Abstract: A molded and shaped acoustical insulating vehicle panel having a dry-laid needled fibrous composite composed of a first portion of about 50 to 80 percent meltable binder fibers and about 20 to 50 percent stable fibers and having a second portion of about 20 to 50 percent meltable binder fibers and 50 to 80 percent of staple fibers. The meltable binder fibers are in a molded and resolidified state such that the resolidified binder fibers of the first portion form a substantially continuous, semi-impervious, densified skin integrally associated with and bonded to a surface of the first portion. The molded composite is in such a heat and pressure molded state that the composite has over a predominance of its area a density of from about 12 to 22 lbs./cubic foot (192 to 352 kg/cubic meter) and the panel is sufficiently rigid as to be self-supporting.

Abstract: The invention relates to an acoustic panel assembly. There is a need for a simple and inexpensive acoustic panel assembly. An acoustic panel assembly includes a parent panel and an insert panel. The parent panel has a higher density body and a sound reflecting skin. The insert panel is mounted to the parent panel, and includes a sound absorbing body, a lower density rim and a sound transmitting skin. The parent panel includes a border portion which surrounds an opening which engages an outer edge of the insert panel. The border portion and the edge engage each other and form an interlocking joint. The border portion defines an annular groove which receives the outer edge of the insert panel. The body of the parent panel comprises a higher density expanded polypropylene material, and rim body of the insert panel comprises a lower density expanded polypropylene material.

Abstract: The present invention is a step load bracket having a substantially horizontal portion and a substantially vertical portion connected to the substantially horizontal portion. The present invention also includes at least one support member connected to the substantially vertical portion and the substantially horizontal portion. The support member provides support for a body component of a vehicle having a step, such as a fascia, when a load is applied to the fascia in a vertical direction, but has pre-determined crush characteristics when the fascia suffers from an impact load in a horizontal direction, such as during a rear-end collision.

Abstract: A wall or roof of a trailer are formed from a first panel and a second panel which are joined together by a cap and a strip which interengage. The cap includes a base wall and an interlock provided thereon. The base wall abuts the outer surfaces of the panels. The strip includes a base wall and an interlock provided thereon. The strip and cap are separate members. The base wall of the strip abuts the inner surfaces of the panels. The interlock of the strip and the interlock of the cap mate together to form a joint. At least one of the interlocks extend between the panels. The panels may be composite panels or may be from a single sheet or multiple sheets of metal. An adhesive may be provided between the base wall of the cap and the outer surfaces, and an adhesive may be provided between the base wall of the strip and the inner surfaces.

Abstract: The invention relates to an end wall module for a transport vehicle. The inventive end wall module having a first wall and the second wall arranged at a distance therefrom. The first wall is embodied in the form of a first corrugated structure and the second wall is embodied in the form of a second corrugated structure. Said corrugated structures are embodied in such a way that they are distanced from each other when the end wall module is mounted without being deformed and are engaged into each other by the shape thereof when the end wall module is at least in the first deformation stage.

Abstract: An illuminated panel portion for vehicles or vehicle accessories is provided having a generally translucent panel defining a selected design. The translucent panel is disposed in an aperture of an adjacent panel of the vehicle or vehicle accessory such that the outer surfaces of the translucent panel and adjacent panel are substantially flush. A light source is disposed in relation to the panel for illuminating the translucent panel.

Abstract: A bonnet for an automobile, having an outer member made from FRP and an inner member made from FRP and joined to the back-surface side of the outer member, wherein the outer member has a high-rigidity section having a rigidity higher than a rigidity of the central section of the outer member along an outer edge of the outer member, and the inner member is joined to the outer member at the high-rigidity section. While being achieved an advantage of weight lightening of the bonnet by making it from FRP, the rigidity at a required portion is efficiently increased without damaging moldability, a design feature of the bonnet surface can be maintained at a good level, and in addition, performance of the bonnet relating to the protection of a pedestrian at a collision accident etc. can also be sufficiently enhanced.

Abstract: A bulkhead for a transport vehicle, such as a flatbed trailer, includes a corrugated front panel, side panels attached to the sides of the front panel and a top panel attached to the upper edge of the front panel. The side and top panels are formed from two interlocking extrusions that are substantially identical whether used to form the top panel or the side panels. The extrusions include a first extrusion with a substantially forward facing wall that is angled and curved relative to the front panel. A second extrusion is connected to the first through a male-female interlocking connection along the mutual length of the extrusions. The second extrusion includes a side facing wall and a forward facing wall portion that merges with the forward facing wall of the first extrusion to form non-perpendicular side corners of the bulkhead. The side and top panels combine to form open upper corners that support a light assembly and corner bezel. A decorative panel is mounted to and covering the corrugated front panel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cover for an exterior motor vehicle part, particularly a motor vehicle door, comprising at least one carrier part and one cover part. It is provided that the cover part (20) is associated with a cover element, particularly a metal cover, overlaying the same.

Abstract: An attachment joint can provide in combination a plastic over-fender member connectable to a fender of a motor vehicle, a plastic fascia member connectable to a fender, and a complementary attachment coupling located between the over-fender member and the fascia member for interlocking engagement with one another and for holding the over-fender member with respect to the fascia member in at least two directions. The coupling can have a first mating portion molded with the over-fender member and a second mating portion molded with the fascia member. The first and second mating portions can define a hook and slot joint combination.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments concerns a floor panel for a transport vehicle such as an aircraft and an installation for fixing cabin layout elements including such panels. The disclosed embodiments are characterized in that the floor panel includes at least one mounting rail having a lengthwise axis, inserted into the layer of said panel.

Abstract: A stiffening structure for an automotive outer panel of the present invention has an outer-panel side member fixed to the automotive outer panel. Further, the stiffening structure has an annexed member adhered onto an inner surface of the automotive outer panel while interposing an adhesive therebetween at least one end of the annexed member is joined to the outer-panel side member. Furthermore, the stiffening structure has a position adjuster provided on a joint portion of the annexed member and the outer-panel side member. The position adjuster makes the annexed member movable in a direction of approaching the automotive outer panel or moving away therefrom.

Abstract: A protective deflector for application to a vehicle panel to prevent water or dust from entering an interior compartment of the vehicle includes a flexible sheet of plastic film having a peripheral edge shaped to generally conform to a shape of a surface to be protected and a conductive layer overlying and permanently bonded to the flexible sheet, the conductive layer applied in a preselected pattern configured to facilitate electrical connection with one or more vehicle components.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rear support (12) for a vehicle (24) that is to be fitted to the rear end of the body (22) of the vehicle (24) in the vicinity of a door (14) movable to pivot about an axis that is substantially horizontal, pivoting being enabled by at least one hinge (16) having a stationary portion and a portion secured to the door, said portion being movable relative to the stationary portion, the support (12) being shaped to receive the stationary portion of at least one hinge (16) and to enable it to be secured to the body (22), and also to receive at least one item of functional equipment (32, 34, 36) of the vehicle (24).

Abstract: Vehicles, such as all terrain vehicles, can be provided with a frame and a fender assembly. The fender assembly can have layered fender panels attached together with a bolt and T-nut. A channel can be formed between the fender panels to facilitate passage of fluid along a predetermined pathway. A seat includes a compression surface for sandwiching the fender assembly with respect to the frame. Front and rear fender assemblies can be attached to the frame by a midpoint fastener passing through respective apertures in each of the front and rear fender assemblies, through a grommet, and into the frame. A stay assembly attaches a mudguard to the fender assembly, and can involve a swivel clip. Methods are also provided.

Abstract: A long range and safer, steerable vehicle body for carrying at least one passenger and which body rides on at least two wheels and is constructed from ultra-lightweight materials, such as magnesium frame with polyolefin body panels. The frame is constructed from extruded tubings, joined with aid of end fittings, adhesive and body-bound pins, which eliminates expensive welding. The body panels have double walls, or a honeycomb sandwich construction. The vehicle body may carry an advanced, non-polluting hybrid propulsion system and may ride on pressure-airless tires.

Abstract: The invention is a chassis skirt for a motor vehicle's chassis. The chassis skirt has a panel assembly that releasably engages a frame assembly. The frame assembly mounts to a chassis, such as to a chassis mounted bracket like a battery box. The frame assembly has spaced apart bracket assemblies that can have a pin extending from a bracket to engage receivers in the panel assembly. Isolators in the frame assembly also engage the panel assembly. A spring is used to assist in moving the panel assembly away from the chassis to access the chassis mounted bracket.

Abstract: A partition panel extends in a first direction to partition a passenger room from a trunk room in the rear portion of the car body and is provided with an opening. A floor panel extends in a second direction which is different from the first direction. Upper attaching portions respectively arranged in a pair of right and left upper end portions of an X-shaped reinforcing bar are fixed to upper attached portions formed on the partition panel. Lower attaching portions respectively arranged in a pair of right and left lower end portions of the reinforcing bar are fixed to lower attached portions formed on the floor panel.

Abstract: In one embodiment a mold for creating a molded-in-color vehicle panel is provided. The mold may have at least first and second mold members, each having a forming surface for forming a portion of the vehicle panel. One mold member is translatable relative to the other to collectively receive a heated resin with a molded-in-color to form the vehicle panel. At least one punch is provided within one of the first or second mold members. The at least one punch is actuatable to extend through the one forming surface of and is actuatable to extend through a nest to nest in the other forming surface for forming an aperture through a partially cooled vehicle panel.

Abstract: A vehicle door structure and a method for its manufacture are disclosed, the structure being for a vehicle having a door frame and a door mounted in the frame, the door having an interior facing into the vehicle and an edge surface in opposed relationship to the frame when the door is closed, the edge surface including sheet metal. An interior door panel is provided which includes a substrate mounted on the interior of the door, an edge portion of which is adjacent the sheet metal. A skin interiorly overlies the substrate to define an interior surface for the door, the skin extending from the door interior over the edge portion, beyond the substrate and onto the sheet metal. Flexing of or movement of the skin permits it to compensate for differences in position of the substrate when mounted on the door.

Abstract: A plate body includes: an inner bulge protruded on one side of the panel body and recessed on the other side and has a periphery spaced from attachment parts; connector bulges having a certain width protruded on the one side of the plate body and recessed on the other side and connect the periphery of the inner bulge to the attachment parts; and an outer bulge recessed on the one side of the plate body and protruded on the other side and continuous with the inner bulge, the connector bulges and the attachment parts. The inner bulge, the connector bulges and the outer bulge of the plate body are expansion-molded and include a skin layer formed on the surface and has high resin density and an expanded layer formed therein and has a plurality of voids and low resin density relative to the skin layer.

Abstract: An interior finishing panel for a vehicle, comprising a first wall) and a second wall opposed to each other at an interval. The panel is formed in a hollow double wall structure having an inner rib formed between the first wall and the second wall. A skin sheet with an averaged thickness of 2.0 mm or thinner is integrally laminated on the first wall. The skin sheet is formed in a double layer structure in which a nonwoven cloth with a weight of 250 g/m<2> or less is stuck on a resin sheet, and its tensile elastic modulus at room temperature is 3500 kg/cm<2> or less. A parting line and a step part are formed on a peripheral wall within the range of 35% of the averaged thickness of the panel from the first wall side over roughly all the periphery thereof, and the end of the skin sheet is melt-bonded to the peripheral wall along the step part. A three-dimensional pattern is produced on the surface of the resin sheet forming the skin sheet.

Abstract: A rear seat assembly is for use in an automotive vehicle having a package shelf includes a generally horizontal seat cushion, a seat back and a flap. The seat cushion is fixedly secured to the vehicle. The seat back is pivotally coupled to the vehicle for movement between a plurality of seating positions relative to the seat cushion. The seat back has a rear surface spaced apart from the package shelf to define a gap therebetween. The flap is fixedly secured to the rear surface of the seat back. The flap has a front wall adapted to be fixedly secured to the rear surface of the seat back. The front wall has an upper edge. An upper wall extends outwardly from the upper edge of the front wall for substantially concealing the gap while the seat back is in any one of the seating positions.

Abstract: This door construction for a vehicle has a door main body which includes: an inner panel on a cabin interior side; an outer panel on a cabin exterior side; and an interior decoration cover disposed on the cabin interior side of the inner panel. The interior decoration cover is joined to the outer panel through an opening formed in the inner panel.

Abstract: A hood structure comprises an outer and an inner which form a closed cross section through spaces. The inner's cross-sectional shape is an interconnected stair step curve based on a series of concentric geometric shapes. This multi-tiered hood structure can provide a uniform, excellent head impact resistance independent of material selection for the outer and inner panels. The multi-tiered hood structure also excels in rigidity, strength, weight, cost and manufacturability. Accordingly, the car body hood panel structure efficiently satisfies requirements of head impact resistance for pedestrian protection.

Abstract: A panel member includes an outer panel and an inner panel which are superimposed one on the other and have a seamed edge. In the seamed edge, the outer panel has a distal end surface enclosed by the outer panel and gripped between the outer panel and the inner panel. The inner panel includes a flange as a curved portion in an edge thereof. The outer panel and the inner panel are stacked in at least four layers in the edge.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a component (07, 25, 33), particularly for a vehicle (01), the component (07, 25, 33) being produced from a foamed polymer with formation of a hard foam body (11, 26, 36, 45, 52, 60, 66), and at least one electric and/or electronic functional element (10, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 35) being provided on the component (07, 25, 33, 50). A flat conductor set (08, 27, 34, 44, 51, 57, 67, 71) is provided for the electrically conductive contacting of the functional element (10, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 28, 35), in which at least two printed conductors (13) are attached jointly on or in an essentially planar and deformable insulator element (12, 30, 37), the flat conductor set (08, 27, 34, 44, 51, 57, 67, 71) being at least partially embedded in foam in the hard foam body (11, 26, 36, 45, 52, 60, 66).

Abstract: A utility trailer structural panel (10) of the skin-stiffener type has a skin (15) supported by uniformly spaced stiffeners or roof bows (39). Stiffeners or roof bows (39) are secured to panel skin (15) and extend outwardly from the associated panel skin (15). Each stiffener (39) has central flange (35) from which extend webs (36, 37) to mounting flanges (41, 42). Mounting flanges (41, 42) have free edges and respective beads or curls (44, 46) formed thereon for stabilizing of flanges (41, 42) to improve load transfer at the interface between the roof bows (39) and the skin (15).

Abstract: Front side members as a platform member of a vehicle are provided in a vehicle body on a lower side of an engine compartment to extend in a vehicle front-rear direction. A piping arrangement portion such as a piping recess is provided in an inner wall of the front side member in the vehicle front-rear direction. A liquid tube and a suction tube of a refrigerant piping are provided in the piping arrangement portion along the front side member. The liquid tube is for introducing refrigerant to an evaporator in an air conditioning unit provided in a passenger compartment, and the suction tube is for introducing refrigerant from the evaporator to a compressor provided in the engine compartment.

Abstract: A method of fabricating composite vehicle panels includes the steps of forming a first, upper panel having a depending peripheral lip, forming a second, lower panel of laid up woven mat or strips of a fibrous material such as fiberglass or carbon fibers and a plastic resin to form a corrugated panel having a depending peripheral lip, placing an adhesive on the raised portions of the corrugations and the peripheral lip of the second panel and securing the panels together at the corrugations and about their peripheral lips.

Abstract: A belt molding includes an elongated molding body mounted along a clearance portion between a frame member and a panel member of a vehicle, a first acting portion provided at the molding body and configured to push the frame member, and a second acting portion provided at the molding body and configured to engage with the panel member. The second acting portion is elastically formed in order to establish an engaged state where the second acting portion is engaged with the panel member and a disengaged state where the second acting portion is disengaged from the panel member. The second acting portion includes a pressing portion which is configured to be pushed towards the frame member along the panel member by an external device inserted between the panel member and the molding body to change the engaged state to the disengaged state.

Abstract: A straddle-ride type vehicle (e.g., a scooter) comprises a vehicle cover assembly that includes at least a cover that partially covers the vehicle's body and a rear side cover that covers the cover from the outside of the vehicle body. The cover including a projection at an end thereof that extends toward the rear side cover. This construction of the cover assembly eases the manufacture of the covers and eases the assembly thereof so as to present a high quality of outward appearance without strictly controlling the manufacturing tolerances of the covers.

Abstract: A panel having active material based segments, wherein the segments define a hinge location that can be selectively stiffened or folded on demand. The active material based segments include an active material such that activation of the active material by an activation device can allow folding of the panel, can effect self-folding of the panel, or can serve to lock the panel into a fixed position when not activated. In this manner, the panel that can be variously stiffened or folded on demand. Other embodiments include forming the panel of the active material such that the panel can be compacted and stowed upon activation of the active material to change the modulus properties thereof.

Abstract: A racing vehicle has a plurality of molded body panels. Certain ones of the molded body panels are made with pre-impregnated filler reinforced fiberglass material. A first layer of pre-impregnated fiberglass material is formed to the panel shape. A second layer of pre-impregnated fiberglass material is formed in physical contact with the first layer of fiberglass material. A first filler layer is disposed between and in physical contact with the first and second layers of fiberglass material. A third layer of pre-impregnated fiberglass material is formed in physical contact with the second layer of fiberglass material. A second filler layer is disposed between and in physical contact with the second and third layers of fiberglass material. A foam core is disposed between and in physical contact with the second and third layers of fiberglass material. The molded body panel is connected to the racing vehicle with spring steel rods.

Abstract: A structural panel for an automotive vehicle includes an outer panel and a variable strength inner panel attached to the outer panel. The inner panel utilizes active elements formed from shape memory alloy (SMA). A controller activates the SMA elements so as to transform the inner panel from a normal state to a higher strength state in the event of an impact directed against a vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention is a floor panel structure of a car body that can reduce noise within the automobile cabin. The present invention is a car body floor panel structure wherein the floor of an automobile has a floor panel connected to car body frame members, and also a predetermined mode of vibration is generated to suppress the generation of acoustic emission from the floor panel. The floor panel vibration mode adjusting structure has rectangular rigidity adjusting areas that are formed by causing the floor panel to protrude upward or downward in order to generate 2×1 mode or 2×2 mode vibration in the floor panel in a frequency band that nearly matches the tire cavity resonance frequency.

Abstract: As a wrist portion of an application robot equipped with a plurality of application nozzles moves in a predetermined operation pattern, viscous damping and constraining materials having different properties are simultaneously injected from the application nozzles so that immediately after the damping material is injected from the preceding application nozzle, as viewed in the moving direction and applied to a vehicle body panel as an underlayer material, the constraining material having different property is injected from the succeeding application nozzle, as viewed in the moving direction, and applied as an overlayer material over the underlayer material.

Abstract: A wall or roof of a trailer are formed from a first panel and a second panel which are joined together by a cap and a strip which interengage. The cap includes a base wall and an interlock provided thereon. The base wall abuts the outer surfaces of the panels. The strip includes a base wall and an interlock provided thereon. The strip and cap are separate members. The base wall of the strip abuts the inner surfaces of the panels. The interlock of the strip and the interlock of the cap mate together to form a joint. At least one of the interlocks extend between the panels. The panels may be composite panels or may be from a single sheet or multiple sheets of metal. An adhesive may be provided between the base wall of the cap and the outer surfaces, and an adhesive may be provided between the base wall of the strip and the inner surfaces.

Abstract: A separated-panel structure of a vehicle body panel including: a first panel, forming a part of an outer shape of a vehicle, including an outer face, a first flange face formed at the rear end of the outer face, and a second flange face formed an end of said outer face to face the trunk opening; a second panel, arranged at the rear of said first panel, including a first bottom face, a first wall face connected to said first bottom face and overlapping said first flange face, and a third flange face formed contiguously to said first wall face and overlapping said outer face, and a fourth flange face formed facing the trunk opening; and a third panel, arranged between a trunk opening and said first panel and between the trunk opening and said second panel, including a second wall forms as a part of an edge of the trunk opening, a third wall face overlapping said second flange face and said fourth flange face, a second bottom face connecting said second wall face and said third wall face, a fifth flange face for

Abstract: An illuminated panel portion for vehicles or vehicle accessories is provided having a generally translucent panel defining a selected design. The translucent panel is disposed in an aperture of an adjacent panel of the vehicle or vehicle accessory such that the outer surfaces of the translucent panel and adjacent panel are substantially flush. A light source is disposed in relation to the panel for illuminating the translucent panel.

Abstract: A cab for a vehicle, such as an all terrain vehicle, a tractor, or small construction vehicle, is constructed of twin-sheet plastic panels that can be easily assembled, preferably with snap-together interlocking features. One of the panels can be a door panel having a door hinged to a door frame to control passage through a doorway. Both the door and the door frame have spaced apart hinge knuckles that interleave along a hinge axis to allow the door to pivot about a hinge pin. The door and door frame can be molded in a single twin-sheet panel. The two walls of the panel are fused together along the outer periphery of the panel door portion and the inner periphery of the panel door frame portion. The door is separated from the door frame by cutting the each of the walls along a door perimeter between the door and door frame portions of the molded panel.

Abstract: A vehicle body structure is provided that includes a vehicle body panel and a mounting bracket fixedly attached to the vehicle body panel. The vehicle body panel includes a main panel portion defining an exterior fascia surface of a vehicle and a panel mounting flange extending from the main panel portion. The mounting bracket includes a bracket attachment portion arranged to overlie the panel mounting flange and to extend beyond a free end of the panel mounting flange such that a fastening structure of the bracket attachment portion is located beyond the free end of the panel mounting flange of the vehicle body panel. Preferably, the vehicle body panel has other vehicle panels such as a fender panel and/or a wheel housing liner panel attached to the vehicle body panel via the mounting bracket. Preferably, the vehicle body panel is an elongated bumper fascia panel.

Abstract: A motor vehicle chassis skirt panel provides for hiding components attached to the outside of the frame rails of a vehicle chassis in a first, closed position and allowing access when moved to a second open position. The chassis skirt panel is mounted below a truck body on at least one side of the vehicle and is set in a track allowing the panel to be moved back and forth.

Abstract: A method of fabricating composite vehicle panels includes the steps of forming a first, upper panel having a depending peripheral lip, forming a second, lower panel of laid up woven mat or strips of a fibrous material such as fiberglass or carbon fibers and a plastic resin to form a corrugated panel having a depending peripheral lip, placing an adhesive on the raised portions of the corrugations and the peripheral lip of the second panel and securing the panels together at the corrugations and about their peripheral lips.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel joint which includes an anchoring system between composite plate side walls of a trailer body. The anchoring system includes track members which are provided at multiple points on each side wall. Beams extend between the respective track members by attachments and are attached thereto. The beams can be moved up and down along the tracks and support cargo or a removable deck which supports the cargo. The track members can also be removed from the joints without dismantling the entire joint. Splicing members are attached at the joints on the outside of the trailer body.

Abstract: A motor vehicle body part, especially a motor vehicle roof, cargo bed, or the like, which includes a composite material having an outside skin and a support structure in a sandwich structure. In order to prevent penetration of moisture into the support structure, the support structure, at least in certain areas, is provided with a vapor barrier layer.

Abstract: An open hem flange for a vehicle door includes an inner reinforcing panel and an outer panel having a first outer portion and a second inner portion folded about the inner panel at a base. The inner reinforcing panel includes dimpled sections against the second outer portion which provides a gap between the inner panel and the second inner portion of the outer. A gap also exists between the inner reinforcing panel and the outer portion of the outer panel to allow the hem flange to be properly cleaned and electrocoated.

Abstract: A clip assembly mounts a cladding panel to a body. The clip assembly includes a clip and a key guide. The clip has a head and a shaft. The head is adapted for attaching to a flange of the cladding panel. The key guide has a hollow body sized to receive and retain the shaft in a first and second engagement position. The key guide is configured to be inserted into a slot on the body structure and upon rotation is retained within the slot. One end of the cladding engages the pilot aperture and an opposite end engages a slot. The cladding is adjustable relative to the body structure while in a first engagement position and is held in place for further fastening when in a second engagement position.

Abstract: A cargo body for transport by a cargo vehicle includes a floor, side walls and optionally a roof wall, where at least one wall has a plurality of elongated posts. The posts attach an outer skin to inner wall panels. The front face of each elongated post has a recessed trough opening to a cargo area defined by the walls and the floor.

Abstract: A trim element (1) includes a base element (2) of rigid plastic material, a supple skin (4), and a layer of foam (6), the trim element having a principle region (8) and a marginal region (10). The marginal region (10) includes an end region (16) in which the base element has a substantially constant thickness (e16) and the layer of foam is absent, and a coupling region (18) at a distance from the edge (12) of the base element (2) and the edge (14) of the skin (4) and in which the base element (2) has a thickness (e16) smaller than the thickness (e16) in the end region (16).