hook and loop straps, 26 and 2-~ . By repeating this process on all of the loop straps 24 on the upper portion of the _ g _ grill opening 16, one can gain access to the series of loop straps 24 located on the lower portions of the fabric cover 12.
The design of the attachment method of the present invention to the grill opening of a vehicle 14 allows the fabric cover 12 to be easily .removed and installed. This enables a user to change the characteristics of air flow to the engine compartment in a matter of minutes, thereby, allowing him to adjust the operating temperature of the engine as weather and temperature conditions change.
Figure 10 shows an alternative embodiment of the fabric cover 12. In this embodiment, the fabric cover 12 is supplied with a fabric cover overlap 13. The fabric cover overlap 13 is created by simply making the fabric cover 12 larger then the vehicle grill opening 16. This embodiment may be used on vehicles 14 having a space between the grill frame 18 and the grill members 17 that would allow the fabric cover 12 to fold back into the vehicle 14, thus, inhibiting the efficiency of th.e present invention. Use of the fabric cover overlap 13 will assure that the edges of the fabric cover 12 do not fold back into the engine compartment and remain effectively in position.
Figure 11 represents yet a further embodiment of the present invention. In thi~~ embodiment the fabric cover 12 is replaced with a summer bug screen front 40 and attached in accordance with the present invention. The summer bug screen front 40 is made using a mesh or screen 42 appropriately fitted to a given vehicle 14.
Although the present invention has been described in considerable detail with reference to certain preferred versions thereof, other versions are possible. For example the size and placement of the hook and loop fasteners may be varied along with the choice of which portion of the fastener is connected to the vehicle and mated with the present invention. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be 7.imited to the description of the preferred versions contained herein.
Figure 1 is a pers~~ective view of the present invention showing the orientatuon of the invention when it is fitted to the front of a vehicle.
Figure 2 is a front elevation view of the present invention showing the configuration of the invention.
Figure 3 is a rear elevation view of the present invention detailing its manner of construction and one possible configuration of the attachment straps.
l0 Figure 4 is a side elevation view of the present invention detailing the orientation of its major components just prior to it being attached to the grill of a vehicle.
Figure 5 is a side elevation view of the present invention detailing the orient~ition of its major components after being attached to the grill of a vehicle.
Figure 6 is a cut-away rear elevation view of the present invention showing the orientation of the sew points of the attachment straps to t:ze grill cross members, this positioning provides the stretching of the fabric on the vehicle front.
Figure 7 is a front cut-away view of the present invention showing the manner in which the vehicle front is attached and may be partially pulled away from the grill of a vehicle, to facilitate attachment and removal of the present invention.
Figure 8 is a front elevation view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention showing it as configured to fit on a vehicle with a plurality of smaller front grill openings.
Figure 9 is a side elevation cut-away view of the present invention showing the manner in which a shearing force is applied to the fabr~_c cover, by the use of the attachment strap, to hold it tightly to the vehicle grill.
Figure 10 is a side elevation cut-away view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention showing the manner in which the fabric cover may extend beyond the grill opening to ensure that the wind force generated by a moving vehicle will not push the edge: in, thus, allowing cold air to enter the engine compartment.
Figure 11 is a front elevation view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention, showing a bug screen to be used during the summer, which attaches to a vehicle in the same fashion as t=he winter front.
Referring now to the drawings, and more specifically to Figures 1, 2 and 7, the vehicle cold air cover 10 consists of a fabric cover 12 made of reinforced vinyl fabric or other flexible material, which is placed over the grill opening 16 of a vehicle 14, covering it entirely. The fabric cover 12 effectively stops the flow of cold air through the grill, thereby, restricting the amount of cold air entering the radiator and the engine compartment.
In the typical configuration, the front end of a vehicle 14 consists of a reces;~ed grill opening 16 which is located between the vehicle headlights 32 and above the vehicle front bumper 34. The grill opening 16 may be spanned internally in either a horizontal or vertical configuration by the grill members 17, which are rectangular shaped bars, or generally flat bars, having one end of the narrow portion of the rectangle forming the outwardly facing surface. The grill members 1'7 are widely spaced, so that air may freely pass through and enter the radiator and engine compartment located directly behind the grill opening 16. It should be stated at this point that various vehicle manufacturers utilize different design configurations of the grill members, this may range from simple horizontal bars to a honeycomb design(not shown). The installation of the fabric cover 12, over the grill opening 16, inhibits the free flow of air to the radiator and engine compartment during the winter months. T~~ze user simply installs the fabric cover 12 onto the grill members 17 in the grill opening 16, thus, allowing the engine to reach the temperature at which it was designed to operate, regardless of the outside temperature.
The fabric cover 12 is also designed and made to fit the varying shapes of the grill openings 16 on the different models of vehicles available on the market today.
Therefore, when necessary, the fabric cover 12 has incorporated into its design an emblem opening 22 which exactly coincides with the location and shape of any make identification emblem 20 that the vehicle 14 manufacturer may have placed within the grill opening 16. Additionally, one of a variety of possible alternative embodiments of the present invention is illustrated by Figure 8 in which the fabric cover 12 is made to fit within a plurality of smaller grill openings 16. This flexioility in design ensures that the present invention will be available to fit all of the vehicles being sold today.
The fabric cover 12 is held in place within the grill opening 16 on the grill members 17 by the use of the loop attachment straps 24 and the hook attachment straps 26.
This process, and the component's orientation within the present invention, is illustrated by Figures 3, 4, 5, 6 and 9. The loop attachment strap c4 is sewn to the back surface of the fabric cover 12 in a plurality of locations, whose actual number can vary greatly depending on the specific application. These are made of a loop type material, such _ 7 _ as VELCRO brand hook and loop fastener, of sufficient length to engage, sometimes wrapping around, the hook straps 26 which are fixed to the grill members 17, by the use of adhesive, in a corresponding position to each of the loop straps 24. Therefore, the present invention typically installs in the grill opening 16 of a vehicle 14, by positioning the loop fasteners 24, located on the back surface of the fabric cover 12, on the hook fasteners 26 located across the top or the bottom and front, as l0 necessary, of the grill members 17 which holds the fabric cover 12 securely within the vehicle's grill opening 16. By placing the hook attachment straps 26 so that they also cover the front of the grill me=mbers 17 they may be used to aid in the installation of the vehicle cold air cover 10 by temporarily attaching to the loop attachment straps 24, prior to completely fastening the loop attachment straps 24 across the top or bottom of the grill members 17.
The present invention provides a novel method of ensuring that the fabric cover 12 is stretched tightly over the grill members 17 and the grill opening 16. The sew points 28 at which the loop straps 24 are attached to the fabric cover 12 are positioned in such a manner so that they are offset from the point at which they engage the hook straps 26 on the grill members 17. The fabric cover stretching force 36 is illustrated in Figure 9, which clearly shows how the sew points 28, positioned inside of the grill members 17, allow the fabric cover 12 to be held taut without being drawn into 'she grill openings 16. Also, it is important to note that the positioning of the hook straps 26 on the grill member: 17 can vary greatly between different vehicle 14 makes or even on user preference.
However, it is critical to have a series of these straps 26, located on the edges of the grill members 17, at points _ g close to the grill frame 18. This enables the fabric cover 12 to be positioned securely within the grill opening 16, while ensuring that the maximum coverage will be maintained during vehicle 14 operation.
During the installation process, the offset of the sew points 28 on the loop straps 24 allow the fabric cover to be pulled tightly by applying an attachment strap force 38 to the loop straps in the direction away from the sew point 28 prior, and attaching it to the hook strap 26 l0 located on the specific grill member 17. By performing this operation on all of the loop straps 24 independently, in each of the vertical rows of loop straps 24, one ensures that the fabric cover 12 will form a tight and uniform barrier to the flow of air into the engine compartment, thus, enabling the engine to run within the designed temperature parameters even in i~he coldest of weather.
The installation process is also accomplished easily from the outside front of the vehicle 14, and does not require that the user work from behind the grill members 17, nor the use of any specialized tools. The manner in which this is accomplished is =_llustrated in Figure 7. The outside edges of the fabric cover 12 are not firmly attached to the grill members 17, to allow access to the hook and loop straps, 26 and 24. The installation or removal of the present invention is accomplished by pulling the edges of the fabric cover in an outwardly fashion, thus,, allowing the user to engage and disengage the loop straps 24 from the grill members 17 on the edge oi= the grill opening 16. This process may be facilitated by an optional release tab 25 which may be sewn to the loo~~ attachment straps 24. The attachment tabs 25 allow the user to easily separate the hook and loop straps, 26 and 2-~ . By repeating this process on all of the loop straps 24 on the upper portion of the _ g _ grill opening 16, one can gain access to the series of loop straps 24 located on the lower portions of the fabric cover 12.
The design of the attachment method of the present invention to the grill opening of a vehicle 14 allows the fabric cover 12 to be easily .removed and installed. This enables a user to change the characteristics of air flow to the engine compartment in a matter of minutes, thereby, allowing him to adjust the operating temperature of the engine as weather and temperature conditions change.
Figure 10 shows an alternative embodiment of the fabric cover 12. In this embodiment, the fabric cover 12 is supplied with a fabric cover overlap 13. The fabric cover overlap 13 is created by simply making the fabric cover 12 larger then the vehicle grill opening 16. This embodiment may be used on vehicles 14 having a space between the grill frame 18 and the grill members 17 that would allow the fabric cover 12 to fold back into the vehicle 14, thus, inhibiting the efficiency of th.e present invention. Use of the fabric cover overlap 13 will assure that the edges of the fabric cover 12 do not fold back into the engine compartment and remain effectively in position.
Figure 11 represents yet a further embodiment of the present invention. In thi~~ embodiment the fabric cover 12 is replaced with a summer bug screen front 40 and attached in accordance with the present invention. The summer bug screen front 40 is made using a mesh or screen 42 appropriately fitted to a given vehicle 14.
Although the present invention has been described in considerable detail with reference to certain preferred versions thereof, other versions are possible. For example the size and placement of the hook and loop fasteners may be varied along with the choice of which portion of the fastener is connected to the vehicle and mated with the present invention. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be 7.imited to the description of the preferred versions contained herein.
Claims (21)
1. A grill cover for a motor vehicle having a recessed grill section defined by a plurality of grill members with said grill members further defining a plurality of vehicle, rearward facing, grill openings for allowing cooling air to pass into the engine compartment of said vehicle, said grill cover comprising:
a flexible sheet of flat material cut to fit within said recessed grill section;
at least two hook and loop fastener combinations with each of said fastener combinations having a first and second strap;
each of said first straps having an attachment end and a free end with said attachment end being fixedly attached to said flexible material; and each of said second straps being fixedly attached, in a position substantially perpendicular to said flexible sheet of flat material, within said rearward facing grill opening.
a flexible sheet of flat material cut to fit within said recessed grill section;
at least two hook and loop fastener combinations with each of said fastener combinations having a first and second strap;
each of said first straps having an attachment end and a free end with said attachment end being fixedly attached to said flexible material; and each of said second straps being fixedly attached, in a position substantially perpendicular to said flexible sheet of flat material, within said rearward facing grill opening.
2. A grill cover for a motor vehicle as in claim 1 wherein said first straps attachment ends are fixedly attached to said flexible material in an offset spacing arrangement with said grill members so as to allow said flexible sheet of material to be stretched tight without pulling said flexible sheet of material rearward into said grill opening when connecting said first and second straps.
3. A grill cover for a motor vehicle as in claim 2 wherein said first straps attachment ends are sewn onto said flexible material in a substantially flat arrangement.
4. A grill cover for a motor vehicle as in claim 3 wherein said first strap further comprises a release tab connected at said free end of said first strap and extending toward said attachment end of said first strap.
5. A grill cover for a motor vehicle as in claim 4 wherein said flexible material is a reinforced vinyl fabric.
6. A grill cover for a motor vehicle as in claim 4 wherein said flexible material is a mesh material.
7. A grill cover for a motor vehicle as in claim 4 wherein said flexible material is cut to a size proportionally larger than said recessed grill section.
8. A grill cover for a motor vehicle as in claim 4 wherein said vehicle comprises multiple recessed grill sections, and said flexible material is cut in multiple sections to match said multiple recessed grill sections.
9. A grill cover for a motor vehicle having a recessed grill section defined by a plurality of grill members with said grill members further defining a plurality of vehicle, rearward facing, grill openings for allowing cooling air to pass into the engine compartment of said vehicle, said grill cover comprising:
a flexible sheet of flat material cut to fit within said recessed grill section;
at least two hook and loop fastener combinations with each of said fastener combinations having a first and second strap;
each of said first straps having an attachment end and a free end with said attachment end being fixedly attached to said flexible material in an offset spacing arrangement with said grill members so as to allow said flexible sheet of material to be stretched tight without pulling said flexible sheet of material rearward into said grill opening when connecting said first and second straps;
and each of said second straps being fixedly attached, in a position substantially perpendicular to said flexible sheet of flat material, within said rearward facing grill opening.
a flexible sheet of flat material cut to fit within said recessed grill section;
at least two hook and loop fastener combinations with each of said fastener combinations having a first and second strap;
each of said first straps having an attachment end and a free end with said attachment end being fixedly attached to said flexible material in an offset spacing arrangement with said grill members so as to allow said flexible sheet of material to be stretched tight without pulling said flexible sheet of material rearward into said grill opening when connecting said first and second straps;
and each of said second straps being fixedly attached, in a position substantially perpendicular to said flexible sheet of flat material, within said rearward facing grill opening.
10. A grill cover for a motor vehicle as in claim 9 wherein said first straps attachment ends are sewn onto said flexible material in a substantially flat arrangement.
11. A grill cover for a motor vehicle as in claim 10 wherein said first strap further comprises a release tab connected at said free end of said first strap and extending toward said attachment end of said first strap.
12. A grill cover for a motor vehicle as in claim 11 wherein said vehicle comprises multiple recessed grill sections and said flexible material is cut in multiple sections to match said multiple recessed grill sections.
13. A grill cover for a motor vehicle as in claim 11 wherein said flexible material is a reinforced vinyl fabric.
14. A grill cover for a motor vehicle as in claim 11 wherein said flexible material is a mesh material.
15. A grill cover for a motor vehicle as in claim 11 wherein said flexible material is cut to a size proportionally larger than said recessed grill section.
16. A grill cover for a motor vehicle having a recessed grill section defined by a plurality of grill members with said grill members further defining a plurality of vehicle, rearward facing, grill openings for allowing cooling air to pass into the engine compartment of said vehicle, said grill cover comprising:
a flexible sheet of flat material having outer edges cut to fit within said recessed grill section;
at least two hook and loop fastener combinations with each of said fastener combinations having a first and second strap;
each of said first straps having an attachment end and a free end with said attachment end being fixedly attached to said flexible material in an offset spacing arrangement with said grill members, so as to allow said flexible sheet of material to be stretched tight without pulling said flexible sheet of material rearward into said grill opening when connecting said first and second straps;
each of said second straps being fixedly attached, in a position substantially perpendicular to said flexible sheet of flat material, within said rearward facing grill opening; and each of said attachment ends being fixedly attached to said flexible material in a position inside of said outer edges so that edges may be pulled outward to gain access to said first straps within said rearward facing grill openings.
a flexible sheet of flat material having outer edges cut to fit within said recessed grill section;
at least two hook and loop fastener combinations with each of said fastener combinations having a first and second strap;
each of said first straps having an attachment end and a free end with said attachment end being fixedly attached to said flexible material in an offset spacing arrangement with said grill members, so as to allow said flexible sheet of material to be stretched tight without pulling said flexible sheet of material rearward into said grill opening when connecting said first and second straps;
each of said second straps being fixedly attached, in a position substantially perpendicular to said flexible sheet of flat material, within said rearward facing grill opening; and each of said attachment ends being fixedly attached to said flexible material in a position inside of said outer edges so that edges may be pulled outward to gain access to said first straps within said rearward facing grill openings.
17. A grill cover for a motor vehicle as in claim 16 wherein said first strap further comprises a release tab connected at said free end of said first strap and extending toward said attachment end of said first strap.
18. A grill cover for a motor vehicle as in claim 17 wherein said vehicle comprises multiple recessed grill sections and said flexible material is cut in multiple sections to match said multiple recessed grill sections.
19. A grill cover for a motor vehicle as in claim 17 wherein said flexible material is a reinforced vinyl fabric.
20. A grill cover for a motor vehicle as in claim 16 wherein said flexible material is a mesh material.
21. A grill cover for a motor vehicle as in claim 16 wherein said flexible material is cut to a size proportionally larger than said recessed grill section.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US4774598A | 1998-03-25 | 1998-03-25 | |
| US09/047,745 | 1998-03-25 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2266143A1 true CA2266143A1 (en) | 1999-09-25 |
Family
ID=29709175
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2266143 Abandoned CA2266143A1 (en) | 1998-03-25 | 1999-03-19 | Vehicle grill cover |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2266143A1 (en) |
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2011142883A2 (en) * | 2010-05-11 | 2011-11-17 | Oxk, Llc | System and method for mounting a badge on a vehicle |
| CN112693417A (en) * | 2021-01-25 | 2021-04-23 | 江苏瑾辰汽车饰件有限公司 | Automobile bumper grille structure |
| US11358549B2 (en) * | 2017-09-14 | 2022-06-14 | Lund, Inc. | Removable grill cover and attachment clip |
-
1999
- 1999-03-19 CA CA 2266143 patent/CA2266143A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (7)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2011142883A2 (en) * | 2010-05-11 | 2011-11-17 | Oxk, Llc | System and method for mounting a badge on a vehicle |
| WO2011142883A3 (en) * | 2010-05-11 | 2012-01-19 | Oxk, Llc | System and method for mounting a badge on a vehicle |
| US8181372B2 (en) | 2010-05-11 | 2012-05-22 | Oxk, Llc | System and method for mounting a badge on a vehicle |
| US8671601B2 (en) | 2010-05-11 | 2014-03-18 | Oxk, Llc | System and method for mounting a badge on a vehicle |
| US8955244B2 (en) | 2010-05-11 | 2015-02-17 | Oxk, Llc | System and method for mounting a badge on a vehicle |
| US11358549B2 (en) * | 2017-09-14 | 2022-06-14 | Lund, Inc. | Removable grill cover and attachment clip |
| CN112693417A (en) * | 2021-01-25 | 2021-04-23 | 江苏瑾辰汽车饰件有限公司 | Automobile bumper grille structure |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Dead |