Integrated headliner assembly

• US 6,652,021 B1
• Filed: 11/06/2002
• Issued: 11/25/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 11/06/2002
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: International Automotive Components Group North America (Lear Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Lear Corporation
• Inventors: Dykman, Michael C., Walters, John C., Whitman, Jason P.
• Primary Examiner(s): PATEL, KIRAN B
• Application Number:
  US10/289,068
• Time in Patent Office: 384 Days
• Field of Search: 296/214, 296/208, 296/189, 454/137, 280/751, 280/748
• US Class Current: 296/214
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 13/0225 self supporting head liners
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2013/0287 integrating other functions or accessories
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2021/0407 using gas or liquid as energy absorbing means
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2021/0442 associated with the roof panel
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2021/2612 Gas guiding means, e.g. ducts
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/04 Padded linings for the vehicle interior ; Energy absorbing structures associated with padded or non-padded linings

Abstract

A vehicle headliner assembly includes a first structural member cooperating with a second structural member to form air ducts between them. A portion of the first structural member is covered by a decorative cover that presents an appearance surface to the vehicle passenger compartment. Integrally formed in the second structural member are an energy absorbing structure and an attachment structure. Thus, the headliner assembly eliminates the need for separate air ducts, separate energy absorbing material, and separate wiring harness and hose clamps. The headliner assembly is also configured to facilitate attachment of passenger compartment devices such as grab handles, without the use of separate fasteners or retainers.

Claims

1. A headliner assembly for a vehicle, the headliner assembly comprising:

a first member having an upper surface and a lower surface, at least a portion of the lower surface being configured with an appearance finish; and

a second member having an upper surface and a lower surface, the upper surface of the second member being configured to be disposed proximate a vehicle roof panel, and the lower surface of the second member cooperating with the upper surface of the first member to form a fluid passage therebetween, the second member including an attachment structure integrally formed therein, a portion of the second member being formed into an impact absorption structure.

2. The headliner assembly of claim 1, wherein the first member comprises first and second portions attached to each other, the first portion including the upper surface of the first member and providing structural support for the second portion.

3. The headliner assembly of claim 1, wherein the first and second members cooperate to define an aperture extending therethrough, the aperture being configured to receive a vehicle interior component.

4. The headliner assembly of claim 1, wherein the attachment structure is configured to receive a vehicle wiring harness.

5. The headliner assembly of claim 1, wherein the second member comprises a corrugated portion that defines the impact absorption structure.

6. The headliner assembly of claim 1, wherein the second member comprises a thermoplastic composite material.

7. The headliner assembly of claim 1, wherein a portion of the first member is adhesively attached to a portion of the second member.

8. A headliner assembly for a vehicle, the headliner assembly comprising:

a first member including an upper portion and a lower portion attached together, the upper portion providing structural support for the lower portion, and the lower portion being configured with an appearance finish; and

a second member having an upper surface and a lower surface, the upper surface being configured to be disposed proximate a vehicle roof panel, and the lower surface cooperating with the upper portion of the first member to form a fluid passage therebetween, the second member including an attachment structure integrally formed therein, a portion of the second member being formed into an impact absorption structure.

9. The headliner assembly of claim 8, wherein the first member comprises a thermoformable rigid urethane material molded with a fabric material.

10. The headliner assembly of claim 8, wherein the first and second members cooperate to define an aperture extending therethrough, the aperture being configured to receive a vehicle interior component.

11. The headliner assembly of claim 8, wherein the attachment structure is configured to receive a vehicle wiring harness.

12. The headliner assembly of claim 8, wherein the second member comprises a corrugated portion that defines the impact absorption structure.

13. The headliner assembly of claim 8, wherein the second member comprises a thermoplastic composite material.

14. The headliner assembly of claim 8, wherein a portion of the first member is adhesively attached to a portion of the second member.

15. A headliner assembly for a vehicle, the headliner assembly comprising:

a first structural member having an upper surface and a lower surface;

a second structural member having an upper surface configured to be disposed proximate a vehicle roof panel, and a lower surface cooperating with the upper surface of the first structural member to form a fluid passage therebetween, the second structural member including an attachment structure integrally formed therein, a portion of the second structural member being formed into an impact absorption structure; and

a decorative cover attached to the lower surface of the first structural member.

16. The headliner assembly of claim 15, wherein the first and second structural members cooperate to define an aperture extending therethrough, the aperture being configured to receive a vehicle interior component.

17. The headliner assembly of claim 15, wherein the attachment structure includes a generally arcuate portion configured to receive a vehicle wiring harness.

18. The headliner assembly of claim 15, wherein the second structural member comprises a corrugated portion that defines the impact absorption structure.

19. The headliner assembly of claim 15, wherein the second structural member comprises a thermoplastic composite material.

20. The headliner assembly of claim 15, wherein a portion of the first structural member is adhesively attached to a portion of the second structural member.