Abstract: There is provided a vehicle skeleton member including a composite material of a thermoplastic resin and a carbon fiber, wherein the composite material is a unidirectional carbon-fiber composite material (A) that a form of the carbon fiber in the composite material is a continuous fiber aligned in one direction and/or a random carbon-fiber composite material (B) that a form of the carbon fiber in the composite material is a discontinuous fiber arranged two-dimensionally randomly.

Abstract: A method for fastening an in particular tub-shaped floor panel to an in particular frame-like vehicle structure is provided. The method includes applying an adhesive to a contact surface of the floor panel and/or of the vehicle structure, and joining the floor panel and the vehicle structure. The method includes expanding and/or activating the adhesive by heating the joint vehicle structure-floor panel composite.

Abstract: A hybrid combination structure of a roof frame is provided. In particular, the hybrid combination structure of a roof frame is configured to include a roof frame made of a plastic material, a front reinforce panel made of a steel material and mounted at a front of the roof frame, a center reinforce panel made of a steel material and mounted at a middle of the roof frame, and a rear reinforce panel made of a steel material and mounted at a rear of the roof frame to provide the integral roof frame in which steel and plastic are combined with each other, thereby improving sag and torsion problems to improve support rigidity and reducing weight and costs to improve a value of the product.

Abstract: A flat vehicle body component made of a carbon fiber reinforced plastic has at least one interconnecting web that protrudes from the flat vehicle body component and that is made entirely of the matrix material epoxy resin. A mounting part at least partially envelops the interconnecting web in a force locking manner, so that the mounting part is clamped securely on the interconnecting web. The mounting part has at least one hole that can be used for fastening another component. An additional component may be fastened in the hole in a conventional manner, so that the carbon fiber reinforced plastic component does not need corresponding holes. The interconnecting web may be integrally molded on the vehicle body component during its manufacture so that practically no additional engineering effort is needed.

Abstract: An inner panel of a lift gate includes an outer-frame forming portion comprising a pair of side edge frame portions including a pair of pillar portions and a lower end frame portion integrally formed at the side frame portions, an inner-frame forming portion formed at a lower edge portion of a window opening to connect to the outer-frame forming portion, and a panel portion covering over a portion enclosed by the outer-frame forming portion and the inner-frame forming portion. The panel portion comprises an outside panel portion provided to contact the outer panel and an inside panel portion integrally formed at the outside panel portion to connect to the outside panel portion and project toward a vehicle-compartment side beyond the outside panel portion and connects to the outer-frame forming portion and the inner-frame forming portion of said inner panel.

Abstract: A panel, a panel assembly having an adhesive bond and a method of adhesively bonding the panel assembly. The panel assembly includes a first panel and a second panel and at least one main adhesive channel formed in at least one of the first and second panels. At least one branched adhesive channel in fluid communication with the at least one main adhesive channel and an adhesive for joining the first and second panels to form an adhesive bond therebetween. By such structure, the placement of an adhesive into the main adhesive channel and subsequent joining of the first and second panels, any excess adhesive flows into the branched adhesive channel to avoid an over-filling or under-filling situation in the main adhesive channel.

Abstract: A sunroof structure for a vehicle may include a mounting frame made of plastic material, and an insert plate inserted into a front upper side of the mounting frame, forming an upper exposed surface of the vehicle.

Abstract: It concerns a crosslinkable and foaming polyester-polyurethane resin moulding composition, comprising: an A component, comprising: A1) at least one poly-functional isocyanate compound, and A2) at least one free radical polymerization initiator a B component, comprising by weight: B1) 100 parts of at least one polyol resin comprising: —B11) 50 to 80 parts of at least one ethylenically unsaturated polyester polyol—B 12) 20 to 50 parts of at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer, with, B11), being the reaction product of: a) an acid component comprising: a1) at least one ethylenically unsaturated diacid, and a2) at least one saturated diacid with a1/a2 molar ratio so varying to have an unsaturation content in B11) from 0.25/1 to 5/1, and, b) a diol component in excess with respect to component a) B2) from 0.01 to 1.

Abstract: A soft top is provided for a cabriolet. The soft top includes, but is not limited to, a monofilament warp thread and a monofilament weft thread. The soft top also includes, but is not limited to, a filling material substantially filling the interstices between the monofilament warp thread and the monofilament weft thread to form a substantially translucent fabric.

Abstract: A vehicle interior part comprises a blow molded portion that is molded in a hollow shape by a pair of resin sheets being blow molded and that includes joined portions of the pair of resin sheets, and vacuum molded portions that are molded by one of the pair of resin sheets being vacuum molded at outer sides of the blow molded portion.

Abstract: A welding arrangement for plastic components includes a base member, a primary member abutting onto the base member and provided with a first positioning feature that engages a corresponding first positioning feature provided on the base member. A secondary member is vibration welded to the base member so as to at least partly interpose the primary member between the secondary member and base member. Because the welding is performed while the primary member is properly positioned relative to the base member on account of the first positioning feature cooperating with the corresponding first positioning feature, the positional precision of the primary member is ensured. The primary member may be additionally provided with a second positioning feature that engages a corresponding second positioning feature provided on the secondary member, so as to permit positional adjustment between them in a prescribed direction corresponding to a direction of movement of the vibration welding.

Abstract: A thermal barrier system includes a plurality of panels including at least two panels separated from each other so as to define a space between the panels, where each panel of the at least two panels is separated from another panel via at least one spacer structure. Each panel is further formed of an insulation material having a thermal conductivity in the range of about 0.023 W/(m*K) to about 0.099 W/(m*K). In an example embodiment, the insulation material forming the panels has a density of no greater than about 30 lb/ft3. In another example embodiment, the insulation material includes a silicone syntactic foam material.

Abstract: In a vehicle part with a structural reinforcement part, the structural reinforcement part comprises fibers embedded in plastic material to absorb tensile and/or compressive forces or tensile (Fz) and/or compressive stresses.

Abstract: A component such as a vehicle exterior part having a transparent area without creating gaps is produced by introducing a hole into a film for the transparent area, inserting the film into a component mold, and then back-molding the same with a transparent plastic material in the mold such that the hole is filled with the transparent plastic material.

Abstract: An automobile part comprising a polypropylene resin composition, the polypropylene resin composition comprising a propylene homopolymer (A1), an elastomer (B) and an inorganic filler (C) in specified proportions. The polypropylene homopolymer (A1) exhibits an MFR (230° C.) of 20 to 300 g/10 min, a ratio of position irregular units derived from 2,1-insertion or 1,3-insertion of propylene monomer relative to all propylene structural units, determined from a 13C-NMR spectrum, each of 0.05% or less, and an Mw/Mn, determined by GPC, of 1 to 3.

Abstract: Vehicles, such as all terrain vehicles, can be provided with a frame and a fender assembly. The fender assembly can have layered fender panels attached together with a bolt and T-nut. A channel can be formed between the fender panels to facilitate passage of fluid along a predetermined pathway. A seat includes a compression surface for sandwiching the fender assembly with respect to the frame. Front and rear fender assemblies can be attached to the frame by a midpoint fastener passing through respective apertures in each of the front and rear fender assemblies, through a grommet, and into the frame. A stay assembly attaches a mudguard to the fender assembly, and can involve a swivel clip. Methods are also provided.

Abstract: Vehicles, such as all terrain vehicles, can be provided with a frame and a fender assembly. The fender assembly can have layered fender panels attached together with a bolt and T-nut. A channel can be formed between the fender panels to facilitate passage of fluid along a predetermined pathway. A seat includes a compression surface for sandwiching the fender assembly with respect to the frame. Front and rear fender assemblies can be attached to the frame by a midpoint fastener passing through respective apertures in each of the front and rear fender assemblies, through a grommet, and into the frame. A stay assembly attaches a mudguard to the fender assembly, and can involve a swivel clip. Methods are also provided.

Abstract: Described are in-mold coated products such as vehicular components, in-mold coating methods, and in-mold coating compositions, involving the use of aqueous acrylic copolymer dispersions, desirably self-crosslinking.

Abstract: The present invention describes a reinforcing member that permits fiberglass pieces to be attached securely yet removably. The pieces can be simply and easily assembled and disassembled with common tools and with no specialized knowledge or ability. Unlike prior art, repairs do not necessarily involve sandblasting, gluing or laminating. The invention permits easy customization or replacement of pieces. The invention includes a reinforcing member having a box truss coupled with at least one gusset. One embodiment includes a truck hood having a center section and fenders. The hood has proven as durable and rigid as traditional unitary construction techniques.

Abstract: An air-conducting device for a motor vehicle has an operating element and a spoiler lip extending completely or partly over the vehicle width, by means of which operating element the spoiler lip can be displaced from a moved-in inoperative position into a moved-out operative position, and which spoiler lip comprises an elastic and extensible material. For achieving a sufficient stiffness of the spoiler lip, it is provided that the spoiler lip is made of a fiber composite material matrix which is extensible and elastic. The fiber composite material, in addition, has a first fiber group with fibers embedded in the matrix which are essentially inextensible and extend transversely to the direction of the vehicle width and the direction of the width span of the spoiler lip. The matrix further includes a second fiber group with fibers which are elastic and extend in the direction of the vehicle width.

Abstract: A covering device for the interior of a motor vehicle protects an occupant from coming in contact with the supply lines installed in the vehicle, electric lines being situated as film conductors between two layers of the covering device. This permits simple assembly of a cockpit module in particular in a motor vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a road or rail vehicle comprised of a lightweight perimeter frame with panel-like elements, which define a floor, a roof, side walls, and front and rear end elements. In this design the panels are made from high-strength materials wherein the panels are the primary structural elements and the perimeter frame is used primarily as a means of attaching the panels. However, the perimeter chassis is reinforced with heavier sections in certain areas to distribute concentrated forces and impact loads into the structural panels from the vehicle suspension, powertrain, doors, seating, and major access panels or hatches. The body/chassis structure is configured with front and rear chassis subcomponents to which all suspension, steering, engine, and powertrain elements are mounted, in a manner to allow the entire sub-assemblies at the front and rear of the vehicle to be easily installed and removed from the chassis structure.

Abstract: For a compact tractor, a composite molded plastic floor and fender structure is supported on a chassis of the vehicle. The floor and fender structure includes a foot supporting region, a seat supporting region and two fenders all formed of a composite RIM plastic material. The unitary floor and fender structure simplifies manufacture of the tractor as well as providing a lightweight, durable structure.

Abstract: There is disclosed a closure panel. The panel finds particular utility as a liftgate or endgate for automotive vehicles. Typically, the assembly includes a first panel portion opposite a second panel portion and an intermediate material therebetween. Preferably, one or more of the panel portions is formed of a polymeric material and the intermediate material is preferably a structural foam that can bond to both the first and the second panel portions.

Abstract: A front end module including a plastic component connected to a metallic substrate. The metallic substrate can be formed by hydroforming and shaped into a substantially unitary member. The plastic component is then molded about the metallic substrate and simultaneously forms connections thereto at discrete locations along the length of the metallic substrate.

Abstract: A structural member of the present invention includes a substrate having portions defining an inwardly extending channel and a blow molded member in contact with the substrate. The blow molded member has portions that engage the portions of the substrate that define the inwardly extending channel such that the blow molded member is secured to the substrate.

Abstract: In certain example embodiments, a single type of vehicle frame member may be used for both first and second vehicle types, where the frame member includes at least one window frame opening defined therein. In making the first vehicle type, the window frame opening(s) is/are filled with windows in a known manner. When making the second vehicle type, one or more of the frame openings is/are filled with a colored polymer based insert which is of a color(s) which compliments the exterior color(s) of the vehicle. In other example embodiments (which may or may not be used in conjunction with the aforesaid embodiment), an attachment member for mounting an insert in a frame opening is designed to allow at least part of the attachment member to slide relative to an insert to which it is mounted. In certain instances, the attachment member may include a spring biased clip, while in other instances it may include a slidable stud support.

Abstract: There is provided a vehicular floor construction in which when a floor panel is assembled to a chassis frame, by surely preventing a collar from coming off a boss, the efficiency of work for assembling the floor panel to the chassis frame can be improved. A floor panel formed of a synthetic resin is mounted on a chassis frame, and the floor panel is fixed to the chassis frame by bolts and nuts. Bosses mounted on the chassis frame are formed of a synthetic resin integrally with the floor panel on the lower surface of the floor panel, and each of the bosses is formed with a through hole through which the bolt is inserted. A collar made of a metal is provided on the boss so as to be brought into close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the boss, and the collar is formed with a slit extending in the lengthwise direction of the collar.

Abstract: An all terrain vehicle (ATV) includes a plurality of wheels and a fender structure positioned over the wheels having a support portion designed as and defining a load-bearing surface. The fender structure may include a plurality of raised support portions that increase rigidity and load capacity. Additionally, it is not necessary to support either the fender structure or the support portion using the bumper of the ATV. The fender structure may be formed with plastic material, such as polyethylene, polypropylene or fiberglass-charged polyethylene, and may be manufactured using a blow-molding technique or an injection molding technique. The ATV may also include mud guards and a floor board that extends between the mud guards. The mud guards and the floor board may be formed as an integral or one piece unit with the fender structure. The mud guards can be injection molded or blow-molded while the fender structure can be blow-molded.

Abstract: A mountable vehicle body part has a visible outer surface and includes a outer plastic sheet, an inner fiber-reinforced layer made of plastic, and a protective layer disposed between the plastic sheet and the fiber-reinforced layer. The protective layer is made of plastic and prevents direct contact between the fibers fiber-reinforced layer and the plastic sheet. The protective layer prevents the fibers from marring the outer surface of the plastic sheet.

Abstract: A window 30 is a two-color molding comprising a transparent section 32 and a frame section 31 integrated with the transparent section 32, the frame section 31 and the transparent section 32 are formed with a first material and a second material respectively, and the first material is a thermoplastic resin with the linear thermal expansion coefficient in the MD direction lower by 1×10?5 to 3×10?5 (mm/(mm.K)) than that of the second material, and also with the MD/TD ratio for the linear thermal expansion coefficient in the range from 0.6 to 1.

Abstract: The invention is a truck bed cover made from thermoplastic material. The top of the truck bed cover has a relatively smooth appearance. The underside of the bed cover comprises a support structure utilizing at least one “X”-type support. In the preferred embodiment, four “X”-type supports are utilized. A typical bed cover typically weighs less than 75 pounds for greater ease of handling, without loss of structural support strength over fiberglass covers from loads placed on the top of the bed cover.

Abstract: This body structure is suitable for motor vehicles, especially for passenger cars and comprises a passenger compartment structure and at least one supporting structure adjoining thereon, for example, for accommodating a driving unit and wheel suspension elements. The supporting structure is connected to the passenger compartment structure through holding elements. To optimize the supporting structure, having a region connecting with the passenger compartment structure and a rear end region, the supporting structure is formed as an enveloping device of a high-strength, especially a fiberglass reinforced plastic, which is reinforced with a supporting device and surrounds the driving unit at least regionally, the enveloping device having several openings, each of which forms an access to the driving unit, and being provided with bearing mountings for the driving unit.

Abstract: A plastic sun roof panel has a central portion formed in a maximum and uniform thickness. Further, a mounting portion having a minimum and uniform thickness is formed annularly along a peripheral edge portion. Between the central portion and the peripheral edge portion, there is annularly formed a tapered portion whose thickness is gradually reduced from the central portion toward the mounting portion. A reinforcing member is arranged so as to extend along the peripheral edge portion of the sun roof panel, and is fastened to the plastic sun roof panel by means of an adhesive. A flange of the reinforcing member is fitted into a weather strip. In the peripheral edge portion, the tapered portion is situated on the inner side of the mounting portion to which the adhesive is applied.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a seal for an optical unit constituting an automobile indicating or illuminating light, intended to be mounted between this optical unit (1) and a support (6) in which it is inserted, the seal consisting of a sheet of flexible material provided with an internal orifice (12) intended to receive the unit.

Abstract: A motor vehicle includes an end region and a receptacle arranged in the end region. The end region includes a pan made at least partially of a fiber reinforced plastic, and the pan functions as an impact deformable element.

Abstract: The invention is a truck bed cover made from thermoplastic material. The top of the truck bed cover has a relatively smooth appearance. The underside of the bed cover comprises a support structure utilizing at least one “X”-type support. In the preferred embodiment, four “X”-type supports are utilized. A typical bed cover typically weighs less than 75 pounds for greater ease of handling, without loss of structural support strength over fiberglass covers from loads placed on the top of the bed cover.