Abstract: A lock indicator arm for a door having a latch mechanism includes a rod portion connectable on a first end to the latch mechanism, and a knob portion located on a second end of the rod portion opposite the first end and formed as a one-piece structure with the rod portion. The rod portion may include a spring region configured to bias the rod portion against either an interior panel, an exterior panel, or both panels. The knob portion and the rod portion of the lock indicator arm may be formed from a matrix material and a filler material. The filler material may include a plurality of fibers, and the plurality of fibers may be oriented substantially longitudinally along the rod portion. The rod portion of the lock indicator arm may have one of an H-shape cross section and a W-shape cross section.

Abstract: A lock indicator arm for a door having a latch mechanism includes a rod portion connectable on a first end to the latch mechanism, and a knob portion located on a second end of the rod portion opposite the first end and formed as a one-piece structure with the rod portion. The rod portion may include a spring region configured to bias the rod portion against either an interior panel, an exterior panel, or both panels. The knob portion and the rod portion of the lock indicator arm may be formed from a matrix material and a filler material. The filler material may include a plurality of fibers, and the plurality of fibers may be oriented substantially longitudinally along the rod portion. The rod portion of the lock indicator arm may have one of an H-shape cross section and a W-shape cross section.

Abstract: A vehicle door assembly is provided that includes a retainer that secures to a door body panel, specifically, to the door inner panel, and is configured such that a door trim component or components may be secured to the retainer, rather than directly to the door trim panel. Door trim components of lightweight materials may be used, with the retainer providing the structural integrity required for securement to the door inner panel. Because it is not a visible component in the assembled door, the same retainer design may be used for doors of different models in a given vehicle platform, with different door trim components of different materials or styles consistent with the different models secured to identical retainers.

Abstract: A vehicle door assembly is provided that includes a retainer that secures to a door body panel, specifically, to the door inner panel, and is configured such that a door trim component or components may be secured to the retainer, rather than directly to the door trim panel. Door trim components of lightweight materials may be used, with the retainer providing the structural integrity required for securement to the door inner panel. Because it is not a visible component in the assembled door, the same retainer design may be used for doors of different models in a given vehicle platform, with different door trim components of different materials or styles consistent with the different models secured to identical retainers.

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.

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.

Abstract: A sliding arm-rest console assembly for a vehicle includes a console and a storage bin disposed within the console to allow objects to be stored therein. The assembly includes a stowage door pivotally connected to the console for opening and closing the storage bin in an open position and a closed position. The assembly further includes a sliding arm-rest disposed over the stowage door to slide between a retracted position over the stowage door and an extended position extending forward past the stowage door. A slide guide cooperates with the stowage door to latch the stowage door to the console in the closed position and cooperates with the sliding arm-rest to guide movement of the sliding arm-rest along the stowage door between the retracted position and the extended position when the stowage door is in the closed position.

Abstract: A sliding arm-rest console assembly for a vehicle includes a console and a storage bin disposed within the console to allow objects to be stored therein. The assembly includes a stowage door pivotally connected to the console for opening and closing the storage bin in an open position and a closed position. The assembly further includes a sliding arm-rest disposed over the stowage door to slide between a retracted position over the stowage door and an extended position extending forward past the stowage door. A slide guide cooperates with the stowage door to latch the stowage door to the console in the closed position and cooperates with the sliding arm-rest to guide movement of the sliding arm-rest along the stowage door between the retracted position and the extended position when the stowage door is in the closed position.