Abstract: A pull cup in a vehicle door is fitted to a door trim panel substrate and is connected to the inner door panel of the vehicle door by way of a bracket. The bracket is oriented to resist vertical loads and tension loads such that the bracket is allowed to deflect in compression loading in the event of a side impact. In one embodiment the bracket has horizontal slots through which shoulder fasteners are fitted to attach the bracket to the inner door panel. This configuration allows deflection in compression loading. In another embodiment of the bracket a pair of arms is provided between the pull cup and the inner door panel. This configuration allows buckling of the arms on compression loading.

Abstract: A multifunctional compartment for vehicles comprises: a housing (1); and a door portion (2) movably connected with said housing; wherein a side plate (10) openable upwardly which is movably connected to said housing through a rod (100) driven by hydraulic pressure is defined under both sides of said housing; and tire shields (3) are arranged within said side plate which can be moved forward, backward, leftward or rightward for different frame girder, wheel span and wheel base. In accordance with the present invention, the compartment has good versatility to be used for various special vehicles and can be extended to achieve additional functions, for instance, advertising when loading goods.

Abstract: An automotive door comprising a door trim member (10) with a map-receiving pocket (12) that is defined by a back member (16) that is secured to the door trim member and an inner member (14) that is secured to the back member with an umbrella-receiving member (18) that is accessible through the map-receiving pocket and is defined by a U-shaped member (24) that is attached to the door trim member and is adapted to receive an umbrella (20).

Abstract: The invention relates to a stowage container arrangement (1) which is suitable in particular for installation in a door lining (14) of a door (13) of a vehicle. The stowage container arrangement (1) contains a receiving shape (2) and a stowage container (3) which can be removed from the receiving shape (2) and has a visible-side opening (4). According to the invention, the receiving shape (2) has an undercut (5) and a recess (6). The stowage container (3) engages by its outer contour (7) at least partially into the undercut (5). Furthermore, the stowage container (3) has a manually actuatable bending spring (8) with a catching lug (9), the catching lug (9) of the bending spring (8) engaging in the recess (6) of the receiving shape (2). The invention produces a constructionally simple stowage container arrangement with a securely retained, removable stowage container which can be used in many places.

Abstract: A structure of an auxiliary tail gate, to open and close a main cargo area when it is impossible to provide enough space to move a main tail gate because another vehicle or obstacle is parked or placed near, and to store small cargo separately from the main cargo area. The auxiliary tail gate is rotatably disposed to the main tail gate by a hinge so as to open and close the main cargo area, an upper trim and a lower trim are attached to an inner panel of the main tail gate, and a trim door, disposed between the upper trim and the lower trim, defines an auxiliary cargo area between the trim door and an inner panel of the auxiliary tail gate, the trim door being detachably engaged with the upper trim and the lower trim.

Abstract: This application is directed to a dynamic storage compartment for modifying the interior space of a vehicle, either as originally equipped or as an after-market modification, so as to provide a means for providing enhanced storage capacity for a vehicle which is characterized by ease of use and the ability to provide secure out of sight storage for valuables.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a vehicle trim panel having a storage compartment includes providing a first mold assembly comprising a first mold section and a second mold section, wherein the first mold assembly defines a first cavity. A second mold assembly is provided and comprises a third mold section and a fourth mold section. The second mold assembly defines a second cavity. A first material is introduced into the first cavity, thereby producing a substrate. A second material is introduced into the second cavity, such that the second material defines a flexible member. The substrate and the flexible member define a vehicle trim panel, such that the flexible member defines an expandable portion of the storage compartment.

Abstract: An automotive interior component including an electroluminescent lamp capable of emitting visible light. The electroluminescent lamp of the component may integrally molded with a polymer body to define a unitary assembly. The interior component may be, for example, a bolster mounted to a door trim panel for concealing an opening in the door panel. The electroluminescent lamp is mounted to the door bolster and emits that visible light, when powered, for illuminating a portion of the door trim panel. A covering may be provided over the electroluminescent lamp through which the visible light is transmitted. The assembly of the interior component and the electroluminescent lamp may be formed by an injection molding process.

Abstract: An automotive assembly having an integrated spring mechanism. The assembly includes a first member and a second member pivotally coupled to the first member and moveable between a first and second position with respect to the first member. The assembly further includes a resilient element integrally molded with one of the first and second members. The resilient element includes an extension portion having a free end that is coupled to the other one of the first and second members. The extension portion imposes a force on the second member to bias the second member in at least one direction. A method of making the assembly includes a two shot molding process where the one of the first and second members is formed in a first shot of the molding operation and the resilient element is integrally molded thereto in the second shot of the molding operation.

Abstract: A trim panel assembly and a method of manufacture. The trim panel assembly includes a trim panel and a backplate. The trim panel includes a speaker grill that allows sound to transmit from a speaker into the interior of a vehicle. The backplate is attached to the trim panel and includes a speaker mounting portion located adjacent to the speaker grill and a seal located adjacent to the speaker mounting portion that is configured to inhibit sound leakage.

Abstract: A pocket structure which is a door pocket provided at a slide door in a van type vehicle, and which makes it possible to facilitate removal of small articles and makes it possible to reliably store large-sized books and the like is provided. A pocket opening 21 is provided in a lining body 20 in a door lining 10 mounted on an indoor surface of a slide door 2, a pocket back cover 30 is mounted to their rear surface sides to construct a door pocket P, a large depth space at a lower portion of the door pocket P is secured, and a guiding inclined surface 34, a guiding curved surface 35, a guiding rib 36 or the like is provided at a back side of a bottom surface portion of the door pocket P, whereby large-sized books M are guided and stored in a substantially vertical state, and thereby, interference with a door outer plate at a time of operation of the slide door 2 is avoided.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an improved automotive ashtray, and to a two shot molding method for making the same, having a reduced number of parts and that is adapted to be coupled to a substrate of an interior trim assembly, e.g. a door panel, in a vehicle. To this end, the ashtray includes a compartment body and a cover with each including at least one integrally formed connecting member being pivotally coupled together so that the cover may be moved between an open and a closed position for accessing a cavity within the body.

Abstract: A vehicle trim component defining a storage pocket for mounting on a door panel is formed from first and second portions integrally attached to one another by a living hinge, to initially form a clamshell-type structure. The first portion defines a back wall of the storage pocket. The second portion defines a pair of opposed side walls of the storage pocket. The first and second portions are folded together about the living hinge to form the storage pocket. At least one fastening mechanism connects the first portion to the second portion when the first portion is rotated about the living hinge to the final assembly position adjacent the second portion.

Abstract: Disclosed is a low cost articulating map pocket or storage compartment that requires few manufacturing steps. The articulating map pocket provides for a closed locking detent feature and in one preferred embodiment a full open locking detent feature also.

Abstract: A storage receptacle is usable in a map pocket without requiring an intermediate adapter ring. The storage receptacle only uses part of the storage space within the map pocket, and leaves the rest of the space available for maps or other personal items. The receptacle may be dimensioned to use less than half the space of the vehicle door pocket. In a selected illustrative embodiment, a storage receptacle is adapted to receive and store glasses therein, such as eyeglasses or sunglasses. The storage receptacle includes a receptacle case made from a strong plastic material, and may also include a liner made from a material such as foam padding, cloth, and/or flocking provided on an inner wall of the receptacle case, to protect glasses which may be stored therein.

Abstract: Storage device (2) includes a receptacle (12), a concealing wall (10) and articulation element (18). The receptacle (12) has a cavity (14) delimited by a cylindrical shell of substantially circular cross-section extending along a substantially vertical axis (20), the shell having a radial opening (16) for access to the cavity. The concealing wall (10) has the shape of a portion of a cylinder extending substantially along the axis. The articulation element (18) moves the concealing wall (10) and the receptacle (12) relative to one another by rotation about the axis between a closed position in which the radial opening is concealed by the concealing wall and an open position in which the radial opening is substantially remote from the wall.

Abstract: A loading compartment comprising a loading compartment base (2), in addition to two opposing lateral walls (3) is known in prior art. According to the invention, at least one lateral wall (3) comprising at least one dimensionally stable functional module (4a-4d) is provided. Said module is detachably mounted to the bodywork and has an open or closed receiving compartment for at least one functional element (5a-5d). The invention can used in estate vehicles.

Abstract: This invention relates to a control panel for a vehicle interior. The control panel includes a housing defining a recess formed therein. A panel is pivotally attached to the housing at a pivot axis. The panel has at least one control mechanism mounted thereon. The panel is movable between a first position, wherein the panel generally covers a portion of the recess, and a second position wherein the panel generally exposes the recess. The control panel further including one of a detent mechanism attached to the housing and the panel for biasing the panel in one of the first and second positions, a spring mechanism attached to the housing and the panel for biasing the panel towards one of the first and second positions, and a damper mechanism to dampen the motion of the panel during movement of the panel between the first and second positions.

Abstract: This invention relates to a control panel for a vehicle interior. The control panel includes a housing defining a recess formed therein. A panel is movably attached to the housing, such as by a pivot. The panel has at least one control mechanism mounted thereon. The panel is movable between first and second positions. In the first position, the panel generally covers at least a portion of the recess. In the second position, the panel generally exposes the recess. Preferably, the housing defines a first surface within the recess, and a second control mechanism is mounted on the first surface.

Abstract: This invention relates to a control panel for a vehicle interior. The control panel includes a housing defining a recess formed therein. A panel is movably attached to the housing, such as by a pivot. The panel has at least one control mechanism mounted thereon. The panel is movable between first and second positions. In the first position, the panel generally covers at least a portion of the recess. In the second position, the panel generally exposes the recess. Preferably, the housing defines a first surface within the recess, and a second control mechanism is mounted on the first surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vehicle for conveniently receiving an umbrella, including a vehicle body forming a passenger compartment and interior trim attached to the vehicle body in an inside of the passenger compartment, wherein a hollow for receiving an umbrella is formed in the interior trim.

Abstract: In a combination of a motor-vehicle door, in particular, that of a passenger car or commercial vehicle, and a storage box that is used to accommodate utensils, objects, etc., the storage box has a shell, which includes a lower segment and an upper segment. The vehicle door includes an interior trim panel, which has a storage compartment open at the top. The inner contour of the storage compartment is shaped to be complementary to the outer contour of the lower shell segment, so that the lower shell segment may be vertically inserted into the storage compartment, the upper shell segment then projecting upwards from the storage compartment, and laterally resting against an essentially vertical panel of the interior trim panel.

Abstract: Vehicle body protectors for protecting external mirrors and a lower portions of the vehicle extending from a rear surface of the front wheel well to a front surface of the rear wheel well under the doors of the vehicle are constructed from conformable sheets of impact absorbing material having peripheral means for coupling the protector to non-external portions of the vehicle body and to other portions of the protector so that the body protectors remain in fixed position on the vehicle body during motion of the vehicle. The body protectors can be formed from more than one layer of material to form an outer layer, a liner layer of resilient energy absorbing material positioned on the under surface of the outer layer for engagement with an outer surface of the vehicle body, and optionally an intermediate reinforcing layer.

Abstract: A control panel for a vehicle includes a housing defining a recess formed therein. A panel is movably attached to the housing and has at least one control mechanism mounted thereon. The panel is movable between a first position wherein the panel generally covers a portion of the recess, and a second position wherein the panel generally exposes the recess. Preferably, the housing defines a first surface within the recess, and a second control mechanism is mounted on the first surface.

Abstract: This invention relates to a control panel for a vehicle interior. The control panel includes a housing defining a recess formed therein. A panel is pivotally attached to the housing at a pivot axis. The panel has at least one control mechanism mounted thereon. The panel is movable between a first position, wherein the panel generally covers a portion of the recess, and a second position wherein the panel generally exposes the recess. The control panel further including one of a detent mechanism attached to the housing and the panel for biasing the panel in one of the first and second positions, a spring mechanism attached to the housing and the panel for biasing the panel towards one of the first and second positions, and a damper mechanism to dampen the motion of the panel during movement of the panel between the first and second positions.

Abstract: This invention relates to a control panel for a vehicle interior. The control panel includes a housing defining a recess formed therein. A panel is movably attached to the housing, such as by a pivot. The panel has at least one control mechanism mounted thereon. The panel is movable between first and second positions. In the first position, the panel generally covers at least a portion of the recess. In the second position, the panel generally exposes the recess. Preferably, the housing defines a first surface within the recess, and a second control mechanism is mounted on the first surface.

Abstract: Cargo storage apparatus are provided that attach to a tailgate door of an open-air style vehicle and include a housing having a hollow interior portion that serves as a compartment for receiving articles therein. An opening is formed in the housing that allow user access to the compartment. An access door is hingedly coupled to the housing and is movable between a closed position covering the opening and an open position allowing access to the compartment via the opening. A carrying handle may be provided to facilitate portability. Lights may be provided that illuminate inside and outside of the cargo storage apparatus compartment. Cup holders, cargo nets, and supporting hooks, promotional indicia, and thermal insulation may also be provided.

Abstract: A process for insert molding at least a portion of a flexible webbing material within at least a portion of a plastic injection molded part produces a product having a plastic injection molded part with a contour formed by a front surface and a rear surface, and a flexible webbing material having at least a portion embedded within the injection molded plastic part, while a remaining portion of the flexible webbing material extends externally with respect to the injection molded plastic part. An injection molding die is provided for insert molding the portion of the flexible webbing material within at least a portion of the plastic injection molded part. The die defines a chamber for receiving molten plastic during an injection molding step.

Abstract: An armrest for an inside wall of a motor vehicle, in particular for a door, the armrest being of elongate shape along a main longitudinal axis, presenting a first end region (5A) along said axis, said first end region (5A) being connected to the wall by means of a connection member (7), the armrest being characterized in that the connection member (7) defines a pivoting connection about a substantially horizontal transverse axis (X-X) enabling the armrest (5) to move angularly relative to the wall, and the armrest (5) includes a locking member (10) cooperating with a stop piece (12) secured to the wall and adapted to hold the armrest (5) in modifiable manner in a selected angular position.

Abstract: A control panel for a vehicle includes a housing defining a recess formed therein. A panel is movably attached to the housing and has at least one control mechanism mounted thereon. The panel is movable between a first position wherein the panel generally covers a portion of the recess, and a second position wherein the panel generally exposes the recess. Preferably, the housing defines a first surface within the recess, and a second control mechanism is mounted on the first surface.

Abstract: A headrest storage structure 10 for securely and efficiently storing a headrest 16 of a vehicle seat 14 when the seat 14 is not in use. The structure includes a socket assembly 60 which is operatively disposed within a trim panel 18 of a vehicle 12 and which includes a pair of apertures 30, 32 which selectively receive headrest attachment members 34, 36, thereby securing the headrest to the vehicle trim 18.

Abstract: A substantially acoustically transparent speaker grille is bonded or molded to a rear shelf panel located between the cabin and trunk of a vehicle. The grille is pressed into and laminated between a pair of resin impregnated sheets of fibrous material during a hot press molding operation. The grille and shelf panel is overlaid with a layer of covering fabric so as to present a smooth aesthetic appearance within the vehicle cabin.

Abstract: A housing for the retention, stowage and trim of a vehicle jacking device is herein disclosed. The housing along with the vehicle jacking device comprise the jack assembly which may be disposed within the internal compartment of the vehicle or the outside of a vehicle. The housing conforms to the shape of the vehicle jacking device and includes a movable door for covering a portion of the housing and an adjuster screw for extending and retracting the telescopic post member of the jack.

Abstract: A motor vehicle inner door panel includes a map pocket having a plurality of apertures. The apertures permit partial visibility to pocket contents. A reflector assembly is secured to the inner wall of the pocket such that the reflective material is visible through at least one of the apertures.

Abstract: A portable storage apparatus for use with motor vehicles comprises a support extending outwardly from an interior panel of a motor vehicle. The support includes an inner support member, an outer support member, and opposing side support members. The side support members extend outwardly with respect to the inner support member and support the outer support member in a spaced relation relative to the inner support member. A portable storage bin includes a storage container and a lid. The storage container includes an inner wall, an outer wall, opposing side walls, and a bottom. The walls cooperatively form a peripheral wall. The bottom is joined to the peripheral wall. The storage container is adapted to be inserted into the support. The lid is pivoted to the storage container so as to be displaceable between an opened position and a closed position.

Abstract: A door trim assembly and method for making same for attachment to an inner panel of an automotive vehicle includes a plurality of components and a single carrier formed from a plastic material for attachment to the inner panel of the automotive vehicle and incorporating the plurality of components into the plastic material and a door trim substrate attached to the carrier.