Rotating automotive grille assembly

[0001] The present invention generally relates to an automotive grille assembly and more particularly, relates to a decorative automotive grille assembly that rotates by a motor or by airflow.

[0002] Radiator grille structure has been used on motor vehicles since the invention of an automobile. The radiator grille structure serves the dual purposes of not only providing a decorative effect to a front end of a motor vehicle, but also to protect the radiator assembly situated behind the grille structure from flying debris while the vehicle is operated on the road yet allowing air to flow through the grille structure to cool the radiator. The design of a radiator grille structure has been a major part of a front end design for a motor vehicle to make it distinctive and attractive while given an identity to the vehicle manufacturer. Certain foreign and domestic vehicle manufactures have specific radiator grille designs that is readily recognizable by anyone who is familiar with the automotive industry. Examples of such distinctive designs are found on foreign made vehicles such as Rolls Royce, Mercedes and BMW, or on domestic vehicle manufacturer such as Pontiac.

[0003] While distinctive designs are available for radiator grille structure on motor vehicles, such designs are exclusively stationary that are fixed on the motor vehicle's front end. It would be desirable to provide a different design such as a moving grille system to inpart distinctness and uniqueness of a motor vehicle.

[0004] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a motor vehicle grille assembly that does not have the drawbacks or shortcomings of the conventional grille assemblies.

[0005] It is another object of the present invention to provide an automotive grille assembly that is distinct from all conventional designs.

[0006] It is another further object of the present invention to provide an automotive grille assembly that is not stationary.

[0007] It is still another object of the present invention to provide an automotive grille assembly that rotates when the motor vehicle is moving.

[0008] In accordance with the present invention, a rotating automotive grille assembly can be constructed by a pair of spaced-apart, closed-loop pliable belt each engaged by and rotates on two spaced-apart rollers; a multiplicity of elongated bars each having two opposing ends each attached to one of the pair of spaced-apart, closed-loop pliable belt; and mounting means for fastening the grille assembly to a vehicle body.

[0014] The present invention discloses a rotating automotive grille assembly that is distinctive and unique which rotates when the motor vehicle is being driven.

[0015] The present invention rotating automotive grille assembly is an automotive appearance upgrade that replaces static chrome or plastic vehicle grille centers with a decorative and functional grille including a plurality of closely spaced chrome or painted rollers that would have grooves or louvers to capture airflow and in part rotation under the forward motion of the vehicle. The present invention rotating automotive grille assembly can also function by having the rollers driven by an electric motor, especially at low vehicle speeds where airflow would be insufficient to impart a high-speed roller/impeller action.

[0016] The rotating automotive grille assembly may further utilize a clutch mechanism that permits free rotation at higher vehicle speeds such that adequate engine cooling can be maintained at all times. The grille assembly can therefore be used as a supplemental radiator or an engine cooling accessory that is functional in terms of performance as well as having an appealing decorative appearance.

[0017] The present invention rotating automotive grille assembly fulfills the need for a decorative grille appearance enhancement that can be easily installed by a customizing shop or automotive do-it-yourself enthusiasts, while offering the appearance of a highly customized sport/cruising vehicle. The appealing features of the present invention grille assembly is a rotating front grille, driven by the wind, a motor, or both. The grille assembly can be made in a simple bolt-on installation means for various makes and models of cars, trucks, and SUVs.

[0018] Referring initially to FIG. 1, wherein a present invention rotating automotive grille assembly 10 is shown installed on the front end of a motor vehicle 20. A more detailed view of the rotating grille assembly 10 is shown in a perspective view in FIG. 2. The rotating grille assembly 10 is constructed by a pair of spaced-apart, closed-loop pliable belts 12, 14 each is engaged by and rotates on two spaced-apart rollers, i.e. belt 12 rotates on rollers 22, 32 while belt 14 rotates on rollers 24 and 34. The rotating grille assembly 10 further includes a multiplicity of elongated bars 30 each having two opposing ends 36,38 which are attached to one of the pair of spaced-apart, closed-loop pliable belts 12 and 14. The attachment can be made with mechanical attachment means such as snaps or rivets (not shown). The pliable belts 12,14 can best be made in reinforced elastomer material, such as one that contains fibers or fabric.

[0019] The present invention rotating grille assembly may further include mounting means 50 for fastening the grille assembly 10 to a vehicle body 20. It should be noted that the mounting device 50 is only shown in FIG. 3 for simplicity reasons. The multiplicity of elongated bars 30 can be suitably made of plastic or metal.

[0020] The present invention multiplicity of elongated bars 30 may be driven by airflow when the vehicle is in motion, or may be driven by an optionally mounted motor 60, as shown in FIG. 4, or driven by both. The elongated bars 30 may be aerodynamically designed such that it is slightly curved in one direction to move more effectively when airflows therethrough.

[0021] The present invention rotating automotive grille assembly has therefore been amply described in the above descriptions and in the appended drawings of FIGS. 1-4.

[0022] While the preferred embodiments of the invention have been described above, it will be recognized and understood that various modifications can be made in the invention and the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications which may fall within the spirit and scope of the invention.