Patent ID: 7669915
Filing Date: 2010-03-02
Classification: B60R

Abstract:
1. A trim arrangement for use with a vehicle door assembly having a support structure and a door lock assembly with a lock knob, the trim arrangement comprising: a trim panel with a first portion connected to a second portion by an intermediate portion spanning therebetween, said first portion configured to attach said trim panel to the support structure of the vehicle door assembly; and a breakaway portion integrated with said trim panel, said breakaway portion having a first segment and a second segment respectively oriented with respect to said first and intermediate portions of said trim panel, said first segment configured to attach said breakaway portion to the support structure of the vehicle door assembly, and said second segment defining an aperture therethrough configured to operatively mate with the lock knob; wherein said breakaway portion is configured to separate from said trim panel under a predetermined lateral loading condition.