WO2010104647A1 - Headlamp access cover - Google Patents

Abstract

A headlamp access cover assembly including a selectively removable cover (38) for disposition in covering relation to a well cavity access opening (12). The cover (38) includes a plurality of locking arms (50) extending in pivoting relation through a body portion of the cover (40). The locking arms (50) are adapted to lockingly engage corresponding hook catch structures (28) in snap-in relation at a housing interface element (20) disposed at the access opening (12). The locking arms (50) further include proximal ends (52) extending in raised relation away from an outer surface (42) of the body portion. The proximal ends (52) define manipulatable levers for selective displacement of the distal hook elements (54) away from locking engagement with the corresponding hook catch structures (28).

Description

HEADLAMP ACCESS COVER

Cross- Reference To Related Application

[0001] This application claims the benefit of, and priority from, United States Provisional Application No. 61/158,929 filed March 10, 2009, the contents of which are incorporated by reference as if set forth herein in their entirety.

Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates generally to headlamp access covers, and more particularly to a headlamp access cover adapted to provide a displaceable covering across the rear of a lamp well cavity within the engine compartment of a vehicle. The headlamp access cover assembly includes a displaceable cover including an arrangement of locking arms including distal hook members adapted for snap-in insertion into acceptance openings disposed at positions about a housing interface member operatively secured about the lamp well cavity. Proximal ends of the locking arms project outwardly away from a surface of the cover that faces away from the lamp well cavity. Manipulation of proximal ends of the locking arms provides corresponding pivoting action of the distal hook members to selectively disengage from the acceptance openings at the housing interface.

Background

[0003] Transportation vehicles typically utilize one or more headlamps to permit a user to operate the vehicle in darkened conditions. Such headlamps incorporate one or more replaceable light bulbs or other light emitting devices that are mounted within a well cavity at the forward portion of an engine compartment. In this regard, the well cavity is typically mounted in the vehicle grating at a forward portion of the engine compartment adjacent to the radiator. A glass lens covering is mounted across the forward end of the well cavity at the exterior of the vehicle to project a light beam from the light emitting device onto the roadway surface in a defined manner. The well cavity typically includes an opening projecting rearwardly into the engine compartment. The well cavity opening is used to provide access to the light bulb and other internal headlamp structures [0004] It may be desirable to provide a cover across the rear opening of the well cavity to prevent unwanted dirt and moisture from contacting the internal headlamp components. One known cover which has been used is substantially dome-shaped and is formed from a relatively hard plastic material. A deformable rubber seal is disposed about the perimeter of the cover to seal against a corresponding flange surface of the well housing structure. Finger tabs within the cover engage aligned access openings at the housing. The cover is pressed inwardly and rotated approximately 15 degrees to compress the seal and lock the tabs in place. The cover may be removed by reversing the rotation and lifting the cover away from the housing. While such a prior cover is believed to provide a good sealing relationship, the action of compressing the seal and simultaneously rotating the cover may require a degree of skill and strength. Accordingly, an arrangement that provides simplified attachment of the cover across the housing may be beneficial.

Summary

[0005] The present invention provides advantages and alternatives over the prior art by providing a headlamp access cover that can be secured in place by a substantially straight, snap-in action of locking arms extending through the access cover. The access cover may be disengaged by manipulating proximal ends of locking arms projecting outwardly from the cover.

[0006] In accordance with one exemplary aspect, a headlamp access cover assembly is provided including a housing interface element disposed circumferentially at least partially about the perimeter of the access opening. The housing interface element includes a plurality of hook catch structures disposed radially inward from an inner radial surface of the housing interface element such that the hook catch structures project into the interior of the well cavity. A selectively removable cover is provided for disposition in covering relation to the access opening. The cover includes a plurality of locking arms extending in pivoting relation through a body portion of the cover. The locking arms include distal hook elements extending away from an inner surface of the body portion. The distal hook elements are adapted to lockingly engage corresponding hook catch structures in snap-in relation at the housing interface element. The locking arms further include proximal ends extending in raised relation away from an outer surface of the body portion. The proximal ends define manipulatable levers for selective displacement of the distal hook elements away from locking engagement with the corresponding hook catch structures.

[0007] In accordance with another exemplary aspect, a headlamp access cover assembly is provided including a housing interface ring disposed circumferentially about the perimeter of the well cavity. The housing interface ring includes an upstanding collar portion and an annular circumferential shoulder portion extending radially inwardly from the collar portion.

A plurality of ear members of substantially L-shaped profile extend downwardly from the shoulder portion. The ear members include hook catch structures disposed radially inward from the shoulder portion such that the hook catch structures project into the interior of the well cavity at positions below the shoulder portion. A selectively removable cover is provided for disposition in nesting relation within the housing interface ring in opposing relation to the shoulder portion. The cover includes a plurality of locking arms extending in pivoting relation through a body portion of the cover. The locking arms include distal hook elements extending away from an inner surface of the body portion. The distal hook elements are adapted to lockingly engage corresponding hook catch structures in snap-in relation at the housing interface ring. The locking arms further include proximal ends extending in raised relation away from an outer surface of the body portion. The proximal ends define manipulatable levers for selective displacement of the distal hook elements away from locking engagement with corresponding hook catch structures.

[0008] In accordance with still another exemplary aspect, a headlamp access cover assembly is provided including a housing interface ring disposed substantially concentrically about the perimeter of the well cavity. The housing interface ring includes an upstanding collar portion and an annular circumferential shoulder portion extending radially inwardly from the collar portion. A plurality of ear members of substantially L-shaped profile extend downwardly from the shoulder portion. The ear members include hook catch structures of box frame configuration disposed radially inward from the shoulder portion such that the hook catch structures project into the interior of the well cavity at positions below the shoulder portion. A selectively removable cover is provided for disposition in nesting relation within the housing interface ring in opposing relation to the shoulder portion. The cover includes a plurality of locking arms extending in pivoting relation through a body portion of the cover. The locking arms include distal hook elements extending away from an inner surface of the body portion. The distal hook elements are adapted to lockingly engage corresponding hook catch structures in snap-in relation at the housing interface ring. The locking arms further include proximal ends extending in raised relation away from an outer surface of the body portion. The proximal ends define manipulatable levers for selective displacement of the distal hook elements away from locking engagement with corresponding hook catch structures. A flexible umbrella seal is disposed about the perimeter of the body portion for disposition against an upper surface of the shoulder portion.

Brief Description Of The Drawings

[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an exemplary headlamp housing including a well cavity with a cover removed to provide access to the headlamp internal components mounted within the well cavity;

[0010] FIG. 2 is an elevation perspective view of a housing interface ring adapted for disposition about the opening of the headlamp well cavity of FIG. 1;

[0011] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating the underside of a displaceable cover adapted to engage the housing interface ring of FIG. 2;

[0012] FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating the upper surface of the cover illustrated in FIG. 2;

[0013] FIG. 5 illustrates the exemplary attachment between the housing interface ring of FIG. 2 and locking arms of the cover illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4;

[0014] FIG. 6 is an enhanced view illustrating the exemplary attachment between the housing interface ring of FIG. 2 and locking arms of the cover illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4; and [0015] FIG. 7 is a cut-away view illustrating the exemplary engagement between the housing interface ring of FIG. 2 and locking arms of the cover illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4.

[0016] Before the embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is in no way limited in its application to the details of construction and/or the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. Rather, the invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways.

Detailed Description

[0017] Reference will now be made to the drawings wherein like elements are designated by like reference numerals in the various views. FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary headlamp housing 10 including a well cavity 12 adapted to support components of a vehicle headlamp system 14. As will be appreciated, the housing 10 is normally disposed at a forward portion of a vehicle engine compartment in adjacent relation to the vehicle grating. Most vehicles will incorporate multiple headlamp housings adapted to contain components of headlamp systems 14. As illustrated, an exemplary headlamp system 14 typically includes one or more replaceable bulb units 16 including a selectively illuminated light emitting bulb which projects forward towards the front of the vehicle.

[0018] As will be appreciated, from time to time it may be necessary to replace the bulb units 16 as the illuminating bulbs eventually burn out. In most modern vehicles, the bulb units 16 are accessed through the engine compartment at a rear access opening for the well cavity 12. In this regard, FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary rear access opening for a well cavity 12.

[0019] In some environments of use it may be desirable to maintain a cover in sealed relation across the access opening of a well cavity 12 during normal operation. Such a covering may be desirable, for example, to prevent contamination in the form of dirt and/or moisture from entering the interior of the well cavity 12 in which the bulb unit 16 and other components are maintained. However, it is nonetheless desirable to be able to remove such a cover for replacement of the bulb units 16. It is likewise desirable for such a cover to be easily returned to the desired sealing relationship across the access opening in the well housing of the well cavity once the bulb units have been replaced.

[0020] In the illustrated, exemplary embodiment a housing interface ring 20 is disposed in circumferential relation about the rear access opening of the well cavity 12. By way of example only, and not limitation, the interface ring 20 may be formed from a suitable molded polymer material such as nylon, polypropylene, or the like. However, other materials such as aluminum, alloy steels and other metals of corrosion resistant character also may be used. The interface ring 20 may be held in place about the opening to the well cavity by any suitable technique including adhesive bonding, thermal welding, or the like.

[0021] In the exemplary embodiment, the housing interface ring 20 includes an upstanding collar portion 22 and an annular circumferential shoulder 24 projecting radially inwardly from a lower edge of the collar portion 22. The circumferential shoulder 24 defines a seating surface for a displaceable cover member as will be described further hereinafter.

[0022] As best illustrated through joint reference to FIGS. 2 and 5, a pair of ear members 28 of substantially L-shaped profile extend downwardly from the lower side of the circumferential shoulder 24. As shown, in the exemplary embodiment the ear members 28 each include a support post 30 which extends downwardly from the circumferential shoulder 24. The ear members 28 each further include an inwardly projecting box frame 32 extending radially inward from a lower portion of the support post 30 defining an eyelet opening 34 disposed radially inwardly from the support post 30. As shown, the exemplary box frame 32 includes a pair of lateral legs 35 extending radially away from the support post 30 with a distal cross beam 37 extending in connecting relation between the legs 35 at a position removed from the support post 30. Thus, the support post 30, in combination with the lateral legs 35 and the cross beam 37 define boundaries for the eyelet opening 34.

[0023] As illustrated, the lateral legs 35 may be slightly angled towards one another if desired such that the base of the eyelet opening 34 adjacent the post member 30 is slightly wider than the radially distal edge of the eyelet opening 34 adjacent the cross beam 37. Such a tapered arrangement provides the eyelet opening 34 with a generally trapezoidal shape which may facilitate the introduction of latching arms though the eyelet opening 34 as will be described further hereinafter. Of course, a straight-sided box frame structure or other structure defining an acceptance opening adapted to receive a latching element may also be utilized if desired. Likewise, structures with profiles other than the illustrated "L" shape such as straight tabs and the like may also be used.

[0024] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the housing interface ring 20 may be secured about the opening to the well cavity 12 such that the ear members 28 extend downwardly into the well cavity 12 in sunken relation relative to the surface of the housing 10. In the final arrangement with the interface ring 20 in place, the circumferential shoulder 24 defines a ledge projecting radially inwardly towards the interior of the well cavity 12. The ear members 28 extend downwardly into the interior of the well cavity 12 with the eyelet openings 34 disposed in sunken relation relative to the surface of the housing 10.

[0025] As previously noted, the housing interface ring 20 is adapted to lockingly engage a removable cover. By way of example only, and not limitation, an exemplary cover element 38 is illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4. As shown , the exemplary cover element 38 includes a generally dome-shaped central body portion 40 including a convex outer surface 42 and a concave inner surface 44 with a radially outward projecting rim 46 extending circumferentially about the central body portion 40 at a lower edge.

[0026] As shown, an umbrella seal 47 of a resilient flexible material such as TPE or the like extends away from the rim 46 for engagement with the upper surface of the circumferential shoulder 24 at the housing interface ring 20 when the cover element 38 is locked in place as will be described further hereinafter. In this regard, the flexible nature of the TPE allows the umbrella seal to conform to the contours of the circumferential shoulder 24 to maintain a sealing relationship. By way of example only and not limitation, the umbrella seal 47 may be formed in place relative to the rim 46 by overmolding following molding of the central body portion 40. Alternatively, the umbrella seal 47 may be formed separately and secured in place by techniques such as adhesive bonding or the like. [0027] As best illustrated through joint reference to FIGS. 3, 4, and 6, the cover element 38 includes a pattern of cut-outs 48 in which elongated locking arms 50 are disposed. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the locking arms 50 each include a proximal end 52 projecting outwardly away from the outer surface of the cover element 40 and a distal hook 54 extending downwardly below the inner surface 44. In the exemplary embodiment, the distal hook 54 includes an angled face 55 on a radially inward surface and an upper locking edge 57. As will be appreciated, upon insertion of the distal hook 54 into the eyelet opening 34, the angled face 55 will engage the cross beam 37 in a camming action thereby causing the locking arm to flex outwardly during the insertion. Once the insertion is complete, the distal hook 54 will spring back into place with the locking edge 57 held below the cross beam 37 thereby forming a latching engagement. With the distal hook 54 in a fully inserted state, the engagement between the locking edge 57 and the cross beam 37 will block removal of the locking arm 50.

[0028] As best illustrated in FIG. 6, the locking arms 50 may be mounted at a bridge element 60. As shown, the bridge element 60 may be part of the central body 40 and extend across the opening defined by the cutouts 48 at an elevation generally corresponding to the rim 46. In the illustrated arrangement, a box frame support 62 projects radially inwardly from the bridge element 60. Such a box frame support may provide additional stability to the bridge element 60.

[0029] As will be appreciated, in the arrangement wherein the locking arms 50 are mounted on a bridge element 60, the application of radially directed force to the proximal end 52 of a locking arm 50 will cause the locking arm 50 to pivot with a corresponding twisting of the bridge element 60. Upon removal of the radial force, the bridge element 60 will recover its original position with the locking arm 50 oriented in its pre-stressed position. In this arrangement, the bridge element 60 acts as a bias member to return the locking arm 50 to a predefined orientation.

[0030] According to one exemplary practice, the central body 40, including the rim 46 locking arms 50 and supporting bridge element 60 may be formed as a substantially unitary structure from a relatively rigid polymeric material such as polypropylene, nylon, or the like, using injection molding or other suitable formation practices. Alternatively, one or more of such components may be formed independently and can then be joined to the remaining components by such techniques as chemical adhesion, laser welding or the like.

[0031] As noted previously, the cover element 38 includes a radially disposed umbrella seal 47 extending downwardly and away from the outer edge of the rim 46. The umbrella seal 47 may be formed from a relatively soft resilient material such as TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) or the like. As will be appreciated, such materials may be selected to provide good adhesive bonding with the polypropylene or other structural material used to form the rim 46 and other portions of the central body 40. As shown in FIG. 7, the rim 46 may include one or more perimeter ridges 72 to provide a contacting interface with the umbrella seal 70 and to improve the corresponding bonding relationship.

[0032] As illustrated, plugs 74 of a resilient material may be disposed in filling relation within the cut-outs 48 in adjacent relation to the bridge elements 60 and locking arms 50. In this regard, the plugs 74 may substantially seal the cut-outs 48 against the unwanted passage of moisture or dirt from the outer surface 42 to the inner surface 44. The presence of the resilient plugs 74 also aids in biasing the locking arms to a pre-defined orientation. Specifically, when the locking arms 50 are caused to pivot away from their normal orientation, an adjacent plug 74 will undergo a corresponding elastic deformation due to compressive loading. As the plug 74 seeks to relieve the internal stresses, the plug 74 will urge the locking arm 50 back towards the pre-stressed orientation. Thus, the plugs 74 may act in concert with the bridge elements 60 to reverse pivoting action by the locking arms 50. Alternatively, it is also contemplated that in some instances the bridge elements 60 may be eliminated entirely if desired. In such embodiments, the plugs 74 may substantially surround the locking arms and cause recovery of any pivoting displacement.

[0033] By way of example only, and not limitation, it is contemplated that the umbrella seal 47 and the plugs 74 may be formed from a common resilient material such as TPE or the like adapted to bond to the more rigid materials forming the central body 40. According to one contemplated practice, the umbrella seal 47 and the plugs 74 may be formed by use of an over molding procedure. Specifically, in such a process, the central body 40, including the rim 46 locking arms 50 and supporting bridge element 60 is formed in a first molding step from a first relatively rigid polymer. Thereafter, the umbrella seal 47 and the plugs 74 may be applied over the formed central body 40 in a second molding step. Due to the chemical affinity between the TPE and the underlying polymer, an excellent sealing relationship is established.

[0034] As best seen through joint reference to FIGS. 1, 3 and 6, the cover element 38 may be secured in place over the rear opening in the well cavity 12 by simply pressing the cover element 38 inwardly to insert the distal hooks 54 into the eyelet openings 34 at the interface ring 20. Once the distal hooks 54 have been fully inserted, they snap into place behind the corresponding cross beams 37. Moreover, the umbrella seal 47 is seated against the upper surface of the circumferential shoulder 24. In this orientation, the cover element 38 provides a sealed barrier across the rear opening of the well cavity 12 while being blocked against removal.

[0035] As will be appreciated through joint reference to FIGS. 3, 4 and 6, in the exemplary arrangement the cover element 38 may be disengaged from the interface ring 20 by manual manipulation of the proximal ends 52 of the locking arms 50. Specifically, by pressing the proximal ends radially inwardly towards the center of the central body 40, the distal ends of the locking arms 50 will pivot radially outwardly and the distal hooks 54 will disengage from the cross beams 37. With the distal hooks disengaged, the cover element 38 may be lifted away from the interface ring 20 to provide access to the well cavity 12. Accordingly, a simple and effective release mechanism is provided.

[0036] Of course, variations and modifications of the foregoing are within the scope of the present invention. For example, in other embodiments, the material spreading system can be used in a vehicle in which it is directly mounted to a dump body thereof. In some embodiments, for example, the material spreading system can be incorporated into a tailgate of a dump body. Thus, it is to be understood that the invention disclosed and defined herein extends to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or evident from the text and/or drawings. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the invention. The embodiment described herein explain the best modes for practicing the invention and will enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention. The claims are to be construed to include alternative embodiments and equivalents to the extent permitted by the prior art.

[0037] The use of the terms "a" and "an" and "the" and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms "comprising," "having," "including," and "containing" are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not limited to,") unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non- claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.

[0038] Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

[0039] Various features of the invention are set forth in the following claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A headlamp access cover assembly adapted to selectively cover an access opening to a well cavity in a headlamp well cavity housing, the access cover assembly comprising: a housing interface element disposed circumferentially at least partially about the perimeter of the well cavity, the housing interface element including a plurality of hook catch structures disposed radially inward from an inner radial surface of the housing interface element such that the hook catch structures project into the interior of the well cavity; and a selectively removable cover adapted for disposition in covering relation to the access opening, the cover including a plurality of locking arms extending in pivoting relation through a body portion of the cover, the locking arms including distal hook elements extending away from an inner surface of the body portion, the distal hook elements adapted to lockingly engage corresponding hook catch structures in snap-in relation at the housing interface element, the locking arms further including proximal ends extending in raised relation away from an outer surface of the body portion, the proximal ends defining manipulatable levers for selective displacement of the distal hook elements away from locking engagement with the corresponding hook catch structures.

2. The headlamp access cover assembly as recited in Claim 1, wherein the housing interface element is a ring secured to the well cavity housing.

3. The headlamp access cover assembly as recited in Claim 2, wherein the ring includes an upstanding collar portion and an annular circumferential shoulder portion extending radially inwardly from the collar portion and wherein the cover is adapted for disposition in nesting relation within the housing interface ring in opposing relation to an upper surface of the shoulder portion.

4. The headlamp access cover assembly as recited in Claim 3, wherein the cover further includes a flexible umbrella seal secured about a lower perimeter rim of the body portion.

5. The headlamp access cover assembly as recited in Claim 4, wherein the umbrella seal is formed from an overmolded TPE material.

6. The headlamp access cover assembly as recited in Claim 4, wherein at least one locking arm extends through a cut-out in the body portion and wherein at least one resilient plug is disposed in sealing relation within the cut-out in adjacent relation to said at least one locking arm.

7. The headlamp access cover assembly as recited in Claim 6, wherein the umbrella seal and said at least one resilient plug are each formed from an overmolded TPE material.

8. The headlamp access cover assembly as recited in Claim 1, wherein the housing interface element is a ring secured to the well cavity housing, wherein the ring includes an upstanding collar portion and an annular circumferential shoulder portion extending radially inwardly from the collar portion and wherein the cover is adapted for disposition in nesting relation within the housing interface ring in opposing relation to an upper surface of the shoulder portion, wherein at least one locking arm extends through a cut-out in the body portion and wherein said at least one locking arm is mounted on a twistable bridge element extending across the cut-out and wherein at least one resilient plug is disposed in sealing relation within the cut-out in adjacent relation to said at least one locking arm.

9. The headlamp access cover assembly as recited in Claim 8, wherein said at least one resilient plug is formed from an overmolded TPE material.

10. A headlamp access cover assembly adapted to selectively cover an access opening to a well cavity in a headlamp well cavity housing, the access cover assembly comprising: a housing interface ring disposed circumferentially about the perimeter of the well cavity, the housing interface ring including an upstanding collar portion and an annular circumferential shoulder portion extending radially inwardly from the collar portion, a plurality of ear members of substantially L-shaped profile extend downwardly from the shoulder portion, the ear members including hook catch structures disposed radially inward from the shoulder portion such that the hook catch structures project into the interior of the well cavity at positions below the shoulder portion; and a selectively removable cover adapted for disposition in nesting relation within the housing interface ring in opposing relation to the shoulder portion, the cover including a plurality of locking arms extending in pivoting relation through a body portion of the cover, the locking arms including distal hook elements extending away from an inner surface of the body portion, the distal hook elements adapted to lockingly engage corresponding hook catch structures in snap-in relation at the housing interface ring, the locking arms further including proximal ends extending in raised relation away from an outer surface of the body portion, the proximal ends defining manipulatable levers for selective displacement of the distal hook elements away from locking engagement with corresponding hook catch structures.

11. The headlamp access cover assembly as recited in Claim 10, wherein the cover further includes a flexible umbrella seal secured about a lower perimeter rim of the body portion.

12. The headlamp access cover assembly as recited in Claim 11 , wherein the body portion comprises polypropylene and wherein the umbrella seal is formed from an overmolded TPE material.

13. The headlamp access cover assembly as recited in Claim 11 , wherein at least one locking arm extends through a cut-out in the body portion and wherein at least one resilient plug is disposed in sealing relation within the cut-out in adjacent relation to said at least one locking arm.

14. The headlamp access cover assembly as recited in Claim 13, wherein the umbrella seal and said at least one resilient plug are each formed from an overmolded TPE material.

15. The headlamp access cover assembly as recited in Claim 10, wherein at least one locking arm extends through a cut-out in the body portion and wherein said at least one locking arm is mounted on a twistable bridge element extending across the cut-out and wherein at least one resilient plug is disposed in sealing relation within the cut-out in adjacent relation to said at least one locking arm.

16. The headlamp access cover assembly as recited in Claim 15, wherein the body portion comprises polypropylene and said at least one resilient plug is formed from an overmolded TPE material.

17. A headlamp access cover assembly adapted to selectively cover an access opening to a well cavity in a headlamp well cavity housing, the access cover assembly comprising: a housing interface ring disposed circumferentially about the perimeter of the well cavity, the housing interface ring including an upstanding collar portion disposed substantially concentrically with the well cavity and an annular circumferential shoulder portion extending radially inwardly from the collar portion, a plurality of ear members of substantially L-shaped profile extend downwardly from the shoulder portion, the ear members including hook catch structures of box frame configuration radially inward from the shoulder portion such that the hook catch structures project into the interior of the well cavity at positions below the shoulder portion; and a selectively removable cover adapted for disposition in nesting relation within the housing interface ring in opposing relation to the shoulder portion, the cover including a plurality of locking arms extending in pivoting relation through a body portion of the cover, the locking arms including distal hook elements extending away from an inner surface of the body portion, the distal hook elements adapted to lockingly engage corresponding hook catch structures in snap-in relation, the locking arms further including proximal ends extending in raised relation away from an outer surface of the body portion, the proximal ends defining manipulatable levers for selective displacement of the distal hook elements away from locking engagement with corresponding hook catch structures, the cover further including a flexible umbrella seal disposed about the perimeter of the body portion, the umbrella seal adapted for disposition against an upper surface of the shoulder portion when the distal hook elements are in locking engagement with corresponding hook catch structures.

18. The headlamp access cover assembly as recited in Claim 17, wherein at least one locking arm extends through a cut-out in the body portion and wherein at least one resilient plug is disposed in sealing relation within the cut-out in adjacent relation to said at least one locking arm.

19. The headlamp access cover assembly as recited in Claim 17, wherein the umbrella seal and said at least one resilient plug are each formed from an overmolded TPE material.

20. The headlamp access cover assembly as recited in Claim 19, wherein the body portion comprises polypropylene having a stiffness greater than the TPE material.