Self-Restrained Radiator Protection and Filter

Abstract

A radiator protection device that protects a vehicle radiator from debris and damage is disclosed. The device is a multi-layer system that is flexible enough to be installed and removed through the radiator grill or other openings into the vehicle's radiator compartment. Installed configuration requires no mounting features nor support provisions due to the nature of fitment and resiliency of device to return to original shape.

Claims

1. A vehicle radiator protection device comprising: a. two or more material layers; b. at least of both one thin layer and one thick layer; c. all material layers have low resistance to air flow; d. the layers bound together along the perimeter or internally; e. main body outer perimeter having circular, linear, or curvilinear edges; and f. main body perimeter edge as singular or a multitude of edges.

2. The protection device of claim 1, wherein a plurality of bounding locations exist along the perimeter as a hem or across the device area.

3. The protection device of claim 1, wherein bounding comprises of stitches.

4. The protection device of claim 1, wherein bounding comprises of adhesive.

5. The protection device of claim 1, wherein the planar shape is sized to fit forward the radiator in the radiator compartment.

6. The protection device of claim 1, wherein any layer is comprised of coated fiberglass.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

[0013] FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the radiator protection device according to the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 2A shows a side view of the device of FIG. 1.

[0015] FIG. 2B shows a cross sectional view of the device of FIG. 1.

[0016] FIG. 3A shows an embodiment of the device prior to installation according to the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 3B shows an embodiment of the device installed into a vehicle between the vehicle's front structure and radiator grille.

[0018] FIG. 4A shows an embodiment of the device during installation or removal.

[0019] FIG. 4B shows an embodiment of the device installed into a vehicle between the vehicle's radiator grille and radiator.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] The radiator protection device 1 disclosed is shown in FIG. 1 as an exemplary embodiment having a thick layer 3 sandwiched by a first thin layer 2 and second thin layer 2 bound together with sewn hem perimeter binding 5. The layers provide debris trapping and debris impact energy dissipation while allowing air passage sufficient for the vehicle 9 radiator 8 to operate successfully. Device 1 perimeter profile shown in FIG. 1 is shown as rectangular of 4 linear sides, however the device 1 is not limited to this profile, various profiles are possible and required to fit specific vehicle 9 radiator compartments. Such profiles could have curved or straight sides. The perimeter profile could be of circle, triangle, rectangular, and greater sided polygon nature. The profile could also be irregular having cutouts to accommodate irregular radiator compartments. It is possible to add grommets to device 1 or uniquely shape device 1 with geometry that facilitates retention methods if one requires.

[0021] The layers are shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2B as bound along the perimeter as a sewn hem binding 5. Other binding methods and locations are possible. FIG. 2A presents a side view of device 1 depicting the binding 5. FIG. 2B reveals the composite construction of thick layer 3 and thin layers 2 with binding 5 in a cross-section view of device 1.

[0022] Vehicle 9 with bumper 6, radiator grill 7, and radiator 8 are schematically shown in FIG. 3A prior to installation of device 1. An installation embodiment of device 1 into vehicle 9 compartment between bumper 6 and grill 7 is depicted in FIG. 3B.

[0023] FIG. 4 illustrates device 1 flexibility allowing the user to contort device 1 into a shape allowing device 1 passage through bumper 6 or grill 7 small openings for installation.

[0024] An installation embodiment of device 1 into vehicle 9 compartment between grill 7 and radiator 8 is depicted in FIG. 4B. Device 1 does not require retention nor support artifacts because the installation compartments retain the device 1 fully. Installed device 1 movement retention in vehicle 9 airflow forward and reverse directions are provided by bumper 6, grill 7, or radiator 8. The device 1 is sized and shaped to the compartment dimensions and shape to ensure minimal motion of the device 1 during installed use. These compartments are such to retain device 1 in all directions of top, sides, and including the bottom to restrict gravity from pulling the device 1 down.

[0025] This detailed description of the invention discloses specific features and aspects but is not limited to other embodiments within scope of claims.