Assembly including a compression-molded, composite panel having a cellulose-based core and a hinged mounting flange

A vehicle assembly comprising:

• a compression-molded, composite panel including first and second fiber-reinforced thermoplastic, outer layers, first and second sheets of thermoplastic adhesive and a core of cellulose-based material and having first and second portions positioned between the outer layers, the first portion having a plurality 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 the second sheet 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 the first sheet 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 a 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 wherein the mounting flange is formed by a crushed portion of the composite panel adjacent the living hinge to form a depression which receives the component.

A vehicle floor panel assembly comprising:

• a compression-molded, composite panel including first and second fiber-reinforced thermoplastic, outer layers, first and second sheets of thermoplastic adhesive and a core of cellulose-based material and having first and second portions positioned between the outer layers, the first portion having a plurality of cavities and the second portion being substantially free of cavities, wherein the second outer layer is bonded to the core by the second sheet 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 the first sheet 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 a 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 wherein the mounting flange is formed by a crushed portion of the composite panel adjacent the living hinge to form a depression which receives the component.