Raisable hood plate mechanism
OwnerRichard L. Nelsoninventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A raisable hood plate mechanism for a vehicle hood comprises a pair of large plates laterally spaced in separate centered openings on opposite sides of the hood. The plates are pivotable along front edges and raisable at rear edges to provide rear-facing engine compartment ventilation, as well as glare deflection from the operator's eyes and bug and stone deflection from the windshield. The plate can be opened manually or by mechanical, fluid or electrical remote actuation mechanisms. An automatic closer can be employed. The plate can be light transmissive and solar collectors can be used with the plate.
Claims22
In a vehicle having a raisable hood that covers an engine compartment, the improvement comprising a raisable hood plate mechanism mounted in at least one opening in the hood, the hood plate mechanism comprising:
- at least one plate that fits over each opening;
- mounting means for mounting each plate in an opening for pivotal movement about a transverse axis positioned toward a front portion of the plate in the direction of vehicle movement, such that a rear edge of the plate can be pivoted between a lowered position wherein the plate lies flat with respect to the hood and substantially closes the opening, and a raised position wherein the rear edge of the plate is raised above the hood, creating a rear-facing engine compartment ventilation opening at the rear edge of the plate;
- latch means for selectively holding the plate in its raised and lowered positions and solar panel means for generating electricity.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.