Interior Trim Panel On Door Patents (Class 296/146.7)
  • Patent number: 8733820
    Abstract: A trim panel retention assembly for a vehicle includes a retention bracket mounted to an inner door panel and a trim panel bracket mounted to a door trim panel. The trim panel bracket is proximate and spaced from the retention bracket such that the retention bracket deters the trim panel bracket and door trim panel from detaching from the inner door panel during a side impact collision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Satyanarayana Raju Vemulapati, Kenneth S. Laird, Paul Schryer, Zhibing Deng, Yun Shin Lee
  • Patent number: 8733821
    Abstract: The invention relates to a trim arrangement (10) for a pivot arm (12) of a motor vehicle door (14), in particular of a pivot and slide door (14), which can be moved out between a closed position covering a door opening and an open position releasing the door opening by means of the pivot arm (12) supported at the motor vehicle body (16), on the one hand, and at the motor vehicle door (14), on the other hand, wherein at least one trim element (18) is provided by means of which the pivot arm (12) can be covered at least partly on a side (20) facing the door opening, and wherein the trim element (18) can be moved relative to the pivot arm (12) between the closed position and the open position on the movement of the motor vehicle door (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: DURA Automotive Body & Glass System GmbH
    Inventors: Jochen Bisinger, Rainer Kristl, Michael Krehmke, Ralf Rottmann
  • Patent number: 8727420
    Abstract: The frontal crash load is transmitted from a front pillar to a center pillar in a reliable manner so that a bending moment caused by the frontal crash load is favorably supported, and the deformation of the door is avoided. A beam member attached to an inner panel includes a S shaped cross section member. An upper channel section of the S shaped cross section member extends along the lower edge of a window opening, and a lower channel section extends adjacent to and in parallel to the lower edge of a window opening in a rear part of the door and is offset toward a lower part of the vehicle body in a rear part of the door, with a front end being located at a same elevation as an upper door hinge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeto Yasuhara, Shingo Segawa
  • Patent number: 8720939
    Abstract: An interior trim part for a bodywork component has a lighting system with a first component that generates a light signal and a second component that outputs the light signal toward the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle. The bodywork component has a moveable region (200) that can be moved with respect to a non-moveable region (300), from a stationary normal position into an open position displaced with respect to the non-moveable region (300). The first component of the light system generates, in the normal position of the moveable region (200), a light signal that is input into the second component which passes on the light signal in the manner of a lightguide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Stefan Schmitz
  • Patent number: 8714626
    Abstract: A vehicle interior component including a decorative covering includes a seam formed therein. The seam is formed in a single sheet of covering material while having the appearance of being formed by sewing two separate pieces of covering material together. The seam includes lines of functional stitching and decorative stitching and can simulate the appearance of a French seam. Sewing the decorative stitching into the single sheet of covering material can allow symmetric thread patterns to be more readily formed as part of the finished seam, and a seam can be located anywhere along the surface of a sheet of covering material to achieve a cut-and-sew appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Faurecia Interior Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Walter Kornylo
  • Publication number: 20140110965
    Abstract: A barrier element for protecting a vehicle door interior panel of a vehicle door from an occupant of an adjacent vehicle seat comprises a body and an arm rest portion. The body is shaped to enclose the vehicle door interior panel and to block the occupant's access to an interior door handle, a lock control and a window control. The body has a self-supporting shape and is configured to cover the vehicle door interior panel. The arm rest portion is formed in the body and projects away from a surrounding surface of the body. The arm rest portion defines a self-supporting shape that follows contours of an arm rest of the interior vehicle door panel and provides an arm rest surface upon which an arm can be rested. The barrier element is securable to the vehicle door with fasteners that are positioned to be inaccessible to the occupant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2013
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Inventor: Terry L. Setina
  • Patent number: 8697224
    Abstract: An ornamental structure for a vehicle upholstery member provides a plurality of surface patterns by using a single vehicle upholstery member. On the surface of an embossed vehicle upholstery member are arranged a first region formed with a first emboss pattern, a second region spaced from the first region and formed with a second emboss pattern different from the first emboss pattern, and a third region located between the first and second regions and formed with a third emboss pattern which changes progressively from the first emboss pattern to the second emboss pattern as one moves from the first region to the second region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Keisuke Kato, Mie Kobayashi
  • Publication number: 20140084622
    Abstract: A film is provided for separating a wet area from a dry area of a door box of a vehicle door in a motor vehicle. The film for passing-through an actuator includes, but is not limited to an opening, which is formed in a pocket-like stamping.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Wolfgang KLEIN
  • Patent number: 8661738
    Abstract: A door frame for a vehicle includes a door frame, a window regulator mounted to the door frame for opening and closing a window pane, and a door lining mounted to the door frame. A plurality of mounting apertures is defined in the door frame, including at least one first mounting aperture for mounting the window regulator and at least one second mounting aperture for mounting the door lining. An isolating aperture is defined in the door frame between the at least one first aperture and the at least one second aperture for isolating the at least one second aperture from the at least one first aperture to thereby reduce lateral forces imparted to the door frame from the window regulator from transferring to the door lining.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Trent Bozzo, Kozo Kusumoto, Kenichi Kitayama
  • Patent number: 8656646
    Abstract: A vehicle door includes a vehicle bodywork and a door lining. The vehicle door has a sealing region between the vehicle bodywork and the door lining. The door lining is mounted on the vehicle bodywork by means of attachment elements which can be moved in a mounting direction in order to bring about attachment. In the sealing region, a sealing profile is provided which is provided in a seal-forming fashion via a contact pressure force after the sealing profile has been brought to bear either against the vehicle bodywork or against the door lining. The sealing profile is provided in such a way that the contact pressure force is provided rising monotonously over a contact pressure distance which runs parallel to the mounting direction and with a positive gradient of less than approximately 5 Newton per millimeter contact pressure distance and a length of extension of the sealing profile per centimeter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Interiors GmbH & Co KG
    Inventors: Hans-Joachim Mieglitz, Thorsten Meyer, Alexander Schidan
  • Publication number: 20140035322
    Abstract: An impact absorbing body for attachment to a door trim is capable of bearing a collision load from an exterior panel at the time of a side collision. The impact absorbing body has a top face portion with linear edge portions and sidewall portions extending from the linear edge portions toward the door trim to provide a hollow box. The impact absorbing body also includes base portions connected to edge portions of the sidewall portions. The base portions are open toward the door trim and are attached to the door trim. The impact absorbing body also includes slits between adjacent sidewall portions, and the sidewall portions have outwardly slanted portions. In addition, rib members extend from the top face portion toward the base portion, toward the inside of the hollow box, and connect the adjacent sidewall portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Inventors: Nilesh Ishwardas Sakhara, Toru Ishizaki, Yoshiyuki Arai
  • Patent number: 8615932
    Abstract: A barrier element for protecting an interior vehicle door panel comprises a body shaped to fit over the vehicle door interior panel and to block access to at least one of an interior door handle, a lock control and a window control. The barrier element is removably securable to the vehicle door or to the vehicle door panel such that the barrier element can be removed to expose the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Inventor: Terry L. Setina
  • Patent number: 8616611
    Abstract: A door assembly for a vehicle includes a door frame and a door lock. A force transmitting mechanism has one end connected to the door lock and another end is premounted on a door module housing. The door module housing is mounted to the door frame and a trim panel secured to the door frame. A method includes the steps of premounting the door module to the door frame, securing the door panel to the door frame and connecting an door opening mechanism to the force transmitting mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Johnson Controls GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Alexander Schidan, Milan Skultety, Thorsten Meyer, Hans-Helmut Mieglitz, Frank Zagromski
  • Patent number: 8613994
    Abstract: A thermoplastic foil has an embossed three-dimensionally structured surface (2) in the external cover layer. The cover layer is configured as a foamed layer and has a foam density that varies across the layer thickness thereof and increases toward the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Benecke-Kaliko AG
    Inventors: Jürgen Bühring, Jürgen Marquardt
  • Patent number: 8585121
    Abstract: A device (20) for fastening a vehicle inner lining (14) to a lining support (12) includes a holding element (22) and a receiving element (24). The receiving element (24) has a latching portion (26) that is laterally open and into which the holding element (22) can engage such that it is fastened to the receiving element (24) in the axial direction. Furthermore, the invention also relates to a method of mounting and demounting the vehicle inner lining (14) to or from the lining support (12) by means of this device (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbH
    Inventors: Oliver Marx, Martin Schmidt
  • Patent number: 8585123
    Abstract: A door trim for a vehicle includes a trim body and an armrest. The trim body has an armrest mount hole, a mount member arranged in an edge area of the armrest mount hole, and a support member. The armrest is fitted in the armrest mount hole. The armrest has a mount base to which the mount member is mounted. The mount base has a weak portion and is configured to be supported by the support member. The weak portion has lower rigidity than another portion of the mount base. The support member is configured to guide the mount base toward an outer side of an interior of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Itou, Yutaka Kimoto
  • Patent number: 8585122
    Abstract: There is disclosed a door lining for a vehicle. The vehicle door lining includes a lining body having a step portion, a decorative component to be combined with the lining body, the decorative component including a periphery having a tip surface and an outer surface extending from the tip surface, and at least one stepped cut-out portion provided at the periphery, the decorative component being combined with the lining body with the tip surface being abutted against an inner surface of the lining body and with the outer surface being surface-contacted with the step portion of the lining body, the stepped cut-out portion extending from the tip surface to the outer surface, and at least one noise-preventing member for preventing noise from being generated by rubbing between the lining body and the decorative component which occurs due to vibration of a vehicle body during driving of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: TS TECH Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takashi Iwasaki
  • Publication number: 20130292966
    Abstract: A fastening device is provided for attaching an exterior trim strip (1) to a carrying structure. In order to simplify attachment of the exterior trim strip to the carrying structure, the fastening device has latching or clipping-connection elements (21-24), which are latched or clipped to an interior trim strip (33) for fastening the exterior trim strip (1) on the interior trim strip (33).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Christophe Bouvatier
  • Patent number: 8562069
    Abstract: A fixing structure for a vehicle interior material in accordance with the present invention includes: a first interior base material including a first end portion; a second interior base material including a second end portion disposed adjacent to the first end portion; an ornamental member disposed along an axis defined by the first end portion and the second end portion; and a plurality of joints that indirectly fix the first end portion and the second end portion via the ornamental member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignees: Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki Kaisha, Hayashi Telempu Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Mamoru Yamaguchi, Masami Uratsu, Michinori Kawasumi, Eiji Fujii, Koji Morita, Kenichi Uemori, Hiroshi Harada
  • Patent number: 8562064
    Abstract: A door trim 10 having a side-impact absorption capability includes a base 22 having suction holes 23 and grooves 24 on a rear side between the adjacent suction holes 23. The base 22 is covered with a top cover 50 that is clung to a surface of the base 22 by applying vacuum through the suction holes 23. The suction holes 23 and the grooves 24 deform in conjunction with each other in a side collision and this improves the side-impact absorption capability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Mamoru Yamaguchi, Yoshiaki Maesoba
  • Patent number: 8562065
    Abstract: A vehicle trim panel assembly is provided having a beverage retainer formed in a storage compartment on the door of an automotive vehicle. The trim panel assembly includes a storage receptacle and a trim panel arranged to define at least a portion of the storage receptacle. The trim panel includes a base portion connected to a beverage retainer portion via a living hinge. The beverage retainer portion is pivoted about the living hinge into position within the storage receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Kim Langenbacher, Steve Dreher, Scott H. Dunham, Ammad Bhatti
  • Patent number: 8556332
    Abstract: A vehicle door includes a door main body having a hollow portion, a work hole, a door hole seal that covers the work hole, a door trim, a protruding member provided so as to protrude from the door trim toward the vehicle interior side surface, and a harness routed through the door hole seal to the door trim side. The door hole seal is provided with a general surface, a bulging portion facing the protruding member and bulging from the general surface toward the inside of the hollow portion, and a harness pull-out hole through which the harness is passed. The bulging portion has an inclined surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Atsushi Nakashima, Hitoshi Ohki
  • Patent number: 8544928
    Abstract: A storage compartment such as a map pocket is provided over a recess in the door panel of a transportation vehicle. A frame includes a U-shaped member and a flexible spring piece coupled between the ends of the U-shaped member. The flexible spring piece has a length greater than the distance between the ends so that it tends to assume either a closed position proximate the recess or an open position away from the recess. A pocket cover has a front portion concealing the frame and has a folding side portion disposed between side and bottom edges of the frame and the door panel along corresponding edges of the recess. A tether is coupled to the frame for urging the frame toward the door panel while permitting the frame to be moved away from the door panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Michael G. Orlowsky, Kenneth S. Laird
  • Patent number: 8545965
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a lightweight structural trim part is comprising the following steps: (A) inserting a plurality of layers into a molding tool comprising a first molding half (6) and a second molding half (7). The second molding half (7) comprises a plurality of cup-like indentation (8). The plurality of layers at least comprises a first air permeable skin layer (1) facing the first molding half (6), a second air tight skin layer (3,4) facing the second molding half (7), and a film layer (2) between the two skin layers. (B) Closing the molding tool and discharging gas from one side in order to press the first skin layer against the first molding half. (C) Shaping and consolidating the first porous skin layer. (D) Charging with pressurized air the first space in order to press the second skin layer against the second molding half. (E) Shaping and consolidating the second skin layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Rieter Technologies AG
    Inventors: Bertrand Buska, David Simon, Virginie Auger
  • Patent number: 8506003
    Abstract: The invention is also directed to a method for forming a component for a vehicle. The method comprises forming a substrate in a mold by injecting a first resin into a first cavity, reconfiguring a portion of the mold to form a second cavity, and injecting a second resin into a second cavity; providing a flexible member adjacent at least a portion of the substrate to form a cavity between the substrate and the flexible member; coupling at least a portion of the flexible member to the substrate; and introducing a material into the cavity after securing at least a portion of the flexible member to the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Nels R. Smith, Scott A. Hansen, Jeffrey T. Stout, Andy Butz, Bart W. Fox
  • Patent number: 8507074
    Abstract: A soft insert component having a rigid body portion in the vicinity of a marginal part of one surface side is insert molded in integration to a foamed molding. The foamed molding with the soft insert component includes a triple layered structure having a skin material, a core material, and a foamed layer. The skin material includes an insert component fixing portion onto which the soft insert component can be fixed. The core material includes a rigid body-supporting portion able to support the rigid body portion while resisting against a compression force applied to the soft insert component during foam molding, and the foamed layer is formed between the core material and a skin layer formed of the skin material and the soft insert component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Calsonic Kansei Corporation
    Inventor: Shigeyuki Katou
  • Patent number: 8507075
    Abstract: A methodology for adhesively attaching a barrier sheet to a motor vehicle inside door panel. A plurality of adhesive beds are disposed on the attachment face of a barrier sheet, whereby pressure applied to the barrier sheet causes the adhesive beads to wet-out with respect to the door inside panel and mergingly wet-out with respect to each other so as to thereby form an adhesive band. Visual inspection of the continuity of the merged wet-out through the barrier sheet provides installer feedback regarding installation integrity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Larry A. Filipczak, Brian R. Rusch
  • Patent number: 8505794
    Abstract: A flexible storage system included in a vehicle interior comprises receiving elements configured on a surface facing the vehicle interior and different attachments that are made to be attached to the receiving elements. The receiving elements comprise a primary aperture connected to a slot that extends downwards towards a floor of the vehicle. Each of the attachments comprises at least one connecting element which has a shape that is complementary to the primary apertures of respective receiving elements and a shaft that connects the connecting element to the attachment. The attachments are detachably connected to the receiving elements when in use and stowed away when not in use. Thus, the storage system provides flexibility in that not only is it employed only when necessary, but it also provides a variety of storage attachments that are suited to different user needs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Faurecia Interior Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank Ardigo
  • Patent number: 8491033
    Abstract: A door trim for a vehicle is provided. The vehicle comprises a fixed body including an opening and a movable body that opens and closes the opening. At least one of the fixed body and the movable body includes an attachment portion. The door trim comprises an elongate shape and a cover. The cover is attached along the attachment portion in a manner to cover the attachment portion. The door trim comprises a reinforcing member for reinforcing the cover. The reinforcing member is provided between the cover and the attachment portion to directly oppose the attachment portion. At least one of the cover and the reinforcing member is directly assembled to the attachment portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Asmo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ryousuke Sakamaki, Masaaki Shimizu
  • Publication number: 20130181475
    Abstract: A door trim for a vehicle includes: a trim main body formed so as to be bulging out inward of a vehicle compartment as an interior furnishing material of a door inner panel of a side door; and a clip installation base provided on the trim main body in a rear side area thereof with respect to the vehicle. The clip installation base includes: a clip settling portion configured to be opposed to the door inner panel and to be fitted with a clip to be mounted in a mounting hole formed in the door inner panel; and a clip rising wall portion provided continuously with the clip settling portion and forming a closed section portion together with the trim main body and the clip settling portion in a horizontal section, the clip rising wall portion including a bent portion having an angle so as to be convex outward.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Inventor: Nobuyuki Torii
  • Patent number: 8480156
    Abstract: The interior trim assembly, comprising: a trim panel (16) comprising a panel screen (20) having a front surface (20A) and a rear surface (20B), the panel comprising a screen opening (24) extending through the panel screen (20); an insert (18) assembled to the rear surface (20A) of the panel screen (20), said insert (18) comprising an insert screen (26) covering at least partially the screen opening (24) and at least one support flange (28) extending from the insert screen (26) and resting on the rear surface (20B) of the panel screen (20), the insert (18) comprising a hooking flange (30) fitted into a groove (42) of the panel (16) in such a manner as to prevent the insert (18) from translating with respect to the panel (16) such that a support flange (28) moves away from the rear surface (20B) of the panel screen (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Faurecia Interieur Industrie
    Inventors: Ignacio Montoya, Gaspar Mateu
  • Patent number: 8469428
    Abstract: A vehicle trim assembly includes an interior trim panel and a pull cup. The pull cup includes a main body, an attachment portion and a break-away portion connecting the main body to the attachment portion. The attachment portion is fastened to the interior trim panel. The break-away portion is configured and arranged to separate the main body from the attachment portion in response to a prescribed level of force applied to at least one of the interior trim panel and the pull cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Tobey, Hirofumi Itoh, Gunnar Mason
  • Patent number: 8469438
    Abstract: A fastener for securing a trim panel to a substrate of a door includes a clip portion configured for slideable insertion over an edge of the substrate, and a latch configured for passing through a slot defined by the trim panel from a direction approximately perpendicular relative to a first wall plane. The latch includes at least one finger configured for biasing against the trim panel to limit movement of the trim panel relative to the fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Lorin A. Mazur, Jesus E Dominguez Cuevas, Edwin A. Pineda Jahen, Jose L. Fajardo Garcia
  • Publication number: 20130154304
    Abstract: A vehicle trim assembly includes an interior trim panel and a pull cup. The pull cup includes a main body, an attachment portion and a break-away portion connecting the main body to the attachment portion. The attachment portion is fastened to the interior trim panel. The break-away portion is configured and arranged to separate the main body from the attachment portion in response to a prescribed level of force applied to at least one of the interior trim panel and the pull cup.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Tobey, Hirofumi Itoh, Gunnar Mason
  • Patent number: 8465087
    Abstract: An energy absorber includes a base sheet and a plurality of crush lobes extending from the base sheet. Each crush lobe includes a side wall oriented to crush and collapse to absorb energy when impacted in a first direction and includes an end wall. At least one of the base sheet and the end wall of at least one crush lobe includes an integrally-formed protruding countermeasure of lower standing strength than the crush lobes so that the protruding countermeasure acts to dampen movement causing buzzes, squeaks and/or rattles between the end wall and an adjacent structure. The countermeasure can be integrally formed or an insert, such as a magnet or other insert. Methods related to the above are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Oakwood Energy Management, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew M. Gerwolls, Michael A. Rossi, Dane Winbigler, Donald S. Smith, Joel M. Cormier, Richard F. Audi
  • Publication number: 20130147230
    Abstract: A shock absorber includes a first shock absorbing member formed of a foam, and a second shock absorbing member formed of a foam and having hardness greater than the first shock absorbing member. The first shock absorbing member and the second shock absorbing member are arranged in adjacent to each other and connected to each other such that a part of one of the first shock absorbing member and the second shock absorbing member is surrounded by another one of the first shock absorbing member and the second shock absorbing member, thereby the first shock absorbing member and the second shock absorbing member are connected integrally with each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki Kaisha
  • Patent number: 8459723
    Abstract: A body sealing system for an associated automotive vehicle door that has an associated door panel (including a sliding door, lift gate, or tailgate) includes a trim panel dimensioned to overlie at least a portion of the associated door panel, an interconnecting means connected to the trim panel and extending from adjacent a periphery of the trim panel, and a sealing member secured to the trim panel via the interconnecting means. An associated method of assembling a trim panel and seal to an associated automotive vehicle door includes providing an automotive sealing system, providing a trim panel, and integrating the seal with the trim panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Cooper-Standard Automotive Inc.
    Inventor: Steve Stoll
  • Patent number: 8458905
    Abstract: A process for providing a cushioned region (14) on a substrate (12) is disclosed. The substrate (12) is at least partially covered by a sheet (18) of preferably textured material. A skin (22) is coupled to the substrate (12) and a compressible material (24) (such as foam) is injected between the sheet (22) and skin (24). The sheet (18) is intended to promote adhesion to the compressible material (24) (e.g. mechanical and/or chemical joining or bonding). If portions of the coversheet (18) are exposed on a visible surface, the coversheet may also be configured to provide a decorative or ornamental appearances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventor: Bart W. Fox
  • Publication number: 20130140846
    Abstract: The interior trim assembly, comprising: a trim panel (16) comprising a panel screen (20) having a front surface (20A) and a rear surface (20B), the panel comprising a screen opening (24) extending through the panel screen (20); an insert (18) assembled to the rear surface (20A) of the panel screen (20), said insert (18) comprising an insert screen (26) covering at least partially the screen opening (24) and at least one support flange (28) extending from the insert screen (26) and resting on the rear surface (20B) of the panel screen (20), the insert (18) comprising a hooking flange (30) fitted into a groove (42) of the panel (16) in such a manner as to prevent the insert (18) from translating with respect to the panel (16) such that a support flange (28) moves away from the rear surface (20B) of the panel screen (20).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: FAURECIA INTERIEUR INDUSTRIE
    Inventors: Ignacio Montoya, Gaspar Mateu
  • Patent number: 8444209
    Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a trim for vehicles capable of reducing the number of parts and thereby reducing the cost when a plurality of shock absorbing portions are required to have different hardnesses from each other. The trim for vehicles according to the present invention is a door trim 20 including a lower board 21, and a pull handle 40 mounted on the lower board 21, further including a plurality of shock absorbing portions with different hardnesses capable of absorbing shock energy, wherein an extension portion 50 of the plurality of shock absorbing portions is formed integrally with the pull handle 40, and the extension portion 50 has a shape extending downward from the pull handle 40.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takanori Kato, Masayuki Kito, Keisuke Kato
  • Publication number: 20130076060
    Abstract: A vehicle door includes a door main body having a hollow portion, a work hole, a door hole seal that covers the work hole, a door trim, a protruding member provided so as to protrude from the door trim toward the vehicle interior side surface, and a harness routed through the door hole seal to the door trim side. The door hole seal is provided with a general surface, a bulging portion facing the protruding member and bulging from the general surface toward the inside of the hollow portion, and a harness pull-out hole through which the harness is passed. The bulging portion has an inclined surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD
    Inventors: Atsushi Nakashima, Hitoshi Ohki
  • Patent number: 8381368
    Abstract: A centering clip device can include a clip base having an opening for receiving a clip. The clip base can have a top surface that has a first bump, a second bump and a third bump all spaced away from each other. A clip can be included that has a substantially elongated body, a bottom flange formed on a bottom end of the clip, a top flange, an annular slot formed between the top flange and the bottom flange, and an umbrella structure. The top flange may also be formed as an umbrella structure having an inclined camming surface formed on its lower surface. The clip base can be configured to releasably engage the clip within the clip base. The camming surface can be biased against the first, second and third bumps to center the clip within the clip base, and permit connection between a first vehicle component, such as a roofliner, to a second vehicle component, such as a roof frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Haithi Donahue-Yan, Shinichi Yamase, James Seale, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20130033066
    Abstract: A door trim for a vehicle includes a front trim, a rear trim, and at least one trim component. The front trim is to be arranged closer to the front of the vehicle. The rear trim is to be arranged closer to a rear of the vehicle. The at least one trim component is mounted to the front trim and the rear trim so as to extend from the front trim to the rear trim across a boundary between the front trim and the rear trim.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2012
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Applicant: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Toshiya TANIZAWA
  • Patent number: 8360495
    Abstract: A fixture, in particular for a motor vehicle, comprises a first partial region and a second partial region. The first partial region is integrally connected to the second partial region by a connecting region. The first partial region is configured to permit the pre-assembly thereof relative to the second partial region by the connecting region. The connecting region may permit the first partial region to be movable, such as foldable relative to the second partial region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Antonios Simeonidis, Frank Gerhardt, Jorg Mantke
  • Publication number: 20120326461
    Abstract: A telescopingly collapsible grab handle support assembly incorporated into a collapsible door trim pull handle for a vehicle is disclosed. The telescopingly collapsible grab handle support assembly includes a grab handle support and a grab handle support base. A portion of one of the grab handle support or the grab handle support base is fitted within the other of the grab handle support base or the grab handle support. A door grab handle is attached to the grab handle support. The grab handle support base is either attached to the door panel or is integrally formed with the door panel. A break-away structure is provided between the grab handle support and the grab handle support base. Some or all of the grab handle support assembly may be encased in an outer polymerized material. Upon impact the break-away structure is broken and the grab handle support and the grab handle support base telescope with respect to each other thereby minimizing loads upon a vehicle occupant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Gerard Orlowsky, Paul Schryer
  • Publication number: 20120326467
    Abstract: A method (300) of making an interior automotive panel (100). The method (300) includes placing at least one three dimensional panel component (110) on a first mold component (410) having a mold surface (412) shaped to form the exterior surface of the interior automotive panel (100). The at least one three-dimensional panel component (110) has an exterior surface in contact with the mold surface (412). The method (300) includes registering a registration feature (114) of the at least one three-dimensional panel component (110) with a groove defined by the mold surface (412) of the first mold component (410) and positioning a second mold component (420) in registered communication with the first mold component (410). Together the first and second mold components (410, 420) define a void in the shape of the interior automotive panel (100).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2011
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: MAGNA INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Steven D. McClintock, Michael A. West, Ryan Robert Case
  • Publication number: 20120319427
    Abstract: A trim panel for a door of a vehicle that wherein both sunshade and non-sunshade versions of the trim panel are manufactured on the same equipment, thus eliminating the need to prepare separate molds for each trim panel. Both the sunshade and non-sunshade versions of the trim panel share essentially the same components and dimension except that the sunshade trim panel has an upper surface that terminates prior to a corresponding surface of the non-sunshade trim panel. This feature allows both trim panels to be made on the same equipment and then installed as needed depending on whether a given door will include a sunshade assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Inventors: Ryan V. Larcom, Brian D. Large, Rachel E. Canepa, Shinichi Yamase
  • Publication number: 20120299329
    Abstract: A vehicle door arrangement includes a trim panel, a structural element and a second trim panel. A connection between the first trim panel and the second trim panel comprises a sealing element. The first trim panel comprises an attachment element which extends along the sealing element and interacts with the sealing element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2010
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: Johnson Control Technology Company
    Inventors: Alexander Schidan, Hans-Helmut Mieglitz
  • Patent number: 8317247
    Abstract: This panel (1) includes at least one zone (10) forming a pictogram (12), the pictogram (12) being illuminated by a light source (14) placed beneath the lining panel (1), the lining panel (1) having a translucent skin (2) forming the external surface (8) of the lining panel (1) and a support layer (4) placed against the skin (2) between the light source (14) and at least the zone (10) forming a pictogram (12). The support layer (4) has at least a first thickness (e1) around the zone (10) forming the pictogram (12) and at least a second thickness (e2) facing the zone (10) forming the pictogram (12), the second thickness (e2) being smaller than the first thickness (e1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Faurecia Interieur Industrie
    Inventors: Godefroy Beau, Jean-Francois Oeuvrard, Pierre Guerreiro
  • Publication number: 20120280532
    Abstract: The invention relates to a trim arrangement (10) for a pivot arm (12) of a motor vehicle door (14), in particular of a pivot and slide door (14), which can be moved out between a closed position covering a door opening and an open position releasing the door opening by means of the pivot arm (12) supported at the motor vehicle body (16), on the one hand, and at the motor vehicle door (14), on the other hand, wherein at least one trim element (18) is provided by means of which the pivot arm (12) can be covered at least partly on a side (20) facing the door opening, and wherein the trim element (18) can be moved relative to the pivot arm (12) between the closed position and the open position on the movement of the motor vehicle door (14).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2010
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Inventors: Jochen Bisinger, Rainer Kristl, Michael Krehmke, Ralf Rottmann