Abstract: A headliner assembly for an automotive vehicle is provided. The headliner assembly utilizes a pre-formed headliner and a preformed inflatable permanent air duct liner which is molded in place using foam to substantially surround and adhere said air duct liner to said headliner.

Abstract: A reinforcement (10) is connected between right and left-side front pillars, and reinforces an instrument panel. A section of the reinforcement (10) has a letter-H type shape. Therefore, a torsional rigidity needed for the reinforcement is secured, and a wire harness (33), a first steering support (14) or the liked can be disposed in a space formed by the letter-H type shape, so that space is effectively used. Furthermore, the reinforcement (10) is formed integrally with a center brace (13), the first and second steering supports (14, 15), a passenger seat-side airbag-securing member (16), a striker (17) of a glove box, and the like, by a die-cast method, so that the number of component parts and the production cost can be reduced.

Abstract: A system for reducing the drag on a trailer comprises a series of air ducts mounted beneath the trailer which each have an intake located beneath the trailer. The duct is connected to a plurality of vertical pipes, each having vertically-spaced pipes air discharge holes. Movement of the trailer forces air to flow into the inlet, through the ducts and out the outlets. Preferably, the duct inlets face the front and the side of the trailer, and the ducting forces all inlet air into a common plenum, through a venturi and out through a series if outlets spaced about the rear surface of the trailer. A vortex generator may be used and a spoiler is fitted. The entire system is designed to be retrofitted to existing trailers without loss of cargo space.

Abstract: A method for producing two fascias using two ventilation structures which are common at least in part, comprising the steps of producing a first and a second ventilation structure, each comprising one or more pliable duct portions identical between one ventilation structure and the other; producing a first cover for a fascia, having one or more first air vents, and a second fascia cover, different from the first, and having one or more second air vents; positioning the pliable duct portions of the first ventilation structure by way of first positioning lug and assembling said pliable duct portions of the first ventilation structure and the first air vents; positioning the pliable duct portions of the second ventilation structure by way of second positioning lug distinct from the first, and assembling said pliable duct portions of the second ventilation structure and the second air vents.

Abstract: A sealing device between an element (1) partitioning two separate zones (A, B) and a specific fitting (2) set in front of an opening (3) provided in the partition (1) against one of its faces housing a soundproof lining (4) so as to allow communication between zones (A, B) through the fitting (2) via a sealing joint. The sealing joint is formed by the extension (4a) of the soundproof lining (4) itself, extending towards the peripheral edges (3b) delimiting the opening (3) of the partition (1) and by such value as to enable an integral peripheral contact with a peripheral zone (2a) of the fitting (2) to be installed.

Abstract: A structural assembly (1) for a dashboard comprising a metal cross-member (2) extending in a direction of elongation and a structural member (4). The structural member, made of plastics material, moulded on the metal cross-member, has a passage forming an air duct (20). Said air duct ajoins the metal cross-member relative to which it extends substantially parallel.

Abstract: An automobile instrument panel assembly for the cockpit of an automobile. The assembly includes, in one embodiment, a cross-car beam structure for supporting the assembly. The structure extends across a substantial portion of the cockpit and defines a plurality of generally planar mounting sites and further defines at least one recess. At least one substrate is mounted to the beam and includes at least one area of the substrate populated by electronic components on both sides of the substrate. The area is aligned over the at least one recess, and an instrument panel cover is removably positioned over the substrate and the structure.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed towards a structural member formed from a sheet metal reinforced with blow-molded member. The sheet metal is in form of a channel with three sides. The blow-molded member has a first portion that contours the three sides of the channel and a second portion that is connected to the first portion to define a hollow interior. The sheet metal has a plurality of openings such that the blow-molded member forms a retention bulb around the openings.

Abstract: A heat insulator apparatus for a vehicle floor, includes a plurality of heat insulating plates interposed between a vehicle floor and an exhaust part disposed below the vehicle floor in such a manner that the mutually adjoining heat insulating plates forms a gap therebetween to thereby form an air passage therebetween, for preventing the heat of the exhaust part from being transmitted to the vehicle floor. At least one of the heat insulating plates is formed such that an air entrance portion of the air passage is narrowed.

Abstract: A hybrid supporting structure for a vehicle dashboard, comprising:

Abstract: A structural member for providing a structural load path from a structural system to the floor of a vehicle is provided. The structural member has a stud plate with a plurality of studs extending therefrom. The studs are adapted to structurally connect to the steering column support structure, the structural system, and the center brace. The center brace also includes a plurality of molded attachment features for integrally attaching vehicle components to the center brace.

Abstract: The radiating section (830) of the control unit (800) is exposed to air flowing in the intake path (710) formed in the panel body (450). Due to the foregoing, it is possible to cool the control unit (800) by air (about 35° C.), the temperature of which is lower than the temperature of air (about 60° C.) which has passed through the condenser (200) and the radiator (100). Accordingly, the cooling effect (cooling capacity) can be enhanced. Therefore, the size of the radiating section (830) can be reduced, and the structure of the control unit (800) (the mounting structure of the electronic parts (810)) can be simplified. As a result, the manufacturing cost of the control unit (800) can be reduced.

Abstract: A molded article, e.g., a cross car beam (3), which includes a rigid support (a) having a plurality of perforations, e.g., rigid support (12), and a rigid hollow thermoplastic member (b), e.g., an air duct (15), attached thereto is described. A portion of the thermoplastic material of rigid hollow member (b) extends through at least some of the perforations of rigid support (a), embedding the edges of the perforations therein. The thermoplastic material extending through the perforations forms an attachment element, e.g., an attachment head (24), that serves to fixedly attach rigid hollow member (b) to rigid support (a). Also described is a method of preparing the molded article of the present invention, in which the rigid hollow member (b) is fixedly attached to the rigid support (a) during the blow mold fabrication of rigid hollow member (b).

Abstract: An air channeler device is provided for use with a vehicle having a forward and rearward end for reducing wind resistance of the vehicle. The air channeler has an air inlet for positioning within an air stream surrounding the vehicle so that air is received in the inlet as the air stream moves about the vehicle. An air discharge is provided for positioning at a generally central location of the rearward end of the vehicle and has a width that is substantially less than the width of the rearward end of the body so that the air discharge is spaced inward from the edges of the rearward end. An air conduit couples to the vehicle and has a generally tubular passageway that is in communication between the air inlet and the air discharge for directing air from the air inlet through the conduit to the discharge.

Abstract: A vehicle body part composed of: an outer skin forming a part of the outer surface of a vehicle; and an inner part disposed between the outer skin and the interior of the vehicle, the inner part performing a thermal insulation function, wherein the outer skin and the inner part enclose an air flow path through the body part adjacent the outer skin.

Abstract: The invention relates to a conversion system and method of converting a vehicle into a police car or similar emergency vehicle in a manner which is easily installed and removed and designed so that it causes no damage to the vehicle, thereby improving the resale value of the vehicle upon termination of the lease or retirement of the vehicle from service.

Abstract: When the suction opening portion 121 is covered with the decoration grill 300 from the front side of a vehicle, the suction chamber 140 filled with air is formed on the front side of the suction opening portion 121, and the communication passage 141 to connect the suction chamber 140 with the outside of the suction chamber 140 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle is formed into a labyrinth structure by the decoration grill 300, bumper cover 410 and front end panel 100. Due to the above structure, it is possible to supply air, which has been sucked from the outside of the engine compartment, to the engine while foreign material, such as rain water and snow, is prevented from being sucked into the engine.

Abstract: An assembly body has a vent duct arranged below an instrument panel of a vehicle and a glove compartment is provided. This duct assembly body includes of two panels divided into an upper-half and a lower-half, which are formed by resin injection molding, and a lower-half of the vent duct and the glove compartment are integrally molded in the lower-half panel.

Abstract: A motor vehicle cockpit is prefabricated and contains a flat shaped piece serving as a mounting plate for a visible shell, a heating or air-conditioning system and operational elements. An impact protection is formed by a box-section of the motor vehicle body that extends under the front edge of the windscreen and a cross-member. The impact protection is completed by the flat shaped piece that couples to the box-section and the cross-member, preferably coupled with a linear introduction of force. In the event of a vehicle frontal impact, the flat shaped piece and coupled box-section and cross-member absorb the energy of impact.

Abstract: A washable car or truck interior has been invented to allow easy cleaning with the use of a water hose. Washing can be done using direct water flow from a common garden hose on to the interior surfaces which until now would not be possible The invention is comprised of a closeable drain which is located on the interior floor. The floor is sloped toward the drain. Seats have horizontal surfaces that are curved as to not allow water to collect and pool. The dashboard and rear shelf surfaces slope toward floor, which is also sloped toward the drain. After the interior surfaces are washed, the water or soap and water is flows out of the care though the closeable drainage holes located in the lowest part of the interior floor.

Abstract: A structural assembly (1) for a dashboard comprising a metal cross-member (2) extending in a direction of elongation and a structural member (4). The structural member, made of plastics material, moulded on the metal cross-member, has a passage forming an air duct (20). Said air duct ajoins the metal cross-member relative to which it extends substantially parallel.

Abstract: Dashboard structural assembly comprising a formed elongate metal structure (2) and a structuring functional member (4) of plastics material incorporating an air duct, over-moulded on the elongate metal structure. The elongate metal structure (2) comprises a first portion having a first thickness and a second portion having a second thickness which is less than the first.

Abstract: A plastic cross car beam for a motor vehicle includes first and second members joined together at sealing points to form at least two ducts. The cross sectional shapes of the ducts are essentially constant along the length of the cross car beam and shaped to provide structural support for various types of loadings. Each duct is provided with at least one inlet, aligned with an HVAC assembly, and one outlet, aligned with a vent or register. Preferably a support member, which is integral with one of the members, extends downward from one of the ducts and supports an HVAC case. Also, preferably, the support member is provided with a pocket for receiving an energy absorbing bracket.

Abstract: A separator panel water management system is provided for a vehicle. The vehicle includes a separator panel positioned within an opening defined between a vehicle interior and a vehicle cargo box. The separator panel is pivotable between a closed position within the opening and an open position away from the opening to allow cargo to extend from the cargo box through the opening into the vehicle interior. A seal is positioned within the opening to seal the separator panel within the opening to prevent water leakage from the cargo box into the vehicle interior. A water management tray is positioned below the opening to receive any water which leaks past the seal into the vehicle interior. The water management tray has at least one channel formed therein to direct the water into at least one hole formed through the tray. A water discharge path is configured to receive water from the hole and to direct the water out of the vehicle interior.

Abstract: There is provided an instrument panel frame for achieving high strength and light weight and for enabling a complicated shape. The partial frames and divided by a plane in the widthwise direction of the vehicle body are joined to each other, and the duct passage is formed between them.

Abstract: A molded product has a main body formed of a monolithic sheet of thermoplastic. The thermoplastic sheet has side and back sections extending horizontally at substantially right angles to one another and define an upright orientation of the molded product. The side and back sections are connected to a central vertical spine between the side and back sections. An intermediate angled section interrupts the vertical spine and located between the side and back sections. Front and rear major surfaces cover the main body. A plurality of apertures through the intermediate angled section connecting the front and rear major surfaces and serve as an integral speaker grill.

Abstract: A rigid removable cargo mat extends over and is supported by a sheet metal floor in the cargo compartment of a motor vehicle and has an integral rear sill plate portion extending into a rear entry/exit way that provides for access to the cargo compartment. The cargo mat has channels that collect any liquid deposited on the mat and are adapted to drain such from the vehicle in both a forward direction and a rearward direction from the mat via the floor below as well as out the rear entry/exit way. The cargo mat is a molded lightweight part formed of a plastic composition with a skin containing a color pigment complementing the color scheme of the vehicle's interior trim. The cargo mat is adapted for easy removal by being fastened to the floor by a tab at the front end of the mat and by easily releasable fasteners at the rear end of the mat.

Abstract: Vehicle floor coverings are provided with tubular air ducts therewithin that are configured to deliver air from air sources upwardly through a porous structure of the floor covering and into a vehicle compartment. Vehicle floor coverings are provided with electrical wiring harnesses therewithin that can facilitate the interconnection of various vehicle electronic components. Vehicle floor coverings are provided with optical fibers therewithin that are configured to deliver light from a light source to one or more locations within a vehicle and/or to provide special effects and customization of vehicle interiors.

Abstract: The interior of the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle is provided on its outer limiting surfaces with heat insulating materials, preferably to such an extent that a complete heat insulation is achieved. Such a complete heat insulation makes considerable and weight and energy savings possible when using heating and/or air conditioning systems in vehicles, and a corresponding reduction of pollutant emissions. The ecological effect of this measure is particularly reinforced if renewable raw materials are used as heating insulation materials, either alone or combined with plastics into composite materials in the individual areas of the motor vehicle. By appropriately designing and sizing the heat insulating measures, they can also lead to additional improvements are regards weight, mechanical stability and sound insulation, besides the actual heat insulating effect, substantially improving the usability and ecological compatibility of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: An air channeler device is provided for use with a vehicle having a forward and rearward end for reducing wind resistance of the vehicle. The air channeler has an air inlet for positioning within an air stream surrounding the vehicle so that air is received in the inlet as the air stream moves about the vehicle. An air discharge is provided for positioning at a generally central location of the rearward end of the vehicle and has a width that is substantially less than the width of the rearward end of the body so that the air discharge is spaced inward from the edges of the rearward end. An air conduit couples to the vehicle and has a generally tubular passageway that is in communication between the air inlet and the air discharge for directing air from the air inlet through the conduit to the discharge.

Abstract: A cross car structure member including a beam comprising a hollow extended aluminum metal tube extending across the vehicle between the vehicle pillars, preferably, with the interior of the tube being used as a heating, ventilating and air conditioning duct.

Abstract: A dashmat for use in a vehicle passenger compartment comprising a firewall separating the passenger compartment from an engine compartment and a floorboard extending rearwardly from the firewall. The dashmat comprises a decoupling layer shaped to span the width of the vehicle passenger compartment. The decoupling layer has a lower surface adapted to abut the firewall and floorboard, and an upper surface adapted to face an interior of the passenger compartment. A header is formed in a front portion of the decoupling layer and is adapted to connect to a supply duct from a vehicle HVAC system. An air distribution channel is formed in the decoupling layer and extends rearwardly from the header through a substantial portion of the decoupling layer for distribution of conditioned air from the header throughout at least a front portion of the vehicle passenger compartment.

Abstract: A vehicular carpet assembly comprising an underlayment or pad attached to a carpet material. A conduit is attached to the underlayment. The conduit is adapted to receive an elongated flexible member of a type including electrical wiring, release cables, fluid hoses and the like.

Abstract: An instrument panel support, positioned between A columns of a motor vehicle, has a profiled support member with an integrated air guide system. The profiled support member has at least one air inlet and at least one air outlet connected to the air guide system. The air guide system forms at least a portion of a heat exchanger of an air conditioner of the motor vehicle. Preferably, at least one heat exchanger conduit is integrated into the air guide system.

Abstract: A sun visor comprises a front and a back and is desirably configured and mounted in a way to generate positive lift in a direction approximately normal to the back surface of the sun visor. A sun visor in accordance with one embodiment comprises a back, which may be of a plural section construction, designed for mounting to a front sun visor member. The front member and back may define a wiring receiving passage to receive wiring for lamps mounted to the sun visor. The sun visor back may have an upper edge portion that terminates in general at a location which is above the location of any lamps mounted to the sun visor.

Abstract: A vehicle chassis having substantially all of the mechanical, electrical, and structural componentry necessary for a fully functional vehicle, including at least an energy conversion system, a steering system, and a braking system. The chassis is configured for matability with a variety of different types or styles of vehicle bodies. Various prior art mechanical control linkages between a driver and controlled systems are replaced with non-mechanical control signal transmission components. Fuel cell technology is also implemented.

Abstract: A vehicle chassis having substantially all of the mechanical, electrical, and structural componentry necessary for a fully functional vehicle, including at least an energy conversion system, a steering system, and a braking system. The chassis is configured for matability with a variety of different types or styles of vehicle bodies. Various prior art mechanical control linkages between a driver and controlled systems are replaced with non-mechanical control signal transmission components. Fuel cell technology is also implemented. A quick plastic formed (QPF) engineered body floorpan includes formations thereon to provide structural integrity to support body components and acts as an assembly aid. The body floorpan is formed from a single aluminum alloy sheet.

Abstract: An air channeler device is provided for use with a vehicle having a forward and rearward end for reducing wind resistance of the vehicle. The air channeler has an air inlet for positioning within an air stream surrounding the vehicle so that air is received in the inlet as the air stream moves about the vehicle. An air discharge is provided for positioning at a generally central location of the rearward end of the vehicle and has a width that is substantially less than the width of the rearward end of the body so that the air discharge is spaced inward from the edges of the rearward end. An air conduit couples to the vehicle and has a generally tubular passageway that is in communication between the air inlet and the air discharge for directing air from the air inlet through the conduit to the discharge.

Abstract: A vehicle chassis having substantially all of the mechanical, electrical, and structural componentry necessary for a fully functional vehicle includes at least an energy conversion system, a steering system, and a braking system. The chassis is configured for matability with a variety of different types or styles of vehicle bodies. Various prior art mechanical control linkages between a driver and controlled systems are replaced with non-mechanical control signal transmission components. Fuel cell technology is also implemented. A quick plastic formed (QPF) rigid sheet (belly pan) includes cavities formed therein to facilitate attachment of various components of the energy conversion system, energy storage system, braking system, steering system, etc.

Abstract: A vehicle chassis having substantially all of the mechanical, electrical, and structural componentry necessary for a fully functional vehicle, including at least an energy conversion system, a steering system, and a braking system. The chassis is configured for matability with a variety of different types or styles of vehicle bodies. Various prior art mechanical control linkages between a driver and controlled systems are replaced with non-mechanical control signal transmission components. Fuel cell technology is also implemented.

Abstract: A vehicle window ventilation system of this invention contains vertical slots in forward portions of the window or frame. Air due to vehicle movement passes in the slots to the cavity between the windowpanes. There is a passage for airflow from the cavity rearward to the door handle where there is spacing for outward passage of air. The forward location of the vertical slots allows for the flow of air across a wide area of the windows and hence a minimum reduction of visibility due to moisture in the cavity. The air passageway rearward through the cavity between the windows and then through the door to the rearward located door handle allows for a dispersion pattern of air that covers a large amount of the surface area of the double pane window. While an external fan could be used to enhance the removal of flow of air the forward location of the vertical slots and the rearward location of the inner door passageway to the door handle alleviates the necessity of having a fan.

Abstract: In one exemplary embodiment, an integrated structural HVAC system (ISHS) includes an ISHS first section and an ISHS second section which are secured to one another to form the ISHS. In one embodiment, the ISHS first section includes a molded first cross beam which includes integral molded features and the ISHS second section likewise comprises a molded second cross beam having integral molded features. The first cross beam includes a number of vent openings formed therein and the second cross beam includes a plurality of fluid ducts formed therein. The first cross beam and second cross beam mate with each other and are securely attached to one another to form the ISHS. In a preferred embodiment, the fluid ducts provide both cockpit/instrument panel structure as well as fluid channels for directing air to desired locations within a vehicle compartment or the like.

Abstract: A sandwich construction vehicle roof module with an inner shell applied to this made of a dimensionally stable foam plastic has, integrated in the inner shell and formed from its foam plastic, grilles for air outlet and/or air passage. The grilles are therefore not components to be produced separately and installed in the inner shell, but unobtrusive elements of the inner shell itself and allow dazzle-free indirect lighting of the vehicle interior and/or the passage of targeted air flows for the ventilation and air extraction system for the vehicle interior.

Abstract: A drainage arrangement for a folding roof of a hard-top vehicle having a front roof part and a rear window that can be moved into a storage position in the luggage compartment with the aid of pivotable C pillars, the rear window being pivotable relative to the C pillars (2). Associated with the bottom edge of the rear window is a seal which has a water-guiding channel formed therein. The channel opens in the area of the C pillars into a collecting trough (12), which in turn is connected by a flexible hose (13) to a moisture space of one of the vehicle side windows.

Abstract: A portable two-piece motorcycle windshield assembly includes an upper windshield panel having a lower edge and a lower windshield panel having an upper edge with a shape complementary to the shape of the upper windshield panel defining the lower edge. Connector rods are provided for releasably connecting the upper windshield panel and the lower windshield panel together. The lower edge of the upper windshield and the upper edge of the lower windshield mate together in edge-to-edge aligned registration with each other to collectively form a two-piece windshield. A pair of connector brackets are carried adjacent a bottom edge of the lower windshield panel for releasably attaching the assembled windshield to handlebars of a motorcycle.

Abstract: A structure for wiring circuits on a panel of a vehicle body, consists of a panel board separate from the panel of the vehicle body, which has conductors laid in a desired wiring pattern for constituting the circuits; and a receiver space provided in the panel of the vehicle body for receiving the panel board, wherein the panel board is mounted in the receiver space to wire the circuits on the panel of the vehicle body. Preferably, the conductors are at least partially exposed for electric connection to an auxiliary to be mounted on the panel of the vehicle body. The structure enables an easy wiring of circuits and gives an improved configuration flexibility for the panel, reliably retains circuit-constituting conductors, provides an improved workability, and is better adapted for connecting to an auxiliary.

Abstract: Disclosed is a component in a hybrid construction, in particular a cross member for arranging between A-pillars of a motor vehicle, having a shell-shaped base body which is stiffened by plastic reinforcing ribs and in which at least one duct is provided. In order to be able to integrate a duct in an advantageous manner, it is proposed that the duct is formed at least in some areas from a plastic shell which is injected together with the reinforcing ribs, extends in the longitudinal direction of the component and can be closed by means of a cover so as to form the duct. The component according to the invention is used as a dashboard support in a motor vehicle.

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 base unit for mounting on a console of a motor vehicle formed by a ventilation device and a control and/or display device. The base unit is arranged on the console so that the control and/or display device can be used by a passenger in a rear seat of a motor vehicle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a component, in particular a crossmember for arranging between A-pillars of a motor vehicle, having an essentially tubular base body in which at least one duct is provided. In order to provide an improved lightweight component which can be produced in a more simple manner using fewer working steps and therefore more cost-effectively and in which, in an advantageous manner, a duct can be integrated, it is proposed that the base body is lined on the inside with plastic in order to form duct walls consisting of plastic.