Vehicle with locator assembly configured to maintain alignment of adjacent exterior components

Inventors: Francisco Damian Sanchez Patiño (Metepec, MX); Martin D. Lopez (Oakland, MI); Miguel Angel Fernandez Vergara (Cuautitlan Izcalli, MX); Jorge Axell Pérez Figueroa (Metepec, MX); Mario Contreras Sosa (Naucalpan, MX)

Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC

B60R13/04

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Quick Facts

Patent No.: US 12662067
App. No.: 18/433,557
Granted: Jun 23, 2026
Kind: B2

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Abstract

A motor vehicle includes a first exterior component, and second exterior component adjacent the first exterior component. The motor vehicle further includes a locator assembly arranged relative to the first exterior component and the second exterior component. The locator assembly includes an opening and projection, and the projection is configured to be received within the opening so as to restrict movement between the first exterior component and the second exterior component in a forward direction, a rearward direction, a first side direction, and a second side direction.

Claims (29)

1 . A motor vehicle, comprising:

a first exterior component;

a second exterior component adjacent the first exterior component; and

a locator assembly arranged relative to the first exterior component and the second exterior component, wherein the locator assembly includes an opening and projection, wherein the projection is configured to be received within the opening so as to restrict movement between the first exterior component and the second exterior component in a forward direction, a rearward direction, a first side direction, and a second side direction, wherein the first exterior component is forward of the second exterior component, and wherein the opening is provided in an end cap attached to the first exterior component.

2 . The motor vehicle as recited in claim 1 , wherein the second exterior component includes the projection.

3 . The motor vehicle as recited in claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the end cap projects rearward of a gap between a first body panel adjacent the first exterior component and a second body panel adjacent the second exterior component.

4 . The motor vehicle as recited in claim 1 , wherein the first exterior component includes a channel, and the end cap is partially received in the channel.

5 . The motor vehicle as recited in claim 4 , wherein:

the end cap includes a notch, and

the channel includes a projection configured to be received within the notch when the end cap is within the channel.

6 . The motor vehicle as recited in claim 1 , wherein the opening is centered around an axis extending substantially parallel to a vertical direction.

7 . The motor vehicle as recited in claim 1 , wherein a contour of the opening is polygonal in shape.

8 . The motor vehicle as recited in claim 7 , wherein the contour of the opening is rectangular.

9 . The motor vehicle as recited in claim 8 , wherein a longest dimension of the opening extends substantially perpendicular to a centerline of the motor vehicle.

10 . The motor vehicle as recited in claim 7 , wherein an outer contour of the projection substantially matches a shape of the opening.

11 . A motor vehicle, comprising:

a first exterior component;

a second exterior component adjacent the first exterior component; and

a locator assembly arranged relative to the first exterior component and the second exterior component, wherein the locator assembly includes an opening and projection, wherein the projection is configured to be received within the opening so as to restrict movement between the first exterior component and the second exterior component in a forward direction, a rearward direction, a first side direction, and a second side direction, and wherein the first exterior component is a glass trim, and the second exterior component is a pillar belt applique.

12 . The motor vehicle as recited in claim 11 , wherein the first exterior component is a quarter glass trim, and the second exterior component is a rear pillar belt applique.

13 . A method, comprising:

restricting movement between a first exterior component of a motor vehicle and a second exterior component of the motor vehicle using a locator assembly, wherein the locator assembly includes a projection and an opening, wherein the locator assembly restricts movement between the first exterior component and the second exterior component in a forward direction, a rearward direction, a first side direction, and a second side direction, wherein the first exterior component is forward of the second exterior component, and wherein the opening is provided in an end cap attached to the first exterior component.

14 . The method as recited in claim 13 , wherein the second exterior component includes the projection.

15 . The method as recited in claim 13 , wherein at least a portion of the end cap projects rearward of a gap between a first body panel adjacent the first exterior component and a second body panel adjacent the second exterior component.

16 . The method as recited in claim 13 , wherein the first exterior component includes a channel, and the end cap is partially received in the channel.

17 . The method as recited in claim 16 , wherein:

the end cap includes a notch, and

the channel includes a projection configured to be received within the notch when the end cap is within the channel.

18 . The method as recited in claim 13 , wherein a contour of the opening is polygonal in shape, and wherein an outer contour of the projection substantially matches a shape of the opening.