EP4240639A1 - Adaptateur de protection de véhicule - Google Patents

Adaptateur de protection de véhicule

Info

Publication number
EP4240639A1
EP4240639A1 EP21890174.2A EP21890174A EP4240639A1 EP 4240639 A1 EP4240639 A1 EP 4240639A1 EP 21890174 A EP21890174 A EP 21890174A EP 4240639 A1 EP4240639 A1 EP 4240639A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
adapter
vehicle
panel
horizontal return
underside
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
EP21890174.2A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Scott WHITEHEAD
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Scrape Armor Inc
Original Assignee
Scrape Armor Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US17/090,819 external-priority patent/US20210053522A1/en
Application filed by Scrape Armor Inc filed Critical Scrape Armor Inc
Publication of EP4240639A1 publication Critical patent/EP4240639A1/fr
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
    • B62D35/00—Vehicle bodies characterised by streamlining
    • B62D35/005—Front spoilers
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02T—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO TRANSPORTATION
    • Y02T10/00—Road transport of goods or passengers
    • Y02T10/80—Technologies aiming to reduce greenhouse gasses emissions common to all road transportation technologies
    • Y02T10/88—Optimized components or subsystems, e.g. lighting, actively controlled glasses

Definitions

  • FIG. 1 is an installed view, looking upward, of a portion of an adapter panel according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a top down view of the lower portion of an adapter panel according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 3 is a top down view of the upper portion of an adapter panel according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 4 is an exploded installed view of an adapter panel and an accessory according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 5A-5B illustrates various aspects of a portion of the adapter panel depicted in FIG.4.
  • DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [0010]
  • the preferred embodiment of the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The preferred embodiment of the invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
  • inventions of the invention may omit, or include a modification of, one or more features or functionalities described in the context of such absolute terms.
  • the present invention relates generally to devices, systems, and methods for, or to provide a mounting point for vehicle accessory products, increasing protection and resilience of portions of vehicles from being damaged.
  • embodiments of the present invention may, but are not limited to, be utilized to protect surfaces of vehicles from being damaged by debris, curbs, the road surface, or other articles that may cause damage to an exterior surface of a vehicle.
  • a mounting adapter is provided.
  • the adapter is configured to provide additional mounting areas to a vehicle with a small horizontal return, or no horizontal return. Vehicles without a horizontal return, or with a small horizontal return (under 0.5 inches) historically cannot accept accessories at the returnless area.
  • the adapter is configured to fill a negative space that previously lacked, or had a small horizontal return, thereby creating a suitable horizontal return.
  • an adapter consistent with an embodiment of the present invention transforms the otherwise small horizontal return, or returnless area on the underside of a vehicle into a larger horizontal return.
  • An example of a vehicle with a returnless area is the Chevrolet® C8 Corvette®, especially those fitted with the optional Z51 package, and carbon fiber splitters.
  • An additional example of a vehicle with a small horizontal return is a Porsche® 991.2 GT3. These examples are purely exemplary, and not limiting, and simply provide exemplary configurations that can be enhanced by utilizing the teachings of the present invention. Generally, a horizontal return of less than 0.5 inches is smaller than would be optimum for maximum protection. Once a horizontal return is provided, via installation of an embodiment of the present invention, additional accessories may be installed thereon.
  • FIG. 1 depicts the underside of the front bumper area of a vehicle. A portion of the front lip, or splitter, 101 of the vehicle is partially covered by an embodiment of the present invention 100. The uncovered underside of the factory splitter 101 does not have a return, or any other means that would allow for effective attachment or use of protective products.
  • the leading edge 102 of the splitter 101 is particularly vulnerable to damage, because it is not reinforced behind the leading edge 102, or underneath.
  • the leading edge 102 of the splitter 101 will contact the obstacle and likely break. This is especially concerning where the splitter 101, or other vehicle part, is manufactured out of more expensive, and brittle, materials such as carbon fiber.
  • the present invention 100 serves multiple purposes. As depicted in Fig. 1, the present invention 100 may be installed on the vehicle where it fills the returnless space formed by, in this example, the vehicle’s splitter 101.
  • installation of the present invention forms a flat or substantially flat horizontal surface 113, from the leading edge 112 of the adapter 100, near the leading edge 102 of the splitter 101, to the back edge 114 of the adapter 100.
  • the horizontal surface 113 may include various indents, depressions, or contours.
  • the trailing edge 114 of the adapter 100 is angled, in other examples the trailing edge 114 may have a radius profile, or other profiles similar to those taught in U.S. Pat. No. 10,272,862.
  • the trailing edge 114 can be formed in such a manner to reduce the potential for snagging on an obstacle when the vehicle is reversing. [0016] Referring back to Fig.
  • installation of the adapter 100 provides increased structure behind the leading edge 102 of the vehicle component, as depicted, a splitter 101, but the invention is not so limited to splitters, lips, or front bumpers, making the leading edge less susceptible to damage.
  • Installation of the adapter 100 also provides, optionally, a surface 113 upon which to mount protective sacrificial products. Alternatively, these protective products, such as those discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 10,272,862, may be molded or manufactured directly into the adapter plate 100 of the present invention. When installed, the adapter plate 100 decreases the likelihood that the vehicle extremity 102/103 will bend and break because it reinforces the leading edge 102 by filling in the return-less area.
  • the bottom side of the adapter plate 100 includes a number of mounting locations 115. These mounting locations are positioned along the length of the adapter plate 100. The number of mounting locations may be more frequent or less frequent than depicted in Fig. 1. In some embodiments, an adapter plate 100 may take advantage of factory hardware. In such an embodiment, a number of mounting locations 115 are positioned above the factory hardware in order to mount the adapter plate 100. In additional embodiments, a combination of factory hardware and an additional mounting means may be used, for example, an adhesive may be used along the front edge 112 between the inner portion of the front lip 103 and the front edge 112 of the adapter plate 100.
  • the relative depth of the adapter 100 may change along its length.
  • the mounting relief holes 116 are different depths, due to the shape of the splitter 101, and correspond with deeper and shallower sections of the adapter 100.
  • the lower return surface 113 may not be perfectly flat, and instead may be contoured. In other embodiments, the lower surface 113 is flat along its length.
  • FIG. 2 depicts a portion of an adapter plate 200 according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • the lower portion of the adapter plate 200 may take many different shapes depending on the desired end use.
  • the underside return portion 213 may be flat, as depicted in Fig 1, for example, forming a smooth transition between the leading edge of the vehicle 102 and the leading edge of the adapter 212. This may have the benefit of being simpler to manufacture.
  • the adapter 200 may tuck in behind the leading edge of the vehicle 102 such that it is further from the road surface than the lowest point of the leading edge 102 of the vehicle.
  • the underside 213 may be tapered, for example, transitioning from level where the adapter 200 has a leading edge 212 that is even with the leading edge 102 of the vehicle and becoming thinner away from the leading edge 212.
  • the underside surface 213 may be manufactured in order to have a lower surface area than the perimeter of the adapter 200.
  • an embodiment of the adapter 200 may be manufactured to include channels, ribs, bumps, or the like such that the total surface area of the portion designed to contact the ground, the lower surface 213, is less than the area encompassed by the perimeter of the adapter 200.
  • Embodiments of the present invention may include a number of attachment points 215.
  • relief cuts 216 may be cut into the adapter to allow for access to the attachment point.
  • relief cut 216 is made into the rear edge 214 and into the lower return 213, in order to provide access to the mounting hole 215 which is configured to accept, for example, a screw, nut, bolt, rivet or similar.
  • Some embodiments of the underside 213 of the adapter 200 may include areas for installation of other accessories.
  • the underside 213 may include tapped holes, or spaces for attachment of additional protective pieces.
  • the underside 213 may also include areas where double-sided tape may be applied to attach accessories.
  • the underside 213 may accept various types of hardware, including push fasteners, rivets, screws, and the like.
  • a channel may be included in the underside 213 to accept adhesives to adhere multiple parts together.
  • it may not be practical to tap the adapter 200 directly, and nutsert type fasteners made from harder material may be included and bonded to the adapter.
  • FIG. 3 depicts the upper side, comprised of a middle portion 321, leading edge portion 322, and rearward portion 320, which face away from the road surface and into the vehicle, of a portion of an adapter 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the upper side of the present invention 300 as depicted in Fig. 3, preferably fits into the area of a vehicle that has no horizontal return, or a small horizontal return. For example, a 3D scan of the underside of the vehicle may be performed.
  • That scan may be used to design an embodiment of the present invention which fills that area to create a smooth reinforced transition.
  • the middle portion 321 of the adapter 300 contacts a majority of the underside of the vehicle portion to provide maximum reinforcement.
  • the upper leading edge portion 322, for example, may also fit up against the forward lip of the vehicle.
  • the rearward upper section 320 may nest with the rearward portion of the portion of the vehicle.
  • the adapter 300 is fastened to the vehicle using mounting holes 315.
  • stock location fasteners from the vehicle may be used at various mounting holes 315.
  • the bottom side of the invention includes a number of holes for fasteners; these holes are also shown in Fig 2 and 3.
  • the adapter 300 may accommodate the holes 315. Preferably, where possible, these holes correspond to a factory fastener, and allow the installation of the present invention without the need to drill additional holes in the vehicle.
  • the fastener may be factory like, or a new type of fastener.
  • additional fasteners, or adhesives may be used to apply the present invention. In other embodiments, only adhesives may be used. In the depicted embodiment, factory fasteners are utilized across the trailing edge, and adhesives are used closer to the front edge to provide a secure fit.
  • the adapter 300 may include a tag location 323 where a marketing or identification mark may be placed.
  • FIG. 4 depicts a vehicle part without a sufficient horizontal return 401, an adapter 400 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and an optional accessory 440 for mounting to the adapter 400.
  • a portion of a vehicle in this case a splitter 401, lacks a sizable horizontal return.
  • An adapter 400 can be fit 431 to the splitter 401, as shown.
  • the adapter 400 nests into the area without a horizontal return in the splitter 401, and rests against the leading edge 402 of the splitter 401.
  • the adapter 400 has a number of mounting reliefs 416 and mounting holes 415 that correspond with factory holes and fasteners 429 in the splitter 401.
  • the adapter 400 also includes a number of ribs 426 along its length. These ribs 426 are shaped to match the splitter 401, and engage that splitter 401 while raising the adapter 400 to create a horizontal return. The ribs 426 are placed along the length of the adapter in order to provide structure to the adapter 400.
  • the ribs 426 also may, depending on the embodiment, press against the inner portion of the leading edge 402 of the splitter 401 at points 412.
  • the combination of the leading edge support 412 and corresponding rib 426 elevates the bottom portion (not shown) to create a return.
  • the number and shape of ribs will depend on the particular embodiment. As shown, the shape and number of ribs 426 may also change along the length of one embodiment, for example, there may be thinner and more numerous ribs (near the center of adapter 400) or larger wider and less frequent ribs (near the outer portion of adapter 400).
  • the rib 426 may not extend from the rear portion to the front edge, and instead may be positioned closer to the front edge as a stand-off, making contact with the leading edge of a splitter 401.
  • the adapter 400 may also be comprised of multiple pieces.
  • the adapter 400 may include a break 427, where one or more pieces separate from one another. This has the benefit of making packaging much more efficient, and allows for easier manufacturing of smaller portions of an adapter 400.
  • the adapter portions may link together at break 427, for example, by nesting or sharing a mounting hole, in order to configure them into a unitary piece. Alternatively, the adapter 400 portions may simply be separate at break 427.
  • an adapter 400 may include, along its length, various mounting holes 425. These optional mounting holes 425 provide a point of attachment for optional accessories, such as a protective plate 440, and correspond with mounting holes in the accessory 441.
  • the protective plate 440 may be mounted 432 to the adapter 440 and fastened thereto using the mounting holes 425.
  • the mounting hole 425 may accept various types of hardware, including push fasteners, rivets, screws, and the like.
  • the mounting hole 425 may be replaced by an adhesive locator.
  • Adhesive may also be placed at other points, for example, on ribs 426 and rib tips 412 in order to adhere the adapter 400 to the splitter 401 in a manner that provides a secure platform to mount 432 an accessory 440 to the adapter 400.
  • a user with a vehicle without a suitable horizontal return may receive an adapter 400.
  • the adapter 400 is preferably matched to the exact make and model of the vehicle, and has a number of ribs 426 customized to fit neatly to the vehicle.
  • the user utilizing factory fasteners where available, or additional non-factory fasteners, as well as adhesive if applicable, offers up 431 the adapter 400 to the vehicle, and semi-permanently affixes the adapter 400 thereto.
  • the user may then offer up 432 an additional protective device 440, such as a Scrape Armor® plate, to the adapter 400.
  • the additional accessory 440 may then be affixed to the adapter 400 at various points along each.
  • the upper side includes a series of ribs 426, or stand-offs, which engage the vehicle and position the lower surface at the correct point relative to the ground and the vehicle.
  • the various ribs or standoffs are placed frequently enough to provide sufficient resilience to the adapter 400, and sufficient mounting strength.
  • the ribs or stand-offs may be placed at about .25 inches apart, or alternatively, from 0.1 to 6 inches apart, depending on the needs of the application.
  • the ribs or standoffs may include a point for placing adhesive to create a semi-permanent bond between the rib or stand-off and the vehicle.
  • step 432 may be replaced by creating an all-in-one piece, where the adapter is configured to adapt to the vehicle, creating a negative return and where the adapter has an accessory, like 440, disposed directly, during the manufacturing process, onto its lower surface, creating a single piece part comprising the adapter 400 and accessory 440.
  • the adapter 400 and accessory 440 may be manufactured separately and then permanently bonded.
  • FIG. 5A and 5B depict portions of the underside of an adapter according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 5A, one embodiment 500A of ribs 526 is depicted. As shown, a number of ribs 526 are positioned along the adapter 500A.
  • the adapter 500A also has a number of mounting reliefs 516 and mounting holes 515, as well mounting points 525 for accessories.
  • FIG 5B an alternative rib 526 design is shown. Numerous rib designs are possible.
  • the ribs may also take the form of standoffs, where they are positioned near the leading edge, and may have adhesive applied to them to attach to the inner leading edge of the vehicle, but where the stand-off does not extend rearward to the rear portion of the adapter. As depicted, the rib 526 of FIG 5B are much larger.
  • This embodiment 500B also retains the same features of other embodiments.
  • a catalog of designs may be created for specific vehicles and specific trim-levels of an individual vehicle or for individual design needs.
  • the design may include, but is not limited to, for example, the overall shape, position of mounting holes, and overall contour of the vehicle panel.
  • the adapter then may be produced by injection molding, multi-axis milling, single or multi-process machining, 3D printing, fabricating or other methods according to the design parameters and needs of the specific embodiment.
  • various methods such as multi-axis milling, 3D printing, injection molding, or fabrication may be preferable.
  • the adapters are preferably easy to install, on account of their precise fit.
  • an installer may also optionally apply various additional components in order to increase the appearance and integration of the part.
  • Features of the various embodiments may be, for example, designed into a mold or carved out of a blank in order to achieve the benefits described herein.
  • Various embodiments of the present invention may be manufactured using, rotoforming, injection molding, multi-axis milling, single or multi-process machining, 3D printing, fabricating or other methods according to the design parameters and needs of the specific embodiment.
  • the design of the adapter according to the present invention is determined by first creating a digital representation of the underside of the vehicle. Preferably, this is accomplished with a 3D scanning device.
  • the 3D modelling may utilize at least one of a computer aided design (CAD) file and scanning of physical models, molds, and wire reconstructions.
  • CAD computer aided design
  • the design can be manufactured according to the processes mentioned herein.
  • the part can then be semi- permanently fitted to the vehicle.
  • an additional sacrificial protective plate may also then be attached to the underside of the adapter.
  • the design of the adapter may be modified specifically to accept a protective plate, for example, with mounting holes, or with altered dimensions, such as depth, to accommodate and place the protective plate at the proper location.
  • All parts are preferably fabricated from any suitable material, including for example, but in no way limited to: plastic; polyethylene; ABS, PLA, PETG, PET, PETT, Nylon, Polycarbonate, HDPE, carbon fiber, textile materials; natural materials; wood; metal; or any other material or combination of materials capable of providing adequate stability, resilience, and appearance.
  • a material that allows for adhesives to properly bond and form a secure connection may be used.
  • multiple types of material may be used at different parts of the adapter.
  • the adapter may also be formed from multiple pieces. In certain embodiments, multiple pieces may be bonded together or fastened together to form a complete piece. For example, as depicted in Fig. 3, which is comprised of three separate pieces, multiple pieces may be used along the length of the vehicle splitter. This makes the complete part much smaller and easier to ship and manufacture. And, if one part is damaged, it may be replaced individually.
  • adapters are designed in multiple pieces, they may be manufactured with retaining pins, or guide pins, for example, that allow them to nest into each other neatly and securely. Adhesives may also be used. [0039] Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described above with regard to particular embodiments. Any benefit, advantage, solution to problem, or any element that may cause any particular benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or to become more pronounced are not to be construed as critical, required, or essential features or components of any or all the claims.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Body Structure For Vehicles (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un panneau adaptateur permettant d'établir un retour horizontal et un support éventuel pour des accessoires sur un véhicule sans retour horizontal. Le panneau adaptateur épouse sensiblement la forme d'une partie d'un véhicule. Le panneau adaptateur est solidement monté sur la face inférieure d'un véhicule, formant une surface sur laquelle des accessoires peuvent être montés, ou, en variante, une surface inférieure ayant une surface réduite afin de limiter la force appliquée au panneau et au véhicule. Le panneau présente également une partie de bord disposée le long d'un périmètre, entre la surface supérieure et la surface inférieure, fixant éventuellement le panneau au véhicule et faisant dévier les obstacles, et un ou plusieurs points de montage pour fixer de manière détachable le panneau de protection à une partie de l'extérieur d'un véhicule.
EP21890174.2A 2020-11-05 2021-11-05 Adaptateur de protection de véhicule Pending EP4240639A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US17/090,819 US20210053522A1 (en) 2015-08-14 2020-11-05 Vehicle protection adapter
PCT/US2021/058301 WO2022099045A1 (fr) 2020-11-05 2021-11-05 Adaptateur de protection de véhicule

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP4240639A1 true EP4240639A1 (fr) 2023-09-13

Family

ID=81457397

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP21890174.2A Pending EP4240639A1 (fr) 2020-11-05 2021-11-05 Adaptateur de protection de véhicule

Country Status (3)

Country Link
EP (1) EP4240639A1 (fr)
CA (1) CA3197628A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2022099045A1 (fr)

Family Cites Families (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE10112424A1 (de) * 2001-03-15 2002-09-26 Daimler Chrysler Ag Kraftwagenbug mit einer Stoßfängereinheit
US20050212310A1 (en) * 2004-03-24 2005-09-29 Viriyapanthu Paul Y Device for protecting the front chin spoiler of an automobile
CN104661904B (zh) * 2012-07-13 2017-06-20 日产自动车株式会社 前扰流板装置
US20210053522A1 (en) * 2015-08-14 2021-02-25 Scrape Armor, Inc. Vehicle protection adapter
CN107922014B (zh) * 2015-08-14 2020-11-27 斯克拉佩阿莫尔股份有限公司 运载工具保护设备
CN106467145B (zh) * 2015-08-18 2021-09-14 福特环球技术公司 部件组件及相关的车辆导流板组件

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CA3197628A1 (fr) 2022-05-12
WO2022099045A1 (fr) 2022-05-12

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