阅读说明：本技术 具有两件式装饰构件的开架式车辆 (Open rack vehicle with two-piece trim member ) 是由 K·R·戈勒尼亚克 J·鲁道夫 埃里克·阿克塞尔·施密特伯格 C·R·雷泽 S·塔拉普拉加达 于 2021-05-07 设计创作，主要内容包括：本公开提供了“具有两件式装饰构件的开架式车辆”。一种车辆包括车架。所述车辆是开架式车辆。所述车架包括A柱、B柱和车顶侧梁。所述车顶侧梁在所述A柱与所述B柱之间延伸。A柱装饰构件联接到所述A柱并且包括第一部分和第二部分。所述第一部分限定接收所述第二部分的孔口。B柱装饰构件联接到所述B柱。车顶侧梁装饰构件联接到所述车顶侧梁并且在所述A柱装饰构件与所述B柱装饰构件之间延伸。当可充气构件处于放气状态时,所述可充气构件定位在所述车架与所述A柱装饰构件、所述B柱装饰构件和所述车顶侧梁装饰构件中的至少两者之间。所述可充气构件的充气状态将所述A柱装饰构件的所述第二部分与所述A柱装饰构件的所述孔口分离。(The present disclosure provides an "open rack vehicle having a two-piece trim member. A vehicle includes a frame. The vehicle is an open rack vehicle. The frame includes an A-pillar, a B-pillar, and a roof side rail. The roof side rail extends between the A-pillar and the B-pillar. An a-pillar trim member is coupled to the a-pillar and includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion defines an aperture that receives the second portion. A B-pillar trim member is coupled to the B-pillar. A roof side rail trim member is coupled to the roof side rail and extends between the A-pillar trim member and the B-pillar trim member. The inflatable member is positioned between the frame and at least two of the A-pillar trim member, the B-pillar trim member, and the roof side rail trim member when the inflatable member is in a deflated state. The inflated state of the inflatable member separates the second portion of the a-pillar trim member from the aperture of the a-pillar trim member.)

1. A vehicle, comprising:

a frame including an A-pillar, a B-pillar, and a roof side rail extending between the A-pillar and the B-pillar;

an A-pillar trim member coupled to the A-pillar and including a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion defines an aperture that receives the second portion;

a B-pillar trim member coupled to the B-pillar;

a roof side rail trim member coupled to the roof side rail and extending between the A-pillar trim member and the B-pillar trim member; and

an inflatable member positioned between the frame and at least two of the A-pillar trim member, the B-pillar trim member, and the roof side rail trim member when the inflatable member is in a deflated state, wherein an inflated state of the inflatable member separates the second portion of the A-pillar trim member from the aperture defined by the first portion of the A-pillar trim member.

2. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the first portion of the a-pillar trim member includes a tab extending inwardly into the aperture.

3. The vehicle of claim 2, wherein the second portion of the a-pillar trim member defines a receiver that receives the tab on the first portion of the a-pillar such that the second portion is retained within the aperture defined by the first portion.

4. The vehicle of claim 1, further comprising:

an anchor coupled to at least one of the A-pillar and the A-pillar trim member.

5. The vehicle of claim 4, wherein the anchor extends through the A-pillar trim member.

6. The vehicle of claim 4, further comprising:

a tether coupled to the anchor and the second portion.

7. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the inflated state of the inflatable member provides at least about 70% cross-sectional overlap with an immediately adjacent window region positioned between the a-pillar, the B-pillar, and the roof side rail.

8. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the second portion of the a-pillar trim member includes a first inflection point and a second inflection point.

9. The vehicle of claim 8, wherein the first inflection point and the second inflection point are angularly offset from each other.

10. The vehicle of claim 9, wherein the angular offset of the first and second inflection points places the first and second inflection points in a non-parallel relationship with one another.

11. The vehicle of any of the preceding claims, wherein the deflated state of the inflatable member includes an inflection point in an area associated with the a-pillar.

12. The vehicle of claim 11, wherein the deflated state of the inflatable member positions the inflatable member proximate to a first side of the aperture in an area of the a-pillar trim member proximate to the roof side rail trim member, and wherein the deflated state of the inflatable member positions the inflatable member proximate to a second side of the aperture in an area of the a-pillar trim member distal to the roof side rail trim member.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to open rack vehicles. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to an open rack vehicle having a two-piece trim member that includes a secondary deployment door for an inflatable member.

Background

An open rack vehicle is provided with a plurality of components. These components may be arranged in a variety of configurations within a portion of a vehicle or class of vehicles to achieve a desired use. Accordingly, there is a need for additional packaging arrangements that can provide a solution to challenges in design and/or manufacturing processes.

Disclosure of Invention

According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle includes a frame. The frame includes an A-pillar, a B-pillar, and a roof side rail. The roof side rail extends between the A-pillar and the B-pillar. An a-pillar trim member is coupled to the a-pillar and includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion defines an aperture that receives the second portion. A B-pillar trim member is coupled to the B-pillar. A roof side rail trim member is coupled to the roof side rail and extends between the A-pillar trim member and the B-pillar trim member. The inflatable member is positioned between the frame and at least two of the A-pillar trim member, the B-pillar trim member, and the roof side rail trim member when the inflatable member is in a deflated state. The inflated state of the inflatable member separates the second portion of the a-pillar trim member from the aperture defined by the first portion of the a-pillar trim member.

Embodiments of the first aspect of the disclosure may include any one or combination of the following features:

-the first portion of the a-pillar trim member comprises a tab extending inwardly into the aperture;

-the second portion of the a-pillar trim member defines a receiver that receives the tab on the first portion of the a-pillar such that the second portion is retained within the aperture defined by the first portion;

-an anchor coupled to at least one of the a-pillar and the a-pillar trim member;

-the anchor extends through the a-pillar trim member;

-a tether coupled to the anchor and the second portion;

-the inflated state of the inflatable member provides an amount of cross-sectional overlap of at least about 70% with an immediately adjacent window area, the window area being positioned between the a-pillar, the B-pillar and the roof side rail;

-the second portion of the a-pillar trim member comprises a first inflection point and a second inflection point;

-the first and second inflection points are angularly offset from each other;

-the angular offset of the first and second inflection points being such that the first and second inflection points are in a non-parallel relationship with each other;

-the deflated state of the inflatable member comprises an inflection point in the area associated with the a-pillar; and is

-the deflated state of the inflatable member positions the inflatable member proximate to a first side of the aperture in an area of the a-pillar trim member proximate to the roof side rail trim member, wherein the deflated state of the inflatable member positions the inflatable member proximate to a second side of the aperture in an area of the a-pillar trim member distal to the roof side rail trim member.

According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle includes a frame. The frame includes an A-pillar, a B-pillar, and a roof side rail. The roof side rail extends between the A-pillar and the B-pillar. An a-pillar trim member is coupled to the a-pillar and includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion defines an aperture that receives the second portion. The first portion includes a tab extending inwardly from a perimeter of the aperture. The second portion of the A-pillar trim member defines a receiver that receives the tab on the first portion of the A-pillar such that the second portion is retained within the aperture defined by the first portion. A B-pillar trim member is coupled to the B-pillar. A roof side rail trim member is coupled to the roof side rail and extends between the A-pillar trim member and the B-pillar trim member. The inflatable member is positioned between the frame and at least two of the A-pillar trim member, the B-pillar trim member, and the roof side rail trim member when the inflatable member is in a deflated state. The inflated state of the inflatable member separates the second portion of the a-pillar trim member from the aperture defined by the first portion of the a-pillar trim member.

Embodiments of the second aspect of the disclosure may include any one or combination of the following features:

-an anchor coupled to at least one of the a-pillar and the a-pillar trim member, wherein the anchor extends through the a-pillar trim member;

-a tether coupled to the anchor and the second portion;

-the second portion of the a-pillar trim member comprises a first inflection point and a second inflection point, wherein the first inflection point and the second inflection point are angularly offset from each other;

-the angular offset of the first and second inflection points being such that the first and second inflection points are in a non-parallel relationship with each other;

-the inflated state of the inflatable member provides an amount of cross-sectional overlap of at least about 70% with an immediately adjacent window area, the window area being positioned between the a-pillar, the B-pillar and the roof side rail;

-the deflated state of the inflatable member comprises an inflection point in the area associated with the a-pillar; and is

-the deflated state of the inflatable member positions the inflatable member proximate to a first side of the aperture in an area of the a-pillar trim member proximate to the roof side rail trim member, wherein the deflated state of the inflatable member positions the inflatable member proximate to a second side of the aperture in an area of the a-pillar trim member distal to the roof side rail trim member.

These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present disclosure will be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art upon studying the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.

Drawings

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is an interior side view of a vehicle door showing an A-pillar trim member, a B-pillar trim member, and a roof side rail trim member with an inflatable member in a deflated state according to one example;

FIG. 2 is an interior side view of a vehicle door showing an inflatable member in a first inflated state, according to one example;

FIG. 3 is an interior side view of the vehicle door showing the inflatable members in a second inflated state, according to one example;

FIG. 4 is an interior side view of the vehicle door showing the inflatable members in a third inflated state, according to one example;

FIG. 5 is an interior side view of the vehicle door showing the inflatable members in a fourth inflated state, according to one example;

FIG. 6 is an exterior side view of a vehicle door showing an inflatable member in a fully inflated state, according to one example;

FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of a first portion of an A-pillar trim member showing the interaction between the first portion and an inflatable member according to one example;

FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of a first portion of an A-pillar trim member according to one example;

FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of a second portion of an A-pillar trim member according to one example; and

fig. 10 is a rear perspective view of a second portion of an a-pillar trim member according to an example.

Detailed Description

For purposes of the description herein, the terms "upper," "lower," "right," "left," "rear," "front," "vertical," "horizontal," and derivatives thereof shall relate to the concept as oriented in FIG. 1. It is to be understood, however, that the concepts may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

The illustrated embodiments of the present disclosure reside primarily in combinations of method steps and apparatus components related to a vehicle having a two-piece trim member. Accordingly, the apparatus components and method steps have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. Further, like reference numerals in the specification and drawings denote like elements.

As used herein, the term "and/or," when used to list two or more items, means that any one of the listed items can be employed alone, or any combination of two or more of the listed items can be employed. For example, if a composition is described as containing components A, B and/or C, the composition may contain: only A; only B; only C; a combination of A and B; a combination of A and C; a combination of B and C; or a combination of A, B and C.

In this document, relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms "comprises," "comprising," or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. The foregoing use of "an" element does not preclude the presence of additional like elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element, without further limitation.

The term "about" as used herein means that amounts, sizes, formulations, parameters, and other amounts and characteristics are not, nor need they be, exact, but may be approximate and/or larger or smaller as desired: reflecting tolerances, conversion factors, rounding off, measurement error and the like, as well as other factors known to those skilled in the art. When the term "about" is used to describe a value or an end-point of a range, the disclosure should be understood to include the specific value or end-point referred to. Regardless of whether the value or range end point in this specification recites "about," the value or range end point is intended to include both embodiments: one is modified by "about" and one is not modified by "about". It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint.

The terms "substantially", "substantially" and variations thereof as used herein are intended to indicate that the feature being described is equal or approximately equal to the value or description. For example, a "substantially planar" surface is intended to indicate a planar or near-planar surface. Further, "substantially" is intended to mean that the two values are equal or approximately equal. In some embodiments, "substantially" may mean that the values are within about 10% of each other, such as within about 5% of each other, or within about 2% of each other.

The terms "the", "a" or "an", as used herein, mean "at least one", and should not be limited to "only one", unless expressly indicated to the contrary. Thus, for example, reference to "a component" includes embodiments having two or more such components, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

Referring to fig. 1-10, the vehicle 20 includes a frame 24. The vehicle 20 is an open rack vehicle, which will be described in further detail herein. The frame 24 includes an A-pillar 28, a B-pillar 32, and a roof side rail 36. The roof side rail 36 extends between the A-pillar 28 and the B-pillar 32. The a-pillar trim member 40 is coupled to the a-pillar 28 and includes a first portion 44 and a second portion 48. The first portion 44 defines an aperture 52 that receives the second portion 48. The B-pillar garnish member 56 is coupled to the B-pillar 32. The roof side rail trim member 60 is coupled to the roof side rail 36 and extends between the a-pillar trim member 40 and the B-pillar trim member 56. When the inflatable member 64 is in a deflated state (e.g., fig. 1), the inflatable member 64 is positioned between the frame 24 and at least two of the a-pillar trim member 40, the B-pillar trim member 56, and the roof side rail trim member 60. The inflated state of the inflatable member 64 (e.g., fig. 5 and 6) separates the second portion 48 of the a-pillar trim member 40 from the aperture 52 defined by the first portion 44 of the a-pillar trim member 40. In various examples, the second portion 48 of the a-pillar trim member 40 provides the vehicle 20 with a secondary deployment door for the inflatable member 64 in a manner to be further described herein.

Referring again to fig. 1 and 2, the interior side of the vehicle 20 is depicted with the inflatable member 64 in a deflated state (fig. 1) and a first inflated state (fig. 2). When the inflatable member 64 is in the deflated state (which may alternatively be referred to as the stowed state), the second portion 48 may be received within the aperture 52 defined by the first portion 44 in such a manner that the exterior surface 68 of the first portion 44, the exterior surface 72 of the second portion 48, and/or the exterior surface 74 of the roof side rail trim member 60 may be flush or substantially flush with one another. In various examples, the first portion 44, the second portion 48, and/or the roof side rail trim member 60 may be smooth or substantially smooth such that if a user moves his or her finger across the joint between the first portion 44 and the second portion 48, the joint between the first portion 44 and the roof side rail trim member 60, and/or the joint between the second portion 48 and the roof side rail trim member 60, the joint may be minimally perceptible. For example, the second portion 48 may be received within the aperture 52 defined by the first portion 44 such that a distance between abutting edges of the first portion 44, the second portion 48, and/or the roof side rail trim member 60 is less than 5mm, less than 4mm, less than 3mm, less than 2mm, less than 1mm, and/or combinations or ranges thereof. Accordingly, the gap between adjacent edges of the first portion 44, the second portion 48, and/or the roof side rail trim member 60 may be less than 5mm, less than 4mm, less than 3mm, less than 2mm, less than 1mm, and/or combinations or ranges thereof. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the previous values of the gap between adjacent edges of the first portion 44, the second portion 48, and/or the roof side rail garnish member 60 are assumed to have zero millimeters (0mm) as a lower bound (non-inclusive). That is, a gap between adjacent edges of the first portion 44, the second portion 48, and/or the roof side rail trim member 60 having a value of zero millimeters (0mm) may indicate an absence of a gap such that the first portion 44, the second portion 48, and/or the roof side rail trim member 60 will be integrally or unitarily formed. In other words, the gap between adjacent edges of the first portion 44, the second portion 48, and/or the roof side rail trim member 60 may be a fraction of a millimeter (e.g., 0.5mm, 0.05mm, etc.) while maintaining zero millimeters (0mm) as a lower bound.

With further reference to fig. 1 and 2, when the inflatable member 64 is inflated from the deflated condition depicted in fig. 1, the inflatable member 64 may act upon an interior surface of the first portion 44, the second portion 48, the B-pillar trim member 56 and/or the roof side rail trim member 60. As the inflatable member 64 continues to inflate, the first portion 44, the second portion 48, the B-pillar trim member 56 and/or the roof side rail trim member 60 may begin to deform from the positions they were in when the inflatable member 64 was in the deflated state. In various examples, inflation of the inflatable member 64 may begin at the B-pillar trim member 56 and/or the roof side rail trim member 60. Continued inflation of the inflatable member 64 from the deflated state may separate the second portion 48 from the first portion 44 in an area of the a-pillar trim member 40 proximate the roof side rail trim member 60. In some examples, the progression of inflation of the inflatable member 64 may begin proximate the B-pillar trim member 56, proceed along the roof side rail trim member 60, and finally proceed to the area associated with the a-pillar trim member 40. In addition, inflation of the inflatable member 64 may be performed in an outward direction and/or a downward direction from the B-pillar trim member 56 and/or the roof side rail trim member 60. When the inflatable member 64 transitions from the deflated state depicted in fig. 1 to the first inflated state depicted in fig. 2, the second portion 48 of the a-pillar trim member 40 may begin to separate from the aperture 52 defined by the first portion 44. Separation of second portion 48 from first portion 44 as a result of inflation of inflatable member 64 may occur in an asymmetric manner. For example, a region of the second portion 48 proximate to the roof side rail trim member 60 may begin to separate from the first portion 44, while a region of the second portion 48 distal or distal from the roof side rail trim member 60 may remain positively engaged with the aperture 52 of the first portion 44. The positive engagement between the second portion 48 and the first portion 44 may be achieved by an interference fit between the first portion 44 and the second portion 48. For example, the first portion 44 of the a-pillar trim member 40 may include a tab 76 (see fig. 7) that extends inwardly into the aperture 52. The tab 76 on the first portion 44 may be received by a receiver 80 defined by the second portion 48 of the a-pillar trim member 40 (see fig. 10). The a-pillar trim member 40 may be provided with a plurality of tabs 76 and a corresponding number of receivers 80. The engagement between the tab 76 and the receiver 80 may retain the second portion 48 within the aperture 52 of the first portion 44. The inflation force or force provided by the inflatable member 64 can overcome the retention force provided by the engagement between the tab 76 and the receiver 80 when the inflatable member 64 transitions from the deflated state to the at least partially inflated state. When the inflation or inflation force increases beyond the retention force provided by the tabs 76 and the receivers 80, the second portion 48 begins to separate from the first portion 44. The expansion or inflation force need not be applied uniformly or directly to the entire second portion 48 to begin separating the second portion 48 from the first portion 44.

Referring now to fig. 3 and 4, the inflatable member 64 is depicted in a second inflation state (fig. 3) and a third inflation state (fig. 4). The first, second, and third inflation states may be partially inflated states. As the inflatable member 64 progresses from the first inflated state depicted in fig. 2 to the second and third inflated states depicted in fig. 3 and 4, the inflatable member 64 increases the degree of separation between the second portion 48 and the first portion 44. Additionally, the degree of deformation of the roof side rail trim member 60, the first portion 44, and/or the second portion 48 may increase, at least temporarily, as the inflatable member 64 continues to inflate from the deflated condition to the fully inflated condition. When the inflatable member is inflated, the engagement between the tab 76 and the receiver 80 may be discontinued in a simultaneous manner in a given region of the a-pillar trim member 40, while also proceeding in a sequential manner for regions of the a-pillar trim member 40 where the distance from the junction between the a-pillar trim member 40 and the roof side rail trim member 60 increases. In other words, as the inflatable member 64 is further inflated, the tabs 76 positioned on opposite sides (e.g., the medial and lateral sides within the same area of the a-pillar trim member 40) may be disengaged from their corresponding receivers 80 on the second portion 48 in a simultaneous or substantially simultaneous manner (e.g., within one second of each other). Sequential disengagement of the tabs 76 from their corresponding receptacles 80 may occur between adjacent sections or regions of the a-pillar trim member 40. For example, the tab 76 and the receiver 80 located close to the roof side rail trim member 60 may be disengaged from each other, followed by disengaging the tab 76 and the receiver 80 located progressively further away from the junction between the a-pillar trim member 40 and the roof side rail trim member 60. Thus, when the inflatable member 64 continues to inflate, once the tab 76 and the receiver 80 immediately adjacent to the junction between the a-pillar trim member 40 and the roof side rail trim member 60 have disengaged, the tab 76 and the receiver 80 immediately adjacent to the now disengaged tab 76 and receiver 80 (e.g., the tab 76 and the receiver 80 proximate to the bight 84 of the a-pillar trim member 40) may disengage from each other. This progression of disengagement between the tab 76 and the receiver 80 may continue along the contour of the a-pillar trim member 40, with the tab 76 and the receiver 80 that are closest to the junction between the a-pillar trim member 40 and the roof side rail trim member 60 becoming disengaged from each other, and then disengaging the tab 76 and the receiver 80 that are positioned further away from the junction between the a-pillar trim member 40 and the roof side rail trim member 60. The anchor 88 may be coupled to the a-pillar 28 and/or the a-pillar trim member 40 (e.g., the first portion 44). In various examples, the anchor 88 can extend through the a-pillar trim member 40 (e.g., through the first portion 44). Tether 92 may be coupled to anchor 88 and second portion 48.

Referring to fig. 5 and 6, the inflatable member 64 is depicted in a fourth inflated state (fig. 5) and a fully inflated state (fig. 6). The fourth inflation state may be a partially inflated state or a fully inflated state. Tether 92, which extends between anchor 88 and second portion 48, may be coupled to a corresponding anchor 96 on second portion 48 (see fig. 10). The tether 92 may maintain the second portion 48 adjacent the a-pillar trim member 40 when the inflatable member 64 transitions from the deflated state to the fully inflated state. By maintaining the second portion 48 near the a-pillar trim member 40 (e.g., near the first portion 44), the tether 92 may reduce the likelihood that the second portion 48 will move freely about the cabin of the vehicle 20. In other words, inflation of the inflatable member 64 may separate the second portion 48 from the first portion 44 of the a-pillar trim member 40, while the interaction between the tether 92 and the second portion 48 reduces the degree of freedom or degree of movement of the second portion 48 when separated from the first portion 44. For example, inflation of inflatable member 64 may move second portion 48 away (e.g., partially or fully away) from first portion 44, while the coupling between first portion 44 and second portion 48 may be maintained by tether 92. Thus, in some examples, the coupling between second portion 48 and first portion 44 may cease when inflatable member 64 is fully inflated, with the exception of the coupling of tether 92 between first portion 44 and second portion 48. In other words, when inflatable member 64 is inflated, aperture 52 defined by first portion 44 may be partially or fully vacated by second portion 48, while second portion 48 may remain secured to first portion 44 by tether 92. Thus, decoupling of the second portion 48 from the first portion 44 provides the vehicle 20 with a secondary deployment door for the inflatable member 64. The inflated state of the inflatable member 64 may provide at least 70% cross-sectional overlap with the window region 100 immediately adjacent the inflatable member 64. For example, the amount of cross-sectional overlap between the inflatable member 64 in the inflated state and the immediately adjacent window region 100 may be at least about 70%, at least about 75%, at least about 80%, at least about 85%, at least about 90%, at least about 95%, less than 100%, less than about 95%, less than about 90%, less than about 85%, less than about 80%, and/or combinations or ranges thereof. The window area 100 proximate the inflatable member 64 may be positioned between or defined by the a-pillar 28, the B-pillar 32, and the roof side rail 36 when the inflatable member 64 is in the inflated condition. Reference to the window region 100 is intended to refer to an area that an occupant of a corresponding door of the vehicle 20 is typically looking through for viewing the environment outside the vehicle 20.

Referring now to fig. 7 and 8, the front side (fig. 7) and the rear side (fig. 8) of the a-pillar garnish member 40 are depicted. The front side of the a-pillar trim member 40 may alternatively be referred to as the occupant side of the a-pillar trim member 40, because that side of the a-pillar trim member 40 may be close to the occupant of the vehicle 20 when in the assembled state. The rear side of the a-pillar trim member 40 may alternatively be referred to as the frame side because the side of the a-pillar trim member 40 is close to the frame 24 of the vehicle 20 when in the assembled state. As described above, the a-pillar trim member 40 includes one or more tabs 76 on the first portion 44, the one or more tabs 76 extending inwardly into the aperture 52 defined by the first portion 44. In other words, the tab 76 on the first portion 44 extends inwardly from the perimeter of the aperture 52 defined by the first portion 44. The a-pillar trim member 40 may include one or more of the anchors 88 coupled to the a-pillar 28 and/or the a-pillar trim member 40 (e.g., the first portion 44). In various examples, one or more of the anchors 88 can extend through the a-pillar trim member 40 (e.g., can extend through the first portion 44). The a-pillar trim member 40 may include a first inflection point 104 and a second inflection point 108. The first inflection point 104 and the second inflection point 108 are angularly offset from each other. The angular offset of the first inflection point 104 and the second inflection point 108 may cause the first inflection point 104 and the second inflection point 108 to be in a non-parallel relationship with each other. For example, the angular offset between the first inflection point 104 and the second inflection point 108 may be about 10 °, about 20 °, about 30 °, about 40 °, about 50 °, about 60 °, about 70 °, about 80 °, about 90 °, about 100 °, about 110 °, about 120 °, about 130 °, about 140 °, about 150 °, and/or combinations or ranges thereof. The inflatable member 64 may include an inflection point 120 in the region of the inflatable member 64 associated with the a-pillar 28 and/or the a-pillar trim member 40. In various examples, the deflated state of the inflatable member 64 positions the inflatable member 64 proximate to the first side 124 of the aperture 52 in an area of the a-pillar trim member 40 proximate to the roof side rail trim member 60. Additionally or alternatively, the deflated state of the inflatable member 64 may position the inflatable member 64 proximate to the second side 128 of the aperture 52 in an area located distal to the roof side rail trim member 60. The first side 124 of the aperture 52 may be proximate to the interior side 132 of the a-pillar trim member 40. The second side 128 of the aperture 52 may be proximate the lateral side 136 of the a-pillar trim member 40.

Referring to fig. 9 and 10, the second portion 48 of the a-pillar trim member 40 is shown from the front side (fig. 9) and the interior or rear side (fig. 10). As with the first portion 44, the front side of the second portion 48 may alternatively be referred to as the occupant side of the second portion 48, as that side of the second portion 48 is proximate to an occupant of the vehicle 20 when in the assembled state. Similarly, the inboard or rear side of the second portion 48 may alternatively be referred to as the frame side of the second portion 48, as that side of the second portion 48 is proximate to the frame 24 of the vehicle 20 when in the assembled state. Those skilled in the art will recognize that while the interior side or frame side of the second portion 48 is referred to as the interior side or frame side, the first portion 44 of the a-pillar trim member 40 may be positioned between the second portion 48 and the frame 24. The second portion 48 fits within an aperture 52 defined by the first portion 44. Thus, the second portion 48 of the a-pillar trim member 40 may include a first inflection point 112 and a second inflection point 116, the first inflection point 112 and the second inflection point 116 generally corresponding to the first inflection point 104 and the second inflection point 108 of the first portion 44. In various examples, the first inflection point 104 of the first portion 44 and the first inflection point 112 of the second portion 48 may correspond to or substantially overlap one another. Similarly, the second inflection point 108 of the first portion 44 and the second inflection point 116 of the second portion 48 may correspond to or substantially overlap one another. As with the first portion 44, the first inflection point 112 and the second inflection point 116 of the second portion 48 may be angularly offset from one another. The angular offset of the first inflection point 112 and the second inflection point 116 may cause the first inflection point 112 and the second inflection point 116 to be in a non-parallel relationship with each other. The angular offset of the first inflection point 112 and the second inflection point 116 may cause the first inflection point 112 and the second inflection point 116 to be in a non-parallel relationship with each other. For example, the angular offset between the first inflection point 104 and the second inflection point 108 may be about 10 °, about 20 °, about 30 °, about 40 °, about 50 °, about 60 °, about 70 °, about 80 °, about 90 °, about 100 °, about 110 °, about 120 °, about 130 °, about 140 °, about 150 °, and/or combinations or ranges thereof.

The a-pillar trim member 40 of the present disclosure is provided as a two-piece construction with the second portion 48 removably coupled to the aperture 52 defined by the first portion 44. Providing this arrangement enables the second portion 48 to be partially or completely separated from the aperture 52 upon inflation of the inflatable member 64, while maintaining the second portion 48 adjacent the first portion 44 by means of the anchor 88 and tether 92 arrangement. If the a-pillar trim member 40 is not provided with the first and second portions 44, 48 in the manner discussed herein, the a-pillar trim member 40 may experience an increased amount of stress and/or strain during inflation of the inflatable member 64. Additionally, the a-pillar trim member 40 of the present disclosure may be beneficial for use in open-rack vehicles. An open rack vehicle is a vehicle in which a portion of the roof of the vehicle is movable, thereby creating the term "open rack" (e.g., a movable roof panel and/or closure panel). Consumers may find these types of vehicles desirable, particularly during the months of the spring, summer and/or fall of the year. However, open rack vehicles may present some packaging constraints to the various components of the vehicle 20. For example, components such as the inflatable member 64 may be limited to being mounted along the frame 24 without having a permanent roof and/or headliner in the cabin of the vehicle 20.

Modifications of the disclosure will occur to those skilled in the art and to those who make or use the concepts disclosed herein. Therefore, it is to be understood that the embodiments shown in the drawings and described above are merely for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the following claims as interpreted according to the principles of patent law, including the doctrine of equivalents.

It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the concepts described and the construction of the other components are not limited to any particular materials. Other exemplary embodiments of the concepts disclosed herein may be formed from a variety of materials, unless otherwise indicated herein.

For the purposes of this disclosure, the term "coupled" (in all its forms: coupled, etc.) generally means that two components (electrical or mechanical) are connected directly or indirectly to each other. Such a connection may be fixed in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical or mechanical), and any additional intermediate members may be integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two components. Unless otherwise specified, such connections may be permanent in nature, or may be removable or releasable in nature.

It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the present disclosure as shown in the exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present innovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, the length or width of the structures and/or members or other elements of the connectors or systems may be varied, and the nature or number of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be varied. It should be noted that the elements and/or assemblies of the system may be constructed of any of a variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability in any of a variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this innovation. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the desired and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present innovations.

It should be understood that any described process or steps within a described process may be combined with other disclosed processes or steps to form structures within the scope of the present disclosure. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and are not to be construed as limiting.

It should also be understood that variations and modifications can be made on the aforementioned structures and methods without departing from the concepts of the present disclosure, and further it should be understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise.

According to the present invention, there is provided an open rack vehicle having: a frame including an A-pillar, a B-pillar, and a roof side rail extending between the A-pillar and the B-pillar; an A-pillar trim member coupled to the A-pillar and including a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion defines an aperture that receives the second portion; a B-pillar trim member coupled to the B-pillar; a roof side rail trim member coupled to the roof side rail and extending between the A-pillar trim member and the B-pillar trim member; and an inflatable member positioned between the frame and at least two of the a-pillar trim member, the B-pillar trim member, and the roof side rail trim member when the inflatable member is in a deflated state, wherein an inflated state of the inflatable member separates the second portion of the a-pillar trim member from the aperture defined by the first portion of the a-pillar trim member.

According to one embodiment, the first portion of the a-pillar trim member includes a tab extending inwardly into the aperture.

According to one embodiment, the second portion of the a-pillar trim member defines a receptacle that receives the tab on the first portion of the a-pillar such that the second portion is retained within the aperture defined by the first portion.

According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized by: an anchor coupled to at least one of the A-pillar and the A-pillar trim member.

According to one embodiment, the anchor extends through the a-pillar trim member.

According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized by: a tether coupled to the anchor and the second portion.

According to one embodiment, the inflated state of the inflatable member provides at least about 70% cross-sectional overlap with an immediately adjacent window region positioned between the a-pillar, the B-pillar, and the roof side rail.

According to one embodiment, the second portion of the a-pillar trim member includes a first inflection point and a second inflection point.

According to an embodiment, the first and second inflection points are angularly offset from each other.

According to one embodiment, the angular offset of the first and second inflection points is such that the first and second inflection points are in a non-parallel relationship with each other.

According to one embodiment, the deflated state of the inflatable member comprises an inflection point in the region associated with the a-pillar.

According to one embodiment, the deflated state of the inflatable member positions the inflatable member proximate to a first side of the aperture in an area of the a-pillar trim member proximate to the roof side rail trim member, and wherein the deflated state of the inflatable member positions the inflatable member proximate to a second side of the aperture in an area of the a-pillar trim member distal to the roof side rail trim member.

According to the present invention, there is provided an open rack vehicle having: a frame including an A-pillar, a B-pillar, and a roof side rail extending between the A-pillar and the B-pillar; an A-pillar trim member coupled to the A-pillar and including a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion defines an aperture that receives the second portion, wherein the first portion includes a tab extending inwardly from a perimeter of the aperture, wherein the second portion of the A-pillar trim member defines a receiver that receives the tab on the first portion of the A-pillar such that the second portion is retained within the aperture defined by the first portion; a B-pillar trim member coupled to the B-pillar; a roof side rail trim member coupled to the roof side rail and extending between the A-pillar trim member and the B-pillar trim member; and an inflatable member positioned between the frame and at least two of the a-pillar trim member, the B-pillar trim member, and the roof side rail trim member when the inflatable member is in a deflated state, wherein an inflated state of the inflatable member separates the second portion of the a-pillar trim member from the aperture defined by the first portion of the a-pillar trim member.

According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized by: an anchor coupled to at least one of the A-pillar and the A-pillar trim member, wherein the anchor extends through the A-pillar trim member.

According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized by: a tether coupled to the anchor and the second portion.

According to one embodiment, the second portion of the a-pillar trim member includes a first inflection point and a second inflection point, wherein the first inflection point and the second inflection point are angularly offset from each other.

According to one embodiment, the angular offset of the first and second inflection points is such that the first and second inflection points are in a non-parallel relationship with each other.

According to one embodiment, the inflated state of the inflatable member provides at least about 70% cross-sectional overlap with an immediately adjacent window region positioned between the a-pillar, the B-pillar, and the roof side rail.

According to one embodiment, the deflated state of the inflatable member comprises an inflection point in the region associated with the a-pillar.

According to one embodiment, the deflated state of the inflatable member positions the inflatable member proximate to a first side of the aperture in an area of the a-pillar trim member proximate to the roof side rail trim member, and wherein the deflated state of the inflatable member positions the inflatable member proximate to a second side of the aperture in an area of the a-pillar trim member distal to the roof side rail trim member.