Interior Trim Panel On Door Patents (Class 296/146.7)
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Patent number: 7014907Abstract: Disclosed is a multilayer molded article comprising a thermoplastic resin substrate and at least two kinds of skin materials laminated on a surface of the substrate, the at least two kinds of skin materials including a pair of skin materials adjacent to each other wherein the pair of skin materials are folded toward the substrate to have folded edges which separate the substrate at least partly to define two portions, wherein the separated portions of the substrate are combined together via a plurality of ribs of the thermoplastic resin molded integrally with the substrate, the ribs enclosing therein a part of the folded edges of the pair of skin materials.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2002Date of Patent: March 21, 2006Assignee: Sumitomo Chemical Company, LimitedInventors: Yoshitaka Kobayashi, Nobuhiro Usui
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Patent number: 7008003Abstract: A pocket (P) structure formed by providing a pocket opening (41) in a trim main body and installing a case-shaped pocket cover (50) having an upper opening (51) on the rear side of the pocket opening (41) is provided. The front wall part of the pocket (P) is formed in a double wall structure comprising the trim main body (40) and a front wall (55) of the pocket cover (50). The trim main body (40) and the front wall (55) of the pocket cover (50) are provided with locking holes (44) and locking pieces (56), respectively, so as to eliminate iron clips in order to reduce cost and simplify a recycle operation. Patch ribs (45, 57) are installed on opposed surfaces of the rear surfaces of the trim main body and the front wall (55) of the pocket cover (50) so as to provide a good grasp at the time the pocket cover is grasped.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2000Date of Patent: March 7, 2006Assignees: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki, Kasai Koygo Co., Ltd.Inventors: Toshikazu Hirose, J. Marc Palmer, Daisuke Aoshima
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Patent number: 6997505Abstract: The present invention relates to a modular door trim panel assembly having an integrated seal for use in an automotive interior including a molded substrate having a first side defining an A-side surface visible from the interior of vehicle and a second side opposite the first side defining a B-side surface. The substrate includes a pair of side terminal edges and a lower terminal edge extending therebetween. The modular door trim panel assembly further includes at least one seal co-molded while the substrate is formed and bonded to the B-side of the substrate. The seal extends substantially parallel to the pair of side terminal edges and the lower terminal edge of the substrate and prevents the entry of moisture between the B-side of the substrate and the vehicle door. The present invention also relates to a method of molding the modular door trim panel assembly having an integrated seal.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2003Date of Patent: February 14, 2006Assignee: Lear CorporationInventors: Alan Dry, Sal Deangelo
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Patent number: 6991278Abstract: A combined trim panel and water shield includes a water shield having opposite first and second surfaces, and is of a size and shape to generally conform to a door panel and a trim panel to be protected. The trim panel is configured to cover a vehicle door panel and has a first surface configured to face an interior compartment of the vehicle and a second surface opposite the first surface. A first sealing layer, applied in a predetermined pattern, engages the first surface of the water shield and the second surface of the trim panel. A second sealing layer, applied in a predetermined pattern, engages the second surface of the water shield. In a further aspect, a sealing system is provided for application to a vehicle interior trim panel to prevent the entry of water or dust into an interior compartment of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2002Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignee: The XLO Group of Companies, Inc.Inventors: Todd L. Hockenberry, Jeffrey W. Jones, Daniel J. Cellura, William G. Bradac, Gregory W. Shimola
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Patent number: 6991841Abstract: In at least one embodiment, the present invention takes the form of a panel comprising a substrate, a cover layer, and foam disposed between at least a portion of the substrate and the cover layer. At least one of the cover layer or the substrate being is provided with an integrally formed member for sealing the cover layer to the substrate. The present invention also relates to a method for forming the panel.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2003Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignee: Lear CorporationInventors: Glenn A. Cowelchuk, Richard Morabito, Joseph T. Donatti, Todd L. Depue
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Patent number: 6991279Abstract: A reinforced trim panel assembly secured to a body panel for a vehicle includes a first trim panel member adjacent to a second trim panel member along a first seam. A reinforcement bracket is disposed between the trim panel members and the vehicle body panels, and is positioned over the first seam and secured to each of the first trim panel member and the second trim panel member using a fastening means. The reinforcement bracket absorbs a force from an impact to the trim panel assembly to prevent separation of the first seam.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2004Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignee: Toyota Technical Center USA, Inc.Inventors: Michael John Sweers, Yoichi Sato, Mark Alan DeJongh
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Patent number: 6988759Abstract: A modular door system provides a lower door assembly, an upper door assembly and a trim assembly. The upper door assembly is selectively removable and replaceable such that the door system is readily converted between a multiple of configurations. The trim assembly includes the interior vehicle door trim and a hinged trim portion. The hinged trim portion is defined by a trim hinge which is generally parallel to the open edge. By pivoting the hinged trim portion away from the open edge, the cavity is readily exposed for receipt of the upper door assembly. The difference in thickness of the upper door assembly is accommodated by pivoting of the hinged trim portion to permit passage of the components while still providing a seal for the cavity when the hinged trim portion is secured.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2004Date of Patent: January 24, 2006Assignee: ArvinMeritor Technology, LLCInventors: Enrico Fin, Kristine Weaver, Gopi Krishnan, Dominique Benoit, Thierry Pebre
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Patent number: 6983978Abstract: An automotive door assembly comprises a door frame, an interior trim panel removably secured to the door frame by a plurality of connecting members, and one or more door accessories disposed between the door frame and the interior trim panel and connected to the door frame and interior trim panel by the connecting members. The connecting members include first engagement portions that fixedly attach the door accessories to the door frame, and second engagement portions that releasably attach the door frame and door accessories to the trim panel. The door accessories are initially supported on the interior trim panel for assembly onto the door frame when the trim panel is installed on the door frame. Thereafter, the door accessories remain fixed to the door frame when the trim panel is removed.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2004Date of Patent: January 10, 2006Assignee: Lear CorporationInventors: Bogdan Radu, Alan G. Dry
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Patent number: 6979047Abstract: A door module assembly for a motor vehicle door has a plate-like carrier holding a plurality of door hardware components in a pre-configured orientation, including one or more window regulator rails. The carrier seals the motor vehicle door and includes a flap that provides at least partial access to the window regulator rails. A first trim panel is pre-fixed to the carrier. A second trim panel articulates with respect to the first trim panel between an initial position generally parallel to the first trim panel and an installed position generally in-line with the first trim panel. With the carrier storing substantially all of the hardware required for the door and the trim panels covering substantially the entire surface area of the door, handling and assembly operations are minimized.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2004Date of Patent: December 27, 2005Assignee: Intier Automotive Closures Inc.Inventors: Jih Cheng Lin, Dennis John Buening, Radoslav Bokun, Manfred Fritsch, David J. Krysiak, Daniel E. Wenglinski, Juliusz Kirejczyk, Luc R. Regnier, David Legault, Douglas G. Broadhead
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Patent number: 6979048Abstract: There is provided a car door structure which comprises an interior door trim 52 at an interior side of a door inner panel 11, and a noise isolation sheet 20 which is installed between the door inner panel 11 and the door trim 52, covering the door inner panel 11 partially or wholly. The edge portion of the noise isolation sheet 20 is nipped by a nip portion 40. The nip portion 40 is formed with portions of the door inner panel 11 and the door trim 52 by making the portions come closer.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2004Date of Patent: December 27, 2005Assignees: Nishikawa Rubber Co., Ltd., Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Masami Isobe, Shinichiro Emori
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Patent number: 6971698Abstract: A vehicle trim component defining a storage pocket for mounting on a door panel is formed from first and second portions integrally attached to one another by a living hinge, to initially form a clamshell-type structure. The first portion defines a back wall of the storage pocket. The second portion defines a pair of opposed side walls of the storage pocket. The first and second portions are folded together about the living hinge to form the storage pocket. At least one fastening mechanism connects the first portion to the second portion when the first portion is rotated about the living hinge to the final assembly position adjacent the second portion.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2005Date of Patent: December 6, 2005Assignee: Lear CorporationInventor: Michael J. King
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Patent number: 6971708Abstract: In a protector mounted on a panel body, a protector body has a surface facing the panel body. A plurality of fixing members are provided on the protector body and are operable to fix the protector on the panel body. A protrusion is protruded from the surface of the protector body at a position between each adjacent fixing members. The protrusion is arranged so as to generate a pressing force against the panel body which is originated from stresses occurred when the protector is mounted on the panel body with the fixing members.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2003Date of Patent: December 6, 2005Assignee: Yazaki CorporationInventor: Nobuyo Iiya
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Patent number: 6955392Abstract: An automotive door panel assembly is provided, comprising a door trim panel. The door trim panel is comprised of an outer trim panel surface; an inner trim panel surface; and at least one tubular stake. The tubular stake includes outer tubular walls protruding from the inner trim panel surface. The tubular stake including a seal sleeve flow channel connecting the outer trim panel surface to the inner trim panel surface. The panel assembly includes an overmold material applied to the outer trim panel surface. The overmold material fills the seal sleeve flow channel and generates an overmold seal sleeve skin on the outer tubular walls. A door main panel assembly is included having at least one clip hole. The tubular stake is positioned within the at least one clip hole. The overmold seal sleeve skin removably engages the at least one clip hole to form a primary seal between the door trim panel and the door main panel assembly.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2004Date of Patent: October 18, 2005Assignee: Lear CorporationInventor: Alan G. Dry
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Patent number: 6955391Abstract: A deployable interior door trim for an automotive vehicle that separates in the middle section to separate the lower door trim portion from the armrest. The separating door trim permits a pelvis pusher block to engage the occupant of the vehicle during side impact situations without pushing the armrest into the abdomen region of the occupant. An alternative embodiment has the separation area formed as a line extending around a deployable portion of the door trim corresponding to the pelvis pusher block so that the pusher block can pass through the door trim to engage the occupant pelvis area. Preventing excessive abdomen rib deflections on crash dummies will improve performance ratings in IIHS side impact tests without requiring a structural change in the energy absorbing door structure of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2003Date of Patent: October 18, 2005Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: Zheng James Peng
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Patent number: 6932416Abstract: A vehicular door trim member (14) for attachment to an inner door (12) of a vehicle is provided. The vehicular door trim member (14) is defined by a rigid sheet (16) with one or more resilient clip fasteners (24) extending therefrom. These resilient clip fasteners (24) and the rigid sheet (16) comprise an integral one-piece molded construction. Moreover, these resilient clip fasteners (24) are intended to be inserted into apertures (22) formed within the inner door (12) for the purpose of attaching the vehicular door trim member (14) to the door (12).Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2003Date of Patent: August 23, 2005Assignee: Lear CorporationInventor: Mitchell D. Clauson
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Patent number: 6929307Abstract: Hollow-interior vehicle door consisting of an internal in its entirety essentially pot-shaped or pan-shaped stiffening structure, and of at least one external outer panel element being essentially lid-shaped and supported by the essentially pot-shaped or pan-shaped stiffening structure, such as a door skin, as well as of functional parts for practicing the door functions, and of optionally an inner panel element, in which the essentially pot-shaped or pan-shaped stiffening structure serves to accommodate functional parts of the vehicle door.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2000Date of Patent: August 16, 2005Assignee: ArvinMeritor GmbHInventors: Rainer Grimm, Harald Kollner, Klaus-Dieter Strauss, Georg Wurm, Daniel Drewniok, Arnd G. Herwig, Patrick Hof, Simon Blair Dobson, Klaus-Peter Maass, Kenneth W. Schang
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Patent number: 6928735Abstract: A plurality of interior door components such as a window lift mechanism, a lock assembly, and a horizontal energy absorbing member are coupled to a door substructure. A finished exterior door panel having a class-A surface is adhesively bonded to the substructure, disposing the door interior components between the finished exterior door panel and a portion of the door substructure. The assembled door is coupled to a previously painted vehicle body.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2002Date of Patent: August 16, 2005Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: David J. Malik, Hamid G. Kia, Lei Zhang, Li Yu, Dexin Wang, Xie Cheng, Shengxiang Zuo, Yongcheng Li
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Patent number: 6929309Abstract: An automotive door trim assembly includes an interior door trim panel with an access opening that facilitates installing and servicing various accessories installed within the interior of an automotive door, between the door's exterior skin and the interior trim panel. The access opening is covered by an access panel that is slidably coupled to the interior trim panel for movement between a first position wherein the access panel is removable from the door trim panel to expose the access opening, and a second position wherein the access panel is secured to the door trim panel and covers the access opening. The access panel is coupled to the interior trim panel by cooperating first connecting members disposed on the interior trim panel and second connecting members disposed on the access panel.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2004Date of Patent: August 16, 2005Assignee: Lear CorporationInventors: Bogdan Radu, John D. Youngs, Mark Heinze, James Gregory
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Patent number: 6923492Abstract: An impact absorbing structure for a vehicle side door which opens and closes an opening formed in a side part of a vehicle, the side door including: a door main body which has a door inner panel and a door outer panel joined to the door inner panel; and a door sash portion which extends upward from the door main body and supports a door window member, in which: a sash-side door trim which covers the door sash portion is provided in the door sash portion on the inside of a vehicle cabin; and an impact absorbing portion which absorbs an impact load when an occupant comes into contact with the sash-side door trim from the inside of the vehicle cabin is provided in a front longitudinal-side part of the sash-side door trim.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2003Date of Patent: August 2, 2005Assignee: Mazda Motor CorporationInventors: Yuji Okazaki, Shoji Okano
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Patent number: 6921571Abstract: The present invention intends to provide a thermoplastic resin foam molding comprising a substrate having a foam layer and a projection formed in one piece together with the substrate wherein the projection hardly separates from the substrate and they are firmly jointed together. The invention provides a thermoplastic resin foam molding comprising a substrate and a projection formed in one piece together with the substrate wherein the substrate has a foam layer and a skin layer containing no voids wherein the ratio (R/L) of the curvature R of a joint between the projection and the substrate to the thickness L of the skin layer is from 3 to 50.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2002Date of Patent: July 26, 2005Assignee: Sumitomo Chemical Company, LimitedInventor: Satoru Funakoshi
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Patent number: 6913309Abstract: A vehicle 7 is provided having a vehicle body 36 with an opening 16 having first and second ends 18, 20. The vehicle body 7 has a first door 22. A second door 28 has a latched connection 42 with the vehicle body between the opening 16 first and second ends 18, 20. The second door 28 has a window regulator 250 to move a window pane 254 in and out of a window opening 212.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2003Date of Patent: July 5, 2005Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Donald G. Mikolai, Matthew Carey, Muhammed Ayub, Stanley Liu, Kelly Kohlstrand, Stephen L. Bruford, David Glickman
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Patent number: 6910730Abstract: A mounting device for mounting a cable-operated window regulator for a vehicle to an inner panel of the vehicle, the cable-operated window regulator includes a guide rail for guiding a window glass; a reversible winding unit for raising and lowering the window glass by winding and rewinding at least one cable which is wound on upper and lower guide members provided at upper and lower ends of the guide rail, respectively; upper and lower fixing member which are integrally formed with upper and lower ends of the guide rail, respectively; and a service hole formed on the inner panel. The lower fixing member is fixed to an outer surface of the inner panel near a lower edge of the service hole. The upper fixing member is fixed to an inner surface of the inner panel near an upper edge of the service hole.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2003Date of Patent: June 28, 2005Assignees: Shiroki Corporation, Hino Motors, Ltd.Inventors: Kimihiro Kinoshita, Satoshi Takeda, Hideo Morita
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Patent number: 6899373Abstract: A vehicle door grip handle, a lower trim panel, and center trim panel are all securely and stably fixed to a door inner panel by a mounting screw. The center trim panel is folded up using a folding groove to access the mounting screw. Following installation of the mounting screw the folded center trim panel is unfolded to allow a hitching lug to be coupled to a hitching hole, thereby securing the center trim panel. Therefore, the mounting screw is not exposed to the outside due to the unfolded center trim panel and thus enables the vehicle door to maintain a beautiful exterior look on an inner side.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2003Date of Patent: May 31, 2005Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventor: Han-Kyung Kim
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Patent number: 6893077Abstract: A door trim panel assembly is provided for an automotive vehicle. The panel assembly includes an armrest having an inner edge and an outer edge. The panel assembly also includes an upper panel and a lower panel. The upper panel has a support wall for supporting the inner edge of the armrest. The support wall has a distal end. The lower panel includes a support flange for supporting the outer edge of the armrest. The support flange has a distal end. A frangible connection extends between the distal ends of the support wall and the support flange. The armrest includes a plurality of longitudinally extending grooves. During a side vehicle impact, the grooves allow the armrest to deform transversely and the frangible connection breaks to absorb energy associated with the impact.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2004Date of Patent: May 17, 2005Assignee: Toyota Technical Center USA, Inc.Inventor: Mark Alan DeJongh
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Patent number: 6862846Abstract: A carrier plate assembly (26) is secured to an inner pannel (22) of a vehicle door. The carrier plate assembly includes a main section (46) having a forward edge and a rearward edge (50). A first flap section (54) is connected to the main section along the forward edge by a hinge and is detachably connected to the inner panel for movement about the hinge to provide access to the space within the door without removing the entire carrier plate assembly. A second flap section (56) is connected to the rearward edge (50) by a second hinge to provide access to the hardware components in the space within the door.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2000Date of Patent: March 8, 2005Assignee: Atoma International Corp.Inventor: Juliusz Kirejczyk
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Patent number: 6863335Abstract: This is an inner panel for vehicle equipped with protruding areas (2) towards the interior of the vehicle passenger compartment, which is provided with some grooves (6) made in the rear side of the panel in the areas adjacent to the protruding sections, which manage to dampen the influence of these on the occupants.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2001Date of Patent: March 8, 2005Assignee: Grupo Autolin Ingenieria, S. A.Inventors: David Lopez Torres, Carlos Alonso Sastre, Roborto Yusta Vicente, Marta Lopez Del Hierro
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Patent number: 6857688Abstract: A door assembly includes a carrier panel attachable to a vehicle door outer structure such that the carrier panel substantially covers an opening of the door outer structure. The carrier panel is configured to function as a water shield between the door outer structure and a vehicle occupant compartment. The carrier panel also includes an upper portion and a lower portion, and the lower portion defines a lower appearance surface. The assembly further includes a hardware component mounted to and supported by the carrier panel, and an upper trim panel arrangement that is attachable to the carrier panel after the carrier panel has been attached to the door outer structure. The upper trim panel arrangement is configured to substantially cover the upper portion of the carrier panel and defines an upper appearance surface.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2001Date of Patent: February 22, 2005Assignee: Lear CorporationInventors: Gerald O. Morrison, Terrence D. Gibney, Jr., Michael J. Berta, Holger Reusswig, Brian P. Skarb
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Patent number: 6854785Abstract: The invention concerns an equipment module (22) for a motor vehicle opening panel (12) comprising in particular an interior door trim element (42) and an outer cladding (14) comprising a structural element (20) whereon are directly mounted accessories internal to the opening panel (12), characterized in that the structural element (20) consists of the inner door trim (42).Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2001Date of Patent: February 15, 2005Assignee: Valeo Systemes d'EssuyageInventors: Laurent Simon, Jean-Pierre Eustache
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Patent number: 6844497Abstract: A vehicle door wire harness arrangement extending between a vehicle main body and a vehicle door along a door hinge is provided. The vehicle door wire harness arrangement includes a hinge connecting a vehicle main body and a vehicle door. The vehicle door wire harness arrangement further includes a protector conforming to the shape of the hinge for carrying at least one wire along the hinge. The at least one wire extends between the vehicle main body and the vehicle door.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2002Date of Patent: January 18, 2005Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Matthew Frantz, John Hill
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Publication number: 20040239144Abstract: The invention relates to a sub-assembly for a motor vehicle unit, especially the door unit of a motor vehicle, comprising a support element and a conductor arrangement which is fixed to the support element. According to the invention, at least one fixing section of the conductor arrangement (1) and one fixing section associated with the support section (2) are plastically deformed in such a way that they interlink with each other.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 20, 2004Publication date: December 2, 2004Inventors: Thomas Salhoff, Martin Schwarz
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Patent number: 6820919Abstract: The invention relates to a motor vehicle door with a door inner shell and a door outer shell joined thereto. A large-area opening in the door inner shell can be covered in a sealed manner by a supporting plate by means of a sealing area, and with a channel seal, which forms the upper termination of the inner parapet area. The motor vehicle door is characterized in that the upper edge of the supporting plate supports the channel seal. The ends of the channel seal are connected to lateral sealing areas of the supporting plate.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2003Date of Patent: November 23, 2004Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co., KG, CoburgInventors: Thierry Florentin, Ralph Gerstlauer
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Publication number: 20040212215Abstract: In a cover member attaching structure for putting a flat shaped cover member 3 of a synthetic resin in position in a principal part 1, a dummy gate 5 serving as an inlet for resin injection from a submarine gate 4 during molding remains uncut after molding and protrudes from the cover member 3, while the principal part 1 has a portion 6 formed for accommodating the dummy gate 5.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 23, 2004Publication date: October 28, 2004Applicant: ALPHA CORPORATIONInventors: Ryuji Minemura, Kousuke Kakita
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Patent number: 6808224Abstract: Provided is a door trim structure for automobiles, which is made of a thermoplastic resin and of which the inner door panel and the door trim are integrally blow-molded. The inner door panel may have the function of fitting functional members thereto, and may act also as a shock absorber. The inner door panel acting also as a shock absorber may have a plurality of recesses formed on its surface. The door trim structure is lightweight and simple, and is resistant to side-on collision, and its productivity is high. The number of the parts to constitute the door trim structure can be greatly reduced, and the labor and energy necessary for building the structure into a door system can be reduced. The door trim structure is recyclable.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2001Date of Patent: October 26, 2004Assignee: Idemitsu Petrochemical Co., Ltd.Inventor: Tomoyuki Obara
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Patent number: 6805398Abstract: A structure of a tail gate is formed by bonding peripheral edge portions of an inner panel and an outer panel to each other, and covering a rear portion of a vehicle body so the tail gate is able to freely open and close. A cover is arranged in an inner side of the inner panel, and a lock apparatus is provided with a latch capable of engaging with a striker fixed to a vehicle body. The lock apparatus is disposed between the inner panel and the cover.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2003Date of Patent: October 19, 2004Assignee: GP Daikyo CorporationInventors: Issei Harima, Naoyuki Ikemizu, Koichiro Yamaguchi, Chikashi Kawamoto, Kimito Sato
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Publication number: 20040201246Abstract: There is provided a noise isolation sheet 100 which is installed in a car door comprising a door inner panel 11 and an interior door trim 12. The door trim 12 is provided inside the door inner panel 11. The noise isolation sheet 100 partially or wholly covers the door inner panel 11. The noise isolation sheet 100 is at least a double layer comprising an outer side sheet 101 and an inner side sheet 102. The outer side sheet 101 is a sheet made of a foam body having water absorption of less than 30%, and the inner side sheet 102 is a sheet made of a foam body having water absorption of 30% or more.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 24, 2004Publication date: October 14, 2004Applicant: Nishikawa Rubber Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hiroaki Miyahara, Shinichiro Emori
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Patent number: 6793181Abstract: An armrest assembly for an aircraft. The armrest assembly includes an insert. The insert includes a flange for coupling to an aircraft interior panel. The insert also includes a protruding portion. The protruding portion includes a cavity. The cavity has a length greater than 12 inches and has a width greater than 2 inches. The armrest assembly also includes an armrest. The armrest is attached to the cavity. The armrest includes an upper surface for supporting the arm of an aircraft pilot or passenger. The armrest's upper surface has a length that is greater than 12 inches and has a width that is greater than 2 inches.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2003Date of Patent: September 21, 2004Inventor: Timothy P. Hallock
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Patent number: 6786531Abstract: A vehicle closure body structure is provided with an outer panel, an inner panel opposed to the outer panel, with the outer panel and the inner panel forming a hollow structure of a closure body adapted to be mounted to an opening portion of a vehicle body through a hinge secured to the inner panel, a reinforce joined to the inner panel, inside the closure body, in at least a hinge fixing area thereof at which the hinge is fixed, and a tunneled portion formed in the reinforce to form a passage between the tunneled portion and the inner panel so as to permit wiring harness to be arranged therein.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2003Date of Patent: September 7, 2004Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Fumitake Miyahara, Akira Nakazato
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Publication number: 20040169396Abstract: A method of manufacturing a laminated vehicle trim panel includes initially positioning a flexible first material within a mold cavity of a first mold portion. A second mold portion for closing the cavity of the first mold portion is then provided. A second material is introduced into the mold cavity to form a substrate, such that the substrate and the first material form a laminated vehicle trim panel. A portion of the substrate between the outer peripheral edge of the substrate and a second portion of the substrate defines a brim. The brim has a mounting feature for attaching the laminated vehicle trim panel to a second panel.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2003Publication date: September 2, 2004Inventors: David J. Dooley, Alan G. Dry, Thomas W. Spanos
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Patent number: 6779829Abstract: An automotive door assembly (10) includes an inner door (30) having an inner panel (40). The inner panel (40) has a first seat (44) and a second seat (46) integrally formed therein. The first seat (44) has a first side member (50) fixedly attached thereto for separating an exterior of the door assembly (10) from a door cavity thereof. The first side member (50) also reinforces the automotive door assembly (10). Likewise, the second seat (46) a second side member (90) has fixedly attached thereto for separating the exterior of the door assembly (10) from the door cavity thereof. The second side member (90) also reinforces the automotive door assembly (10). The inner panel (40), the first side member (50), and the second side member (90) have an outer door (18) attached thereto for enclosing the door cavity.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2003Date of Patent: August 24, 2004Assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLCInventors: Laurent Bernard Chappuis, Michael William Danyo
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Publication number: 20040155483Abstract: A door module assembly for a motor vehicle door has a plate-like carrier holding a plurality of door hardware components in a pre-configured orientation, including one or more window regulator rails. The carrier seals the motor vehicle door and includes a flap that provides at least partial access to the window regulator rails. A first trim panel is pre-fixed to the carrier. A second trim panel articulates with respect to the first trim panel between an initial position generally parallel to the first trim panel and an installed position generally in-line with the first trim panel. With the carrier storing substantially all of the hardware required for the door and the trim panels covering substantially the entire surface area of the door, handling and assembly operations are minimized.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2004Publication date: August 12, 2004Inventors: Jih Cheng Lin, Dennis John Buening, Radoslav Bokun, Manfred Fritsch, David J. Krysiak, Daniel E. Wenglinski, Juliusz Kirejczyk, Luc R. Regnier, David Legault, Douglas G. Broadhead
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Patent number: 6767049Abstract: A door module has a water barrier for positioning between the interior surface of a vehicle door exterior panel and the door interior trim panel comprising a sheet of semi-rigid water impervious material having an inner face and an outer face. A permanent pressure sensitive adhesive bead is applied around the periphery of the inner face of the water barrier and is further defined as located inwardly of any openings for mounting the vehicle door exterior panel and the door interior trim panel together. The water barrier further comprises an access opening having a permanent welded hinged opening cover the opening cover having a permanently tacky re-sealable adhesive bead located around the periphery of the non-welded edges.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2003Date of Patent: July 27, 2004Assignee: Lear CorporationInventors: Gerald O. Morrison, Carter Cannon, Iris C. Drew
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Publication number: 20040135394Abstract: A vehicular door trim member (14) for attachment to an inner door (12) of a vehicle is provided. The vehicular door trim member (14) is defined by a rigid sheet (16) with one or more resilient clip fasteners (24) extending therefrom. These resilient clip fasteners (24) and the rigid sheet (16) comprise an integral one-piece molded construction. Moreover, these resilient clip fasteners (24) are intended to be inserted into apertures (22) formed within the inner door (12) for the purpose of attaching the vehicular door trim member (14) to the door (12).Type: ApplicationFiled: January 9, 2003Publication date: July 15, 2004Inventor: Mitchell D. Clauson
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Patent number: 6752655Abstract: A structure for fixing a connector to a vehicle member comprising a connector, a wall provided within said vehicle including a connector fixing hole for engaging the connector, the connector comprising a first locking piece and a second locking piece and a region therebetween. The first locking piece and the second locking piece are attached to the connector and releasably engage a portion of the wall of the vehicle member at the region between the first and second locking pieces.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2000Date of Patent: June 22, 2004Assignee: Textron Automotive Company Inc.Inventor: Brian Kaczmarek
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Patent number: 6742830Abstract: A lining element arranged on the side of a vehicle chassis part facing the interior with at least one section, which can be deformed due to the effect of an external force, and which will absorb impact energy by transforming into a deformed state. A support layer is formed in the region of the deformable section from, viewed from the interior, an outer deformation part, an inner deformation part, and a step edge set between these parts. The outer deformation part, the inner deformation part, and the step edge change their slope under the effect of the external force for energy absorption.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2003Date of Patent: June 1, 2004Assignee: Sai Automotive Sal GmbHInventors: Eric Zimmerman, Friedhelm Manzke, Thomas Pratsch
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Publication number: 20040100120Abstract: The invention relates to a multishell interior trim part for a side door of a passenger car which is characterized in that the door trim consists of a function carrier interior shell (1) of a polypropylene, epoxy resin or polyurethane reinforced by natural fibers and an outer shell (10) which partially or completely covers the interior shell (1) as seen by the passengers.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2003Publication date: May 27, 2004Inventors: Michael Ziegler, Dirk Dykerhoff, Stefan Riesinger
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Patent number: 6733066Abstract: A device to aid vehicle occupants to open a door wider than would be possible by merely opening it with one arm extended. The device comprises a main body having a backer in which is disposed a moveable insert for extending the length of the main body. The main body may be attached by a rear surface mounted Velcro® layer for engagement with a second Velcro® layer on the interior panel of the door of the vehicle. A pair of spaced brackets mounted to the main body are used to mount the main body within a pocket attached to the door. An impact receiver is optionally removably adhesed to the main body, and is adapted to receive the impact of the driver's foot. The impact receiver is removable for easy cleaning should it become soiled.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2002Date of Patent: May 11, 2004Inventor: Dionna Valdez
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Publication number: 20040084930Abstract: A method for assembling a motor vehicle door includes the steps of affixing a plurality of hardware components to a secondary trim component to form a door module assembly. The door module assembly is attached to the structural door body. A trim panel is secured to the structural door body overlaying the door module assembly. The secondary trim component has a map pocket wall and the trim panel has a map pocket opening. When the trim panel overlays the secondary trim component, the trim panel cooperates with the secondary trim component to define a map pocket.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2003Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventors: Jin Cheng Lin, Dennis John Buening, Radoslav Bokun, Manfred Fritsch, David Krysiak, Daniel L Wenglinski
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Patent number: 6722725Abstract: Door trim for vehicles, applicable to assembled units consisting of at least a door and a trim (1) fitted on to it, according to which the trim (1) features a concave area (8) which forms a dry area that is accessible mainly from the visible side of the trim and in which are housed, at the very least, the most important parts of the motor both during the assembly phase and throughout its useful life.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2002Date of Patent: April 20, 2004Assignee: Grupo Antolin-Ingenieria, S.A.Inventors: Francisco Javier Martinez Moral, Yolanda Gonzalez Gil, César Marcos Gonzalez, Michel Guerreau
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Patent number: 6719355Abstract: A motor vehicle door having a door inside part (19), a door outside part (20) and a supporting panel (3) which is connected in a tight-fitting manner to the door inside part (19).Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2002Date of Patent: April 13, 2004Assignee: Magna Steyr Fahrzeugtechnik AG & Co. KGInventors: Adolf Ornig, Gernot Bindar, Martin Graupp, Wolfgang Dietz, Gabriela Paier
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Patent number: 6708462Abstract: An injection molded skin has an edge which is substantially thicker than the major surface of the skin which is adapted to be fitted within a slot in a skin-receiving substrate, such that it forms a seal when cushioned urethane foam material is injected behind the skin between the skin and substrate. The method of manufacturing the panel includes the steps of providing a substrate having a slot formed therein for receiving a peripheral edge of a skin of material, introducing a peripheral edge of a skin material having a thickness greater than the overall thickness of the skin into the slot, and injection molding a foam polymeric material behind this skin with a pressure which seals the peripheral edge of the skin to the slot for completing the decorative panel so formed.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2001Date of Patent: March 23, 2004Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology CompanyInventors: Tony M. Pokorzynski, Mark R. Decker, Rob E. Springer