Vehicle Trim Patents (Class 52/716.5)
  • Patent number: 11719033
    Abstract: A first side wall portion forming a body portion of a clamping member includes first convex members projecting toward a second side wall portion and being softer than the first side wall portion. The first convex members are disposed at positions of the first side wall portion adjacent to respective ends of the first side wall portion in an X axial direction (third direction).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: AGC INC.
    Inventors: Ryusuke Wakabayashi, Takafumi Inoue
  • Patent number: 11691549
    Abstract: The process for the decoration of a furniture component for recreational vehicles and the like comprises an application step of a decorative portion which is preformed onto a semi-finished structure provided with a surface and with at least a perimeter edge, with the decorative portion that comprises at least a visible portion and at least an adhesion portion adapted to be coupled to the semi-finished structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: Tecnoform S.p.a.
    Inventor: Tomislav Ridjic
  • Patent number: 11654760
    Abstract: A seal structure is applied to a vehicle including a vehicle body that includes a roof opening, and a movable panel and a fixed panel that close the roof opening. The seal structure includes a flange extending along an opening edge of the roof opening, and a weather strip that includes a holding groove into which the flange is inserted, and blocks a gap generated between the vehicle body, and the movable panel and the fixed panel. A tip of the flange includes a plurality of notches with respect to an extending direction of the flange. The weather strip includes an inner wall and an outer wall facing each other across the holding groove, and a connection wall that connects the inner wall and the outer wall in a position corresponding to the notch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: Aisin Corporation
    Inventor: Akitoshi Shoji
  • Patent number: 11596966
    Abstract: A protection device for an irrigation system having at least one water line and at least one irrigation sprinkler head, the protection device comprising a protector body having a wall defining an interior cavity, a top rim, and a bottom rim with at least two groove pairs, wherein a first groove pair has a first groove profile, and a second groove pair has a second groove profile, the second groove profile being different from the first groove profile, an adapter cap having an outer rim surface, an annular ledge extending inward from the outer rim surface, a bottom surface, and a top surface, the adapter cap detachably connected to the protector body, a collar insert having an outer edge, an inner edge defining a center aperture, and a lower surface, the collar insert detachably connected to the adapter cap, and wherein the protector body is selectively ridingly engaged between a first riding engagement with the first pair of grooves and a second riding engagement with the second pair of grooves on at least on
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Inventor: Richard Wellner
  • Patent number: 11565642
    Abstract: A removable vehicle exterior door guard device comprising an elongate panel and a plurality of vacuum seal suction cups. The panel can comprise a foam pad or other flexible polymer coupled to one or more suction cups configured to hold the panel to a vehicle surface. The device can comprise a foam pad having suction cups configured to provide a vacuum seal to a vehicle exterior door, for example using screw-tightening suction cup mechanism or a lever tightening suction cup mechanism. The vacuum seal suction cups are configured to maintain a strong seal against the vehicle surface over extended periods of time, even if the panel is bumped or the vehicle surface is not clean. The device can additionally include a theft deterrent system comprising a cord attached at a proximate end to the panel and at a distal end to an anchor that is secured inside the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Inventor: Randal Schmidt
  • Patent number: 11274485
    Abstract: A retaining element for a side window of a vehicle, includes at least one contact section for securing to a first surface of the side window, wherein the contact section has a contact surface that is provided for being connected to the first surface via an adhesive, a securing section connected to the contact section and for securing to the vehicle, and a filling opening for injecting the adhesive into the intermediate space between the contact section and the first surface of the side window, wherein the contact surface has a plurality of channels that are directed toward the filling opening and are distributed over the contact surface in a fan-like manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: SAINT-GOBAIN GLASS FRANCE
    Inventors: Dieter Kleyer, Jan-Uwe Oltrogge
  • Patent number: 10883299
    Abstract: An operable vehicle window includes a glass panel, a locating adapter coupled to a bottom edge of the glass panel and adhesive disposed with a glass-receiving channel of the locating adapter. The glass-receiving channel includes a first portion that engages inboard and outboard sides of the glass panel and a second portion that engages only an outboard portion of the glass panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Chester Stanislaus Walawender, Muhammed Ayub, Gabriel Blanco, Paul Kenneth Dellock
  • Patent number: 10837198
    Abstract: A door handle cover adapted for engagement to a door handle on a vehicle, comprising an elongate panel having an upper lip along an upper longitudinal edge thereof and a lower lip along a lower longitudinal edge thereof, the upper lip comprising a generally hook-shaped member that defines an interior region adapted to grippingly engage an upper portion of the door handle, the lower lip comprising a generally hook-shaped member that defines an interior region adapted to grippingly engage a lower portion of the door handle, wherein upon engagement of the upper lip and lower lip on the on the door handle the cover is thereby firmly affixed to the door handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: Neo Design, LLC
    Inventor: Naje Fattouche
  • Patent number: 10787839
    Abstract: A door handle cover adapted for engagement to a door handle on a vehicle, comprising an elongate panel having an upper lip along an upper longitudinal edge thereof and a lower lip along a lower longitudinal edge thereof, the upper lip comprising a generally hook-shaped member that defines an interior region adapted to grippingly engage an upper portion of the door handle, the lower lip comprising a generally hook-shaped member that defines an interior region adapted to grippingly engage a lower portion of the door handle, wherein upon engagement of the upper lip and lower lip on the on the door handle the cover is thereby firmly affixed to the door handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: Neo Design, LLC
    Inventor: Najee Fattouche
  • Patent number: 9914254
    Abstract: The invention relates to a film product (10) comprising a substantially continuous extension with an upper side (12), a lower side (14) and two laterally extending edges (16a), characterised in that a continuous edge portion (20a) made from a first material is arranged on each of the two edges (16a) and a continuous main portion (30) made from a second material is arranged between the edge portions (20a), the first material having a higher surface adhesion than the second material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: WINDMÖLLER & HÖLSCHER KG
    Inventor: Jürgen Linkies
  • Patent number: 9783134
    Abstract: A fastening arrangement is provided for positioning and fastening a decorative cover on a window frame of a vehicle door of a vehicle. The fastening arrangement has a first fastening element associated with the window frame and a second fastening element associated with the decorative cover. The first and second fastening elements cooperate in a form-fitting manner for fastening the decorative cover on the window frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Erol Mori, Michael Alhof
  • Patent number: 9676345
    Abstract: A headliner assembly for a motor vehicle includes a headliner and at least one dual shaft push pin for securing the headliner as well as at least one magnet fastener for securing the headliner to the body of the vehicle that cooperates with the dual shaft push pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Phil Joseph Linson, David Huelke
  • Patent number: 9346418
    Abstract: A sealing strand for producing a seal on a vehicle body by adhering the sealing strand to the vehicle body, in particular by adhering to a body flange, has a fixing portion with an adhesive surface, which is provided for adhering to the vehicle body, and a seal portion, which is connected to the fixing portion on the fixing portion side facing away from the adhesive surface, thereby forming a tube, the tube bending inwards on at least one side under the influence of a pressing force acting perpendicularly to the adhesive surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: CQLT SaarGummi Technologies S.à.r.l.
    Inventors: Martin Thome, Thomas Erschens, Christian Kast
  • Patent number: 9216703
    Abstract: An arrangement for securing an inner panel to a vehicle substrate uses a securing clip mounted to a clip housing in an elongate hole with a closed end and an open end. The inner diameter of a securing region in the elongate hole is greater than the diameter of the shaft of the securing clip, allowing lateral shifting of the clip so that its shaft can realign during insertion into a corresponding mating hole in the substrate. The securing region of the elongate hole includes centering members constructed in such a manner that an inserted securing clip is retained in a centered position. Consequently, the tolerance compensation function of the clips is optimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Horst Lauxen, Volker Krolzig, René Berns
  • Publication number: 20150128522
    Abstract: An elongated molding for a vehicle, including, a body portion including a head portion and a leg portion protruding from a back surface of the head portion, wherein the molding has a lower terminal section, which is a portion of the molding located lower than a boundary between a side panel and a fender panel constituting a body panel and configured to face the fender panel, wherein a receiving portion, which is configured to receive a tip portion of an edge portion of the fender panel that faces the molding, is formed on an outer surface of the leg portion of the lower terminal section, and wherein the receiving portion includes a bottom wall portion projecting toward an outer side from the leg portion and a side wall portion projecting from an upper surface of the bottom wall portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2014
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventors: Hiroyuki TAKI, Yuki KANO
  • Patent number: 9021764
    Abstract: An apparatus for fixing the rear glass of a cab on construction machinery is provided. The apparatus includes a window frame forming a cab window frame; a weather strip coupled to the window frame to seal a gap between the window frame and the rear glass of the cab; a glass interior fixing portion including an engagement portion inserted and engaged between the window frame and the weather strip, a body portion extending from the engagement portion at right angles and having a groove and a glass support portion supporting the rear glass of the cab; a glass exterior fixing portion engaged with the glass support portion of the glass interior fixing portion to support the rear glass of the cab; and a stopper having one side fixed to the window frame to support the rear glass of the cab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Volvo Construction Equipment AB
    Inventor: Chun-Jin Yoon
  • Patent number: 9012006
    Abstract: A multi-layer assembly, such as a sound damping metal laminate used in the automotive industry, having first and second rigid layers and an adhesive layer in between. A retention feature in the form of a raised embossment may be formed in one or more of the rigid layers and may be located near a fastening hole, which accommodates a nut and bolt or some other type of fastening device. The retention feature may impart rigidity and improved stiffness to the multi-layer assembly in the area surrounding the fastening hole, and it may also create a space between the rigid layers that is generally devoid of adhesive from the adhesive layer. This, in turn, can improve the long term performance of the multi-layer assembly by addressing issues such as compression set, spring back and/or stress relaxation. Methods of manufacture and other embodiments are also provided, including ones that accommodate multiple fastening holes, have discontinuous retention features, and use welds in place of nuts and bolts, to name a few.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Shiloh Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan W. Fisk, Daniel J. Driscoll, James F. Keys
  • Patent number: 8997433
    Abstract: A trim assembly having a trim element and a first concealing element extending away from the trim element and being movable relative to the trim element. The trim assembly further includes at least one second rigid concealing element, extending from the trim element to the first concealing element and designed to conceal the space between the trim element and the first concealing element. The second concealing element is secured to the trim element and is biased against part of the first concealing element so as to bear against that part of the first concealing element in all positions of the first concealing element with respect to the trim element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Faurecia Interieur Industrie
    Inventors: Stéphane Fabris, Jacques Bergerioux
  • Patent number: 8973961
    Abstract: A vehicle trim panel includes a main body and a temporary cover. The main body has a finished surface and an attachment surface with a peripheral edge that encircles the main body. The peripheral edge is defined between the finished surface and the attachment surface. The attachment surface includes a plurality of attachment projections that protrude from the attachment surface. The plurality of attachment projections are dimensioned and positioned to fixedly attach the main body to a vehicle body member. The attachment surface also includes a plurality of retention hooks protruding from the attachment surface. The temporary cover covers the finished surface and includes a plurality of holes fitted to corresponding ones of the plurality of retention hooks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Roy Setsuda, James Zucal
  • Patent number: 8925996
    Abstract: A vehicle glazing has a gasket provided on at least one surface and extending along one edge of the glazing, and provided with at least one resilient asymmetric metal retaining clip for retaining a vehicle glazing component, such as a decorative trim. One side of the clip engages the gasket, and the other side retains the vehicle glazing component. Also disclosed is a preferred retaining clip for mounting on a gasket to retain a vehicle glazing component, the clip having a generally U-shaped section comprising a base and two limbs. The first limb may comprise at least two lugs extending in mutually diverging directions to grip the gasket, and the second limb may comprise a tab extending outwardly from the limb to engage the vehicle glazing component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Pilkington Group Limited
    Inventor: Christoph Senge
  • Patent number: 8793934
    Abstract: A belt molding for an automotive door panel includes a molding body made of a hard resin and having an outer wall and an inner wall; a design tape fusion-bonded to an outer surface of the outer wall; and a lip made of a soft resin and standing from the vicinity of an edge portion of the outer wall. The outer surface of the outer wall to which the design tape is fusion-bonded is convexly curved in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction. An edge portion of the design tape is covered with a root portion of the lip. A largest curvature portion of the outer wall is located immediately under a covered portion of the design tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Shiroki Corporation
    Inventors: Tomoya Sato, Takayuki Okada
  • Patent number: 8793962
    Abstract: A trim assembly having a structural part (2), first and second trim parts (14, 20), and at least one intermediate trim part (30). The second trim part (20) is attached on a second portion (10) of the structural part (2), and has an aspect face (22) extending between a first edge (24) and a second edge (26). The intermediate trim part (30) has an aspect face extending between a first edge (32) and a second edge (34), the second edge (34) being positioned facing the first edge (24) of the second trim part (20). The second trim part (20) is moveably mounted on the second portion (10), and the intermediate trim part (30) has a member capable of displacing the second trim part (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Faurecia Interieur Industrie
    Inventor: Franck Edeline
  • Patent number: 8776475
    Abstract: A window surround molding is secured on a vehicle door flange with a retainer clip. The molding extends in a longitudinal direction and has a cross-section including first and second channels separated by a Dutch bend. The flange is disposed in the second channel on one side of the Dutch bend. The clip is disposed in the first channel on an opposite side of the Dutch bend. An arm extends in the longitudinal direction away from first and second ends of the clip and engages the molding to secure the clip within the first channel. The clip also includes a lower edge that engages the Dutch bend. A flex tab protrudes from a front face of the clip and engages the flange to secure the molding on the flange and to prevent rotation of the molding relative to the flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Magna International Inc
    Inventors: Michael E Williamson, Alain Pelchat, Alcino Oliveira, Kenneth G Besedich, Faisal Sultan, Marc R Risdale, Matthew C Patterson, James R Roll
  • Patent number: 8740276
    Abstract: A molding end cap includes an end section and an insertion section that is inserted into a molding main body. The molding main body includes an outer surface section and a bent section. One of the insertion section and the bent section includes an engagement protrusion and the other thereof includes an insertion slope section and a hooking section. The engagement protrusion undergoes elastic deformation by the insertion slope section in a deformation direction that intersects an insertion direction. The hooking section holds the engagement protrusion in a state in which the engagement protrusion is restored from elastic deformation. The engagement protrusion formed in a shape of a rib ensures that the engagement protrusion is deformed to only a small extent in the insertion direction but easily undergoes elastic deformation in the deformation direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Katayama Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Osamu Takeyoshi
  • Patent number: 8684436
    Abstract: Intermediate product combinations for internal trim parts of a vehicle are provided herein. In one example, an intermediate product combination comprises a base part having an installation point in which a through-opening is formed for receiving an installation means with which an attachment part can be clamped to the base part on a surface of the base part (30). The edge region of the through-opening in the base part is provided with a shoulder, which surrounds the through-opening and projects from the surface on which the base part can be installed at the edge region of the through-opening, so that the attachment part can be supported by the shoulder when the attachment part is installed on the base part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignees: Faurecia Innenraum Systeme GmbH, Faurecia Interieur Industrie
    Inventors: Bernd Keller, Dominique Desgranges
  • Patent number: 8656563
    Abstract: To provide a structure of an installation member to be installed to a vehicle outer panel that can prevent rust from developing on a bolt and an outer panel without requiring resist-coating processing. A structure of an installation member to be installed to a vehicle outer panel includes a metallic retaining portion provided to a rear garnish (installation member) to be installed to a vehicle outer panel in order to install this member to this outer panel, a resin-made attachment to be attached to the retaining portion and having no metallic plating film, and a bolt whose head portion is retained by the attachment, wherein the bolt is integrally incorporated to the retaining portion via the attachment and the rear garnish is installed to the outer panel by using the bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Sakae Riken Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Makoto Hiramatsu, Youji Bitou
  • Publication number: 20140015269
    Abstract: A coextruded molding for mounting within a vehicle roof ditch having an elongated trim defining component constructed of a first material and a structurally supporting component constructed of a second harder material coextruded along a surface of the first material. The structural supporting component includes a main body terminating at inwardly angled ends so as to define an extending track. A plurality of fasteners are seated within the track for mounting the molding to the vehicle roof ditch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: U.S. Farathane Corporation
    Inventors: Wayne Bland, Kevin Charles Baxter
  • Patent number: 8615962
    Abstract: A retention feature for securing a trim component to a panel of an automotive vehicle includes an elongate clip extending from the trim component and a selectively releasable locking device disposed on the panel. The clip is configured to be inserted through an opening defined by the panel. The locking device includes: a restraining portion on a first side of the panel; an actuating portion on a second side of the panel; and a biasing feature configured to compliantly bias the restraining portion into the locked state. The restraining portion of the locking device obstructs the withdrawal of the elongate clip from the panel when in a locked state, and is configured to transition from the locked state to an unlocked state in response to the application of a force to the actuating portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Tito G. Perez, Jose Elias Ruede
  • Patent number: 8596020
    Abstract: A trim part for a body part includes an angled region having diverging limbs that enclose a first angle. A cut-out is disposed in the angled region. A closure part is configured to at least partially close the cut-out and includes diverging limbs that enclose a second angle. At least one of the diverging limbs of the closure part lies in congruence with a respective limb of the angled region so as to form a flush visible side. The first angle of the angled region is greater than the second angle of the closure part and the second limb of the angled region does not lie in congruence with the second limb of the closure part so as to provide a clearance with a third angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. H.C.F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Stefan Schmitz
  • Publication number: 20130291478
    Abstract: A trim assembly having a trim element and a first concealing element extending away from the trim element and being movable relative to the trim element. The trim assembly further includes at least one second rigid concealing element, extending from the trim element to the first concealing element and designed to conceal the space between the trim element and the first concealing element. The second concealing element is secured to the trim element and is biased against part of the first concealing element so as to bear against that part of the first concealing element in all positions of the first concealing element with respect to the trim element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: Faurecia Interieur Industrie
    Inventors: Stéphane Fabris, Jacques Bergerioux
  • Patent number: 8567838
    Abstract: A vehicle body structure includes a roof ditch and an elongated molding member. The roof ditch is defined by a recessed support surface and first and second wall surfaces extending longitudinally along opposite sides of the recessed support surface. The molding member includes a plurality of roof attachment portions securing the molding member longitudinally along the roof ditch. The molding member includes a top portion, a first lateral side extending downward from the top portion along the first wall surface of the roof ditch and a second lateral side extending downward from the top portion along the second wall surface of the roof ditch. The first and second lateral sides include a plurality of longitudinally spaced apart stabilizing projections extending downward from bottom edges of the first and second lateral sides into contact with the recessed support surface of the roof ditch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.
    Inventors: David Coakley, Michael Kowaczyk
  • Patent number: 8567152
    Abstract: A cushion material fastening structure includes: an interior trim part, made of synthetic resin, that is provided with an opening and an elastic deformation portion at least part of which projects inward in the opening; and a cushion material, having a sheet shape, that is caught by the elastic deformation portion by being plunged into the opening while elastically deforming the elastic deformation portion, whereby the cushion material is fastened to the interior trim part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Toyoda Iron Works Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenji Onuma, Shunsuke Koike, Hideaki Sakai
  • Publication number: 20130239510
    Abstract: A trim part for a body part includes an angled region having diverging limbs that enclose a first angle. A cut-out is disposed in the angled region. A closure part is configured to at least partially close the cut-out and includes diverging limbs that enclose a second angle. At least one of the diverging limbs of the closure part lies in congruence with a respective limb of the angled region so as to form a flush visible side. The first angle of the angled region is greater than the second angle of the closure part and the second limb of the angled region does not lie in congruence with the second limb of the closure part so as to provide a clearance with a third angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: DR. ING. H.C. F. PORSCHE AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventor: Stefan Schmitz
  • Patent number: 8517442
    Abstract: A vehicle trim attachment fastener includes a base, a trim clip and a first trim alignment flange. The base has a vehicle body attachment structure. The trim clip extends outwardly away from a first end of the base and includes a plurality of attachment fingers defining a trim panel retaining area therebetween. The first trim alignment flange extends outwardly from one of the plurality of attachment fingers away from the trim panel retaining area. The first trim alignment flange defines a trim alignment aperture and is configured to align a trim panel relative to the trim clip during installation of the trim panel to the trim clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.
    Inventors: David Agnew, Daniel Lizak
  • Patent number: 8505262
    Abstract: A vehicle glazing has a glazing profile provided around at least a portion of the periphery of a pane of glazing material. A rigid insert is embedded in the glazing profile, and a trim is mounted on the glazing profile, the trim engaging the insert and being retained by it. The insert is provided with at least one aperture through which the insert is engaged by at least one protrusion on the trim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Pilkington Italia S.p.A.
    Inventor: Christoph Senge
  • Patent number: 8474214
    Abstract: A connecting structure includes a first connecting part and a second connecting part. The first connecting part has a clip and a stabilizer flange that is spaced apart from the clip. The second connecting part has a first engagement structure that is engageable with the clip of the first connecting part to restrain movement of the second connecting part with respect to the first connecting part in an insertion direction. The second connecting part also has a second engagement structure that is engageable with the stabilizer flange of the first connecting part to restrain movement of the second connecting part with respect to the first connecting part in an elevational direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas Dawe, Nicholas Spitler
  • Publication number: 20130145721
    Abstract: A trim assembly having a structural part (2), first and second trim parts (14, 20), and at least one intermediate trim part (30). The second trim part (20) is attached on a second portion (10) of the structural part (2), and has an aspect face (22) extending between a first edge (24) and a second edge (26). The intermediate trim part (30) has an aspect face extending between a first edge (32) and a second edge (34), the second edge (34) being positioned facing the first edge (24) of the second trim part (20). The second trim part (20) is moveably mounted on the second portion (10), and the intermediate trim part (30) has a member capable of displacing the second trim part (20).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: FAURECIA INTERIEUR INDUSTRIE
    Inventor: Franck Edeline
  • Publication number: 20130097962
    Abstract: A moulding for a vehicle includes a moulding body made of resin formed in an elongated form and a moulding end cap made of a resin material different from the resin the moulding body is made of. The moulding end cap is provided with a cap portion that covers an end surface in the longitudinal direction of the moulding body by arranging the cap portion in contact with the end surface in the longitudinal direction of the moulding body and a cap retaining portion that connects to the cap portion and extends therefrom such that the cap retaining portion faces an inner surface of the moulding body along the longitudinal direction of the moulding body. The cap retaining portion is provided with an embedded portion embedded in the moulding body from the direction of the inner surface of the moulding body, embedded by ultrasonic welding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Koji YOSHIDA, Hiroshi OKAZAKI, Kanehiro NAGATA, Shingo HANANO
  • Publication number: 20130091799
    Abstract: A trim element having a visible side (12) formed of a skin (10), the element includes a skin (10) laid on a plastic foam (24) bonded to the skin by a continuous bonding layer (26) formed spontaneously at the skin-foam interface during the foaming operation, the skin (10) has a preferential rupture initiator comprising at least one scored feature. Throughout the region in which the scored feature lays, the bonding layer (26) is in contact only with the skin (10) and the foam (24), and, at the scored feature and in the direction of the thickness of the skin, the bonding layer (26) is laid over the opening with a thickness very much smaller than the depth of the scored feature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: FAURECIA INTERIEUR INDUSTRIE
    Inventor: Faurecia Interieur Industrie
  • Patent number: 8419099
    Abstract: A vehicle body structure includes a vehicle body panel, a trim panel and a first mounting arrangement. The vehicle body panel includes interior and exterior attached panels. The exterior panel includes a base surface extending along a peripheral edge of the vehicle body panel and a mounting surface that is raised relative to an adjacent portion of the base surface. The mounting surface defines an aperture that extends to an opposite concave surface of the exterior panel. The base surface of the exterior panel abuts the interior panel along a majority of a perimeter of the mounting surface. The trim panel is coupled to the vehicle body panel. The first mounting arrangement couples the trim panel to the vehicle body panel and engages a periphery of the aperture through the mounting surface to at least partially retain the trim panel to the vehicle body panel in an installed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Toshihiro Inoue, Hugo Fortin
  • Patent number: 8408622
    Abstract: A frame molding is provided. The frame molding includes a frame molding main body having first claws and a holder member assembled with the frame molding main body. A holder member includes a metal holder portion and a resin holder portion fixed to the metal holder portion. The resin holder has receiving portions that are crimped by the claws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toshifumi Yanai, Katsuhiko Takeuchi, Kazunori Kondo
  • Publication number: 20130008122
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a vehicle trim part which comprises a substrate and at least one veneer layer disposed on the substrate. The method comprises the steps of extruding a paint layer onto a film and melting the film provided with the paint layer over the substrate and the at least one veneer layer disposed on the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2011
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Applicant: NBHX TRIM GMBH
    Inventors: Werner Faltenbacher, Ulrich Arlt
  • Patent number: 8322110
    Abstract: A vehicle trim component includes a trim body, with a primary fastener extending from the trim body. The primary fastener includes a first end and a second end. The first end includes a push clip head that is configured to substantially fit and project through an aperture in the vehicle panel. The second end is connected to the trim body. The secondary fastener is rotatably connected to the trim body by a living hinge and is positioned to engage the vehicle panel at an edge portion of the vehicle panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: ShuiFang Chou, Jennifer Macalaguin, James M. Park, Richard Louis Hamilton
  • Patent number: 8317248
    Abstract: A trim cover arrangement is provided for attachment to a motor vehicle body with a first and second trim cover profile that each can be connected with the body, and are adjacent to each other on the body in the assembly position. At least one of the profiles facing the other profile comprises pointed and/or sharp-edge bounded visible surface that is outwardly visible in the assembly position, which is formed by an at least regionally overlapping arrangement of the first and second profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Marcus Lange, Tino Schwenk
  • Patent number: 8312689
    Abstract: A weather strip includes a bottom wall that faces or is in contact with an end face of a fixed window glass that closes a window opening of a side door. An outer wall extends from the bottom wall on an outer side of the vehicle body with respect to the fixed window glass, and an inner wall extends from the bottom wall on an inner side of the vehicle body with respect to the fixed window glass so that the inner wall and the outer wall sandwich a peripheral portion of the fixed window glass in a thickness direction. The inner wall is provided with a spacing groove for creating a space between the fixed window glass and the inner wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masao Terazawa, Takashi Hashimoto, Akihiko Asakura, Satoshi Osanai
  • Patent number: 8312688
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a glazing unit comprising a glazed element (10) provided with a peripheral frame or with peripheral elements made of plastic overmolded onto said glazed element (10), said peripheral frame or said peripheral elements incorporating at least one element (13?, 14?, 15, 16, 17, 18?, 19?, 19?, 20) for reinforcing the glazed element, this reinforcing element being connected to said peripheral frame or said peripheral elements by an overmolding plastic (9) and consisting of a profile comprising a web part (11) that is arranged parallel or substantially parallel and close to the glazed element (10) and bears at least one projecting part (12) distal to the glazed element, characterized in that the projecting part or parts (12) does not or do not form a pocket that is open in the direction of the glazed element (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Glass France
    Inventors: Frédéric Bordeaux, Sophia Gay
  • Patent number: 8303017
    Abstract: A cover system for a substantially flat support surface on a vehicle includes multiple stakes having channels defined along longitudinal sides thereof and which are disposed at a lateral side of the vehicle adjacent the support surface such that the stakes extend substantially perpendicular and upwardly relative to the support surface, removable panels which are removably fitted to the channels of the of the stakes and extend substantially perpendicularly at the lateral side of the vehicle adjacent the support surface and such that open gaps are defined between lower portions of the panels and the support surface, a tarp cover disposed between upper ends of the panels to cover an opening above the support surface, and a sealing device which seals the opens gaps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Inventors: Sheri LeBlanc, Tim DeMonte, Walt DeMonte
  • Patent number: 8226143
    Abstract: A joint structure of a door edge member (such as a garnish or trim) includes a door upper edge member having a baglike cross section (such as a partially hollow open receptacle), constituted by inner surfaces, at the longitudinal end portion thereof, and a door rear edge member having the longitudinal end portion inserted into the end portion of the door upper edge member having the baglike cross section and connected to the door upper edge member. The baglike cross section of the door upper edge member has a first cross-sectional portion provided on one end portion of the door upper edge member in the short side direction thereof, and a second cross-sectional portion provided on the other end portion side in the short side direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Katsuhiko Takeuchi, Toshifumi Yanai, Kazunori Kondo
  • Patent number: 8205923
    Abstract: A ditch molding has a head with left and right wings that lap onto the roof, a stem depending from the head, and an enlarged foot at the lower end of the stem. A molding clip has a base mounted in the ditch and left and right biasing arms have wedge faces that engage with the foot to urge the foot downwardly into the ditch, establishing an installed position of the molding. The left and right biasing arms yield away from each other upon an upward movement of the foot. Left and right trap arms also provided on the clip have trap ends overlying the foot of the molding in spaced relation there from when the molding is in the installed position. Upward movement of the foot causes the foot to engage with the trap ends of the trap arms, trapping the foot against further upward movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Julien P. Mourou
  • Publication number: 20120137628
    Abstract: The invention relates to the construction of a moulding strip for a motor vehicle, which in addition to a basic strip comprises a sealing strip with a sealing lip. The sealing strip can be locked to the basic strip via corresponding counterparts provided on the basic strip. In order to ensure that the sealing strip is securely held on the basic strip, it is provided that the sealing strip comprises the connecting links of a material which compared with the material of the sealing lip is more structurally rigid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: Dura Automotive Body & Glass Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Olaf Brandt, Rafael Kunen