Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] The present disclosure generally relates to the field of vehicles. Particularly but not exclusively the present disclosure relates to a vehicle door used in vehicles compartment. Further embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a door trim 5 for the vehicle compartment.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[002] Typically, vehicles include a passenger compartment which is enclosed by 10 vehicle doors. More specifically, the vehicle doors are attached to a body frame of the vehicle to facilitate access to the passenger compartment. The vehicle doors usually comprise a door panel structured to support a window panel, a door trim coupled to the door panel and at least one handle. Conventionally, different designs of door trim are provided to assist a driver or a passenger of the vehicle in closing 15 and opening the vehicle door. The door trim is provided with pull grips or pull cups. The pull cups are defined with a hollow pocket to allow insertion of a palm of a passenger or a driver and facilitated pushing or pulling of the vehicle door. These pull cups can either be integrally formed as part of the door trim or a separate cup is fixed over the door trim. The pull cup is secured to the vehicle door with a 20 plurality of fasteners at a bottom portion of the pull cup and is connected to an inner surface of the door panel using a bracket. The bracket may be an L- type bracket extending between the door panel and bottom portion of the pull case of the door trim. cup. In this arrangement, when the vehicle door is subjected to any lateral loads/ forces, the bracket may transfer these loads/ forces to the bottom portion of 25 the pull cup leading to disengagement of pull case snaps and a displacement of the pull cup. Also, the door trim may get damaged, requiring frequent replacement of the bracket and the door trim. This adds to redundant cost and complexity.
[003] Further, the door trim of the vehicle door is provided with an armrest that protrudes towards the passenger compartment. This armrest may be fitted with an 30 electric component such as a power window switch, a door mirror adjustment switch and switches for other onboard equipment. The armrest is defined with a
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hollow provision to accommodate the pull case in a snap fit configuration. When the vehicle door is subjected to lateral forces/loads due to a collision, a top edge portion of the pull case may get displaced, and the snap fit configuration may get damaged. Subsequently, due to displacement of the pull cup or damage of the snap fit configuration, the pull case may project outwardly from the hollow provision of 5 the armrest. Further, this outward projection of the pull cup may cause injuries to the passenger or driver. Moreover, the armrest may be damaged. This complex design and structure of the conventional door trim, necessitates frequent replacement of pull cup, armrest and the bracket, thereby increasing service time and cost for replacement, which is not economically beneficial. Additionally, these 10 conventional door trims are not specifically designed to minimize damage when the vehicle door is subject to any collision or lateral loads/forces.
[004] The present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more limitations stated above or any other limitations associated with the conventional arts. 15
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[005] One or more shortcomings of the prior art are overcome by a door trim for a vehicle as claimed and additional advantages are provided through the door trim 20 as claimed in the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.
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[006] In one non-limiting embodiment, the present disclosure discloses a door trim for a vehicle. The door trim comprises a door panel fixed to a door frame of the vehicle. An interior panel is removably coupled to the door panel having an integral armrest protruding towards a compartment of the vehicle. The armrest is defined with an opening and the interior panel includes a screw boss to define a 30 mounting hole therein. Further, a pull case is disposed within the opening and removably secured to the interior panel. The pull case is defined with a base with an upwardly extending side walls. The pull case comprises a flange extends
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downwardly below the base and a provision provided within the flange, alignable with the mounting hole.
[007] In an embodiment, a fastener installed in the provision of the flange and the mounting hole for removably securing the pull case with the interior panel. 5
[008] In an embodiment, the side walls comprise a collar portion extending above an edge of the opening. The side walls are defined to abut the armrest for upholding the pull case within the opening.
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[009] In an embodiment, the interior panel comprises a counter bore having a mount projection, with an aperture therein, which extending towards the door panel.
[010] In an embodiment, the door panel comprises a retainer alignable with the aperture. 15
[011] In an embodiment, a fastener is installed in the aperture of the mount projection and the retainer for removably coupling the interior panel with the door panel.
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[012] In an embodiment, a cap is removably mounted over the counter bore for covering the fastener installed in the aperture and the retainer.
[013] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features 25 described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
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[014] The novel features and characteristics of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives, and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to
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the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:
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[015] Figure 1 illustrates a front view of a door trim of a vehicle with a pull cup, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[016] Figure 2 illustrates a sectional view of the door trim having the pull cup of Figure 1; 10
[017] Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of door trim with the pull cup structure of Figure 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[018] Figure 4 illustrates a top perspective view of an armrest having pull cup, in 15 accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
[019] The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the frame illustrated herein may be employed 20 without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[020] While the embodiments in the disclosure are subject to various 25 modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by the way of example in the figures and will be described below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the scope of the disclosure. 30
[021] Before describing detailed embodiments, it may be observed that the novelty and inventive step that are in accordance with the present disclosure resides in a door trim for a vehicle. It is to be noted that a person skilled in the art can be
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motivated from the present disclosure and modify the various constructions of the door trim of the present disclosure. However, such modification should be construed within the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings are showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with 5 details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the description herein.
[022] In the present disclosure, the term “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any embodiment or 10 implementation of the present subject matter described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.
[023] The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof used in the disclosure, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions, such that an 15 apparatus, structure, device, assembly, mechanism, system, and method that comprises a list of components does not include only those components but may include other components not expressly listed or inherent to such apparatus, structure, system, assembly, or device. In other words, one or more elements in a system proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude 20 the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or apparatus or method.
[024] The terms like “at least one” and “one or more” may be used interchangeably or in combination throughout the description. 25
[025] While the present disclosure is illustrated in the context of four-wheeled vehicle such as a car, however, the structure, and aspects and features thereof can be used with other type of vehicles/apparatuses as well. The term “vehicle” includes vehicles such as, but not limited to, passenger cars, passenger buses, school/college 30 buses, public transport vehicles, traveler buses, trucks, SUVs, cars, and passenger three wheelers, that are adapted for transportation.
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[026] The term ‘body frame’ or ‘frame’ or ‘chassis’ or ‘support structure’ or ‘base structure’ or ‘base frame’ (used interchangeably) as used herein refers to a core structure/support structure of the vehicle, to which all other components/elements of the vehicle such as, but not limited to, prime mover such as engine or traction 5 motor, steering mechanism, suspension system, fuel tank or battery, passenger seats, are attached either directly or indirectly.
[027] The terms “front/forward”, “rear/rearward/back/backward”, “up/upper/top”, “down/lower/lower ward/downward, bottom”, “left/leftward”, 10 “right/rightward”, as used hereinafter represents the directions as seen from a passenger from outside of the vehicle.
[028] Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, same 15 numerals will be used to refer to the same or like parts. Embodiments of the disclosure are described in the following paragraphs with reference to Figures 1 to 4. In Figures 1 to 4, the same element or elements which have same functions are indicated by the same reference signs.
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The vehicle doors usually comprise a door panel structured to support a window panel, a door trim coupled to the door panel and at least one handle. The pull cup is secured to the vehicle door with a plurality of fasteners at a bottom portion of the pull cup and is connected to an inner surface of the door panel using a bracket. The bracket extends between the door panel and bottom portion of the pull case of the 25 door trim. cup. In this arrangement, when the vehicle door is subjected to any lateral loads/ forces, the bracket may transfer these loads/ forces to the bottom portion of the pull cup leading to shearing of the bracket and a displacement of the pull cup. Also, the door trim may get damaged, requiring frequent replacement of the bracket and the door trim. This adds to redundant cost and complexity. Moreover, the door 30 trim of the vehicle door is provided with an armrest that accommodates the pull case in a snap fit configuration when subjected to lateral forces/loads due to a
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collision, a top edge portion of the pull case may get displaced, and the snap fit configuration may get damaged. Subsequently, due to displacement of the pull cup or damage of the snap fit configuration, the pull case may project outwardly from the hollow provision of the armrest. Further, this outward projection of the pull cup may cause injuries to the passenger or driver. This complex design and structure of 5 the conventional door trim, necessitates frequent replacement of pull cup, armrest and the bracket, thereby increasing service time and cost for replacement, which is not economically beneficial. Additionally, these conventional door trims are not specifically designed to minimize damage when the vehicle door is subject to any collision or lateral loads/forces. Accordingly, a door trim for a vehicle of the present 10 disclosure is configured to overcome the problems associated with the conventional door trim. The structure of the present disclosure comprises a door panel fixed to a door frame of the vehicle. An interior panel is removably coupled to the door panel having an armrest protruding towards a compartment of the vehicle. The armrest is defined with an opening and the interior panel includes a screw boss to define a 15 mounting hole therein. Further, a pull case is disposed within the opening and removably secured to the interior panel. The pull case is defined with a base having an upwardly extending side walls. The pull case comprises a flange extends downwardly below the base and a provision provided within the flange, alignable with the mounting hole. Therefore, the door trim of the present disclosure is easy 20 to mount and has required strength to sustain a load and forces without damaging components and configuration of the door trim.
[029] Although the door trim is described in the context of a four-wheeled vehicle and in context of a passenger car, such description is not intended to limit the 25 disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the scope of the disclosure.
[030] The disclosure is described in the following paragraphs with reference to 30 Figures 1 to 4. In the figures, the same element or elements which have same functions are indicated by the same reference signs. It is to be noted that, the entire
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set up of the door trim including the entire mounting or coupling arrangements used for mounting/coupling of the door trim to a vehicle door and the entire vehicle is not illustrated in the Figures for the purpose of simplicity.
[031] Referring to Figures 1 to 4, which are exemplary embodiments of the 5 present disclosure illustrating a door trim (100) for a vehicle.
[032] The door trim (100) comprises a door panel (10) fixed to a door frame of the vehicle. The door frame is pivotally coupled to a vehicle body. The door frame (11) is suitably coupled to the vehicle body by a coupling means such as hinges. 10 Further, the door frame defines a window opening (12) for the vehicle door (10) as referred to in Figure 1. This window opening (12) is duly covered by a window glass (14). Further, an interior panel (20) is removably coupled to the door panel (10). The door frame (11) is defined with an outer portion to securely support the door panel (10) and an inner portion of the door panel (10) is coupled with an 15 interior panel (20) joined together to form a space therebetween.
[033] The interior panel (20) comprises an armrest (22). The armrest (22) may be formed integrally or can be coupled to the interior panel (20). The armrest (22) protrudes towards a compartment of the vehicle. The armrest (22) is defined with 20 an opening (24) and a screw boss (26). The opening (24) may be defined with a downwardly facing pocket within the armrest (22). Further, the interior panel (20) is structured to support the armrest (22) and extends towards the door panel (10) to form the screw boss (26). In an embodiment, a bottom portion of the armrest (22) may extend towards the door panel (10) to define the screw boss (26). The screw 25 boss (26) is defined with a mounting hole (26a) therein to removably receive at least one fastener. The screw boss (26) with mounting hole (26a) is configured to removably couple a pull case (30) with the interior door panel (20) as shown in Figure 2. In an embodiment, the armrest (22) may be fitted with an electric component such as a power window switch, a door mirror adjustment switch and 30 switches for other onboard equipment.
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[034] The pull case (30) of the present disclosure is disposed within the opening (24) of the armrest and is removably secured to the interior panel (20). The pull case (30) is defined with a base (32) having upwardly extending side walls (34) as shown in Figure 2 and Figure 3. In an embodiment, the pull case (30) is configured within the opening (24) in a snap fit configuration. In an embodiment, the side walls 5 (34) of the pull case (30) comprises a collar portion (38) extending above an edge of the opening (24) and defined to abut the armrest (22) for upholding the pull case (30) within the opening (24). The collar portion (38) extends outwardly from a top edge periphery of the pull case (30) to securely rest on armrest (22). In an embodiment, the collar portion (38) defined on the pull case (30) can be any 10 fastening members or protrusion complementary to the shape of the plurality of openings (24) to allow snap fitting of the pull case (30) to armrest (22). The pull case (30) further comprises a flange (36) extending downwardly below the base (32). In an embodiment, the flange (36) extends across a central portion of the base (32) in may be defined with a flat shaped structure. Further, a provision (36a) is 15 provided within the flange (36) which is alignable with the mounting hole (26a) of the screw boss (26) to aid in removably coupling the pull case (30) with the interior panel (20). In an embodiment, a fastener (40) is installed in the provision (36a) of the flange (36) and the mounting hole (26a) for removably securing the pull case (30) with the interior panel (20). This facilitates ease of assembly and disassembly 20 of the pull case (30) with the interior panel (20) and requires less effort and time to secure/ remove the pull case (30). Further, this configuration of pull case (30) prevents displacement of the pull case (30) from the opening (24) in case of any force/load is applied on the door panel (10) in a lateral direction. Also, the flange (36) is not subjected to shearing force due to application of the forces/load in lateral 25 direction.
[035] Further, the interior panel (20) comprises a counter bore (28) having a mount projection (28a). This counter bore (28) is defined at a bottom portion of the interior panel (20). The counter bore (28) is defined with an aperture (28b) therein, 30 which extends towards the door panel (10). The configuration of the counter bore
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(28) near to the door panel (10) to aid in coupling of the interior panel (20) with the door panel (10) directly. In an embodiment, the door panel (10) comprises a retainer (12) alignable with the aperture (28b) to receive and support fastening means. Further, at least one fastener (50) is installed in the aperture (28b) of the mount projection (28a) and the retainer (12) for removably coupling the interior panel (20) 5 with the door panel (10). The at least one fastener (50) is aligned latterly aligned and directly couples the door panel (10) with the interior panel (20) as shown in Figures 2. This configuration of the door trim having securement of the pull case (30) and the door panel (10) with the interior panel (20) mitigates a need of extended bracket used in conventional door trim. More specifically, when the door panel (10) 10 is subjected to any lateral load or forces or any sudden collision, the forces are not transferred to the entire structure of the pull case (30) rather only to a bottom portion. This is because these lateral loads/ forces are distributed to specific points of the interior panel (20) thereby preventing unlocking of the snap fit configuration of the pull case (30) from the armrest (22) and avoids damage to the interior panel 15 (20). In an embodiment, the door trim (100) comprises a cap (60) removably mounted over the counter bore (28) for covering the fastener (50) installed in the aperture (28b) and the retainer (12).
[036] The door trim (100) of the present disclosure may be provided to with any 20 shaped and structured armrest (22) and pull case (30). The configuration of the door trim (100) can be varied as per application requirements.
[037] In an embodiment, the door trim (100) may be manufactured by at least one of a metal, composite material, plastic, and any other suitable material. 25
[038] In an embodiment, the door trim (100) according to present disclosure provides a cost-effective solution for preventing damage to the pull case (30) and interior panel (20) when subject to any loads / forces.
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[039] In an embodiment, the size, configuration of the components of door trim (100) may be varied according to the application requirement.
[040] In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides the door trim (100) with pull case (30) configuration that is simple, robust, and compact. 5
[041] In an embodiment, the door trim (100) of the present disclosure is standardized to be applicable for different types of vehicle doors.
[042] In an embodiment, the door trim (100) of the present disclosure reduces 10 frequency of replacing of the interior panel (20), armrest (22) and pull case (30). Also, any displacement of the pull case (30) is prevented.
[043] The various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present disclosure is not 15 limited to the illustrated embodiments; rather, these embodiments are intended to fully and completely disclose the subject matter of the disclosure to those skilled in this art. In the drawings, like numbers refer to like elements throughout.
[044] Herein, the terms “attached”, “connected”, “interconnected”, “contacting”, 20 “mounted”, “coupled”, “fitted”, and the like can mean either direct or indirect attachment or contact between elements, unless stated otherwise.
[045] Well-known functions or constructions may not be described in detail for brevity and/or clarity. As used herein the expression “and/or” includes any and all 25 combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.
[046] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural 30 forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “includes” and/or “including” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features,
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operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
[047] While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the particular 5 features of this disclosure, it will be appreciated that various modifications can be made, and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other modifications in the nature of the disclosure or the preferred embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood 10 that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation.
EQUIVALENTS
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[048] With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity. 20
[049] It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be 25 interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following 30 appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the
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indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use 5 of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more 10 recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, 15 B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A 20 and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” 25 will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”
[050] In addition, where features or aspects of the disclosure are described in terms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure is also thereby described in terms of any individual member or subgroup of 30 members of the Markush group.
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[051] While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the 5 following claims.
REFERRAL NUMERICALS
Numeral
Particular
100
Door trim
10
Door panel
11
Door frame
12
Retainer
20
Interior panel
22
Armrest
24
Opening
26
Screw boss
26a
Mounting hole
28
Counterbore
28a
Mount projection
28b
Aperture
30
Pull case
32
Base
16
34
Side walls
36
Flange
36a
Provision
38
Collar portion
40
Fastener
50
At least one Fastener
60
Cap , Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. A door trim (100) for a vehicle, comprising:
a door panel (10) connected to a door frame of the vehicle;
an interior panel (20), removably coupled to the door panel (10), having an armrest (22), wherein the armrest (22) is defined with an opening 5 (24), and wherein the interior panel (20) includes a screw boss (26) and defining a mounting hole (26a) therein; and
a pull case (30), disposed within the opening (24) and removably secured to the interior panel (20), defined with a base (32) having upwardly extending side walls (34), wherein the pull case (30) comprises: 10
a flange (36) extending downwardly below the base (32); and
a provision (36a) provided within the flange (36), alignable with the mounting hole (26a).
2. The door trim (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprises a fastener (40) installed in the provision (36a) of the flange (36) and the mounting hole 15 (26a) for removably securing the pull case (30) with the interior panel (20).
3. The door trim (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the side walls (34) comprise a collar portion (38) extending above an edge of the opening (24) and defined to abut the armrest (22) for upholding the pull case (30) within the opening (24). 20
4. The door trim (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the interior panel (20) comprises a counter bore (28) having a mount projection (28a), with an aperture (28b) therein, extending towards the door panel (10).
5. The door trim (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the door panel (10) comprises a retainer (12) alignable with the aperture (28b). 25
6. The door trim (100) as claimed in claim 5, comprises at least one fastener (50) installed in the aperture (28b) of the mount projection (28a) and the
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retainer (12) for removably coupling the interior panel (20) with the door panel (10).
7. The door trim (100) as claimed in claim 6, comprises a cap (60) removably mounted over the counter bore (28) for covering the fastener (50) installed in the aperture (28b) and the retainer (12).