Abstract: The embodiments provide bumper systems, as well as methods of making bumper systems. The bumper systems include an inner panel and an outer panel, each with a first end and a second end. The outer panel can then comprise a substantially uniform cross-section between the first end and the second end, and the inner panel can also comprise a substantially uniform cross-section between the first end and the second end.

Abstract: A compact container holder that comprises a housing, a door, and at least one arm is provided. The arm can be linked to the door through a linkage that can also connect opposing dual pivots. The opposing dual pivots can allow the container holder to fully open and close in one controllable motion, providing a container holder that simply and reliably opens and closes.

Abstract: A bumper beam and a method of fabrication. In a preferred embodiment, the bumper beam has a generally trussed-shaped section. The method generally comprises stamping a blank to form a front shell portion and rear plate portion; apertures in appropriate positions in the blank to accommodate vehicle rails or components of the bumper; folding the blank along a longitudinal interface line the separates the rear plate portion from the front shell portion so that at some part of the rear plate portion contacts at least some part of the interior side of the front shell portion; and welding parts of the rear plate portion and the front shell portion that are in contact.

Abstract: A liftgate/tailgate assembly for a vehicle having a chassis and a cargo area, such cargo area comprising a bed and one or more vertical sidewalls mounted to the vehicle chassis, such liftgate/tailgate assembly comprising a tailgate which, when rotated into an open tailgate position, forms a liftgate/tailgate platform to support a load to be lifted, and one or more linkage assemblies pivotably mounted to the tailgate which permit the liftgate/tailgate platform to be translated both vertically and horizontally relative to the cargo area of the vehicle, while permitting rear impact protection to be mounted on the vehicle and method for lifting a load into a vehicle cargo area.

Abstract: A lamp assembly comprising a transparent body having a front surface and a back surface, the back surface having at least one convex curved portion, each such convex curved portion having at least one axis perpendicular to the front surface, and an internally reflective curved surface facing the front surface of the transparent body, a cavity in each convex curved portion, having sidewalls and a bottom, adapted to receive a light emitting source, and a reflective surface at the bottom of each cavity oriented so that light emitted by the light emitting source is reflected by the reflective surface onto the internally reflective curved surface of the convex curved portion. In some embodiments, the internally reflective curved surface also provides one or more electrical circuits for one or more light emitting sources.

Abstract: A composite vehicle component that is capable of attenuating RFI waves, and a method for making the same, is provided. The composite vehicle component can, in turn, comprise a composite structure and a conductive mesh attached to the composite structure, such that the conductive mesh, when contacted to ground, can attenuate RFI waves.

Abstract: A bumper assembly and a process of fabricating the assembly that is designed to increase kinetic energy absorption and reduce deflection during a vehicular impact event. The bumper assembly comprising a vehicular bumper beam, a pair of mounting brackets that attach the bumper beam to a vehicular frame, and a fascia that partially encloses the bumper beam. The vehicular bumper is a structural cross member with two or more beads on an impact face of the bumper beam.

Abstract: A bumper assembly, alone and in combination with a vehicle, comprising an integral fascia and energy absorber. The integral fascia preferably being thermoformed with the energy absorber. The energy absorber preferably is made from expanded foam beads.

Abstract: A method for molding panels in a sheet molding system comprised of a thermoplastic sheet delivery station and two mold halves, the method comprising the steps of delivering two sheeting layers of thermoplastic material between the two mold halves; inserting a rigidizing insert between the two sheeting layers of thermoplastic material; closing the mold halves to bring the two sheeting layers of thermoplastic material in contact with the insert; and compressing the thermoplastic sandwich between the mold halves to form a panel. A thermoplastic-insert sandwich and a laminate panel comprised of thermoplastic layers abutting a pre-manufactured insert are also claimed.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a rear shelf trim and speaker grill panel (12) for an automotive vehicle (10) includes steps of punching a substrate layer (16) of a polypropylene and flax material with a punch set (46) to form a grill section (60) and placing a decorative carpet layer (18) over the substrate layer (16) and molding the two layers into a combined speaker grill and rear shelf trim panel (12).

Abstract: A bumper beam assembly comprising a center beam and at least two end caps that mount the center beam between structural components extending outward from a vehicle and a method of selectively altering side or offset impact resistance of a bumper beam assembly separate from the bumper beam assembly's front impact resistance by providing crush zones in the end caps and adjusting parameters for said end caps to alter the side or offset impact resistance.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a rear shelf trim and speaker grill panel (12) for an automotive vehicle (10) includes steps of punching a substrate layer (16) of a polypropylene and flax material with a punch set (46) to form a grill section (60) and placing a decorative carpet layer (18) over the substrate layer (16) and molding the two layers into a combined speaker grill and rear shelf trim panel (12).

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a rear shelf trim and speaker grill panel (12) for an automotive vehicle (10) includes steps of punching a substrate layer (16) of a polypropylene and flax material with a punch set (46) to form a grill section (60). The substrate is folded in half and placing a decorative carpet layer (18) is placed over the folded substrate layers (16). The two layers are blow molded together into a combined speaker grill and rear shelf trim panel (12).

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a rear shelf trim and speaker grill panel (12) for an automotive vehicle (10) includes steps of punching a substrate layer (16) of a polypropylene and flax material with a punch set (46) and placing a decorative carpet layer (18) over the substrate layer (16) and molding the two layers into a combined speaker grill and rear shelf trim panel (12).

Abstract: A bumper beam assembly comprising a center beam and at least two end caps that mount the center beam between structural components extending outward from a vehicle and a method of selectively altering side or offset impact resistance of a bumper beam assembly separate from the bumper beam assembly's front impact resistance by providing crush zones in the end caps and adjusting parameters for said end caps to alter the side or offset impact resistance.

Abstract: A taillamp assembly for a vehicle is provided which comprises a housing having a first reflector and a second reflector and a lens mounted to the housing juxtaposed to the first and second reflectors. The lens preferably has first and second optic regions in register with the first and second reflectors. A lamp carrier is mounted to one of the housing and the lens and between the housing and the lens and has first and second sets of interconnected light-emitting semiconductor devices. The sets of light-emitting semiconductor devices are directed at a corresponding reflector and are electrically independent from one another. The first and second sets of light-emitting semiconductor devices can thereby be independently actuated to emit light toward the corresponding first and second reflectors and, in turn, outwardly through the lens.

Abstract: A console assembly is provided for mounting within a vehicle interior in an area between a pair of seats. A vehicle support member is provided on the vehicle interior having a quick connect fastener provided thereon. A carrier is adapted to mount to the vehicle support member and an operational lever is pivotally mounted on the carrier for movement between first and second positions. A quick connect fastener is connected to the operational lever at a lower portion thereof and is adapted to mate with the first quick connect fastener on the vehicle support member. The operational lever and carrier can thereby be assembled as a unit to the vehicle and the shift lever can be assembled to a vehicle shifting/braking mechanism through the quick connect fasteners.