Abstract: A floor panel, a rear end member which is provided at a rear portion of the floor panel and extends in a vehicle width direction, and a rear end trim which covers a surface on a baggage-compartment side of the rear end member are provided. A step portion is formed at a connection portion connecting an upper portion of the rear end member and a lower portion of the rear end member which is positioned in front of and below the upper portion. An opening is formed at the step portion. An attachment portion, by which the rear end trim is attachable to the rear end member, is provided at the rear end trim. This attachment portion is configured to be inserted from above into the opening for engagement.

Abstract: A sandwich-type, composite component such as a motor vehicle component and unitary structural assembly utilizing same are provided. The component has a sealed, moisture-resistant, A-surface edge. The component includes a first outer layer having an A-surface, a second outer layer having a B-surface and a core positioned between the outer layers. The core has a large number of cavities. The outer layers are bonded to the core by press molding. An edge portion of the component is locally crushed by the press molding so that the layers are bonded together to form the sealed, moisture-resistant, A-surface edge.

Abstract: A garnish mounting apparatus includes a rack formed at a back surface of the garnish and a tether clip for mounting the garnish to the body member at the rack. A slit is formed at the rack, and the tether of the clip extends through the slit. The tether and the slit-defining edge of the rack are movable relative to each other in a longitudinal direction of the slit and can be brought into engagement with each other in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the slit. The clip has an engagement span for suppressing a rotational play of the garnish about a longitudinal axis of the garnish between a slit-penetrating portion of the tether and a contact portion of the clip with a bottom wall of the rack. A contact seat plane of the clip with the body member has a width for suppressing rotational play.

Abstract: A sandwich-type, generally planar, structural member having an attachment feature and an assembly utilizing same are provided. The member includes a first outer layer having an outer surface, a second outer layer and a core positioned between the outer layers and having a large number of cavities. The outer layers are bonded to the core by press molding. A portion of the member is locally crushed by the press molding to form a depression. The depression has bottom and side surfaces formed by the first outer layer. The member further includes a connector fixedly secured to the bottom surface of the depression to attach a second generally planar member to the first outer layer of the structural member.

Abstract: A carpeted, vehicle load floor including a pivotable, carpeted cover segmented into articulated sectional members is provided. The load floor includes a compression-molded composite panel and the segmented cover to removably cover a storage area in the interior of the vehicle. The cover is segmented into articulated, planar sectional members to allow desired cover positioning over the storage area. The members are pivotally connected to one another for folding one over the other. The load floor also includes a substantially continuous carpet layer bonded to a top support surface of the panel and top support surfaces of each of the members. A first living hinge allows the carpeted cover to pivot between different use positions and a second living hinge allows the members to easily pivot and fold one over the other in a compact, folded, open position of the cover.

Abstract: A trim element having a visible side (12) formed of a skin (10), the element includes a skin (10) laid on a plastic foam (24) bonded to the skin by a continuous bonding layer (26) formed spontaneously at the skin-foam interface during the foaming operation, the skin (10) has a preferential rupture initiator comprising at least one scored feature. Throughout the region in which the scored feature lays, the bonding layer (26) is in contact only with the skin (10) and the foam (24), and, at the scored feature and in the direction of the thickness of the skin, the bonding layer (26) is laid over the opening with a thickness very much smaller than the depth of the scored feature.

Abstract: A product line of vehicle floor trays each are molded from a polymeric material to substantially conform to respective ones of a plurality of differently shaped foot wells of different vehicle makes and models. In an embodiment, the trays each have a reservoir in their central panels for collecting meltwater and the like, and baffles which retard the movement of the collected fluid.

Abstract: A slidable cargo area floor liner and cargo management device for a vehicle, and in particular, it is a substantially flat, rectangular sheet of material which is independent of the vehicle, which slidably moves on the floor of the cargo area of the vehicle and may be completely slidably removed from the vehicle. In addition, the device also provides protection to the floor of the vehicles cargo area, organizes cargo, and secures cargo through the use of a plurality of openings and tie down points integrated into the device. In use, the liner lies flat and occupies the cargo area of a vehicle without attaching itself to the cargo area or vehicle frame. The liner is equipped with a set of handhold openings that can be gripped and pulled towards the rear opening of the vehicle to access objects which would otherwise be difficult to reach.

Abstract: A vehicular accessory retention clip is used to attach a vehicular accessory, such as vehicular trim, to a vehicle. The vehicular accessory may have a substrate component that has at least one reinforcement post, and the vehicle may have a vehicular base component that has at least one corresponding opening configured to receive the reinforcement post. The retention clip has at least two walls that extend from an edge of a platform, each wall having an exterior tab and an interior tab configured to engage with the walls of the opening and the reinforcement post, respectively. The retention clip is slid onto the reinforcement post until the interior tabs engage with the reinforcement post, and the combination of the retention clip and reinforcement post is inserted until the exterior tabs engage with the walls of the opening.

Abstract: A sandwich-type composite component having imprinted 3-D structures which provide at least one pattern at an outer surface of the component is provided. The component includes a first outer layer having an outer surface, a second outer layer and a core positioned between the outer layers and having a large number of cavities. The outer layers are bonded to the core by press molding. The first outer layer comprises an integral, unitary structure including 3-D structures imprinted by the press molding. The 3-D structures are sized, shaped and arranged in one or more patterns at the outer surface. The one or more patterns may form a textural surface finish, a logo or indicia such as instructions at the outer surface. The component may be a vehicle interior component such as a vehicle load floor component.

Abstract: A multi-panel cover includes end panels that connect first and second lateral panels. The lateral panels fit against the end and under the bed of a truck body and tailgate and are maintained in position by magnets incorporated into the seams along the edges and between the panels to collect debris that will otherwise escape through or around the tailgate of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle covering that includes a frame, a trim having a skin covering the frame, and a decorative element positioned on a visible external face of the skin. The vehicle covering further includes a stiffening component positioned in the trim locally facing the decorative element and capable of limiting deformations of the trim by compression.

Abstract: A system including a panel assembly having a container and a compression-molded, composite cover for covering the container is provided. The system may be a flooring system such as a vehicle flooring system and the assembly may be a floor panel assembly. The assembly includes at least one load-bearing component positioned between a lower outer layer of the cover and a bottom wall of the container in a closed position of the cover. Each component is bonded or joined to the outer layer and is in abutting engagement with the bottom wall in the closed position of the cover to transfer a load appearing at an outer surface of an upper outer layer of the cover to the bottom wall of the container. The system also includes a structure such as floor having a cavity for receiving the panel assembly.

Abstract: A panel assembly including a compression-molded, composite panel is provided. The panel has first and second outer layers and a core positioned between the outer layers. The core has a large number of cavities. The outer layers are bonded to the core by press molding. The assembly also includes a component pivotally connected to the panel and a living hinge which allows the component to pivot about a pivot axis between different use positions relative to the panel. The assembly further includes a stiffening support having a support axis substantially parallel to the pivot axis. The support is bonded or joined to the panel to locally reinforce the panel adjacent the living hinge. The stiffening support eliminates the need for a metal hinge and provides for a light weight assembly with improved aesthetics and function.

Abstract: A sandwich-type, structural, composite panel having a pattern of depressions formed at a lower outer surface thereof and stiffening supports received and retained therein is provided. The panel includes a first outer layer having a first outer surface, a second outer layer having a second outer surface and a core positioned between the outer layers and having a large number of cavities. The outer layers are bonded to the core by press molding. Crushed portions of the panel having a reduced thickness form the pattern of depressions at the second outer surface of the second outer layer. The stiffening supports are bonded or joined to the second outer layer within the pattern of depressions. The stiffening supports are sized, shaped and arranged within the pattern of depressions to provide the panel with strength to resist deflection from a load at various positions and orientations at the first outer surface.

Abstract: A cargo management system including a vehicle load floor having a vehicle component receiving feature is provided. The load floor compartmentalizes a cargo area into an upper compartment and a covered lower compartment. The system includes a first generally planar member having a first depression of a first predetermined depth and a compression-molded, composite, second generally planar member having a second depression of a second predetermined depth. A portion of the second member is locally crushed by press molding to form the second depression. Opposed surfaces of the first and second depressions cooperate to restrain movement of a vehicle component positioned in a cavity defined by the first and second depressions between the first and second members and prevent sudden transfer of vehicle component weight during vehicle acceleration and deceleration.

Abstract: A compression-molded, composite component having a sandwich structure and having integrally formed strengthening structures is disclosed. The component includes a first outer layer having an outer surface, a second outer layer, and a core positioned between the outer layers and having a large number of cavities. The outer layers are bonded to the core by press molding. Portions of at least one of the outer layers are sized, shaped and arranged laterally adjacent to each other in a pattern to provide the component with strength to resist deflection from a load at various positions and orientations at the outer surface.

Abstract: A sandwich-type, structural, composite component including at least one hingedly connected portion which pivots with reduced or eliminated hinge binding and a cargo management system and vehicle load floor utilizing the component are provided. Elongated first and second interior portions of the component are locally crushed by the press molding to form a living hinge having a pivot axis and an elongated depression, respectively. The component includes an elongated cut-out which extends completely through the component at the elongated depression to obtain a clearance between a first portion of the component hingedly connected to a second portion of the component by the living hinge. The living hinge and the clearance allow pivotal movement of the first portion between different use positions relative to the second portion with reduced or eliminated hinge binding during the pivotal movement about the pivot axis.

Abstract: A sandwich-type, structural, composite component having a cut-out feature with a substantially hidden core, assembly utilizing same and panel for use in a vehicle load floor assembly are disclosed. The component includes a first outer layer, a second outer layer and a core positioned between the outer layers and having a large number of cavities. The outer layers are bonded to the core by press molding. An interior portion of the component enclosed by the rest of the component is locally crushed by the press molding to form at least one depression. A cut-out extends completely through the component at the interior portion of the component. Side surfaces of the at least one depression substantially hide the core at the cut-out without compromising the structural integrity of the component.

Abstract: Cargo management system including a vehicle load floor to compartmentalize a cargo area into an upper compartment and a covered lower compartment is provided. The system includes a composite plastic first outer layer having a substantially planar upper support surface to support cargo in the upper compartment. A composite plastic second outer layer has at least one cavity defined by lower surfaces of the second outer layer. Each cavity has a size and shape which corresponds in size and shape to a vehicle component to restrain movement of the vehicle component and to prevent sudden transfer of vehicle component weight during vehicle acceleration and deceleration. A core including adjacent core portions has different thicknesses. At least one of the core portions has a large number of cavities and each of the core portions is positioned between and bonded to the outer layers by press molding to form corresponding panel portions.

Abstract: A unitary structural assembly including a first component having a plateau-receiving aperture and a compression-molded, composite second component having a sandwich structure is provided. The second component includes a first outer layer, a second outer layer, and a core positioned between the outer layers and having a large number of cavities. The outer layers are bonded to the core by a press molding. A portion of the second component including the first layer and the core defines a raised plateau having upper and side surfaces. The plateau has a size and shape corresponding to the size and shape of the plateau-receiving aperture. A height of the plateau corresponds to the depth of the plateau-receiving aperture. The plateau is inserted into the plateau-receiving aperture so that corresponding surfaces of the plateau and the plateau-receiving aperture are in abutting engagement to unitarily connect the components and form the assembly.

Abstract: A laminated composite guard to protect the rub rail of a flatbed or, alternatively, the side wall of a box van, is disclosed. The guard is formed of at least three layers: a fibrous fabric such as carbon fiber sandwiched between two planar members of high impact resistant plastics, such as polycarbonate or polymethylmethacrylate. A fourth layer of an elastomeric polymer may coat the outer surface that abuts the rub rail. Hangers such as a bungee strap or hook bracket holds the guard against the planar portion of the truck to be protected from damage caused by forklifts or other loading equipment.

Abstract: An inner lining part for the interior of a motor vehicle, wherein the inner lining part has a carrier part, which comprises a curvature section, with a curvature running along a longitudinal direction of the carrier part. The curvature section includes a carrier part groove running in the longitudinal direction. A decorative layer overlies a first surface of the carrier part and forms a visible face of the inner lining part. The decorative layer covers the carrier part groove, thereby forming a decorative layer groove on the visible face of the inner lining part. Recesses in one or more portions of the carrier part at the carrier part groove receive folds or thickenings of the decorative layer to thereby permit the visible face of the decorative layer at the decorative layer groove to match the curvature of the curvature section at carrier side regions located adjacent the groove.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a frame, a side wall, a door, a seat, and a stopper member. The side wall is coupled with the frame. The door is pivotally coupled with the side wall and is pivotable between a closed position and an opened position. The seat includes a seat back that is pivotable about a pivot axis between a stowed position and a deployed position. The stopper member is coupled with the door and extends outwardly from the door. The stopper member is configured to overlie at least a portion of the seat back when the seat back is in the stowed position with the door in the closed position.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing an inner cladding part for vehicles by lamination of a first, preferably flexible material layer, having an upper side and an underside, onto a preferably dimensionally stable carrier, having a preferably three-dimensional surface contour of the carrier, with a thermally activatable adhesive applied to the underside of the material layer and/or the surface contour of the carrier. Carbon nanotubes, forming a heating device, are in contact with the adhesive at least in one sub-region. The method includes heating the adhesive in the sub-region by applying a voltage to the carbon nanotubes, as a result of which the adhesive is activated, and compressing the material layer and the carrier.

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.

Abstract: A system and a method for preventing damage to a vehicle caused by a rack mounted thereon and by a load mounted on the rack. The system and the method use a leash and an alarm system to alert at least the driver when the load becomes disengaged from the rack. Thereby, the system and the method may prevent damage to other vehicles when the load becomes disengaged from the rack.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a molded laying interior material for a vehicle includes a decorative layer that faces a vehicle compartment and a buffer material layer that faces a vehicle body panel. The decorative layer has a first concavo-convex shape formed by press molding on a side of the vehicle compartment. The buffer material layer has a second concavo-convex shape formed by press molding a buffer material on a side of the vehicle body panel. The buffer material has a fiber structure in which fibers are oriented in a thickness direction in the fiber structure The decorative layer and the buffer material layer are at least laminated and integrated.

Abstract: A composite laminate comprises a plurality of composite plies including at least a first composite ply and a second composite ply. The first composite ply and the second composite ply each comprises a plurality of fibers in a thermoplastic matrix comprising polyethylene. The plurality of composite plies are bonded together to form the composite laminate.

Abstract: A removable cargo liner for use in a vehicle cargo area that includes a cargo surface having varying topography. The removable cargo liner includes at least one panel that is positionable in the vehicle cargo area. The panel has a first surface and an opposing second surface—the second surface being adjacent to the cargo surface. The first surface of the panel defines a first topography and the second surface defines a second topography. The second topography is substantially identical to the first topography. The first topography and the second topography are also substantially identical to the varying topography of the cargo surface of the vehicle cargo area. The removable cargo liner also includes a fastening member that at least selectively couples the panel to the cargo surface of the vehicle cargo area.

Abstract: A cowl trim assembly includes a panel body having front and side panel portions with anchor mechanism adapted to couple the trim assembly to a vehicle frame, and more specifically, to a vehicle door sill frame. A footrest assembly extends outwardly from the panel body having one or more reinforcement members disposed on an underside of the footrest assembly which are adapted to support the footrest assembly on a vehicle floor. In this configuration the footrest assembly is an integrated part of the cowl trim assembly, thereby providing a one-piece trim component having a self supporting footrest assembly, wherein the reinforcement members are adapted to carry loads applied to the footrest assembly by a vehicle occupant to the vehicle frame.

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.

Abstract: A dash silencer is constructed by layering a front side layer formed from a porous material, an intermediate layer constructed by a film structure body and a rear side layer. The rear side layer has upper and lower side layer portions which are formed from porous and sound insulation materials respectively and layered on upper and lower side layer portions of the intermediate layer.

Abstract: A cargo management system including a vehicle load floor to compartmentalize a cargo area of the vehicle into an upper compartment and a covered lower compartment is provided. The floor has a wood grain finish. The load floor includes a compression-molded composite panel that includes first and second outer layers and a core positioned between the outer layers. The core has a large number of cavities. The outer layers are bonded to the core by press molding. The first outer layer having a top surface on which a multi-layer sheet is bonded by the press molding. The sheet has a substantially planar upper support surface to support cargo in the upper compartment and to provide the load floor with the wood grain finish.

Abstract: A removable cargo liner for use in a vehicle cargo area. The removable cargo liner comprises an upper cargo liner layer being positionable in the cargo area of a vehicle and a lower layer being made of a dual purpose, nonwoven, needle punch fiber having a loop feature. The lower layer is fixedly coupled to the upper cargo liner layer. The lower layer provides a generally non-abrasive contact interface with the vehicle cargo area. An intermediate layer made of a compliant material is coupled between the upper cargo liner layer and the lower layer such that the coupling of the lower layer to the upper cargo liner layer is via the intermediate layer. A single-sided member is connectable to the cargo area defining a hook feature, such that the hook feature of the single-sided member is releasably coupled to the loop feature of the lower layer.

Abstract: A lining for a vehicle part is disclosed. The lining has a main body that comprises a reinforcement. The main body and the reinforcement are made of the same material. The reinforcement may be made of a material removed from the main body. The lining may also include a decorative layer. A method for producing such a lining is also disclosed.

Abstract: Multi-piece vehicle bed rail covers are disclosed. In one embodiment, a vehicle bed rail cover includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion has at least one end that includes a raised feature, and the second portion has at least one end that is free from raised features. The first and the second portions are illustratively joined together in such a manner that a seam is concealed at least in part by the raised feature. The vehicle bed rail cover can also include additional raised features that may be perpendicular or angled with respect to a length of the bed rail cover. Furthermore, the vehicle bed rail cover may include one or more locking mechanisms to join the different portions together, and the vehicle bed rail cover may be made in part by utilizing injection molding.

Abstract: A utility blanket is disclosed herein. In various aspects, the utility blanket includes a fabric layer. A strip that includes hook fastener material is located about the fabric layer, and the hook fastener material is adapted to engage removeably the fabric covering of a vehicle, in various aspects. A cover that is positionable between at least an engaged position and a disengaged position is located about the fabric layer, in various aspects, and a complementary strip comprised of loop material is located about the cover. With the cover positioned in the engaged position, the complementary strip engages the strip to secure the cover over the strip, and, with the cover positioned in the disengaged position, the strip is exposed, in various aspects. This Abstract is presented to meet the requirements of 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b) only. This Abstract is not intended to identify key elements of the apparatus disclosed herein or to delineate the scope thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for truck bodies to minimize the debris buildup that often occurs on and in truck bodies. Hydrophobic and oleophobic materials are used to coat and protect truck bodies so as to facilitate the release of debris that otherwise might stick to a truck body. If left unchecked, such debris has the net effect of reducing the allowable payload that a truck can effectively carry. Additionally if truck body debris builds up, if not prevented, whenever maintenance work must occur on a truck, for safety reasons any debris buildup on a truck body must be removed prior to any maintenance being performed to preclude any of this debris from falling on maintenance personnel and/or hampering such maintenance.

Abstract: An equipment piece includes first and second components, such as a vehicle door armrest and a vehicle door. The first component is insertable in a recess, such as a slot, in the second component. The second component may be secured in the first by deformation of a projecting portion configured as a tab having a wall thickness smaller than its longitudinal extension. The tab is anchorable non-positively in the second component after inserting into the recess and pending about a longitudinal axis of the tab.

Abstract: A mosaic panel kit (10) and method (200) is described. The method (200) can include: installing (202) wall panels (12) to an interior surface (14) of an enclosure (16) nose (18) and walls (20); interconnecting (204) each wall panel (12) with an adjacent wall panel; and providing (206) a ceiling panel (40) over cargo (42) to be protected. The kit (10) and method (200) provide a simple and effective way to protect temperature sensitive products and/or cargos, from ambient temperature fluctuations.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an interior garnishment assembly may include a pillar garnishment coupled to a vehicle pillar, a door opening trim engaged with the pillar garnishment and the vehicle pillar, and a scuff plate coupled to the pillar garnishment. The pillar garnishment may include a ledge portion that extends at least partially along a W direction, a datum orifice formed in a low end of the ledge portion, and a datum feature joined with the ledge portion. The datum feature can be substantially hook shaped. The door opening trim may include a biased member that can clamp the datum feature to the vehicle pillar along the W direction. The scuff plate may include an attachment member that can be engaged with the datum orifice of the pillar garnishment. The datum feature of the pillar garnishment can control alignment of the door opening trim and the scuff plate.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is a wall cover on the inner side of a bellows of a transfer between two pivotably interconnected vehicles, wherein the side wall cover is held by two holding devices, wherein each holding device is arranged at the body of a vehicle and wherein the holding device receives the side wall cover to be able to be rolled up when the length of the side wall cover shortens during travel around a curve.

Abstract: A method of forming a thermoplastic sheet for use with a vehicle interior panel includes a negative thermoforming process. The negative thermoforming process can provide a grained and/or coated show surface of the thermoplastic sheet with decorative features that are more sharply defined that those produced using a positive thermoforming process.

Abstract: Described are an antibacterial covering panel and a method for making the panel. The panel comprises a supporting layer having a first surface for connection to a surface to be covered, for example the interior surface of an ambulance, and a second surface which is opposite to the first surface; at least one composite material is positioned outside in view at the second surface of the supporting layer and comprises at least one layer of particles of photocatalytic material.

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.

Abstract: A vehicle interior member that is attached to an interior side of a vehicle body, including an interior member body which is made of an unwoven fabric and exposed to the interior side; and a reinforcement band which is made of a rigid plastic and attached to a behind surface of the interior member body, the reinforcement band being provided with a locking mechanism that fixes the interior member body to the vehicle body.

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.

Abstract: A wall liner system for installation within the cargo space of a van or other utility vehicle is provided. The system includes an inner panel configured to conform to and contact an inner surface of the vehicle side wall, an outer panel covering the inner panel, at least one article holder on the outer panel for stowing articles, and at least one connector fastening together the holder, the outer panel and the inner panel. The outer panel can be configured to cover and conform to the configuration of wheel wells and other components of the vehicle which protrude into the cargo space. The inner panel can comprise a rigid plate and the outer panel can comprise a less rigid moulded plastic panel, with the connector being configured to transfer substantially all of the weight of the holder onto the more rigid inner panel.

Abstract: A protective mat for a cargo area and bumper of an automotive vehicle, comprising a flexible sheet having an upper surface, a lower surface, a leading edge, and a trailing edge; a reinforced portion of the lower surface; a first indicia disposed on the upper surface in a first region opposed to and indicative of the longitudinal location of the reinforced portion; a fastener portion disposed on the lower surface at the leading edge for removably attaching the mat to an interior surface of the automotive cargo area; and a weighting apparatus disposed at the trailing edge, wherein the lower surface is disposed against the vehicle when the mat is placed into use when the cargo area is in an open position. The mat preferably is formed of a material selected from the group consisting of plastic sheeting and fabric such as terry cloth.