IP Library Granted Patent US 7,338,103
Granted Patent B2
US 7,338,103 · App. 11/348,086 · Granted Mar 4, 2008

Collapsible cover for vehicle interior

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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 7,338,103
App. No.
11/348,086
Granted
Mar 4, 2008
Kind
B2
Abstract

A trim member for covering an interior surface of a vehicle has an elastically collapsible outer wall. The trim member includes a substantially rigid frame and a cover. The frame is adapted for fixedly securing the cover to the interior surface. The cover is fixedly secured to and covering at least a portion of the frame, the cover being elastically deformable to prevent pinching of an appendage of a user between the frame and an adjacent fixed surface in the vehicle.

Claims (14)

1. A trim member for covering an interior surface of an automotive vehicle, said trim member comprising:

a substantially rigid frame adapted for fixedly securing the trim member to the interior surface; and

a cover fixedly secured to and covering at least a portion of the frame, the cover being elastically deformable relative to the frame, at least one flexible boss extending outwardly from an inner surface of the cover for biasing the cover outwardly relative to the frame.

2. The trim member as set forth in claim 1 , wherein the frame is made from plastic.

3. The trim member as set forth in claim 1 , wherein the cover is integrally formed with the frame during injection molding of the cover.

4. A trim member for covering an interior surface of an automotive vehicle, said trim member comprising:

a substantially rigid frame adapted for fixedly securing the trim member to the interior surface; and

a cover fixedly secured to and covering at least a portion of the frame, the cover being elastically deformable relative to the frame,

wherein the frame includes an outer peripheral rim and at least one cross member extending between opposite sides of the outer peripheral rim.

5. The trim member as set forth in claim 4 , wherein the cross member is adapted to be fixedly secured to the vehicle.

6. A trim member for covering an interior surface of an automotive vehicle, said trim member comprising:

a substantially rigid frame adapted for fixedly securing the trim member to the interior surface; and

a cover fixedly secured to and covering at least a portion of the frame, the cover being elastically deformable relative to the frame,

wherein the frame includes a hole for inserting a fastener therethrough for securing the cover to the vehicle.

Assignments (3)
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Mar 27, 2008
From: TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING NORTH AMERICA, INC.
To: TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION
Reel/Frame 020710/0083 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Aug 22, 2007
From: TOYOTA TECHNICAL CENTER USA, INC.
To: TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Reel/Frame 019728/0295 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded May 12, 2006
From: MUCK, TODD RUPERT; FAHIM, MASROOR
To: TOYOTA TECHNICAL CENTER USA, INC.
Reel/Frame 017610/0396 →