Vehicle panel

US8641136B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Johnson Controls Technology Company · US

Inventors

• Christopher Kring · Zeeland, US
• Todd D. Nellis · Zeeland, US
• Dennis Jack VanHouten · Wyoming, US
• Bobby Bagby · Zeeland, US
• Julie M. DeVries · Zeeland, US
• Ben Sapak · West Olive, US
• Kevin A. Tomasek · Zeeland, US
• Peter Oosting · Grand Rapids, US
• Brent D. Rockafellow · Holland, US
• Albert Charles Haak · Holland, US
• Jason M. Scholten · Hudsonville, US
• Rade Milanovic · Holland, US
• William J. Homik · Ephrata, US
• Jack L. Johnson · Irvine, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Aug 8, 2008
• Grant date: Feb 4, 2014
• Expiry date: Aug 8, 2028

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T29/49622
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A vehicle panel with a folded-over or wrapped edge is disclosed. The vehicle panel comprises a main body portion. The main body portion includes a first layer and a second layer. The first layer is formed of a substantially rigid material and has a first surface, a second surface and an edge. The second layer is coupled to the second surface of the first layer and formed of a substantially flexible material. The vehicle panel also comprises a flap integrally formed with the main body portion at the edge and comprises at least the second layer. The vehicle panel further comprises a hinge separating the flap from the main body portion, the hinge is defined by at least a portion of the first layer having a reduced thickness. The flap is folded back about the hinge towards the first surface of the first layer to substantially conceal the edge.