Abstract: A structure for a side portion of a vehicle body that is configured such that the ends of an arch member are mounted to rail members extending in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body and such that a roof panel is supported by the arch member. The structure includes the rail members; the arch member, which extends in the width direction of the vehicle and the ends of which are mounted to the rail members; and the roof panel supported by the arch member. In each of the rail members, an outer extension section is integrally provided to a rail outer section and an inner extension section is integrally provided to a rail inner section. The arch member is provided with an arch upper member that can be installed on the outer extension section and an arch lower member that can be installed on the inner extension section.

Abstract: A panel system is recited that includes a first panel having a periphery. The panel includes a first plastic layer having a periphery and a second plastic layer opposed and spaced apart from the first layer. The second layer also has a periphery. The first and second layers define a first cavity therebetween. A first in-situ foam core is disposed in the cavity and has a thermal bond to the first and second plastic layers. The panel is capable of supporting 0.1 to 0.5 lbf/in2.

Abstract: A panel assembly includes at least one reinforcing assembly made of a high strength material having a low yield to tensile strength ratio for energy absorption and reduced weight and profile. The panel assembly may be light-weight with a low profile to minimize protrusion into an opening or compartment enclosed by the panel. The panel assembly may be a floor panel assembly for a vehicle floor. The reinforcing assembly may traverse the panel such that the reinforcing assembly extends laterally, e.g., cross-vehicle, relative to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle body. A method of making the panel assembly may include forming the reinforcing assembly by joining a plurality of metal channel members in a nested arrangement with a plurality of welds to provide a structural assembly with good bending resistance loads imposed on the panel assembly including knee loads. The channel members may be made of a dual phase steel.

Abstract: A panel assembly for a vehicle and a method of supporting the panel assembly is disclosed. The panel assembly includes a first wall and a bracket adjacent to the first wall. The bracket has a first platform facing the first wall. The panel assembly further includes a first support member attached to the first platform and defining an initial state and a final state. The first support member and the first wall define a first gap therebetween when in the initial state. The first support member is expandable to contact the first wall to remove the first gap when in the final state for supporting the first wall to prevent deformation of the first wall.

Abstract: A logistics strip defining at least one opening therethrough may be bonded to an inner surface of a storage container side wall. At least one channel may be formed in the inner surface of the side wall. A bonding medium may be applied to an underside of the logistics strip along opposite sides thereof with the at least one opening positioned therebetween. The at least one opening may then be aligned over the at least one channel. The underside of the logistics strip may then be contacted with the inner surface of the side wall such that the bonding medium contacts and bonds to the inner surface of the side wall on both sides of the at least one channel.

Abstract: A vehicle body side structure includes an outer side panel and an inner side panel. The outer side panel has an outer window area and a window sash formed adjacent to and surrounding the outer window area. The outer window area includes a removable portion that spans the outer window area. The inner side panel has an inner window area and an attachment flange formed adjacent to and surrounding the inner window area. The attachment flange is rigidly attached to the window sash along a connection area to prevent movement of the inner side panel relative to the outer side panel. The removable portion of the outer window area is located adjacent to the connection area.

Abstract: A flange component used to secure a first panel to a second panel including a first section to be affixed to the first panel and a second section to be affixed to the second panel. The second section is integrally formed with the first section, which has a length dimension that is longer than a length dimension of the second section forming first and second tabs. The second section of the flange component is integral to an intermediate section between the first and second tabs. The second tab is offset relative to the intermediate section and first tab whereby when the first section is attached to the first panel, a space is formed between the second tab and the first panel. A first tab of an adjacent flange component is inserted this space, and the second section protrudes from a periphery of the first panel for receiving the second panel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a decorative panel including a design surface; and a circumferential edge portion that is formed so as to cross from the design surface, wherein the circumferential edge portion has a first face 7 that is continuous from the design surface along a circumferential extension direction and a second face 8 that is formed in a circumferential extension direction along the first face 7, wherein a face variation line is provided at a boundary between the first face 7 and the second face 8, wherein a decorative panel 1 is provided in such a manner that a decoration film 5 is imparted to at least a part of the design surface and a part of the circumferential edge portion, and wherein the decoration film 5 includes a trimming terminal portion CL along the face variation line.

Abstract: A connecting structure includes a first connecting part and a second connecting part. The first connecting part has a clip and a stabilizer flange that is spaced apart from the clip. The second connecting part has a first engagement structure that is engageable with the clip of the first connecting part to restrain movement of the second connecting part with respect to the first connecting part in an insertion direction. The second connecting part also has a second engagement structure that is engageable with the stabilizer flange of the first connecting part to restrain movement of the second connecting part with respect to the first connecting part in an elevational direction.

Abstract: A panel assembly is provided comprising a first face having an outer perimeter and a second face having an outer perimeter, the second face being directly opposite the first face and having a substantially smooth surface, the first and second faces forming a first panel thickness. A plurality of borders surround the perimeters of the first and second faces. At least one support member is attached and arranged perpendicular to the first face, the at least one support member extending parallel to at least one border, the at least one support member and the second face forming a second panel thickness, the second panel thickness is greater than the first panel thickness.

Abstract: A vibration isolator device securing a nonmetal panel to a metal frame of a work vehicle includes a metal member affixed to a surface of the nonmetal panel, the metal member facing the metal frame. An isolator mount plate is secured to the frame in a manner permitting a predetermined adjustment between the isolator mount plate and the frame in each of two directions. A vibration isolator is positioned between the metal member and the frame. A region of the isolator mount plate is configured to receive and maintain vibration isolation between the region of the isolator mount plate and the metal member, the region of the isolator mount plate providing a predetermined adjustment between the isolator mount plate and the metal member in a third direction.

Abstract: A structural mounting insert for sealing between and/or adhering to surfaces of members is described. The insert includes a base member and activatable material about the base material.

Abstract: A butt joint assembles side panels of a trailer to the base rail of the trailer to form a side wall. The butt joint positions the side panels over the base rail and vertically aligns the outer surfaces of the side panels and the base rail, which provides for an improved trailer side wall.

Abstract: A mounting system for mounting an accessory to a body panel of a vehicle includes a bezel and a bracket. The accessory is attached to at least one of the bezel and the bracket. The bezel is precisely formed to match a three dimensional shape of an exterior surface of the body panel. The bracket is precisely formed to match a three dimensional shape of an interior surface of the body panel. The bezel is inserted into an opening cut into the body panel from an exterior of the body panel, and the bracket is positioned adjacent the bezel from an interior of the body panel. A fastener connects the bracket to the bezel, or connects the bracket to the accessory which is attached to the bezel, with the body panel positioned therebetween, to secure the mounting system relative to the body panel.

Abstract: A sidewall construction arrangement for a trailer includes a plurality of upstanding panels. Each panel includes two opposing flanges. The flanges are disposed on opposing lateral edges of the panel. Adjacent flanges of two adjacent panels partially overlap each other. Each of a plurality of vertically oriented logistics posts includes two lateral margins. A first of the margins is attached to a respective first of the flanges of the two partially overlapping panels. A second of the margins of the post is attached to each of the first and second flanges of the two partially overlapping panels.

Abstract: A vehicle interior assembly includes a main body, a side trim panel and a fastener part. The main body has a side surface through which a slot is defined and a top surface through which a fastener receiving aperture is defined. The fastener receiving aperture extends through the top surface to an inner cavity of the main body that is accessible through the slot. The side trim panel at least partially covers the side surface of the main body. The side trim panel has a projection that extends away from an inner surface of the side trim panel into the slot defined by the side surface. The fastener part extends through the fastener receiving aperture defined by the top surface and engages the projection to fixedly couple the side trim panel to the main body.

Abstract: A mobile vehicle comprising body shell composite panels and a method of joining body shell composite panels of a mobile vehicle.

Abstract: A reinforced vehicle structure includes a first vehicle wall, a second vehicle wall, an accessory attachment member and a reinforcement member. The first vehicle wall has a first outer wall surface facing an outboard direction and a first inner wall surface facing an inboard direction. The second vehicle wall extends transverse to the first vehicle wall, and has a second outer wall surface facing a first direction and a second inner wall surface facing an opposite direction. The accessory attachment member is mounted to the first inner wall surface. The reinforcement member has a first end mounted to the accessory attachment member and a second end mounted to the second inner wall surface with the reinforcement member spanning the first and second vehicle walls such that the reinforcement member does not extend parallel to either of the first and second vehicle walls.

Abstract: An attachment bracket for mounting a fender of a vehicle to a side structural member includes a top portion that connects to the fender. A first vertical leg connects to the side structural member. The first vertical leg extends downwardly from an edge of the top portion. A second vertical leg connects to the side structural member. The second vertical leg extends downwardly from an opposite edge of the top portion. The first vertical leg includes a bend separating the first vertical leg into an upper portion and a lower portion. The first vertical leg has a central opening at the bend that is spaced vertically from the top portion and a bottom end of the first vertical leg.

Abstract: A magnetic holding system for a vehicle cabin includes a non-ferrous panel having a front side exposed to the vehicle cabin and a rear side. A magnet is located on the rear side of the non-ferrous panel. The thickness panel, in the region where the magnet is located, and the strength of the magnet are selected to grip a ferrous element when it is placed on the front side of the panel in the region where the magnet is located. The ferrous element may be an object to be held on the non-ferrous surface or it may be attachable to the underside of an object that is to be held.

Abstract: A bodywork structure for controlling or modifying the temperature of a passenger compartment of an electric or hybrid motor vehicle is provided. The bodywork structure includes at least one interior and exterior panel and one intermediate layer between the panels, each panel being based on a thermally conducting and electrically insulating material. The intermediate layer has at least one phase change material PCM and electric components coupled to it and is configured to be connected to an accumulator battery and which are able to convert the electrical energy available when the battery is being recharged into thermal energy stored by the PCM, so that the stored thermal energy is then transmitted to the interior of the vehicle when the latter is in use thanks to crystallizing of the at least one PCM, which is conversely able, by melting, to absorb an excess of heat inside the vehicle when this PCM is not recharged.

Abstract: A body panel assembly and a method for manufacturing a body panel assembly are disclosed herein. In a non-limiting embodiment, the body panel assembly includes, but is not limited to, an inner panel having a lower portion. The body panel assembly further includes an outer panel that is connected to the inner panel. The outer panel has a main portion, a transitional portion, and a bent portion. The main portion and the bent portion are positioned on opposite sides of the lower portion. The main portion, the transitional portion, and the bent portion are arranged to form a cavity having an elongated configuration below the inner panel. The bent portion defines an opening extending therethrough. The opening is positioned at least partially below the lower portion of the inner panel. The opening provides ventilation to the cavity.

Abstract: A double-walled hollow panel (A) has a first wall (21) and a second wall (22) which are made of thermoplastic resin and arranged separated from each other. Longitudinal inner ribs (11) and lateral inner ribs (12) arranged so as to cross the longitudinal inner ribs (11) are formed in a space (V) between the first and second walls (21, 22) so as to extend through the first wall (21) and be fusion bonded to the second wall (22). The longitudinal inner ribs (11) and the lateral inner ribs (12) are integrated together via crossing sections (13). Each crossing section (13) has a hole (H) not fusion bonded to the second wall (22), and the holes (H) interconnects adjacent small spaces.

Abstract: A nut in the form of a mounting element made in a single piece and having a first branch and a second branch connected by a web, the first branch and the second branch each including a proximal portion connected to the web and a distal portion extending the proximal portion. The nut includes a screwing element supported by the distal portion of the first branch, with a bore extending inside the screwing element along a screwing axis and emerging inside the mounting element through the distal portion of the first branch. The second branch includes an opening passing through the distal portion of the second branch opposite the bore. The proximal portion of at least one of the first and second branches is deformable so as to allow the distal portions of the first branch and the second branch to be positioned parallel to one another with different spacings.

Abstract: A panel formed by resin infusion from two fiber reinforced resin layers and a separating core is connected to a member such as a metal rail or another panel by an adhesive joint. The panel edge is shaped to define a male portion with a web and two side portions and the rail is channel shaped to match. A layer of adhesive of a thickness not less than 0.03? or more than 0.10? covers the base and sides. The tapered shape allows the adhesive located between the web of the panel and the web of the member, between the flange of the panel and the surface of the member and between the flange of the member and the second surface of the panel to be simultaneously compressed without the necessity for any shearing in the adhesive layer.

Abstract: A cap mounting structure has an engagement hole formed in a peripheral edge part of an opening in an interior member; a protruding part is formed on a cap; an engagement part engaging with the engagement hole is formed by expanding an intermediate portion in the protrusion direction of the protruding part; the length in the expansion direction of the engagement part is set so as to be longer than the length of the engagement hole; the engagement part is inserted through the engagement hole while at least one of the engagement hole and the engagement part is elastically deformed, and the engagement part is engaged with the engagement hole by the elastic restoration of the elastically deformed part(s), whereby the cap is made in a temporarily held state in which the cap is held by the interior member; and from the temporarily held state, the cap is oscillated so as to be opened and closed.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly includes a side support capable of supporting a side portion of the torso of an occupant seated in the seat. The seat has a seatback capable of being tilted up or down relative to a seat cushion. A support shaft extending from a lateral surface part of the seatback in a widthwise direction toward an outside of a vehicle is rotatably supported by a bracket. A spring for urging the seatback in a forward-tilting direction is disposed between the support shaft and the bracket. The bracket and the spring are positioned proximately to a rear surface part of the side support.

Abstract: A system and method for temporarily attaching an accessory component such as a fog light cover, to a vehicle body panel prior to a painting operation are described. The system and method eliminate the need for jigs or other support structures typically used to support the accessory during painting of the accessory and body panel.

Abstract: A storage panel assembly for a vehicle includes a panel having a louvered exterior and internal surfaces. A vent structure is formed on a portion of the panel. At least one jack wrench clip assembly is formed on the portion of the panel including the vent structure. The exterior louvered surface of the panel remains unblemished.

Abstract: A magnesium alloy panel for a vehicle includes a first region and a second region extending from the first region to an edge. The first region has a first microstructure having a first corrosion resistance. The second region has a second microstructure different than the first microstructure and has a second corrosion resistance greater than the first corrosion resistance. A system for mass producing magnesium alloy panels includes a forming apparatus and a laser cutting apparatus. The forming apparatus forms a panel having a first microstructure having a first corrosion resistance. The laser cutting apparatus cuts the panel to form the edge using a laser, and forms the second microstructure while forming the edge. The second microstructure is different than the first microstructure and has a second corrosion resistance greater than the first corrosion resistance. A method for mass producing magnesium alloy panels is also provided.

Abstract: A magnetic fastener clip includes a base and a boss attached to the base. The boss has two or more ratchets. According to one embodiment, one end of the boss is attached to the base and the other end has the two or more ratchets. Alternatively, either or both ends may have the two or more ratchets. A magnetic fastener has a hole with suitable shape and diameter to adjustably fasten with at least one of the ratchets and adjustably fasten the magnetic fastener. An umbrella is positioned between the base and the magnetic fastener. The umbrella is operative to flex or compress appropriately to permit the magnetic fastener to engage at least one of the two or more ratchets. The magnetic fastener clip adapts to different surface curvatures and thicknesses. The magnetic fastener clip is operative for blind attachment into a structure, such as a vehicle chassis i.e. door frame, chassis or roof. The boss may optionally be welded to hold the magnetic fastener against the umbrella.

Abstract: A flat vehicle body component made of a carbon fiber reinforced plastic has at least one interconnecting web that protrudes from the flat vehicle body component and that is made entirely of the matrix material epoxy resin. A mounting part at least partially envelops the interconnecting web in a force locking manner, so that the mounting part is clamped securely on the interconnecting web. The mounting part has at least one hole that can be used for fastening another component. An additional component may be fastened in the hole in a conventional manner, so that the carbon fiber reinforced plastic component does not need corresponding holes. The interconnecting web may be integrally molded on the vehicle body component during its manufacture so that practically no additional engineering effort is needed.

Abstract: A vehicle body panel having an integrated mounting device for mounting the body panel to a vehicle substrate is provided. The integrated mounting device includes a tower portion with a U-shaped base and an extended portion, and a U-shaped spring clip. The base has an open front and back and includes two opposing side walls and an upper portion. The upper portion is a two-tiered top where a first tier has a width greater than a width of the second tier. The extended portion has an inverted U-shape and is an extension of the second tier and is adapted to receive the spring clip.

Abstract: An interior finish panel for a vehicle may include a panel substrate, at least two pieces of skin disposed over the panel substrate, and a foam layer. The panel substrate may include an inclined portion disposed between a base portion and at least one sealing surface. The at least two pieces of skin may include an upper skin and a lower skin joined together at a seam, wherein the seam may be at least partially disposed over the inclined portion. The seam may be sealed to a vertex of the inclined portion between the inclined portion and the sealing surface. The foam layer may be disposed between the at least two pieces of skin and the panel substrate. The foam layer may taper from the base portion towards the vertex of the inclined portion and terminate along the inclined portion before the vertex of the inclined portion.

Abstract: A load bearing panel member having a first portion, a second portion, and an appearance surface portion is formed by injection molding such that the first portion includes a plurality of rib members forming a grid pattern on the first portion and another plurality of rib members extending toward the periphery of the first portion which may be non-orthogonal to each other and to the rib members forming the grid pattern. A tubular cavity may be formed within each of the non-orthogonal rib members by injecting a gas into the rib member during the molding process forming the panel. An appearance surface portion attached to the first portion and second portion of the panel member forms an integral hinge between the first and second portions of the panel member. The panel member may be configured as a floor panel of a vehicle.

Abstract: A sound-damped vehicle panel assembly, such as a dash panel, is attached to a structural member with one or more weld joints. The vehicle panel assembly may include a main panel member, a sound-damping patch, and a sound-damping adhesive layer arranged therebetween, where the patch covers at least a portion of an acoustically active region of the main panel member. The weld joints that attach the vehicle panel assembly to the structural member are preferably located at weld openings formed in the sound-damping patch and/or the sound-damping adhesive layer so that the weld joint can be formed without melting and vaporizing the adhesive during the welding operation, as such an operation would likely require additional ventilation equipment and could impact the quality of the weld joint.

Abstract: A reinforced vehicle structure includes a vehicle panel, an elongated structural support member, and a support structure. The vehicle panel includes a first panel surface and a second panel surface, and defines a first opening that extends through the vehicle panel between the first and second panel surfaces. The elongated structural support member supports a portion of the first panel surface of the vehicle panel, and defines a first channel extending along the vehicle panel. The support structure is coupled to the structural support member at least partially within the first channel, includes a mounting structure that is aligned with the first opening in the vehicle panel, and defines a second channel extending transversely to the first channel of the structural support member.

Abstract: Embodiments of interior vehicle panel assemblies are disclosed herein. One embodiment disclosed herein comprises a first panel having an exterior surface, an interior surface and a first edge and a second panel having an exterior surface, an interior surface and a second edge. The second edge of the second panel is aligned with the first edge of the first panel to define a gap having a height between the first edge of the first panel and the second edge of the second panel. A projection extends from one of the first and second panels in a position inward from the exterior surface and toward the respective edge of other of the first and second panels to span at least a portion of the height of the gap.

Abstract: In one example, a trailer is provided that includes a bed frame, a first panel at least indirectly connected to the bed frame, and a second panel at least indirectly connected to the bed frame. At least one of the first panel and the second panel is configured to be releasably secured in two different positions so as to at least partially define first and second configurations of the trailer, the first configuration being different from the second configuration.

Abstract: A connecting structure includes a first connecting part and a second connecting part. The first connecting part has a clip and a stabilizer flange that is spaced apart from the clip. The second connecting part has a first engagement structure that is engageable with the clip of the first connecting part to restrain movement of the second connecting part with respect to the first connecting part in an insertion direction. The second connecting part also has a second engagement structure that is engageable with the stabilizer flange of the first connecting part to restrain movement of the second connecting part with respect to the first connecting part in an elevational direction.

Abstract: These disclosed embodiments relates to a device for fixing a light-weight panel onto a support. Such device includes an insert including at least one flange, such insert being intended for receiving a fixing device of the bolt type. According to the disclosed embodiments, such flange has an outer surface including toothing elements and the device includes a part made of a ductile material including an opening for the passage of the fixing member. The toothing elements are intended for cooperating, upon fixing the panel onto the support, with the part made of a ductile material to allow such fixing without causing any deformation of the panel.

Abstract: An interior panel of a vehicle, in particular a wall panel of a rail vehicle used in passenger transport, with fastenings and installation openings for mechanical, acoustic and/or electric functional or display elements is provided. Wall panels which are identical in each case are used at same installation sites of vehicles of a same kind, and an appropriately configured, standardized mounting element which is placed exchangeably onto the wall panel or is inserted into the wall panel is provided for receiving the mechanical, acoustic and/or electric functional or display elements.

Abstract: A motor vehicle having interconnected outer skin components and a method for connecting outer skin components is provided. In cutting off damaged outer skin components and replacing same, in a connected state of the two outer skin components, a reinforcing component is arranged on an inner surface of each of the two outer skin components via an adhesive. This results in a two-layer construction at the joint between the two outer skin components.

Abstract: A vehicle body part (60) has a perforated grid portion (61) secured in an aperture in a non-perforated portion (601,602), an edge portion of the grid portion defining part of the edge of the body part. A support member (8) extends along the edge portion of the grid portion (60) and supported from the non-perforated portion (601,602), and a seal (9) for contact with an adjacent body part extends around at least said part of the edge of the body part. The seal has a cross-section which includes a first lobe (9c) which covers the edge portion of the grid (61) to protect a vehicle operator from injury by this edge portion and improving styling. The seal cross-section also has a second lobe (9d) which extends between the grid (61) and the support member (8) to prevent vibration of the grid and damage of the paint finish of these components. The seal cross-section also includes a U-shaped channel portion (9a) which encloses the edge of the support member (8).

Abstract: An automotive vehicular bumper apparatus is provided. In another aspect, a bumper beam is attached to a composite body panel of an automotive vehicle. A further aspect provides a bumper beam including a first pair of generally V-shaped structural members and a second pair of generally V-shaped structural members joined together adjacent apexes thereof. In another aspect, a centralized bumper beam and a small width bumper are employed.

Abstract: A reinforced vehicle structure includes a vehicle wall, a reinforcement member, an accessory attachment member and a plurality of mounting structures. The vehicle wall includes an outer wall surface facing an outboard direction of the vehicle and an inner wall surface facing an inboard direction of the vehicle. The reinforcement member is mounted to the outer wall surface. The accessory attachment member is mounted to the inner wall surface. In addition, the plurality of mounting structures is spaced along the reinforcement member and extends through the vehicle wall to couple the accessory attachment member to the reinforcement member.

Abstract: A reinforced vehicle structure includes a first vehicle wall, a second vehicle wall, an accessory attachment member and a reinforcement member. The first vehicle wall has a first outer wall surface facing an outboard direction and a first inner wall surface facing an inboard direction. The second vehicle wall extends transverse to the first vehicle wall, and has a second outer wall surface facing a first direction and a second inner wall surface facing an opposite direction. The accessory attachment member is mounted to the first inner wall surface. The reinforcement member has a first end mounted to the accessory attachment member and a second end mounted to the second inner wall surface with the reinforcement member spanning the first and second vehicle walls such that the reinforcement member does not extend parallel to either of the first and second vehicle walls.

Abstract: A method of constructing a reinforced closure panel assembly for a vehicle roof assembly includes providing a substantially planar panel having two opposite surfaces, providing a reinforcement having a circumferential flange fitting on one of the surfaces of the panel, providing adhering material, positioning the reinforcement on said surface of the panel with interposition of the adhering material at least temporarily adhering the reinforcement to the panel such that an enclosed space is formed between the reinforcement and the panel, sealed by the adhering material, and injecting fluid encapsulating material into the space so as to substantially completely fill the space, allowing it to solidify and forming adherence of the reinforcement to the panel.

Abstract: A side outer panel of a vehicle having an outer surface including an outer surface edge. The outer surface edge has a predetermined curved path that provides a styling shape to add an aesthetic element to the side outer panel. The side outer panel further includes a mounting portion integrally formed thereto. The mounting portion provides a structure for attaching the side outer panel to the vehicle. In a preferred embodiment, the mounting portion includes a planar surface spaced apart from the outer surface and a step disposed between the outer surface edge and the planar surface. The planar surface at least one flange extending orthogonally therefrom to define a welding surface for welding the side outer panel to the body thereby providing structural reinforcement to the outer surface edge of the side outer panel.

Abstract: An automotive vehicular structure includes a composite first body side outer panel including a first connecting panel and a composite second body side outer panel and a second connecting panel. The second connecting panel is directly attached to the first connecting panel at a location between the first side panel and the second side panel. A method of assembling an automotive vehicle is also provided.