The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Dec. 21, 2010
Filed:
Jan. 29, 2009
Thomas A. Jones, Macomb, MI (US);
Raymond A. Beaufait, Macomb, MI (US);
Thomas A. Jones, Macomb, MI (US);
Raymond A. Beaufait, Macomb, MI (US);
GM Global Technology Operations, Inc., Detroit, MI (US);
Abstract
The present invention provides a variety of interior trim structures for use within a passenger compartment of a motorized vehicle. Each interior trim structure includes a structure body configured to attach to the vehicle. The structure body has at least one exterior wall that is visible to occupants of the passenger compartment. At least a portion of the visible wall is fabricated entirely from a segment of natural bamboo stalk. In one embodiment, the segment is a one-piece, monolithic ring of natural bamboo. Alternatively, the segment can be fabricated as a trim panel that is formed from a plurality of precut natural bamboo slats. The interior trim structure can be configured as a storage receptacle, electronic dial, instrument cluster gauge fixture, storage compartment lid, or cosmetic trim panel.