IP Library › Granted Patent US 12,441,225
Granted Patent B2
US 12,441,225 · App. 17/943,412 · Granted Oct 14, 2025

Interchangeable inserts for vehicle passenger compartment components

Inventors: Ashley Nichole Endlich (Troy, MI); Charles J. Haubner (Ray Township, MI); Wayne M. Lucas (Bruce Township, MI)
Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
B60N3/108B60N3/10B60N3/101
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 12,441,225
App. No.
17/943,412
Granted
Oct 14, 2025
Kind
B2
Abstract

A vehicle feature includes a wall having a wall surface formed from a first material and an opening extending through the wall surface. An insert is mounted to the wall surface. The insert is formed from a second material. The insert includes a wall member having a first side facing the wall surface and a second side facing away from the wall surface. The first side includes at least one connector element that engages with the wall surface through the opening. The insert is covered in a third material that is distinct from the first material and the second material.

Claims (47)

1. A vehicle feature comprising:

a wall having a wall surface formed from a first material and a first opening extending through the wall surface;

a gripping member mounted to the wall surface, the gripping member having a second opening and a plurality of gripping projections projecting away from the wall surface; and

an insert disposed between a first gripping projection and a second gripping projections of the plurality of gripping projections, the insert being formed from a second material,

wherein the insert includes a wall member having a first side facing towards the wall surface and a second side facing away from the wall surface,

wherein the first side includes at least one connector element that passes through the second opening of the gripping member and engages with the wall surface through the first opening, and

wherein the insert is covered in a third material that is distinct from the first material and the second material.

2. The vehicle feature according to claim 1 ,

wherein the insert is a first insert extending along a first portion of the wall surface, and

wherein the vehicle feature further comprises a second insert disposed between the second gripping projection and a third gripping projection of the plurality of projections and extending along a second portion of the wall surface.

3. The vehicle feature according to claim 2 , wherein the wall surface includes a concave curvilinear profile.

4. The vehicle feature according to claim 3 , wherein the first insert includes a first curvature that extends along a first portion of the concave curvilinear profile and the second insert includes a second curvature that extends along a second portion of the concave curvilinear profile.

5. The vehicle feature according to claim 4 , wherein the first curvature is substantially similar to the second curvature.

6. The vehicle feature according to claim 1 , wherein the first gripping projection and the second gripping projection project radially inwardly past the second side of the insert.

7. A vehicle feature comprising:

a wall having a wall surface formed from a first material and an opening extending through the wall surface;

an insert mounted to the wall surface, the insert being formed from a second material, the insert including a wall member having a first side facing the wall surface and a second side facing away from the wall surface, the first side including at least one connector element that engages with the wall surface through the opening, wherein the insert is covered in a third material that is distinct from the first material and the second material; and

a gripping member disposed between the wall surface and the first side of the insert, the gripping member including one or more gripping features that project radially inwardly past the second side,

wherein the insert includes a first insert extending along a first portion of the wall surface and a second insert extending along a second portion of the wall surface, and

wherein the one or more gripping features define a living hinge that extends radially inwardly between the first insert and the second insert.

8. The vehicle feature according to claim 7 , wherein the gripping member includes a plurality of first connectors that pass through and connect with the wall and the at least one connector element passes through the gripping member into the opening.

9. The vehicle feature according to claim 7 , wherein the second side of the insert defines a portion of a cup holder.

10. The vehicle feature according to claim 1 , wherein the third material is leather.

11. A vehicle comprising:

a body;

a passenger compartment arranged in the body; and

a vehicle feature arranged in the passenger compartment, the vehicle feature including

a wall having a wall surface formed from a first material and a first opening extending through the wall surface;

a gripping member mounted to the wall surface via an engagement structure extended through the first opening, the gripping member having a second opening and a plurality of gripping projections projecting away from the wall surface; and

an insert disposed between a first gripping projection and a second gripping projections of the plurality of gripping projections, the insert being formed from a second material,

wherein the insert includes a wall member having a first side facing towards the wall surface and a second side facing away from the wall surface,

wherein the first side includes at least one connector element that passes through the second opening of the gripping member and engages with the wall surface through the first opening, and

wherein the insert is covered in a third material that is distinct from the first material and the second material.

12. The vehicle according to claim 11 ,

wherein the insert is a first insert extending along a first portion of the wall surface, and

wherein the vehicle feature further includes a second insert disposed between the second gripping projection and a third griping projection of the plurality of projections and extending along a second portion of the wall surface.

13. The vehicle according to claim 12 , wherein the wall surface includes a concave curvilinear profile.

14. The vehicle according to claim 13 , wherein the first insert includes a first curvature that extends along a first portion of the concave curvilinear profile and the second insert includes a second curvature that extends along a second portion of the concave curvilinear profile.

15. The vehicle according to claim 14 , wherein the first curvature is substantially similar to the second curvature.

16. The vehicle according to claim 11 ,

wherein the first gripping projection and the second gripping projection project radially inwardly past the second side of the insert.

17. The vehicle according to claim 11 ,

wherein the gripping member includes a plurality of living hinges, and

wherein the first gripping member is between two of the plurality of living hinges.

18. The vehicle according to claim 11 , wherein the gripping member includes a plurality of first connectors that pass through and connect with the wall.

19. The vehicle according to claim 11 , wherein the second side of the insert defines a portion of a cup holder.

20. The vehicle according to claim 11 , wherein the third material is leather.

Assignments (1)
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Sep 13, 2022
From: ENDLICH, ASHLEY NICHOLE; HAUBNER, CHARLES J.; LUCAS, WAYNE M.
To: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
Reel/Frame 061422/0668 →
Continuity (1)
Related Publication 20240083325A1 · Mar 14, 2024
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