Abstract: A method for reinforcing, baffling or sealing a vehicle structure, comprising the steps of providing a material having openings formed within the material so that the material may be stretched to fit a particular vehicle structure.

Abstract: A trunk compartment may include a trunk lining having a trunk top coat member and a trunk spacer member. The trunk coat top member may have an inner surface that may define a portion of the trunk lining and an outer surface. A trunk spacer member may be operatively connected to the trunk coat top member and the vehicle frame. The trunk coat top member and the trunk spacer member may be formed in the same mold.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a door seal member which is easily fitted into the door of a car. A door seal member 13 is fitted between the door panel 11 and the door trim board 12, wherein the door seal member 13 is manufactured by the vacuum and/or pressure forming or cold working of a foamed sheet, the door seal member 13 being molded into a cubic shape corresponding to that of the door trim board 12.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are interior vehicle surfaces having a substrate and a covering having imposed thereon a decorative pattern. The covering is applied to the substrate oriented so that a segment of the decorative pattern forms an angle of less than ninety degrees with a visual reference line. Application of the covering includes determining a visual reference line with respect to the interior vehicle surface to be covered, rotating the covering less than ninety degrees such that a segment of the pattern originally parallel to the visual reference line is now angled with respect to the visual reference line and applying the rotated covering to the interior vehicle surface.

Abstract: A sealing member that mitigates oscillating noises and its installation method is provided. In the sealing member for covering an opening formed at a door inner panel, at least one bead is installed at a covering portion facing the opening. Thus, the stiffness of the covering portion of the sealing member is increased. It is therefore possible to prevent the covering portion from oscillating, thereby inhibiting the sealing member from generating the oscillating noises.

Abstract: A finishing panel structure for an automobile comprising a trim panel, a deformable panel and a retainer bracket. The trim panel is connectable to the automobile and defines a panel opening. The deformable panel at least partially covers the panel opening, and defines a latch opening and at least one mounting apertures proximate to the latch opening. The retainer bracket defines a retainer bracket opening. At least one projection extends from at least one of the trim panel or the retainer bracket, and extends through the mounting aperture of the deformable panel. At least one engaging structure is formed on the other of the trim panel or the retainer bracket to engage the projection.

Abstract: Reinforced wood flooring for truck trailers and containers and methods for making and using the same. A reinforced wood flooring may include a wood member. The wood member may include a plurality of wood strips that are attached together. The wood member may also have a top surface and a bottom surface. An essentially water impermeable underlay may be attached to the bottom surface of the wood member with a discontinuous layer of adhesive.

Abstract: A finishing panel structure for an automobile comprising a trim panel, a deformable panel and a retainer bracket. The trim panel is connectable to the automobile and defines a panel opening. The deformable panel at least partially covers the panel opening, and defines a latch opening and at least one mounting apertures proximate to the latch opening. The retainer bracket defines a retainer bracket opening. At least one projection extends from at least one of the trim panel or the retainer bracket, and extends through the mounting aperture of the deformable panel. At least one engaging structure is formed on the other of the trim panel or the retainer bracket to engage the projection.

Abstract: Interior parts for vehicles such as a front pillar garnish having a mounting bracket 32 to which a mounting clip 40 is connected so that the front pillar garnish is mounted to a front pillar. The mounting bracket 32 is formed on the inner side (that faces the front pillar) of the garnish main body 30 and has an inclined guiding portion 70 in its accommodating space 36 so that the flexible portion 46 of the mounting clip 40 inserted into the accommodating space 36 is bent inside the mounting bracket 32 by the inclined guiding portion 70, and the second engaging portion 50 at the distal end of the flexible portion 46 is prevented from contacting the garnish main body 30 by way of the opening 72 of the mounting bracket 32, thus allowing the mounting clip 40 not to be forcibly pressed against the garnish main body 30.

Abstract: A trunk compartment may include a trunk lining having a trunk top coat member and a trunk spacer member. The trunk coat top member may have an inner surface that may define a portion of the trunk lining and an outer surface. A trunk spacer member may be operatively connected to the trunk coat top member and the vehicle frame. The trunk coat top member and the trunk spacer member may be formed in the same mold.

Abstract: An automotive body and trim assembly is provided that utilizes locating features on only a single sheet metal layer of a multi-layer body frame pillar to position a trim member, thus minimizing variability in the final assembled position of the trim member. The single sheet metal layer has both a fore-aft-locating feature and a cross-car-locating feature. A fore-aft-positioning feature and a cross-car-positioning feature on the pillar trim member are spaced to permit contact with the fore-aft-locating feature and the cross-car-locating feature, respectively when the pillar trim member is assembled with the body frame pillar, so that only the single sheet metal layer determines the fore-aft and cross-car position of the pillar trim member. A method of assembling a pillar trim member and a body frame pillar having multiple sheet metal layers is also provided.

Abstract: A laminated barrier is provided that can be easily attached to the frame of a vehicle door. The barrier reduces the passage of water, dust and sound into and through the vehicle door. The barrier is generally flat and includes a channel formed therein that aids in locating a bead of adhesive material, aligned with, but located on an opposite side of the barrier from the channel. The bead of adhesive material bonds the barrier to the door frame of the vehicle. The channel acts as a witness line and can be formed as part of an overall thermoforming step, or more simply by using a single heated die element during a step when the barrier is trimmed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a foam-molded member having a skin with which peeling or floating does not occur when the skin is wrapped. Also disclosed is a method of manufacturing the foam-molded member having a skin. A foam-molded member having a skin, such as a door trim, includes a core, a skin, foam and a fixing member. The core can be folded at a folding portion, and the skin faces the core. The foam is filled in a space between the core and the skin. The fixing member fixes the core that is integrally formed with the skin and the foam and is folded at the folding portion. The core is divided into a body portion and an extension portion, with the folding portion serving as a boundary. The extension portion folded at the folding portion is fixed to the body portion by the fixing member.

Abstract: A platform for use in establishing a load supporting surface upon a vehicle seat bottom. The platform includes at least one and typically a plurality of planar shaped panels, connected in either hinged or telescoping fashion, and which are displaceable from a stored to an extensible position covering a vehicle seat bottom, such that the upper surface of the platform is maintained in level fashion between front and rear locations of the seat bottom. The assembleable platform may be provided as a separate aftermarket item or may be incorporated into a vehicle interior console such that it is displaceable outwardly and across the vehicle seat.

Abstract: A vehicle is disclosed having a vehicle body and a module. The vehicle body has a front end and a rear end with an opening formed through the rear end. The module is sized to be received within the rear end opening. The module has at least a portion of a vehicle interior mounted therein. The module is adapted to be inserted into the opening of the rear end to cooperate with the vehicle body to form the at least a portion of the vehicle interior. A modular vehicle interior system is disclosed with a module which is sized to be received within a rear end opening of a vehicle body. A method for assembling a vehicle interior is also disclosed.

Abstract: In a structure for attaching an interior trim panel around an automotive front pillar, in which an airbag (6) is stored in a space in the range from the inside of a front pillar trim (2) to the inside of a roof lining (3), an engagement projection (92) projecting in almost the same direction as the deployment direction of the airbag is provided at intervals in the range from a flange (11) of a door opening (7) to the inside of a vehicle compartment in a portion which is adjacent to a joint portion (L1) of the front pillar trim and the roof lining and extends along the door opening of a vehicle body panel (10) located on the inside of the front pillar trim, and on the other hand, an engagement portion (24) projecting in the substantially opposite direction to the deployment direction of the airbag is provided on the back surface of an end edge portion on the door opening side of the front pillar trim (2), whereby the engagement portion (24) is engaged to the engagement projection (92).

Abstract: A device in a part (1, 24) of a mining or construction vehicle including a wear protection structure (3-9,14, 25, 27), which is intended to comprise a portion of the part that is subjected to wear from abrasive material during loading or dumping. Said wear protection structure has grooves (10-12,15, 26, 28) having an extension that extents at an angle to a general movement direction of abrasive material against the wear protection structure during said loading or dumping. The wear protection structure is positioned such on the part that said abrasive material passes it during loading and/or dumping. The grooves are widening towards an outer surface of the wear protection structure. The invention also concerns a part including such a device.

Abstract: A front pillar trim structure for a curtain airbag in a vehicle is disclosed. In preferred configurations, the front pillar trim structure comprises a handle mounted on a front pillar trim so that a passenger can conveniently use the handle when entering or exiting a vehicle, and wherein the front pillar trim is adapted to be moved effectively by the expansion force of the curtain airbag without being destroyed when a vehicular collision occurs.

Abstract: A flexible adjustable liner for station wagons, minivans and SUVs comprising a water-resistant material with sealed bottom, front and side sections to prevent spillage or leakage into the storage area, and a rear section that opens and closes with the tailgate or hatch door, thereby allowing cargo items to be easily placed onto or removed from the liner. The liner is suspended by an adjustable tether-support system. The adjustable support system comprises a system of cords that are attached along the ceiling or upper windows of the vehicle via a series of suction cups and/or the original equipment clothes hooks, conforming the liner to the entire storage area. The cords are adjustable in length and are set by spring-detent cinches to vary the coverage of the liner across the cargo area.

Abstract: A snap fastener has female and male snaps. The female snap, and in one embodiment the male snap, are thermoformed from sheets of thermoplastic material having a uniform thickness, in integration with the objects which the snaps are provided to join. In one use, an array of spaced-part fasteners is used to join a rear portion of a vehicle cargo liner to a front portion thereof. The fastener has particular application in fastening thermoformed articles of low flexural modulus.

Abstract: A method of inspecting unevenness of a partition wall surface of a honeycomb structure includes the steps of: allowing a diffusion light to enter from one end face 8 side by a predetermined lighting means 3 and to exit from the other end face 8 side of the honeycomb structure 2 after passing it through the inside of the cells, allowing the exited diffusion light to pass through a translucent screen 4 disposed on the other end face 9 side of the honeycomb structure 2 to act as a transmitted light, projecting a transmitted image 13 by means of the tone of the transmitted light onto the transmitted light side of the screen 4, picking up the transmitted image 13 projected on the screen 4 by an imaging means 5, and analyzing by an analyzing means 6 the gray level of the obtained image to inspect for each cell the degree of the surface unevenness of the partition walls. This method enables easy inspection on the surface unevenness of the partition walls of the honeycomb structure 2.

Abstract: A trim panel (10) includes at least one integrally-formed first member (12) and at least one integrally-formed second member (14) extend from an outboard surface (16) of the trim panel (10). The at least one integrally-formed first member (12) engages an inboard surface (42) of a barrier (36) to push the barrier (36) in an outboard direction. The at least one integrally-formed second member (14) extends through an opening or perforation (40) of the barrier (36) to retain the barrier (36) to the trim panel (10). The barrier (36) may be a water/acoustic ingression barrier (36). The at least one integrally-formed first member (12) causes an adhesive bead (44) arranged on an outboard surface (46) of the barrier (36) to positively engage an inboard surface (48) of an inner door panel (38). The at least one integrally-formed second member (14) extends through an opening or perforation (40) of the barrier (36) to retain the barrier (36) with the interior door trim panel (10).

Abstract: A vehicle interior trim component and a method for manufacturing the same are provided in which a vehicle interior trim component comprises a substrate provided with a groove portion having a plurality of bottomed groove portions and a plurality of cutout groove portions from which the bottoms have been cut, and a trim member provided with a first cover portion, the second cover portion, and a fixing member mounted on a boundary portion between the first cover portion and the second cover portion, the first cover portion located on the opposite side of the groove portion from a second cover portion, the trim member covering the substrate. The boundary portion including the fixing member is attached to the groove portion by insertion through one end of the groove portion. Each of the cutout groove portions is provided on its edge with a retainer for retaining the fixing member.

Abstract: A surface protector for the cargo area of a vehicle. The protector includes a roller assembly formed by a pair of tubular slides, one received in the other, so that the length of the roller assembly can be adjusted. Flexible sheets are attached to the slides and are able to move with respect to each other during adjustment of the length of the roller assembly. This provides a corresponding adjustment of the width covered by the sheets. The slides are mounted on a mounting assembly which includes feet to bear against opposing walls of a vehicle cargo area.

Abstract: A passenger compartment of a motor vehicle, in particular a passenger automobile, is provided having a dashboard, which has a lower cover connected thereto, and having a carpet laid out in the foot well of the vehicle, which is situated raised up from the foot well floor in the area of a forward front wall of the vehicle. In this passenger compartment, the carpet is provided with at least one molded-on support for the forward area of the cover of the dashboard in its raised area. A simple, and also secure mounting of a lower cover for a dashboard, which is rapid to mount, is provided in this way in a motor vehicle.

Abstract: In a vehicle having a cargo space, a reversible mat is situated at the same level as the retaining rails and/or their cover on the cargo space floor and between the retaining rails of a transport securing system projecting from the cargo space.

Abstract: A seal for a dump bed door provides a resiliently deformable elongate sealing member having a planar portion and a resiliently deformable cylindrically enlarged bulbous portion defining a medial channel at one elongate edge. An anchoring strap communicating with the planar portion and fasteners extending through spacedly arrayed holes defined therein fasten the sealing member to an edge portion of the dump bed door with a portion of the bulbous portion overhanging the edge of the dump bed door. Closing the dump bed door causes the overhanging bulbous portion to frictionally engage with and “pop” up onto the adjoining dump bed surface. Weight of material carried within the dump bed deforms the elongate sealing member and bulbous portion providing a seal between the dump bed door and the adjoining dump bed surface of a closed dump bed door.

Abstract: An undercover for a vehicle, which covers a silencer which is disposed on a lower surface of a body of the vehicle for discharging reacted gas of a fuel-cell mounted in the vehicle, wherein an opening is formed so as to correspond in position to an open portion which is formed at an end of a discharge pipe of the silencer.

Abstract: A temporary rubber coating compound, which is preferably sprayed from a can, can be used as a protective coating for vehicle surfaces against insects and other debris on the front of vehicles and can be used as a protective coating in truck beds before a plastic drop-in truck liner is installed. A method of protecting a vehicle includes forming a protective coating on the vehicle using this rubber coating compound.

Abstract: A cargo enclosure for a vehicle includes a side panel having at least one pocket is formed therein. The pocket has a back wall, a pair of opposing side walls and a front wall having an aperture therein. A bottom surface of the pocket is canted downwardly from the back wall toward the aperture in the front wall such that any debris or other material that may infiltrate the pocket will readily slide down the canted bottom surface, through the aperture and onto a bottom surface of the cargo enclosure.

Abstract: A body assembly of a motor vehicle comprises an outer body structure of a motor vehicle, an interior member disposed between the outer body structure and a passenger compartment at a predetermined distance from the outer body structure, and an inner member comprising a moisture vapor permeable metalized composite sheet comprising a sheet layer having first and second outer surfaces and at least one multi-layer coating on said first outer surface of the sheet layer, the multi-layer coating comprising a first metal coating layer having a thickness between about 15 nanometers and 200 nanometers adjacent the first outer surface of the sheet layer and an outer organic coating layer of a composition containing a metal selected from the group consisting of organic polymers, organic oligomers and combinations thereof, having a thickness between about 0.2 micrometer and 2.5 micrometers deposited on the metal layer.

Abstract: Methods and systems for an armor system are provided. The system includes a first face sheet and a shaped preform extending from the first face sheet. The preform includes a first edge proximate the first face sheet, a sidewall extending from the first edge to a flange extending substantially perpendicularly from the sidewall. The preform circumscribes an area of the first face sheet. The system also includes a tile of armor material complementarily-shaped to fit within the area circumscribed by the preform. The tile is positioned within the preform such that at least a portion of the tile is between the first face sheet and the flange. The system includes a second face sheet covering the preform and the tile on a side opposite from the first face sheet.

Abstract: An armrest 11 formed in a door lining of an automotive door lining 10 includes an upper wall 12 fitted with a power window switch 23, a lower wall 14 provided with an opening 19 permitting access to a lower part of the switch and a detachable lid 30 fitted on the opening. Thus, the opening in the lower wall of the armrest enables a worker to connect a wire harness drawn out of the interior of the door to the lower part of the power window switch. Because the opening is formed in the lower wall of the armrest which is usually concealed from the vehicle occupant, it does not produced any aesthetically negative impact. If desired, the opening may also be formed in other parts of the armrest as long as the opening is favorably concealed or otherwise prevented from impairing the external appearance of the door lining.

Abstract: A fender liner includes a surface layer serving as the outermost layer and an inner layer located between the surface layer and the outer surface of a wheel well. The surface layer and the inner layer are formed of nonwoven fabric. The nonwoven fabric forming the inner layer has a higher tensile strength than that of the nonwoven fabric forming the surface layer. Accordingly, the fender liner has a favorable noise reduction capability, and has a sufficient rigidity to bear a weight increase due to water absorption. Alternatively, the nonwoven fabric forming the surface layer may have a higher bulk specific gravity and a smaller fiber diameter than those of the nonwoven fabric forming the inner layer. In this case, the noise reduction capability and the durability are both improved.

Abstract: A disposable bed bag, such as for a pick-up truck cargo bed, includes a bottom panel and a plurality of side walls that form a generally rectangular parallelepiped with an open top that fits within the cargo bed. The bed bag can be placed within the cargo bed to provide a barrier between received cargo and the cargo bed. The bed bag also includes a plurality of attachment points for securing the bed bag within the cargo bed. The bed bag can also envelope received cargo by using a drawpull that brings the side walls toward each other.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an insulation structure for the internal insulation of a vehicle. The insulation structure will contribute to ensuring the fire protection for interior regions of the vehicle from a (conceivable) fire incursion from outside the vehicle environment, so that evacuation of the passengers from the vehicle is made significantly easier. Intended modifications to a typical insulation package will implement an elevation of the fire protection safety for separated interior regions lying proximal to a structure external skin. The insulation structure for the internal insulation of a vehicle comprises an insulation package, which is implemented using an insulation, and a film, which is positioned inside an intermediate space that includes internal paneling and an external skin of the vehicle. The insulation package is implemented homogeneously using a first insulation, whose insulation material is burn-through safe.

Abstract: A retainer employs a flexible arm with an internal rib. In another aspect of the present invention, a retainer has at least one generally triangularly shaped projection laterally extending from an arm. A further aspect of the present invention retainer provides a laterally enlarged member, a trim panel-retaining head and stem, a central post, one or more flexible wings flexibly spanning between a tip of the post and the laterally enlarged member, and an internal rib and/or at least a pair of generally angular extensions flexibly extending from each arm.

Abstract: An animal traveler/animal comfort assembly is provided for use in a passenger vehicle. The assembly generally includes a compressible base having a front side, a substantially opposing rear side, a left side and a right side located between the front side and rear side. The base is conveniently sized to fit within and closely conform to a cargo space, or other interior space, of a vehicle, for example, a sport utility vehicle. The base may include a lower layer of support foam and an upper layer of memory foam, the layers being encased by a substantially puncture resistant covering. Upstanding front and rear panels are connected to the front side and rear side of the base. The front and rear panels may be hingedly connected to the base to facilitate ingress and egress of the animal. The assembly further includes opposing, upstanding side panels which may be removably connected to the left side and right side of the base.

Abstract: A cover made of an elastomer material to act as protection for a steel hopper of very heavy-duty trucks and train cars. The cover protects the metallic hopper or cars from shocks from boulders and material of varied granulometry, in addition to providing protection against abrasion, unloading and corrosion. Fastening elements prevent the cover from loosing as a result of the dragging generated by the unloading of materials from the hopper. The protection provided by the cover increases equipment availability and decreases stopping time during repairs.

Abstract: A method for production of a component in a tool having a cavity-forming first and a second tool half comprises the following steps: a) insertion at least of two skins with angled-over end regions into the second tool half such that the angled-over end regions of the skins are situated adjacently with the same orientation and angling; b) rear-foaming or rear-spraying of the skins with a foam material or injection moulding material, c) after insertion of the skins, the end regions of the skins being pressed together in a foam-tight or spray-tight manner at least in regions by pressing at least on one side of the end regions which are situated one above the other against a wall which determines the form and position of the pressed-together end regions.

Abstract: This invention relates to a vehicle load area liner comprising a sheet foldable to form a receptacle having a base and a wall around the base, the receptacle being arrangable in use to be mounted in the load area of a vehicle, and wherein at least a portion of the wall of the receptacle is unfoldable to provide a flap able to mask the threshold of the load area, when the vehicle load area is open, in use. The invention further provides a method of protecting a vehicle load area comprising the steps of: (a) providing a liner of the invention; and in any order; (b) folding a liner to form a receptacle; and (c) mounting the liner on the floor of the vehicle load area.

Abstract: Embodiments of a vehicle door structure are provided, wherein the door structure comprises a door panel configured to couple to a vehicle frame. The door panel comprises at least one clip receptacle disposed on a lower portion of the door panel. The vehicle door structure comprise a molding component comprising at least one clip, wherein the molding component is flush mounted to the lower portion of the door panel, wherein the at least one clip engages the least one clip receptacle of the door panel.

Abstract: A single-layer or multi-layer plastic skin is formed into a covering for coated objects, such as trim parts of a motor vehicle. Regions in the plastic skin include switching, sensor, or transmission functionality.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated method for a cargo hold skirt is provided with a plurality of fasteners configured for attaching one end thereof to a cargo hold of an automobile for draping the cargo hold skirt from the attached end over an exterior surface of the automobile. The cargo hold skirt has first and second layers that are edgewise connected along at least one edge to keep the layers together and that are edgewise disconnected along at least one edge in order to make exposed surfaces of the layers reversible.

Abstract: A load-carrying bed system for attachment to a frame of a vehicle includes a headboard member adapted for securement to a first support component associated with the truck frame and a second separate support component associated with the truck frame. The second support component forms a portion of the frame along a lateral side of the vehicle. A left side wall member is adapted for securement to the second support component. A right side wall member is adapted for securement to the second support component. At least a portion of the headboard member overlaps at least a portion of the left side wall member and at least a portion of the right side wall member. The overlapping portions are secured to both the respective left and right side members and the second support component of the truck frame.

Abstract: Removable cargo liners for a stroller and methods of using the same are disclosed. An example cargo liner includes a plurality of side walls and a floor coupled to the side walls to define a cargo area that is at least partially open at the top. The side walls and floor are sized to nest at least partially within the cargo basket of a stroller. The cargo liner is releasably secured to the cargo basket such that the cargo liner is removable from the cargo basket without removing the cargo basket from the stroller.

Abstract: A roof system for a mobile occupancy structure having a roof substrate and a roof member mounted to the mobile occupancy structure may include a roof membrane having at least one thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV) membrane layer affixed to the roof substrate. The roof system may also include a sealant disposed about or adjacent the roof member with the sealant being adhered to the TPV membrane layer. The TPV membrane layer includes a TPV polymer bonding additive and the sealant includes a sealant polymer bonding additive with the TPV polymer bonding additive and sealant polymer bonding additive interacting to promote adhesion of the sealant with the TPV membrane layer. The sealant may be a substantially solid sealant having at least approximately 90% solids by weight prior to being applied about the roof member.

Abstract: In a joining structure, a protruding portion on the side of a first component is a hollow body that prevents bringing about sinking, deforming, and cracking of the side surface of the first component part, even in the event that the protruding portion is enlarged in order to increase strength for connecting the first component part and a second component part. In addition, the connecting groove on the side of the second component part is also defined by a hollow body that includes a pair of supporting ribs and a supporting plate bridging the pair of supporting ribs. Consequently, the hollow body can prevent defects of sinking, deforming, and cracking in the side surface of the second component part, even in the event that the supporting ribs and the supporting plate are increased in thickness in order to enhance the rigidity of the coupling arrangement between the first and second component parts.

Abstract: A plastic spacer/riser to increase useable height of a reclosable fastening system, such as 3M™ Dual Lock™ or Velcro® hook and loop products. The spacer/riser is adapted to be held in place on an external substrate with hot-melt glue, sonic welds, pressure sensitive adhesives, or screws.

Abstract: Provided is an interior trim for an automobile which facilitates adjustment of an anisotropic structure of an armrest. The interior trim for an automobile is provided with an armrest projecting from a trim body which supports the armrest on a surface side of the trim body disposed on a cabin side of a car body. The armrest includes a core member, and multiple pad layers stacked on the core member, and boundary surfaces of the pad layers are made separable by external force applied from a side.