Abstract: A method of manufacturing a tinted metal plated substrate includes injection molding a tinted polymer layer onto an activated metal layer of a metal plated substrate. The tinted polymer layer is a tinted polyurethane layer or a tinted polyurea layer and the activated metal layer can be a plasma activated metal layer, for example, an oxygen plasma activated metal layer that is free of a coupling agent when the tinted polymer layer is injected molded thereon. At least one additional metallic layer can be disposed between the activated metal layer and a polymer substrate. For example, at least one of a nickel layer and a copper layer can be disposed between an activated chromium layer and a polymer substrate.

Abstract: A vehicle badge includes a base and a circuit board disposed on the base. A plurality of light sources is disposed on the circuit board. The plurality of light sources defines a pattern. A guide member is disposed over the plurality of light sources. The guide member defines a plurality of light guides. A housing has a viewable portion and is disposed over the guide member. The guide member directs light from the plurality of light sources to the housing. A controller is operably coupled to each light source of the plurality of light sources. The controller selectively illuminates each light source of the plurality of light sources.

Abstract: A composite material is provided. The composite material includes a polypropylene blend, at least one additive, and at least one structural filler in an amount between 1.0 wt. % and 10.0 wt. %. The polypropylene blend includes a homopolymer polypropylene having a minimum ASTM D638 tensile strength of 4,000 psi in an amount between 40 wt. % and 70 wt. %, a high crystallinity homopolymer polypropylene having a minimum ASTM D638 tensile strength of 6,000 psi in an amount between 5 wt. % and 30 wt. %, and an impact copolymer having a rubber content greater than zero and less than 30 wt. %, the impact copolymer being in an amount between 3 wt. % and 10 wt. %.

Abstract: A method of making an iridescent, vehicular trim assembly is provided that includes: molding a polymeric base comprising an exterior surface; and over-molding an element over at least a portion of the exterior surface. The element comprises a polymeric, translucent material and an exterior surface with an integral diffraction grating having a thickness from 250 to 1000 nm and a period from 50 nanometers to 5 microns. Further, the molding can be conducted such that the polymeric base is molded with a tint. The method can also include forming a plated region over the exterior surface of the base. In addition, the method can also include cleaning the plated region with a plasma-etching process before the over-molding.

Abstract: A composite material is provided. The composite material includes a polypropylene blend, at least one additive, and at least one structural filler in an amount between 1.0 wt. % and 10.0 wt. %. The polypropylene blend includes a homopolymer polypropylene having a minimum ASTM D638 tensile strength of 4,000 psi in an amount between 40 wt. % and 70 wt. %, a high crystallinity homopolymer polypropylene having a minimum ASTM D638 tensile strength of 6,000 psi in an amount between 5 wt. % and 30 wt. %, and an impact copolymer having a rubber content greater than zero and less than 30 wt. %, the impact copolymer being in an amount between 3 wt. % and 10 wt. %.

Abstract: A vehicle running board includes opposing vertical walls extending along a length of a tubular structure and including a carbon-fiber component. Opposing horizontal walls extend between the opposing vertical walls and include a glass component. The opposing vertical and opposing horizontal walls form the tubular structure having a generally rectilinear cross section. A polymer outer covering extends over the opposing vertical and opposing horizontal walls.

Abstract: An exemplary illuminating vehicle assembly includes, among other things, a lens having an outer perimeter, a diffuser beneath the lens, and a light source configured to emit light that passes through the diffuser to illuminate the lens. The light source is disposed outside the outer perimeter. An exemplary illumination method includes, among other things, transmitting light from a light source through a diffuser, and transmitting light from the diffuser through a lens. The light source is outside an outer perimeter of the lens.

Abstract: A vehicle applique is provided that includes a substantially transparent substrate defining first and second surfaces, a decorative film positioned on the first surface of the substrate, and an over-mold positioned over the film. The over-mold defines at least one diffraction grating and a light source is positioned proximate the second surface of the substrate. The light source is configured to emit light through the substrate and the over-mold.

Abstract: A method of making an iridescent, vehicular trim assembly is provided that includes: molding a polymeric base comprising an exterior surface; and over-molding an element over at least a portion of the exterior surface. The element comprises a polymeric, translucent material and an exterior surface with an integral diffraction grating having a thickness from 250 to 1000 nm and a period from 50 nanometers to 5 microns. Further, the molding can be conducted such that the polymeric base is molded with a tint. The method can also include forming a plated region over the exterior surface of the base. In addition, the method can also include cleaning the plated region with a plasma-etching process before the over-molding.

Abstract: A method of making an iridescent, vehicular trim assembly is provided that includes: molding a polymeric base comprising an exterior surface; and over-molding an element over at least a portion of the exterior surface. The element comprises a polymeric, translucent material and an exterior surface with an integral diffraction grating having a thickness from 250 to 1000 nm and a period from 50 nanometers to 5 microns. Further, the molding can be conducted such that the polymeric base is molded with a tint. The method can also include forming a plated region over the exterior surface of the base. In addition, the method can also include cleaning the plated region with a plasma-etching process before the over-molding.

Abstract: A disclosed roof ditch molding includes a base including side portions extending from a central portion, an outer surface and an over-mold disposed over the outer surface. The over-mold defines first and second lips that extend downward transversely from the side portions of the base.

Abstract: A disclosed roof ditch molding includes a base including side portions extending from a central portion, an outer surface and an over-mold disposed over the outer surface. The over-mold defines first and second lips that extend downward transversely from the side portions of the base.

Abstract: A badge is provided herein. The badge includes a viewable portion having indicia thereon. A plurality of first LED sources is configured to emit light toward the viewable portion. A light guide extends between the viewable portion and the first LED sources. A plurality of second LED sources is configured to emit light toward the viewable portion. The first LED sources illuminate a first region of the viewable portion and the second LED sources illuminate a second region of the viewable portion.

Abstract: An exemplary illuminating vehicle assembly includes, among other things, a lens having an outer perimeter, a diffuser beneath the lens, and a light source configured to emit light that passes through the diffuser to illuminate the lens. The light source is disposed outside the outer perimeter. An exemplary illumination method includes, among other things, transmitting light from a light source through a diffuser, and transmitting light from the diffuser through a lens. The light source is outside an outer perimeter of the lens.

Abstract: A tie down cleat assembly includes a cleat body having a mounting lug, a first receiver, a second receiver and a third receiver. The multiple receivers provide versatility, enhancing the functionality of the cleat for tie down purposes.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an instrument panel. A trim piece is positioned on the instrument panel and includes a surface defining a pattern. The pattern includes a body portion and a border portion. A diffraction grating is positioned within the boarder portion. The diffraction grating has a thickness of between about 250 nm to about 1000 nm.

Abstract: A tie down cleat assembly includes a cleat body having a mounting lug, a first receiver, a second receiver and a third receiver. The multiple receivers provide versatility, enhancing the functionality of the cleat for tie down purposes.

Abstract: A vehicle running board includes opposing vertical walls extending along a length of a tubular structure and including a carbon-fiber component. Opposing horizontal walls extend between the opposing vertical walls and include a glass component. The opposing vertical and opposing horizontal walls form the tubular structure having a generally rectilinear cross section. A polymer outer covering extends over the opposing vertical and opposing horizontal walls.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an instrument panel. A trim piece is positioned on the instrument panel and includes a surface defining a pattern. The pattern includes a body portion and a border portion. A diffraction grating is positioned within the boarder portion. The diffraction grating has a thickness of between about 250 nm to about 1000 nm.

Abstract: A method of making an iridescent, vehicular trim assembly is provided that includes: molding a polymeric base comprising an exterior surface; and over-molding an element over at least a portion of the exterior surface. The element comprises a polymeric, translucent material and an exterior surface with an integral diffraction grating having a thickness from 250 to 1000 nm and a period from 50 nanometers to 5 microns. Further, the molding can be conducted such that the polymeric base is molded with a tint. The method can also include forming a plated region over the exterior surface of the base. In addition, the method can also include cleaning the plated region with a plasma-etching process before the over-molding.