DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] The present disclosure relates to an insulator fender blocker for a vehicle.

BACKGROUND
[002] An insulator fender generally is a part of a vehicle that is located in near proximity of wheels at front and / or rear portion of the vehicle. Conventionally, the known insulator fenders are in sealing contact with a body in white (BIW) of the vehicle and are manufactured with materials such as polyurethane (PU) foam. It has been observed that conventionally known insulator fenders manufactured using polyurethane (PU) foam are dense, bulky and add significant weight to the vehicle, which adversely affects the performance of the vehicle due to weight addition. Further, such conventional insulator fenders have limitations for being ineffective in preventing air leakage from the BIW. Another limitation is that noise created by operation of vehicle parts located in the BIW may also be transferred to outside from the insulator fenders due to improper sealing of the insulator fenders with the BIW. Furthermore, assembling of such known conventional insulator fenders to the body in white (BIW) at a desired location of the vehicle is difficult.
[003] Accordingly, there is a need to provide a insulator fender blocker that overcomes one or more of the aforementioned problems.

SUMMARY
[004] Accordingly, an aspect of the present invention discloses an insulator fender blocker for a vehicle comprising: an insulator fender body having at least two oppositely facing side surfaces, said at least two oppositely facing side surfaces having a plurality of undulations and a plurality of raised surfaces, said insulator fender body having a plurality of ends tapering in a direction towards a surface of a body in white (BIW) of the vehicle; and a strip embedded within a surface of said oppositely facing side surfaces abutting perpendicularly to said surface of the body in white (BIW) of the vehicle, covering a width of said oppositely facing side surfaces to insulate and mitigate air leakage from said body in white (BIW) of the vehicle.
[005] According to another aspect, the present invention discloses an insulator fender blocker for a vehicle comprising: an insulator fender body having at least a recessed groove formed within at least two oppositely facing side surfaces, said at least two oppositely facing side surfaces having a plurality of undulations and a plurality of raised surfaces, said insulator fender body having a plurality of ends tapering in a direction towards a surface of a body in white (BIW) of the vehicle, the at least said recessed groove extends across and along length of a surface of the at least said oppositely facing side surfaces of the insulator fender body; at least a blocker located at least at said plurality of tapering ends of the insulator fender body; a strip embedded within a surface of the at least said recessed groove of the insulator fender body abutting perpendicularly to said surface of the body in white (BIW) of the vehicle, covering a width of said oppositely facing side surfaces and extending over an outer top surface of the at least said blocker, to insulate and mitigate air leakage from said body in white (BIW) of the vehicle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
[006] The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
[007] Figure 1 illustarates a desired location of an insulator fender blocker assembled to a body in white (BIW) at a front portion of the vehicle, according to an aspect of the present invention;
[008] Figure 2A illustrates an isometric view of the insulator fender blocker, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[009] Figure 2B illustrates an exploded view of the insulator fender blocker, according to the embodiment of the present invention; and
[010] Figure 2C illustrates an isometric view of the insulator fender blocker, according to another aspect of the present invention.
[011] Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and may have not been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to the other elements to help to improve understanding of various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.Throughout the drawings, it should be noted that like reference signs are used to depict the same or similar elements, features, and structures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[012] While this invention is susceptible of embodiments in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail, a preferred embodiment of the invention with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broad aspects of the invention to the embodiment illustrated. Other aspects, advantages, and salient features of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses exemplary embodiments of the invention. Embodiments of the present disclosure, will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Embodiments are provided so as to thoroughly and fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to aperson skilled in the art. Numerous details are set forth relating to specific components to provide a complete understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to the person skilled in the art that the details provided in the embodiments should notbe construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, well-known processes, well-known apparatus structures, and well-known techniques are not described in detail.
[013] In the following description, for the purpose of explanation, specific details are set forth in order to provide an understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures are shown in diagram form to facilitate describing the invention. One skilled in the art will recognize that embodiments of the present invention, some of which are described below, may be incorporated into several applications.
[014] In general, the present invention claims, an insulator fender blocker for a vehicle. The insulator fender blocker includes an insulator fender body having at least two oppositely facing side surfaces with a plurality of undulations and a plurality of raised surfaces, at least a blocker located at least at said plurality of tapering ends of the insulator fender body, and a strip embedded within a surface of at least said oppositely facing side surfaces abutting perpendicularly to said surface of the body in white (BIW) of the vehicle, covering a width of said oppositely facing surfaces to insulate and mitigate air leakage from said body in white (BIW) of the vehicle and increase performance of the vehicle, when said insulator fender blocker is configured to said body in white (BIW) of the vehicle.
[015] The terminology used,in the present disclosure, is only for the purpose of explaining a particular embodiment and such terminology shall not be considered to limit the scope of the present disclosure. The use of the expression “at least” or “at least one” suggests the use of one or more elements or ingredients or quantities, as the use may be in the embodiment of the disclosure to achieve one or more of the desired objects or results. As used in the present disclosure, the forms “a,” “an,” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly suggests otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” “made of” and “having,” are open ended transitional phrases and therefore specify the presence of stated elements, units and/or components, but do not forbid the presence or addition of one or more other elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
[016] The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to the bibliographical meanings, but, are merely used by the inventor to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the invention. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention are provided for illustration purpose only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. The skilled person will be able to devise various structures, shapes of the insulator fender blocker that, although not explicitly described herein, embody the principles of the present invention. All the terms and expressions in the description are only for the purpose of the understanding and nowhere limit the invention. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of the embodiments described herein may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. Terms plurality, top, bottom, perpendicular, side surfaces, outer surface and the like are used to differentiate between objects having the same terminology and are in no way intended to represent a chronological order, unless where explicitly stated otherwise. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the invention, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof. Thus, while particular type of structure, material, size, width, lenght of strip, coating of strip have been disclosed, it will be appreciated that the embodiments may be manufactured with other design parameters and configurations as well. Accordingly, the shape and materials, are not limited thereto and may be as per operational requirements and nowhere limits the scope of the invention. Thus, while particular structure with said configurations has been disclosed, it will be appreciated that the embodiments may be manufactured with other design parameters as well. Further, the structure and configuration of the insulator fender block, are provided only for reference and for understating purpose of the invention.
[017] Referring Figures 1-2, through Figures 2A-2C, discloses an insulator fender blocker (100), an insulator fender body (110), a plurality of undulations (112), plurality of raised surfaces (114), a plurality of ends (116), at least a blocker (120), a strip (130), a body in white (BIW) (140), and a plurality of side surfaces (150).The present invention relates to a less weight insulator fender blocker that insulate and mitigate air and noise leakage from the body in white (BIW) (140) of the vehicle and is easily assembled to the body in white (BIW) at a front portion of the vehicle between a front door and a front wheel of the vehicle thereby enhancing the performance of the vehicle.
[018] Referring Figure 2C, Accordingly, the present invention discloses an insulator fender blocker (100) for a vehicle comprising an insulator fender body (110) having at least two oppositely facing of side surfaces (150) with a plurality of undulations (112) and a plurality of raised surfaces (114). The insulator fender body (110) has a plurality of ends (116) tapering in a direction towards a surface of a body in white (BIW) (140) of the vehicle. The insulator fender blocker (100) is in contact with a body-in-white (BIW) (140) of the vehicle. A strip (130) is embedded within a surface of said oppositely facing side surfaces (150) and abuts perpendicularly to said surface of the body in white (BIW) (140) of the vehicle, covering a width of said oppositely facing side surfaces (150) to insulate and mitigate noise and air leakage from said body in white (BIW) (140) of the vehicle when said insulator fender blocker (100) is configured to said body in white (BIW) (140) of the vehicle.
[019] According to an exemplary embodiment, at least a blocker (120) is located at least at said plurality of tapering ends (116) of the insulator fender body (110) and at least said blocker (120) and the insulator fender body (110) are coupled to form a single piece insulator fender blocker body (110). It may be understood to a person of oridinaly skill in the art that the shape and configuration of the blocker (120) may be suitably selected.
[020] According to the embodiment, said strip (130) extends over an outer top surface of the insulator fender body (110) or an outer top surface of at least said blocker (120).
[021] According to the embodiment, at least a surface of said strip (130) adheres or fastens to said at least said surface of said oppositely facing side surfaces (150) and said outer top surface of the insulator fender body (110) or said outer top surface of at least said blocker (120).
[022] Referring to Figure 2A-2B, according to another aspect, the present invention discloses an insulator fender blocker (100) for a vehicle comprisingan insulator fender body (110) having at least a recessed groove formed within at least two oppositely facing side surfaces (150) with a plurality of undulations (112) and a plurality of raised surfaces (114). The insulator fender body (110) has a plurality of ends (116) tapering in a direction towards a surface of a body in white (BIW) (140) of the vehicle. The at least said recessed groove extends across and along length of a surface of said oppositely facing side surfaces (150) of the insulator fender body (110). At least a blocker (120) is located at least at said plurality of tapering ends of the insulator fender body (110). A strip (130) is embedded within a surface of the at least said recessed groove of the insulator fender body (110) abutting perpendicularly to said surface of the body in white (BIW) (140) of the vehicle, covering a width of said oppositely facing side surfaces (150) and extending over an outer top surface of the at least said blocker (120), to insulate and mitigate noise and air leakage from said body in white (BIW) (140) of the vehicle when said insulator fender blocker (100) is configured to said body in white (BIW) (140) of the vehicle.
[023] According to the embodiment, the insulator fender body (110) and at least said blocker (120) are coupled to form a single piece insulator fender blocker body (110). According to the embodiment, said strip (130) is made of ethylene polypropylene diene monomer (EPDM) and the insulator fender body (110) and said at least a blocker (120) are made of expanded polypropylene (EPP).
[024] According to the embodiment, at least a surface of said strip (130) adheres or fastens to said surface of the at least said recessed groove of the insulator fender body (110), at least said oppositely facing side surfaces (150) and said outer top surface of the at least said blocker (120).
[025] Acoridng to the present invention, the insulator fender body (110) abuts the body in white (BIW) (140) via the strip (130). During fitment, the strip (130) is in compressed condition and keeps the insulator fender body (110) in position. Particularly, the strip (130) abuts the body in white (BIW) (140) of the vehicle to mitigate noise and air leakage from the body in white (BIW) (140) of the vehicle. Materials having similar properties may be used to coat the insulator fender body (110) and the strip (130).
[026] Example: Conventional insulator fenders made up of polyurethane (PU) foam have a density of about 85 g/cm3 and weight of 2.63 kg. However, with the teachings of the present invention, insulator fender blocker (100) made up of expanded polypropylene (EPP) according to an embodiment have significant weight reduction with lesser density of about 20 g/cm3 and weight of 0.58 kg. Additionally, with the teachings of the present invention, the blocker (120) and the strip (130) comprising expanded polypropylene (EPP) and ethylene polypropylene diene monomer (EPDM) respectively as described earlier significantly mitigates noise and air leakage from the BIW (140) of the vehicle. The density of the insulator fender body (110) is thus reduced by about 65 g/cm3 coincident with the weight reduction of the entire insulator fender (100) assembly, without compromising the noise and air leakage characteristics of the vehicle. Thus, performance of the vehicle is enhanced corresponding to lower weight of the insulator fender blocker (100) of the present invention. Additionally, the manufacturing tolerances required by the expanded polypropylene (EPP) insulator fender is much lesser than that required by the polyurethane (PU) insulator fenders of conventional art.
[027] Further, the ethylene polypropylene diene monomer (EPDM) coating material of the insulator fender body (110) eases the assembling of the insulator fender body (110) at a desired location of the vehicle. It is understood here that coating the material on the insulator fender body (110) may be done using suitable methods.
[028] There have been described and illustrated herein several embodiments of exemplary indicative implementation of the insulator fender blocker.It will be also apparent to a skilled person that the embodiments described above are specific examples of a single broader invention, which may have greater scope than any of the singular descriptions taught. There may be many alterations made in the description without departing from the scope of the invention. The present invention is simple in construction and design, integrated, cost effective and easy to manufacture and assembly. While particular embodiments of the invention have been described, it is not intended that the invention be limited said configuration disclosed thereto, as it is intended that the invention be as broad in scope as the art will allow and that the specification be read likewise. Any discussion of embodiments included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the disclosure. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form a part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the disclosure as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application.

,CLAIMS:
1. An insulator fender blocker (100) for a vehicle comprising:
an insulator fender body (110) having at least two oppositely facing side surfaces (150), said at least two oppositely facing side surfaces (150) having a plurality of undulations (112) and a plurality of raised surfaces (114), said insulator fender body (110) having a plurality of ends (116) tapering in a direction towards a surface of a body in white (BIW) (140) of the vehicle; and
a strip (130) embedded within a surface of said at least two oppositely facing side surfaces (150) abutting perpendicularly to said surface of the body in white (BIW) (140) of the vehicle, covering a width of said at least two oppositely facing side surfaces (150) to insulate and mitigate air leakage from said body in white (BIW) (140) of the vehicle.

2. The insulator fender blocker (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least a blocker (120) is located at least at said plurality of tapering ends (116) of the insulator fender body (110), at least said blocker (120) and insulator fender body (110) are coupled to form a single piece insulator fender blocker body.

3. The insulator fender blocker (100) as claimed in any one of the preceeding claims 1-2, wherein said strip (130) extends over an outer top surface of the insulator fender body (110) or an outer top surface of at least said blocker (120).

4. The insulator fender blocker (100) as claimed in any one of the preceeding claims 1-3, wherein at least a surface of said strip (130) adheres or fastens to said at least said surface of said at least two oppositely facing side surfaces (150) and said outer top surface of the insulator fender body (110) or said outer top surface of at least said blocker (120).

5. An insulator fender blocker (100) for a vehicle comprising:
An insulator fender body (110) having at least a recessed groove formed within at least two oppositely facing side surfaces (150) with a plurality of undulations (112) and a plurality of raised surfaces (114), said insulator fender body (110) having a plurality of ends (116) tapering in a direction towards a surface of a body in white (BIW) (140) of the vehicle, the at least said recessed groove extends across and along length of a surface of the at least two said oppositely facing side surfaces (150) of the insulator fender body (110);
at least a blocker (120) located at least at said plurality of tapering ends of the insulator fender body (110);
a strip (130) embedded within a surface of the at least said recessed groove of the insulator fender body (110) abutting perpendicularly to said surface of the body in white (BIW) (140) of the vehicle, covering a width of said at least two oppositely facing side surfaces (150) and extending over an outer top surface of the at least said blocker (120), to insulate and mitigate noise and air leakage from said body in white (BIW) (140) of the vehicle.

6. The insulator fender blocker (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein said insulator fender body (110) and at least said blocker (120) are coupled to form a single piece insulator fender blocker body (110).

7. The insulator fender blocker (100) as claimed in claim 1 or 5, wherein said strip (130) is made of ethylene polypropylene diene monomer (EPDM).

8. The insulator fender blocker (100) as claimed in any one of the preceeding claims 1-7, wherein said insulator fender body (110) and said at least the blocker (120) are made of expanded polypropylene (EPP).

9. The insulator fender blocker (100) as claimed in any one of the preceeding claims 5-8, wherein at least a surface of said strip (130) adheres or fastens to said surface of the at least said recessed groove of the insulator fender body (110), at least said surface of said at least two oppositely facing side surfaces (150) and said outer top surface of the at least said blocker (120).

10. The insulator fender blocker (100) as claimed in any one of the preceeding claims 1-9, wherein said insulator fender blocker (100) has less weight and is easily assembled to the body in white (BIW) at a front portion of the vehicle between a front door and a front wheel of the vehicle.