The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Aug. 31, 2010
Filed:
May. 14, 2007
Larry A. Filipczak, West Bloomfield, MI (US);
Brian R. Rusch, Sterling Heights, MI (US);
Luigi R. Magnanti, Hartland, MI (US);
Larry A. Filipczak, West Bloomfield, MI (US);
Brian R. Rusch, Sterling Heights, MI (US);
Luigi R. Magnanti, Hartland, MI (US);
GM Global Technology Operations, Inc., Detroit, MI (US);
Abstract
The apparatus of the present invention provides a passive water management system for vehicle doors. One or more water management troughs are formed into the inner door panel of the vehicle door at least partially encircling one or more holes or opening through the inner door panel. Strips of adhesive material are provided proximate to and extending along each side of the water management trough. A water deflector sheet of water shedding material is secured to the inner door panel by the adhesive strips, such that the strips, water management trough and deflector sheet form a conduit for routing water to drain holes draining into the door cavity thereby preventing water incursion through the inner door panel openings from reaching the vehicle interior. A method of managing water seeping into a vehicle door is also disclosed.