Vehicle access port cover
AssigneeInternational Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLC
InventorsDaniel R. Seffernick, Jesus D. Viduya
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A motor vehicle incorporates a novel grille which provides a port giving access to the cooling system surge tank. The port is closed by a cover which is removable and replaceable without the use of tools. The cover can carry on an outside face a badge or medallion of the manufacturer. While the cover is removable from the frame in the grille, theft is discouraged by a cord connected between the cover and the vehicle itself. Cutting or breaking the cord does not result in damage to the grille.
Claims14
A radiator grille mounted to a vehicle, comprising:
- a planar member;
- a frame in the planar member defining an access opening through the planar member;
- a cover for the access opening fitting within and removably supported in the frame;
- first, second and third releasable points of attachment between the cover and the frame, the first and second releasable points of attachment defining a first axis of rotation for the cover allowing pressure applied against the cover to one side of the first axis to result in rotation of the cover and urging release of the cover from the third point of attachment;
- and
- a cord attached between the cover and the vehicle.
A cab over engine vehicle comprising:
- a radiator grille;
- a surge tank located behind the radiator grille;
- a frame within the radiator grille defining an access port from outside the vehicle through the access port to the surge tank;
- a cover for the access port which fits within and is removable from the frame;
- and
- a cord attached between the cover and the vehicle.
A vehicle, comprising:
- a vehicle exterior;
- a serviceable component within the vehicle;
- a frame in the vehicle exterior defining a service port through the exterior adjacent the serviceable component;
- a removable cover fitable to the frame;
- means for securing the removable cover in the frame allowing the cover to be detached from the vehicle by progressively displacing the cover inwardly on the vehicle along one edge or corner of the cover;
- and
- a cable attached between the removable cover and the vehicle for securing the cover to the vehicle.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.