Energy absorbing vehicle trim molding

摘要

A vehicle body interior trim molding for attachment to a pillar curved metal shell structure for absorbing energy to protect occupants of the passenger compartment in case of an accident. The molding includes an elongated molding panel of generally concavo-convex curved section having an outwardly facing concave surface formed with a plurality of saber-shaped parallel transversely disposed ribs. Each rib has a proximal convex curved base edge, integrally molded to the concave surface, and a distal concave curved free edge positioned in juxtaposed conformity with an opposed convex curved surface of the pillar shell. The molding panel ribs cooperate with the shell for absorbing forces exerted thereon by an occupant striking the molding panel by initial deflection of the panel together with one for more of the ribs, and thereafter permanent deformation of the panel and one or more of the ribs if the force is sufficiently great.