Abstract: A hinge assembly including a vehicle body hinge member configured to be connected with a vehicle body and a hood hinge member configured to be connected with a vehicle hood. The vehicle body hinge member and the hood hinge member are pivotally connected so the hood can be opened for servicing and closed for driving. In one embodiment, a pedestrian protection device includes a bracket movable between an extended position in which a rear portion of the vehicle hood is in an elevated position and a retracted position in which the rear portion of the vehicle hood is in a drivable position. A shear pin extends through the bracket for maintaining the bracket in the retracted position until a threshold force is applied to the bracket. The device includes an actuator configured to apply at least the threshold force to shear the shear pin, thereby moving the bracket to the extended position. A reset latch relocks the bracket in the retracted position after the shear pin has been sheared.

Abstract: A vehicle interior trim member comprises trim panel configured to mount on a vehicle interior frame structure. The two ends of a hollow U-shaped handle integrally extend from an outer surface of the trim panel. A tubular interior cavity is disposed within and extends along the length of the handle. Cavity end walls are disposed across respective cavity ends adjacent the handle ends to Strengthen the handle. The handle and trim panel are integrally formed together as a single piece unitary member in a single operation from a single molten material. The cavity end walls may be configured to close off and seal the cavity. A panel aperture may be disposed in the trim panel between the handle ends and a panel plug disposed across the panel aperture, connected to a back surface of the panel by well known means. The cavity is formed in the handle by injecting a fluid such as nitrogen through gas injection nozzles into the molten handle material.