IP Library Granted Patent US 7,562,912
Granted Patent B2
US 7,562,912 · App. 11/349,435 · Granted Jul 21, 2009

Duct mating assembly

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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 7,562,912
App. No.
11/349,435
Granted
Jul 21, 2009
Kind
B2
Abstract

The duct mating assembly includes a first duct having connected side members that define an interior air space. The side members include inner and outer surfaces. The first duct extends from a first end to a second end and the first end is offset relative to the second end. A second duct includes connected side members that define an interior air space. The side members include inner and outer surfaces. The second duct terminates at a connection opening. The first and second ducts are operative to couple with each other. The first duct is positioned within the connection opening of the second duct when coupled thereby defining an air gap between the first and second ducts. At least one of the side members of the first duct includes a projection portion formed thereon. The projection portion extends outward a distance to create a uniform sized air gap between the first and second ducts.

Claims (8)

1. An air duct mating assembly for a vehicle comprising:

a first duct having an air register portion, the first duct having connected side members defining an interior air space, the side members having inner and outer surfaces, the first duct extending from a first end to a second end, the first end offset relative to the second end;

a second duct having connected side members defining an interior air space, the side members having inner and outer surfaces, the second duct terminating at a connection opening;

the first and second ducts operative to couple with each other at an angle, wherein the first duct is positioned within the connection opening of the second duct when coupled defining a uniform air gap between the first and second ducts, and wherein at least one of the side members of the first duct includes a projection portion formed thereon, the projection portion extending outward a distance to create a uniform sized air gap between the fist and second ducts and wherein the projection portion includes an angled outer surface that is angled relative to an inner surface of the projection portion, the projection portion parallel to an opposing side surface of the second duct.

2. The duct mating assembly of claim 1 including a foam member positioned in the air gap defined by the first and second ducts.

3. The duct mating assembly of claim 2 wherein the foam member includes inner and outer surfaces, the outer surface of the foam member positioned to contact the inner surface of the side members of the second duct and the inner surface of the foam member positioned to contact the outer surface of the side members of die first duct.

4. The duct mating assembly of claim 2 wherein the foam member is adapted to compress when the first duct is coupled to the second duct for preventing air leakage.

5. The duct mating assembly of claim 2 wherein the foam member is attached to the first duct and then inserted into the second duct to couple the first and second ducts.

Assignments (3)
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Sep 8, 2009
From: TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING NORTH AMERICA, INC.
To: TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION
Reel/Frame 023196/0221 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Aug 22, 2007
From: TOYOTA TECHNICAL CENTER USA, INC.
To: TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Reel/Frame 019728/0295 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Mar 23, 2006
From: SAENZ, N. ANTONIO; SHAHIDEHPOUR, SAMANEH
To: TOYOTA TECHNICAL CENTER USA, INC.
Reel/Frame 017356/0188 →