US Patent:
20130076076, Mar 28, 2013
Inventors:
Matthew R. Partsch - Livonia MI, US
Benjamin Roger Zabik - Palo Alto CA, US
Assignee:
TESLA MOTORS, INC. - Palo Alto CA
International Classification:
B62D 25/12
F16J 15/06
Abstract:
A seal assembly for use with the front trunk, motor or engine compartment of an automobile is provided, the seal assembly including a sealing flange, a sealing member attached to an end portion of the sealing flange, and a hood assembly that includes an upper panel and an inner surface comprised of a sealing surface. The sealing surface of the hood assembly is configured to form a seal with the sealing member when the hood assembly is in a closed position. The sealing surface of the hood assembly is spaced apart from the end portion of the sealing flange, thereby allowing the sealing surface to pass by the end portion of the sealing flange when a downward force, such as that experienced during a head-on collision with a pedestrian, is applied to the hood causing the hood assembly to be downwardly displaced past the closed position.