Importance

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Abstract

An acoustic baffle apparatus is provided for sealing a cavity of a vehicle body at a predetermined cross section of the cavity. The apparatus includes a piece of heat expandable sealing material that is formed in a shape corresponding to but smaller than the shape of the cross section of the cavity. The sealing material has an activation temperature at which the material expands, and a support element can be provided beneath the piece of sealing material for supporting it. A drain assembly is secured to the support element and extends upward past the piece of sealing material. The drain assembly includes an outer side wall defining a drain passage having an upper end above the support element and a lower end beneath the support element, and a plurality of baffles are secured within the drain passage for defining a serpentine path between the upper and lower ends. A flange is spaced above the support element and the piece of sealing material, and accommodates expansion of the sealing material when the apparatus is subjected to the activation temperature and directs the sealing material outward away from the upper end of the passage.

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First Claim