Abstract: A multi-panel door comprises a plurality of side-by-side door panels and a water-resistant shield. Each one of the door panels is pivotably attached at an edge thereof to an adjacent one of the door panels thereby defining an edge interface between the adjacent ones of the door panels. Each one of the door panels has a cargo space facing major surface and an exterior facing major surface generally opposite and spaced apart from the cargo space facing major surface. The water-resistant shield extends over at least a portion of the cargo space facing major surface of all of the door panels. The water-resistant shield covers each edge interface defined by the door panels and wraps at least partially around a bottom longitudinal edge of a lower-most one of the door panels.

Abstract: An apparatus to protect a wear surface of a vehicle, the apparatus having a resilient layer and a fabric layer bonded to the resilient layer, wherein the fabric layer is configured to be bonded to the wear surface of the vehicle. Other embodiments include an apparatus to protect a vehicle wear surface, the apparatus having a plurality of liner sections, wherein each liner section is configured to cover and be adhered to a portion of the vehicle wear surface, each of the plurality of liner sections including a resilient layer bonded to a fabric layer, wherein the fabric layer is configured to be adhered to the vehicle wear surface. Other embodiments include a method to protect a vehicle wear surface, the method including covering the vehicle wear surface with a plurality of liner sections wherein each liner section has a resilient layer and a fabric layer, adhering the fabric layer of each liner section to the vehicle wear surface, and joining adjacent liner sections together.

Abstract: A garnish assembly for an automotive pillar having a garnish dimensioned to cover the pillar and in which the garnish has a predetermined thickness and an elongated through slot. A spacer is disposed in the slot while a fastener extends through the spacer and is secured to the pillar. The spacer has a length at least as long as the predetermined thickness of the garnish and a cross-sectional shape smaller than the area of the slot so that the garnish is slidable relative to the spacer. The fastener may also be used to secure a handgrip to the pillar.

Abstract: A fixing member includes a base portion having an opening portion at side surfaces thereof, a pair of flange portions protruding from a free end portion of the base portion, at least one elastic portion perpendicularly extending from a lower surface of each flange portion toward within the opening portion of the base portion, and at least one pair of engagement portions protruding from inner surfaces of the base portion. The inner surfaces of the base portion are opposed to each other. When the fixing member for fixing car interior material to a vehicle body is engaged with a boss member, the elastic portion presses against both sides of the boss portion by its distal end portion of the elastic portion.

Abstract: This invention relates to an integrated trim panel system, comprising: a trim module; at least one component attached to the trim module via a living hinge, wherein the trim module and the living hinge are injection molded together, and the at least one component is adapted to be folded about the living hinge and attached to the trim module without separating the at least one component from the trim module.

Abstract: A twin-sheet thermoforming process for the manufacture of vehicle headliners. In the process a first sheet and second sheet of SuperLite material are mounted onto respective frames. The frames transfer the sheets into an oven, where they are heated to a desired temperature using IR. The first sheet is combined with a cover-stock material using compression molding forming a covered first headliner part. The covered first headliner part is then transferred to a second mold station. The second sheet is heated and then transferred from the oven to the second mold station where it is vacuum-formed on the upper half mold, forming a second headliner part. The upper and lower mold halves are pressed together fusing and sealing the first and second headliner parts into a unified part. The unified part is then unloaded and trimmed as necessary forming a headliner.

Abstract: A garnish assembly for an automotive pillar having a garnish dimensioned to cover the pillar and in which the garnish has a predetermined thickness and an elongated through slot. A spacer is disposed in the slot while a fastener extends through the spacer and is secured to the pillar. The spacer has a length at least as long as the predetermined thickness of the garnish and a cross-sectional shape smaller than the area of the slot so that the garnish is slidable relative to the spacer. The fastener may also be used to secure a handgrip to the pillar.

Abstract: An apparatus for locking a door trim panel to a door module includes: at least one hook depending from an inwardly directed surface of said door trim panel; an elongate locking element having a first end and a second end, the first end being connected to an end of the hook by way of a hinge; at least one receiver depending from an opposing surface of said door module and being operable to engage said hook, the receiver including an edge directed toward the opposing surface of the door module; and a cleat depending from the surface of the door trim panel and operable to engage the second end of the locking element when the locking element is a locking position, wherein the edge of the receiver engages the locking element and prevents the hook from disengaging from the receiver once the second end of the locking element engages the cleat.

Abstract: A motor vehicle includes a body shell element, an interior-covering part for the body shell element, an energy-absorbing deformation element arranged between the body shell element and the interior covering part, and a deformable supporting element connecting the interior-covering part to the body shell element. The deformation element is constructed as a sheet metal part in the shape of an elongated hollow profile, and includes at least one fastening leg and at least one deformation leg. The fastening leg is connected with the interior-covering part. The deformation leg starts out from the fastening leg and faces the body shell element. The deformation characteristics of the deformable supporting element are designed in consideration of the deformation characteristics of the deformation element. The deformation leg is arranged at a distance from the body shell element.

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: This invention relates to a novel containment device which can be removably placed in the rear interior of a vehicle and used for containing sundry items. More particularly, this invention pertains to a novel flexible box tarpaulin which can be detachably installed in a vehicle and used to haul cargo without soiling the interior of the vehicle. A removable container for positioning in the interior of a vehicle which comprises: (a) a web-like member which forms an enclosure; (b) at least two securing members which removably secure the web-like member in an erect position to appropriate locations on the interior of the vehicle; and (c) a closable opening in the web-like member.

Abstract: A connection part between a panel and a support includes a body provided with an elongated segment that extends through an orifice made in the support. It incorporates an over-injected part made of a soft and compressible material on the body. The over-injected part has an absorption ring that envelopes a segment of the body and is in contact with a neck of retainer joined to the panel, thereby absorbing the lateral compressions resulting from positional misalignments due to manufacturing errors and expansions of the support and the panel.

Abstract: A protective device for a cargo area of a vehicle having doors and a rear opening includes an enclosure to be positioned in the cargo area of the vehicle and having an opening for receiving cargo. A plurality of straps is attached to the enclosure for extending through the doors and rear opening for connecting external the vehicle for securing the enclosure within the cargo area.

Abstract: The invention relates to a motor vehicle having a housing, at least one part of the internal surface of which is covered by at least one lining panel (1), and objects (3, 4, 5) such as cables, flexible printed circuits, flexible flat cables or anti-vibration blocks which are disposed between the lining panel (1) and the housing. One of the faces of the lining panel(s) (1) is provided with loops and male anchoring elements, particularly hooks (8), which are used to fix the objects and/or housing, with which said hooks are associated, to the panel(s).

Abstract: The present invention provides for an improved trim part, e.g. a bolster or trim plate, with integrated appliqué for use in a trim assembly, and to a continuous two-shot molding operation that may be performed utilizing a single mold assembly. In an exemplary embodiment, the trim part, i.e. a bolster, includes a substrate formed by injecting a first material into a first shot mold cavity in a first shot of a molding operation. An appliqué is provided in a second shot mold cavity then a cover is formed between the substrate and appliqué by injecting into a mold chamber a second foamed material in a second shot of the molding operation. The formed cover is integrally molded to at least a portion of the substrate and the appliqué to form a trim part with integrated appliqué.

Abstract: An interior lining part, in particular a roof liner for a vehicle, includes at least a relatively dimensionally stable core layer and a decorative layer facing the interior of the vehicle as well as a reinforcing profile extending at least partially essentially along an edge of the interior lining part. The core layer and the decorative layer exhibit bent over end sections for the formation of the edge. The reinforcing profile exhibits at least a first profile section running essentially in the direction of the end section of the core layer and a second profile section extending outwards from it.

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: A trim assembly suitable for attachment to a door has an interior portion, wherein the interior portion includes at least one retaining mechanism, integrally formed thereon, and wherein the at least one retaining mechanism extends from the trim panel, and a seal having first and second sides, wherein the first side of the seal is adapted to bond to the door frame, and wherein the second side of the seal is capable of being removably retained by the interior portion of the trim panel by the at least one retaining mechanism.

Abstract: A protective liner for a truck bed, and a method for making the same. The liner includes a coated liner adhesively coupled to a truck bed, the coated liner having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, the first surface contacting the truck bed and having a transverse section and a bed section, the transverse section and the bed section forming a cavity; and a pre-formed liner disposed within the cavity and at least partially contacting the second surface.

Abstract: A mounting device (30) for mounting a vehicle interior part (20) to a vehicle body 10 includes a first engaging portion (31), a second engaging portion (32), and a movement limiting portion (33). The first engaging portion (31) is engaged and thus fixed to the vehicle body (10) so as to be kept from being disengaged therefrom under a predetermined load. The second engaging portion (32) is engaged and thus fixed to the interior part (20) so as to be disengaged therefrom under the predetermined load. While the second engaging portion (32) is engaged with the interior part (20), the movement limiting portion (33) is kept within an interior space (22) formed in the interior part (20). When the interior part is detached and moves away from the vehicle body (10), the movement limiting portion (33) prevents the interior part (20) from moving away from the vehicle body (10) by a distance exceeding a predetermined value.

Abstract: An automotive interior trim component includes a rigid substrate member that forms the structural support for the trim component. A portion of the substrate member has a thickness that is reduced relative to surrounding portions of the substrate member to define a target area for providing a soft feel to the trim component. The trim component may further include a flexible cover layer and a backing member disposed on a side of the substrate member opposite the cover layer. The substrate member and cover layer may be formed in a two-shot molding operation.

Abstract: Liner for a bed of a vehicle includes a member having a substantially flat portion with ribs that, in one embodiment, in a first part are arranged in an array extending along a front to rear axis, and in a second part have at least one array extending obliquely to the array of the first part. In another embodiment, ribs are arrayed such that in cross section a bank of the ribs includes at leant one outer rib member part that spans obliquely from a substantially flat part of the liner into an upper member of a rib that it in part forms.

Abstract: A water and acoustic barrier positionable between a vehicle trim piece and a vehicle body member includes a sheet having a first layer formed of an interpolymer material and a second sheet layer formed of a polyethylene material. A raised rib is formed about at least a portion of a sheet perimeter. The raised rib having an adhesive bead forms a seal between the sheet and the vehicle body member. A raised form positioned adjacent the raised rib but oppositely oriented from the raised rib acts to substantially equalize a sealing pressure along the length of the raised rib. A plurality of apertures define fastener attachment points to connect the barrier to the vehicle trim piece.

Abstract: An automotive door protector according to one embodiment includes a curtain mountable to a door, the curtain being substantially coextensive with an outer periphery of an adjacent inner side of the door. An engaging mechanism attached to the curtain couples the curtain to the door.

Abstract: A method for forming a molded panel comprising a rigid substrate, a cover material, and a localized composite pad. The method comprises providing a molding tool having a first mold and a second mold, the first mold having a cavity; inserting a cover material between the first mold and the second mold; placing a composite pad comprising an impregnable layer and a non-impregnable layer in the cavity of the first mold, wherein the non-impregnable layer is facing the second mold and the impregnable layer is abutting the first mold; introducing resin into the molding tool; and solidifying the resin to form the molded panel whereby the non-impregnable layer of the composite pad is located adjacent the cover material.

Abstract: There is provided a door structure of an automobile, capable of being visually checked as to whether or not a peripheral edge of an opaque water.noise isolation sheet is reliably bonded to a door inner panel through the intermediary of a sealer (adhesive). With the door structure, the door inner panel of the automobile is provided with the opaque water.noise isolation sheet for ensuring watertightness and noise isolation after stopping up at least access holes of the door inner panel, and the inner peripheral edge of a transparent film substantially annular in shape is fixedly attached to the outer peripheral edge of the opaque water.noise isolation sheet, thereby forming a structure wherein the outer peripheral edge of the transparent film is bonded to the door inner panel through the intermediary of the sealer (adhesive).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for attaching an undercover to the underside of a car body floor panel having a plurality of studs, comprises tubular fasteners that are inserted into respective mounting holes of the undercover with diametral clearance and that are engaged with the studs. Each fastener comprises clips coupled to one another and having flanges that exert a predetermined clamping force on the undercover while permitting displacement of the undercover along the floor panel due to thermal deformation.

Abstract: An interior shield that is located immediately beneath the lid of the storage compartment of a vehicle to prevent interior objects from damaging the lid. The storage compartment can be in the front of the vehicle or in the rear of the vehicle. The shield is made of strong lightweight material such as ABS plastic which can be removably attached to fit over the interior of the lid of the storage compartment by attaching means such as plastic clips.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a modular door trim panel assembly having an integrated seal for use in an automotive interior including a molded substrate having a first side defining an A-side surface visible from the interior of vehicle and a second side opposite the first side defining a B-side surface. The substrate includes a pair of side terminal edges and a lower terminal edge extending therebetween. The modular door trim panel assembly further includes at least one seal co-molded while the substrate is formed and bonded to the B-side of the substrate. The seal extends substantially parallel to the pair of side terminal edges and the lower terminal edge of the substrate and prevents the entry of moisture between the B-side of the substrate and the vehicle door. The present invention also relates to a method of molding the modular door trim panel assembly having an integrated seal.

Abstract: A combined trim panel and water shield includes a water shield having opposite first and second surfaces, and is of a size and shape to generally conform to a door panel and a trim panel to be protected. The trim panel is configured to cover a vehicle door panel and has a first surface configured to face an interior compartment of the vehicle and a second surface opposite the first surface. A first sealing layer, applied in a predetermined pattern, engages the first surface of the water shield and the second surface of the trim panel. A second sealing layer, applied in a predetermined pattern, engages the second surface of the water shield. In a further aspect, a sealing system is provided for application to a vehicle interior trim panel to prevent the entry of water or dust into an interior compartment of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle body structure has a heat radiation insulating arrangement that improves the thermal environment inside a vehicle cabin when the vehicle is positioned at a sunny location during hot weather by increasing the insulation effects of the automobile body along with blocking radiant heat. The heat radiation insulating arrangement of vehicle body structure forms a first space by arranging a light shielding shade on the inside of a windowpane, a second space formed between the exterior roof panel and ceiling material, and an air passageway that links the first space and the second space to allow the air to flow from the first space to the second space. A reflective material is provided on the surface of the second space of the ceiling material.

Abstract: A bed system for a pickup truck includes a first member adapted for securement to a first support component associated with a truck bed. The first member has a first surface for contacting cargo and a first edge portion extending at least partially along the periphery of the first member. A second member is adapted for securement to a second support component associated with a truck bed. The second member has a second surface for contacting cargo and has a second edge portion extending at least partially along the periphery of the second member. At least a portion of the second edge portion is oriented in at least a partially overlapping spaced relationship to at least a portion of the first edge portion at an interface. A cushioning element is located between the overlapping first and second edge portions at the interface. The cushioning element is resiliently compressible and permits relative movement between the first and second edge portions at the interface.

Abstract: There is provided a car door structure which comprises an interior door trim 52 at an interior side of a door inner panel 11, and a noise isolation sheet 20 which is installed between the door inner panel 11 and the door trim 52, covering the door inner panel 11 partially or wholly. The edge portion of the noise isolation sheet 20 is nipped by a nip portion 40. The nip portion 40 is formed with portions of the door inner panel 11 and the door trim 52 by making the portions come closer.

Abstract: A vehicle bodywork component intended in particular for automotive construction is formed in the manner of a sandwich having an outer layer made from a synthetic sheet or an aluminum sheet and an inner synthetic layer, which is applied by foaming to the outer layer. The outer layer may be formed from a plurality of pieces of different colors. These may abut directly against one another. In another example, a trim or cover strip is between the pieces, which are fixedly connected to one another by the foam applied against them. The trim or cover strip may have a web-like projection which is partly enclosed in foam when the synthetic layer is applied by foaming, in order to secure the trim or cover strip in place.

Abstract: A floor panel for a vehicle compartment includes a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. The first surface and the second surface have different material properties. One of the surfaces is provided with a plurality of rollers disposed to project above the surface when the surface is uppermost. Both of the first and said second surfaces are capable of being uppermost while the floor panel is located in the vehicle compartment.

Abstract: In at least certain embodiments, the present invention relates to a trim panel assembly and a method of making the same. The trim panel assembly comprises a housing having a perimeter portion defining an opening. The housing comprises a housing panel and a housing skin covering at least a portion of the housing panel. The trim panel assembly further comprises a door moveable between a first position wherein the door closes the opening to a second position wherein the door provides access to the opening. The door comprises a door panel and a door skin covering at least a portion of the door panel. The trim panel assembly further comprises a bumper disposed between the housing and the door. The bumper and at least one of the skins are made during the same injection molding step.

Abstract: An inner shell (10) for vehicle bodies molded from a foam plastic includes at least one flap (14) which can move optionally between a non-usage position to a usage position. Preferably the flap (14) serves as a sun visor, allows access to a function element or a cavity (16), or both. According to the invention the flap (14) is formed as a part of the inner shell (10) and in its non-usage position closes essentially surface-flush with the areas of the inner shell (10) adjacent to the flap (14).

Abstract: Fastening element for a trim panel in the interior of a motor vehicle, said fastening element being fastened between a structural part (1) of the motor vehicle and the trim panel in such a manner that the trim panel can be removed, and foam being provided between the trim panel and structural part. In order, with reduced costs for manufacturing and logistics, to be able to absorb a large amount of work of deformation and to be exchangeable, the fastening element (5) itself is a body which consists of light metal foam, in which at least one insert (8) is integrated, said insert being exposed on the side which faces the trim panel (15), and wherein the trim panel is fastened releasably to the exposed part (9) formed in this manner.

Abstract: A protective layer embodying the principles of the present invention is configured for protection of automotive surfaces, including specifically, the protection of a truck-bed against wear induced by a truck-bed liner. The protective layer has a substantially planar configuration sized to permit the layer to be positioned generally between an associated truck-bed liner and a truck-bed, whereby the abrasion is significantly reduced. The layer comprises a fibrous nonwoven fabric formed from fibrous and/or filamentary elements, with the fibrous nonwoven fabric exhibiting a sufficiently reduced coefficient of friction and sufficient durability to absorb or distribute abrasive actions, while allowing passage of moisture, thus protecting the automotive surfaces against potentially detrimental environmental conditions.

Abstract: A motor vehicle bed or bed liner is vacuum formed from a panel of co-formed layers of thermoplastic material having a roughened surface. The panel is co-formed of two layers of material having distinct compositions and characteristics. The upper surface of the co-formed composite is then roughened or textured by a brush which contacts one surface. The co-formed and roughened composite panel is then vacuum formed into, for example, a truck bed or bed or cargo compartment liner.

Abstract: A protective liner for a truck bed, and a method for making the same. The liner includes a coated liner adhesively coupled to a truck bed, the coated liner having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, the first surface contacting the truck bed and having a transverse section and a bed section, the transverse section and the bed section forming a cavity; and a pre-formed liner disposed within the cavity and at least partially contacting the second surface.

Abstract: A pillar trim structure suitable for a vehicle equipped with a curtain type airbag. A suspending bracket is formed on the inner surface of the pillar trim in the vicinity of a screw housing. Restrainers are disposed between the pillar trim and the suspending bracket. A supporting plate is inserted into the gap formed between the restrainer and the suspending bracket, wherein the pillar trim and said supporting plate is secured together to a body panel of a vehicle by means of a screw that passes therethrough, so that a detachment of the pillar trim from the body panel, which is mainly caused by an inflation (explosive) force of the airbag, is effectively prevented during the deployment of the airbag.

Abstract: A mounting device (30) for mounting a vehicle interior part (20) to a vehicle body 10 includes a first engaging portion (31), a second engaging portion (32), and a movement limiting portion (33). The first engaging portion (31) is engaged and thus fixed to the vehicle body (10) so as to be kept from being disengaged therefrom under a predetermined load. The second engaging portion (32) is engaged and thus fixed to the interior part (20) so as to be disengaged therefrom under the predetermined load. While the second engaging portion (32) is engaged with the interior part (20), the movement limiting portion (33) is kept within an interior space (22) formed in the interior part (20). When the interior part is detached and moves away from the vehicle body (10), the movement limiting portion (33) prevents the interior part (20) from moving away from the vehicle body (10) by a distance exceeding a predetermined value.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for attaching an undercover to the underside of a car body floor panel having a plurality of studs, comprises tubular fasteners that are inserted into respective mounting holes of the undercover with diametral clearance and that are engaged with the studs. Each fastener comprises clips coupled to one another and having flanges that exert a predetermined clamping force on the undercover while permitting displacement of the undercover along the floor panel due to thermal deformation.

Abstract: A fastener assembly for attaching a trim panel to a vehicle mounting member includes a retainer that is attachable to a concealable surface of the trim panel. The assembly also includes a fastening element that is movably attachable to the retainer by moving the fastening element laterally with respect to the retainer. The fastening element is further adapted to be attached to the mounting member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a motor vehicle having a housing, at least one part of the internal surface of which is covered by at least one lining panel (1), and objects (3, 4, 5) such as cables, flexible printed circuits, flexible flat cables or anti-vibration blocks which are disposed between the lining panel (1) and the housing. One of the faces of the lining panel(s) (1) is provided with loops and male anchoring elements, particularly hooks (8), which are used to fix the objects and/or housing, with which said hooks are associated, to the panel(s).

Abstract: A liner for a wheel barrow having a body prevents materials transported in a wheel barrow from mixing with impurities lying on the bottom of the wheel barrow. The liner has a liner body. The liner body is shaped to correspond with the body of the wheel barrow. The liner body has a top edge and a lip extending around a portion of the top edge. The lip is configured to receive at least a portion of an edge of the body of the wheel barrow. The lip aids in reinforcing the fit between the liner body and the body of the wheel barrow. When material residue such as cement or debris rests on the bottom of the wheel barrow, the lip helps prevent the liner from shifting within the body of the wheel barrow. Therefore, materials in the wheel barrow are less likely to fall out of the wheel barrow during movement of the wheel barrow. The liner can be removed from the wheel barrow to transport materials to a given location.

Abstract: A heat radiating structure of an interior member is provided with a heat radiating portion adapted to be applied to a vehicle and disposed on a rear surface of an interior member whose surface is adapted to be applied with external energy, a heat receiving and radiating portion connected to a vehicle body of the vehicle, and a reflecting member allowing heat radiation, radiating from the heat radiating portion to an inside of the interior member, to be reflected and propagated to the heat receiving and radiating portion. The reflecting member cooperates with the heat radiating portion and the heat receiving and radiating portion to define a closed space.

Abstract: An instrument panel including a first portion and a second portion separate from the first portion. At least one wire is disposed between the first and second portions. The first and second portions are welded together, thereby trapping and retaining the wire.

Abstract: A protective lining used for protecting the finished surfaces of the cargo carrying area of a vehicle. The lining is formed of a puncture resistant protective sheet generally formed in the shape of the cargo carrying space. Fastening devices around the periphery of the sheet are used to attach and hold in place the sheet to the cargo carrying space.