Sandwich-type, structural, composite component having a cut-out feature with a substantially hidden core, assembly utilizing same and panel for use in a vehicle load floor assembly

An assembly comprising:

• a sandwich-type, structural, composite component having a cut-out feature, the component including:
• a first outer layer;
• a second outer layer;
• a core positioned between the outer layers and having a large number of cavities wherein the outer layers are bonded to the core by press molding, and wherein an interior portion of the component enclosed by the rest of the component is locally crushed by the press molding to form at least one depression, each depression having bottom and side surfaces;
• and
• a cut-out which extends completely through the component at the interior portion of the component wherein the side surfaces of the at least one depression substantially hide the core at the cut-out without compromising the structural integrity of the component;
• and
• a second component assembled together with the first component at the cut-out to form the assembly.

A sandwich-type, structural, composite panel having a cut-out feature for use in a vehicle load floor assembly, the panel comprising:

• a first outer layer;
• a second outer layer;
• a core positioned between the outer layers and having a large number of cavities wherein the outer layers are bonded to the core by press molding, and wherein an interior portion of the panel enclosed by the rest of the panel is locally crushed by the press molding to form at least one depression, each depression having bottom and side surfaces;
• and
• a cut-out which extends completely through the panel at the interior portion of the panel wherein the side surfaces of the at least one depression substantially hide the core at the cut-out without compromising the structural integrity of the panel.