Apparatus and Methods for Inhibiting the Ingestion of Suds by the HVAC System of a Vehicle

A barrier connectable to a vehicle dash assembly including an HVAC opening defined by a flange, the barrier comprising:

• a body configured to obstruct a flow of suds into the HVAC opening, the body including open upper and rear portions to allow for continued airflow through the HVAC opening, wherein the body defines a horizontal length extending along a first axis generally parallel in relation to the vehicle dash assembly, a vertical height extending along a second axis generally orthogonal in relation to the first axis, and a lateral width extending along a third axis generally orthogonal in relation to the first and second axes, the body comprising:
• a lower body portion including a lower end wall and a lower sidewall, the lower sidewall extending from the lower end wall along the third axis;
• an upper body portion including an upper end wall and an upper sidewall, the upper sidewall extending from the upper end wall towards the lower end wall along the third axis;
• and
• an internal stiffener extending inwardly from the upper end wall towards the HVAC opening in the vehicle dash assembly, wherein the internal stiffener and the lower sidewall define a channel configured to receive the flange to restrict movement of the flange along one or more of the first, second, and third axes;
• and
• at least one clip supported on the body configured for releasable connection to the flange, the at least one clip including first and second clip members defining a receiving space therebetween configured to receive the flange such that the first and second clip members are positioned on opposite sides of the flange.