Assembly including a compression-molded, composite panel with a hinged mounting flange

A vehicle assembly comprising:

• a compression-molded, composite panel including first and second fiber-reinforced, outer layers and a core having first and second portions positioned between the outer layers, the first portion having a large number of cavities and the second portion being substantially free of cavities, wherein the second outer layer is bonded to the first portion of the core by press molding and the first outer layer has an outer surface and includes a first portion bonded to the first portion of the core by press molding and a second portion bonded to the second portion of the core to form a mounting flange pivotally connected to the first portion of the first outer layer;
• a component mounted to the mounting flange to pivot with the mounting flange within an interior of the vehicle;
• and
• a living hinge which allows the mounting flange and the mounted component to pivot between different use positions relative to the first portion of the first outer layer.

A vehicle floor panel assembly comprising:

• a compression-molded, composite panel including first and second fiber-reinforced, outer layers and a core having first and second portions positioned between the outer layers, the first portion having a large number of cavities and the second portion being substantially free of cavities, wherein the second outer layer is bonded to the core by press molding and the first outer layer has a load-bearing surface and includes a first portion bonded to the first portion of the core by press molding and a second portion bonded to the second portion of the core to form a mounting flange pivotally connected to the first portion of the first outer layer;
• a component mounted to the mounting flange to pivot with the mounting flange in an interior of the vehicle;
• and
• a living hinge which allows the mounting flange and the mounted component to pivot between different use positions relative to the first portion of the first outer layer.