Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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).

Abstract: A method of producing a vehicle panel. The method comprises the steps of: laying wire on a first sheet of thermoplastic or thermoset composite material in a desired configuration; placing or forming a second sheet of thermoplastic or thermoset material on the first sheet of material thereby sandwiching the wire; and, pressing the sheets together so that they encase and insulate the wire, wherein the wire is left exposed at connection points formed by apertures in the sheets. A vehicle panel made according to the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for manufacturing a vehicle door barrier or shield for attachment to an inner door trim panel mountable on a vehicle door in which the barrier self-seals the opening between the vehicle door and the interior passenger compartment. The barrier is formed of a resilient gasket material that is shaped or formed with a peripheral rail or spring attachment surface that is compressed as the interior vehicle door trim panel is fastened to the interior surface of the door sheet metal to effect a watertight seal about the periphery of the door. The attachment surface carrying a seal material is disposed in an interference position with the door inner panel when the joined inner door trim panel and the barrier are mounted on the door inner panel. The interference deflects the attachment surface to create a joining force to secure the seal material to the door inner panel.

Abstract: A device for fixing an interior covering in vehicles, more particularly for motor vehicle doors. An integrated adapter is provided in the interior covering through which a fastener can be operated for fixing the interior covering and/or a component part fixed on the interior covering to the bodywork part.

Abstract: A vehicle plastic panel includes a plastic panel body and a speaker grille integrally injection molded with a plastic panel body. The speaker grille has a plurality of sound passages formed therethrough from a front surface to a rear surface, and has a cross-hatched upstanding rib pattern extending from the rear surface.

Abstract: A door protector module includes a unitarily constructed inner belt weatherstrip, a shield and a lower door seal which are attachable as a one piece assembly to a vehicle door inner trim panel or the inner door panel. The inner belt weatherstrip, the shield and the lower door shield are formed with complimentary adjoining shapes for affixing the inner belt weatherstrip, the shield and the lower door shield into a unitary structure by snaps, fasteners, adhesive, etc.

Abstract: The attachment system consists of a metal part with a base (1) having a central orifice for passage of a screw (9), by which are secured an accessory (10) and a lining (11) on said clip, in order to attach the entire assembly on the plate (8) of a vehicle body, with the attachment obtained by passing the clip through an orifice provided for such purpose on said plate (8). The clip has lateral flexible flaps (5) elbowed on their lower free ends and ending in corresponding tabs (7) that project and diverge outwards to define the structure for anchoring the clip on the orifice of the plate (8) after said flaps (5) pass through the aforementioned orifice, holding the accessory (10) and the lining (11) to the base (1) of the clip, so that these components are thus attached to the vehicle body.

Abstract: A door module employs the window lift structure as a frame or skeleton for providing structural support directly to a relatively thin trim panel. In one embodiment of the invention, the window lift structure includes a Π-shaped skeleton made of a pair of spaced legs extending downwardly from an upper horizontally extending reinforcement member to which the relatively thin trim panel is secured. The module is then attached to a vehicle metal door frame and skin in a conventional manner. In another embodiment, the window lift structure has a single arm which extends downwardly from a horizontally extending reinforcement member and a supplemental spaced leg. is provided and coupled to the trim panel to complete the construction.

Abstract: A vehicle door assembly that includes an outer panel and an inner panel which define a space in which hardware items are located. A trim panel including an inner door handle assembly is positioned on an inside of the inner panel. Connecting rods are positioned within the space and have a first end that is connected to a latch. The second end of the rod is connected to the inner door handle assembly. The rod is retained within a clip proximate to the second end of the rod. The clip allows for longitudinal movement of the rod while retaining the rod in the other two dimensions. This arrangement facilitates attachment of the inner door handle assembly and rod when the inner panel is installed.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a structure of a tail gate formed by bonding peripheral edge portions and their vicinities of an inner panel and an outer panel to each other, and covering a rear portion of a vehicle body so as to freely open and close, wherein a cover is arranged in an inner side of said inner panel, and wherein a lock apparatus provided with a latch capable of engaging with a striker fixed to a vehicle body is disposed between said inner panel and said cover, thereby, it is possible to make it harder to carry out an illegal locking and unlocking operation with respect to a tail gate, with a relatively simple constitution and without increasing number of parts.

Abstract: Motor-vehicle door (1) comprising an outer wall (2) and an inner wall (3), a cladding part (4) mounted on the inner wall (3), and an insulation element (5) disposed between the inner wall (3) and the cladding part (4), the insulation element (5) being formed as a foam layer and being clamped in at its edge between the cladding part (4) and the inner wall (3) in a clamping region (K), wherein the insulation element (5) is secured in an adhesive-free manner between the cladding part (4) and the inner wall (3) in the clamping region (K), forming a positively locking profiling.

Abstract: A door trim 50 is made up of two divided trims of an upper trim 51 and a lower trim 52. A door elevating mechanism 27 composed of a guide rail 28, a motor 30, a step lamp 57, a speaker grille 56, are subassembled to the lower trim 52. In particular, the motor 30 is mounted on an extended attachment element 67 formed by extending the upper part of a pocket back cover 6 constituting a pocket 47 of the lower trim 52. The lower trim 52 configured in this manner is mounted to an inner panel 21. After a door glass 26 is installed to the door elevating mechanism 27, the upper trim 51 is mounted to the inner panel 21. Therefore, even if the area of an opening in the inner panel is not increased so much, the installation work of the door glass can be done easily, and a demand for increased size of the door glass can be met.

Abstract: An automotive door construction is configured so that a door trim 13 is divided into an upper trim 131 and a lower trim 132; a glass elevating mechanism 5 is installed on the inside surface of the lower trim 132 so that the upper end of a guide rail 7 projects upward from the upper edge of the lower trim 132; and the glass elevating mechanism 5 is inserted from the upper end of the guide rail 7 of the glass elevating mechanism 5 through a mount hole 2a in an inner panel 2, and is housed in a door bag portion 1b, and then the lower trim 132 is lowered along the inner panel 2, by which the glass elevating mechanism 5 and lower trim 132 are installed to the inner panel 2. By forming the relatively small mount hole 2a, which is shorter than the total length of the guide rail 7, in the inner panel 2, the modularized glass elevating mechanism 5 is incorporated in the door bag portion 1b.

Abstract: A car door structure comprises a door inner panel 11, an interior door trim 12 and a noise insulation sheet 20. The interior door trim 12 is installed in the interior side of the door inner panel 11. The noise insulation sheet 20 is provided between the door inner panel 11 and the door trim 12, where it is hung down from the upper side to the lower side of the door inner panel like a curtain. The noise insulation sheet 20 is fixed to either the door inner panel 11 or the door trim 12. The noise insulation sheet 20 is provided at about an upper half or a lower half of the door inner panel 11, or it is provided at a central part of the door inner panel 11 while dividing approximately into three sections in a vertical direction or a horizontal direction.

Abstract: A vehicular interior space module comprises an interior space lining part that has a large surface area and is visible from inside in a state when installed in a vehicle, the interior space lining part including an opening. The module further comprises an insert which is located in the opening and fastened to the interior space lining part, the insert having an outer housing in which at least one electrical component is arranged. At least one exposed electrical contact surface area is provided on the interior space lining part arranged directly on an edge of the opening, the insert having a fastener for attaching the insert to the interior space lining part. The fastener includes a cooperating contact configured such that the contact surface area contacts the cooperating contact in an electrically conductive manner through fastening the insert in the opening.

Abstract: A part for use with a vehicle includes a structural member made of foamed plastic material. The part also includes an expanded polypropylene substrate integrally attached to the structural member. Furthermore, the substrate cooperates with the structural member to provide a sufficient structural characteristic to the part.

Abstract: A vehicle door assembly that includes an outer panel and an inner panel which define a space in which hardware items are located. A trim panel including an inner door handle assembly is positioned on an inside of the inner panel. Connecting rods are positioned within the space and have a first end that is connected to a latch. The second end of the rod is connected to the inner door handle assembly. The rod is retained within a clip proximate to the second end of the rod. The clip allows for longitudinal movement of the rod while retaining the rod in the other two dimensions. This arrangement facilitates attachment of the inner door handle assembly and rod when the inner panel is installed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle door comprising an outer panel lined with an inner door panel having at least one opening therethrough, a rigid base door trim panel covered with a decorative covering, the rigid base door trim panel being fixed to the inner door panel and being disposed in front of the opening thereof, the rigid base door trim panel locally integrating a cup-shaped housing opened towards the decorative covering and covered thereby, and a window lift mechanism partially received within the cup-shaped housing and connected to the vehicle door, the window lift mechanism comprising a rotative drum for lifting or lowering the window. The rotative drum is rotatively fitted within the cup-shaped housing.

Abstract: A vehicle door inner trim panel assembly (12) includes an inner trim panel (15) having a first electrical connector (18) and the assembly also includes an electrical control panel (36) having a second electrical connector (38) that is electrically connected to the first electrical connector upon mounting of the electrical control panel on a mount (16) of the inner trim panel. Electrical switches, (40, 42, 44 and 46) of the electrical control panel (36) control operation of associated vehicle electrical components.

Abstract: A vehicle circuit panel is provided that includes a base member formed of an electrically insulating plastic material and a conducting plastic circuit path formed of an electrically conducting plastic material. The conducting plastic circuit path is formed unitarily with the base member, and is at least partially embedded in the base member, thereby forming a one-piece molded plastic member. Thus, the conducting plastic circuit path is formed into a desired circuit configuration within the base member. With the above construction, the conducting plastic circuit path can be formed into any circuit configuration, thereby increasing the degree of freedom of design of the arrangement of the circuit path.

Abstract: A vehicle door inner trim panel assembly (12) includes an inner trim panel (15) having a first electrical connector (18) and the assembly also includes an electrical control panel (36) having a second electrical connector (38) that is electrically connected to the first electrical connector upon mounting of the electrical control panel on a mount (16) of the inner trim panel. Electrical switches, (40, 42, 44 and 46) of the electrical control panel (36) control operation of associated vehicle electrical components.

Abstract: A door assembly for a motor vehicle comprises a molded door panel having a first side and a second side. The first side of the door panel is adapted to face towards a passenger compartment of the motor vehicle. The second side of the door panel supports a belt line reinforcement, a lock and catch assembly, and a window lift assembly. The door assembly is adapted for joining with a door exterior.

Abstract: Vehicle comprising a box structure (1) in an inner panel (2) of which there is provided an opening (3) for the passage of components, such as a window raiser mechanism (4), mounted on a support plate (5) shaped for being applied in a sealed manner against the periphery of the opening. The support plate of the components has a dishing region (9) situated at the level of the articulation joints R1, R2 of the hips of passengers so as to constitute a pelvis thrust member in the event of a lateral impact on the door. The dishing region (9) is press formed and comprises a group of bosses (11) orientated in the direction toward the window glass (10) and interconnected on the side adjacent to the passengers by planar areas (12) of the support plate.

Abstract: A method of producing components, such as door modules with electrical wires and connectors, is provided. The door module includes a substrate material with conductor tracks arranged therein. Electrical wires, which preferably have connectors at the ends, are placed into the conductor tracks. The substrate is then placed in a mol and filled with foamed plastic to encase the wires and form the door module. The connectors protrude from the door module to permit electrical component to be attached to the connectors.

Abstract: A motor vehicle door includes structural parts for providing the rigidness of the vehicle door and includes a structural element and a lining element. The door further includes function components for providing vehicle door functions like a window panel with a regulator. At least one of the structural parts serves as a support of the function components. In order to reduce the number of individual components, at least one of the structural parts forms a completely shaped composite or sandwich part having a plastic based matrix and further having several of the function components included to serve a rigidness providing bodies. The bodies are molded into the plastic based matrix by the plastic based matrix.

Abstract: A door module panel is initially mounted with a door harness and is provided with a panel hole at a position where a descending window glass does not interfere. The door harness is wired from a first surface facing a passenger compartment of the door module panel to a second surface facing a door frame through the panel hole. The door module panel has a side face, from a middle portion of which a protruding member is extended and bent towards the door frame. The protruding member includes a harness hole, through which is passed the door harness extending from the second surface of the door module panel. The door harness is then fitted into the harness hole with a grommet. The door frame is provided with a side panel notched with a groove. When the door module panel is incorporated into the door frame, the protruding member fits into the notched groove on the same plane. The door harness thus can be installed very easily.

Abstract: A control panel for a vehicle includes a housing defining a recess formed therein. A panel is movably attached to the housing and has at least one control mechanism mounted thereon. The panel is movable between a first position wherein the panel generally covers a portion of the recess, and a second position wherein the panel generally exposes the recess. Preferably, the housing defines a first surface within the recess, and a second control mechanism is mounted on the first surface.

Abstract: A cable set with a protective covering enclosing a number of individual cables includes a first and a second end part and an intermediate part disposed therebetween. The intermediate part is fixed in terms of rotation on the first end part and is mounted such that it can be rotated over a limited angle range on the second end part. The cable set is provided, in particular, for placement between a body and a door of a motor vehicle and serves for the rotationally secured installation of the cable set.

Abstract: A weatherstrip for an automobile comprises: an attaching portion 4 having an inverse U-shape in terms of its section; a rising portion 8 formed in a protruding manner on this attaching portion 4; and lip pieces 11 for sealing between a door inner panel and a window glass 9, and at the rising portion 8, a concave groove 6 with which the trim end of a trim 5 is fitted and latched and a sloping guide 7 leading to the concave groove 6 are formed. In order to attach the weatherstrip to the upper edge of an inner panel of a door beltline, the attaching portion 4 is attached to the flange 1a by insertion, then the trim end of the trim 5 is pressed against the guide 7 and is, in this condition, thrust so as to be fitted and latched with the concave groove 6.

Abstract: A vehicular interior space module comprises an interior space lining part that has a large surface area and is visible from inside in a state when installed in a vehicle, the interior space lining part including an opening. The module further comprises an insert which is located in the opening and fastened to the interior space lining part, the insert having an outer housing in which at least one electrical component is arranged. At least one exposed electrical contact surface area is provided on the interior space lining part arranged directly on an edge of the opening, the insert having a fastener for attaching the insert to the interior space lining part. The fastener includes a cooperating contact configured such that the contact surface area contacts the cooperating contact in an electrically conductive manner through fastening the insert in the opening.

Abstract: A vehicle door (10) and subassembly (16) thereof are made by mounting vehicle door hardware including a door latch actuator mechanism (32) and a window regulator mechanism (34) directly on a hidden surface (28) of a lower trim panel portion (20) of an inner trim panel (18) that also includes an upper trim panel portion (22). A wire harness (50) is also mounted directly on the hidden surface (28) of the lower trim panel portion (20) of the inner trim panel (18). The window regulator mechanism (34) has a construction that permits pivoting thereof to facilitate assembly within a vehicle door outer structure (12).

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A chrome plated item with printing and the method of printing on chrome plated items is provided. The method includes the steps of providing a plastic molded part having chrome plated thereon and pad printed images, icons, indicia and/or instructions printed on the chrome plating. In a preferred embodiment the item is an automobile part and the pad printing process includes the use of agitated ink placed on the part using a stamp or die having indicia, icons and instructions thereon. The ink, used in the preferred embodiment, is agitated immediately prior to its placement on an inkpad and immediately prior to the placement of a stamp onto the inkpad and then onto the part, to imprint the part.

Abstract: A method of producing components, such as a door modules with electrical wires and connectors, is provided. The door module includes a substrate material with conductor tracks arranged therein. Electrical wires, which preferably have connectors at the ends, are placed into the conductor tracks. The substrate is then placed in a mold and filled with foamed plastic to encase the wires and form the door module. The connectors protrude from the door module to permit electrical components to be attached to the connectors.

Abstract: A vehicle interior trim piece includes a plurality of layers sandwiched together. A primary layer is preferably a vacuum formed ABS plastic material which is formed to directly conform to an exposed surface portion of a vehicle closure member. An outer surface layer is sandwiched to the primary layer and is the surface which is exposed after installation and as such is preferably of a color identical to the vehicle interior. Most preferably, the outer surface layer is a PVC film which is textured to have an appearance indistinguishable from the vehicle interior trim. The surface opposite the outer surface layer is a pressure sensitive adhesive layer which coats the inner surface of the primary layer. Because the trim piece is preformed to the shape of the exposed portion of the vehicle closure member the trim piece can be rapidly oriented in the correct installation position in an assembly line environment.

Abstract: A vehicle interior-material is provided that efficiently dampens impact forces with ribs protruding into a limited space enclosed by a vehicle panel and a facer, and that reduces the protrusion height of the ribs, thereby curbing the amount that the vehicle interior material bulges into the space of the vehicle interior. The vehicle interior material includes a facer (2) with a substantially C-shaped cross-section covering a panel ridge (7) extending in a longitudinal direction on the vehicle compartment side of a vehicle panel, a space (4) being provided between the panel ridge and the facer; and a plurality of plate-shaped ribs (3) which are arranged independently from one another, bridging side walls of the facer, the ribs protruding from a rear face of the facer (2) opposite the vehicle panel into the space (4) and arranged at substantially right angles with the longitudinal direction of the vehicle panel.

Abstract: A vehicle door for a vehicle comprises an outer door panel, an inner door panel formed with an aperture, a plastic panel to which functional devices of the vehicle door and door parts are installed and which is installed to the inner door panel to close up the aperture of the inner door panel, and an impact absorbing member formed as a part integral with the plastic panel or fixedly secured to the plastic panel which absorbs an impact against the plastic panel upon an occurrence of a side crash of the vehicle.

Abstract: In a side wall construction of a vehicle body, including an annular frame structure composed of a front pillar portion, a rear pillar portion, a roof side portion connecting upper ends of the front and rear pillar portions with one another, and a locker portion connecting lower ends of the front and rear pillar portions with one another, and a door adapted to selectively open or close the framed door opening, the door is longitudinally reinforced by a longitudinal reinforcement so that, when the front pillar portion is biased toward the rear pillar portion by a force longitudinal to the vehicle body, a larger part of the force is transmitted through the door than through the roof side portion.

Abstract: A vehicle door includes an outer door panel, an inner door panel formed with an aperture and a plastic mounting panel to which functional devices of the vehicle door and door parts are installed and which is installed to the inner door panel to enclose the aperture thereof, the mounting panel having a plastic panel, a plastic structural part appendant to the plastic panel, and a breakable joint connecting the plastic structural part to the plastic panel as one whole piece. The structural part is separated from the plastic panel by breaking away the joint from the plastic panel and installed to the plastic panel after having installed the plastic panel to the vehicle door in order to cover an access opening which provides access to the interior of the vehicle door for assembling for example an exterior door handle and window glass.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Vehicle door comprising a covering and a structure having an outer wall and an inner wall in which at least one opening is provided. The covering has a panel attached to the structure and providing sealing relative to the inner wall, and a frame surrounding the panel. The panel is self-supporting. The door comprises fixing parts having a first part attached to the structure and a second part attached to the panel, the first part and the second part cooperating with one another in order to fix the panel directly to the structure, and the frame is supported by the panel.

Abstract: A motor vehicle door having an outer door panel and an inner door panel provided with a large-surface cut-out section wherein the cut-out section is covered wholly or in part by a support plate and wherein the support plate supports mechanical and/or electrical components, such as a window lifter, lock, side airbag, electronics and electric cables, and having a door inside trim which closes the vehicle door from the interior of the vehicle. The support plate and at least one part of the door inside trim are formed as one structural unit which is made in one tool wherein the support plate and the part of the door inside trim are connected together so that they can be folded together.

Abstract: A closure assembly for a vehicle includes an outer panel and an inner panel. The outer panel has an exterior surface and an opposed bonding surface. The inner panel has an interior surface and an opposed mounting surface The mounting surface of the inner panel and the bonding surface of the outer panel are coupled at their periphery to form a shell. The shell defines a pocket. An electrical device may be positioned within the pocket and coupled to one of the inner and outer panels In one embodiment, a majority of the interior surface of the inner panel is exposed to the passenger compartment. In another embodiment, the inner panel includes an integrally molded wire to conduct electricity to the electrical device.

Abstract: A tailgate mounting structure for minimizing vibration of a tailgate formed at a rear end of a vehicle. The structure includes a gate glass where a lower end of the gate glass is coupled to one end of a tailgate panel. The tailgate trim panel includes a rib formed at an extended tip end. The rib includes a coupling portion where each coupling portion is fitted with a sponge pad. The tailgate structure also includes inner and outer tailgate panels where the panels are coupled together and one end of the coupled panels or an extension of the coupled panels is inserted into the rib coupling portion of the tailgate trim panel between the sponge pad.

Abstract: A door for a motor vehicle. The door comprises an outer panel, a trim panel and a water shield. The water shield includes, a rigid substrate and a wire harness. The wire harness has a first terminal communicating with at least one actuator of the outer panel a second terminal communicating with at least one switch of the trim panel, and a connecting portion. The connection portion electrically connects the first and second terminals, and is substantially encapsulated within the substrate.

Abstract: Resilient, contoured members for use in suspension seats and automobile interior door panels include first and second fabric panels joined together along respective perimeters thereof and along spaced-apart intermediate portions thereof to form one or more sets of internal passageways. Each internal passageway is filled with a resilient material such as polyurethane foam. The first and second fabric panels are formed from sets of flat-woven fibers.

Abstract: A vehicle door trimming member has a rigid carrier member that supports a rail. The rail is part of a window guide, for guiding a window when it is being rolled up or down. The rail is in two parts, with a latch connector for the door latch connected to the two parts. The door latch has two positions, a first preassembly position and a second operating position.

Abstract: A door trim panel assembly and method of making same for attachment to structure of a vehicle includes a door trim panel and a carrier formed from a plastic material attached to the door trim panel and for attachment to the structure of the vehicle. The door trim panel assembly also includes a seal integral with the carrier for contacting the structure to seal the carrier to the structure.

Abstract: A vehicle door including a manually actuable element, a latch mechanism, the latch mechanism being operated by the manually actuable element, and a trim panel, in which sealing means are provided to seal the manually operable element relative to the trim panel.