Abstract: An anti-crush ring is disclosed for insertion into hollow articles for localized reinforcement. The anti-crush ring comprises a generally annular or ring-like wall structure and at least one expansion hoop inwardly extending from the wall structure. Upon insertion of the anti-crush ring into the hollow article, the at least one expansion hoop is compressed and deformed to urge the wall structure of the anti-crush ring against an inner surface of the hollow article. Also provided is a method of reinforcing the inlet or outlet of a hollow article.

Abstract: A cargo management system for a vehicle is disclosed. The cargo management system comprises at least one panel assembly having a first and second panel, the first and second panel being articulable about at least one hinge situated therebetween. The first panel has an attachment end for engagement with an interior trim panel of the vehicle, and the second panel has a latch end for latching and/or locking the panel assembly in a desired configuration. The panel assembly is configured to be folded when stowed, and recessed within the interior trim panel.

Abstract: An exterior component is disclosed for attachment to a vehicle surface of an external vehicle structure. The exterior component comprises a primary body having a pad support wall and a profile wall extending therefrom, the profile wall defining an exterior profile of the exterior component, and presenting an exterior surface having a desired aesthetic finish. The pad support wall is an elongate continuous structure that runs substantially the entire length of the exterior component. The pad support wall presents a continuous tape pad configured to receive a suitable adhesive for bonding the exterior component to a receiving vehicle surface. The exterior component is exemplified in the form of a door cladding, and a wheel-flare molding.

Abstract: A volume expansion feature for a fluid reservoir is provided, the volume expansion feature comprising a central recess, a plurality of channels extending from the central recess, where the central recess and the channels are positioned at least in part in a recessed surface profile. The recessed surface profile is reversibly moveable from a first inwardly directed configuration, to a second outwardly directed configuration. The central recess and the channels are configured to impart an inward bias to maintain the recessed surface profile in the first inwardly directed configuration under standard loading of the fluid reservoir. Upon increased pressure within the fluid reservoir, the recessed surface profile extends to the second outwardly directed configuration, thereby increasing the volume of the fluid reservoir.

Abstract: An active bolster for a vehicle is provided, wherein the bolster comprises an expansible hollow interior that is inflatable and is self-supporting in both an inflated and in an uninflated position. The bolster has an inflator module for inflating the expansible hollow interior. The bolster has an inner wall for projecting inwardly into the vehicle and away from the side of the vehicle on inflation of the expansible hollow interior. The bolster may have a relatively non-expansible component located between a first expansible chamber and a second expansible chamber. The bolster may comprise an outer wall having an attachment portion for attaching the outer wall to a portion of the side of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a body defining an interior space, and a plurality of trim panels coupled to the body within the interior space of the body and cooperating to define a cargo area therebetween. A collapsible container system is integrated into the plurality of trim panels within the cargo area. The collapsible container system is collapsible into a stowed position disposed between a first one of the plurality of trim panels and the body to conceal the collapsible storage system when not required for storing objects, and is expandable into a storage position extending at least partially across the cargo area to present at least one storage vessel for receiving and storing an object therein.

Abstract: A removable flipper panel system for a vehicle includes a rod housing mounted on a seat support member which is movable with respect to a load floor of the vehicle. A load bearing blow-molded hard panel hides the gap which is formed between seat and load floor when the seat moves. The system includes a rod and spring assembly mechanism having a configuration to sustain the panel in adjustable positions between a generally planar position and an upright position. The flipper panel attaches to the seat to provide movement for the panel in the planar position to hide the gap and space between the seat and the load floor and to maximize the cargo area. The attachment of the flipper panel to the seat has a locking feature permitting the flipper panel to be removed easily.