Abstract: A laminated panel (60) made of a reinforced non-woven flexible mat (10) with a content of thermoplastic fibers which is provided on at least one side with a plastic-containing decorative layer (72) The mat (10) is connected with the decorative layer (72) by the use of pressure and heat via an intermediate scrim layer (74) having thermoplastic fibers. The process for forming a panel (60) includes preheating the mat (10) by passing a heated gaseous flow through the mat to evenly heat the mat throughout. A layer of unheated decorative vinyl (71) and the preattached scrim layer (74) are placed in a mold (30). The preheated mat (10) is then placed into the mold (30). The mold is promptly closed and pressed to bond the layers of mat, scrim, and decorative vinyl layer together to form the laminated panel.

Abstract: An arm rest support (20) has a mounting plate section (22) mounted onto a inner door panel (12) of a motor vehicle door (10). The mounting plate section (22) has a thickened bar section (30) which has a plurality of ribs (32) upwardly extending and inwardly extending therefrom. Each rib (32) is angularly displaced with respect to the other ribs. A top plate (40) is seated onto the distal ends (36) of the ribs and connected to a flange (52) of the mounting plate section (22). A door trim panel (18) incorporating an arm rest section (19) is mounted onto the door inner panel (12). The arm rest section (19) is shaped to form a cavity (68) to receive the support (20) and top plate (40). The support (20) and top plate (40) in the arm rest section (19) resist against downwardly directed forces while permitting collapse of the arm rest section in the outboard direction.