WO2017058760A1 - Blow molded plastic automobile seat structure - Google Patents

Abstract

A vehicle seat part, such as an armrest, includes a blow molded surface structure with insert molded metal plates. The insert molded metal plates are provided at each side of the blow molded surface structure and include a stamped part with passage openings. A pivot pin may extend through one of the passage openings and be insert molded with one of the metal plates to form an armrest pivot. The passage opening may instead from a pivot bearing to receive a pivot pin. Another of the passage openings of the same metal plate may form a plastic passage allowing plastic to pass through the metal plate and form an engagement surface at opposite sides of the metal plate.

Description

BLOW MOLDED PLASTIC AUTOMOBILE SEAT STRUCTURE

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. provisional application

62/236,343 filed October 2, 2015, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to vehicle seat structures and seat parts and more particularly to automobile seat structures such as armrests.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Conventional armrests and other automotive seat parts are often formed as a frame and foam structure. One or more frame parts are provided in combination with one or more foam parts. A trim cover is provided over the frame and foam structure. The multipart foam and frame construction involves expense. Further, the frame and foam structures add mass to the overall vehicle seat. Additionally, the manufacture of such frame and foam structures involves significant effort and expense. [0004] Blow molding is used extensively to make plastic containers such as bottles for liquids. With blow molding hollow plastic parts such as containers are formed. To do this, plastic is melted down into a parison or, in the case of injection and injection stretch blow molding (ISB), a preform. The parison is a tube-like piece of plastic with a hole in one end through which compressed air can pass. The parison is clamped into a mold (mold tube arrangement) and air is blown into parison within the mold. The air pressure then pushes the plastic out (expands the shape of the plastic) such that the plastic matches the mold. Once the plastic has cooled and hardened the mold opens up and the part is ejected.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] It is an object of the invention to provide a vehicle seat structure to replace existing frame and foam seat structures and which seat structures can use conventional trim covers to provide an appearance which is similar to current production parts and which can be accepted by the user.

[0006] It is a further object of the invention to provide a vehicle seat part and in particular an armrest which has a reduced mass as compared to existing foam and frame designs and which can be covered with a conventional trim cover to provide a similar appearance to existing foam and frame designs and which may be provided with armrest features, such as a cup holder and/or a storage space and which can be formed with a simple process with a limited number of components and a limited number of process steps to provide cost advantages.

[0007] The invention provides a vehicle part, in particular a vehicle seat part, such as an armrest. The vehicle part includes a blow molded body structure with at least one insert. The insert particularly is a metal insert blow molded (insert blow molded) to be part of the resulting plastic body. [0008] The metal insert may be a metal part such as a metal plate or metal wire. The metal insert may be both a metal and a cooperating plastic, such as a metal wire partially covered or connected to a plastic part, covering, sheathing, plug, etc. before blow molding. An insert molded metal plate may be provided at each side of the blow molded structure. The insert molded metal plate may comprise a stamped part with passage openings. A pivot pin may be provided that extends through one of the passage openings. The pin may be insert molded with one of the metal plates to form an armrest pivot. The pivot pin may then be received by a bearing opening of a vehicle seat. In the alternative, the insert molded metal plate may be insert molded to provide the opening as a bearing opening, to receive a pivot pin of a vehicle seat.

[0009] Another of the passage openings of the metal part or metal plate may be a passage for the blow molded plastic to flow through during molding. The plastic may flow through the passage. This may be used to form a button portion that engages an opposite engagement surface at one side of the metal plate. This allows the plastic material to flow through and around the metal plate and engage the metal plate at the opposite sides of the metal plate and with the plastic material extending through the passage opening. This provides a material fixing of the insert molded metal plate within at least a portion of the blow molded plastic body. In particular, the insert molded metal plate is insert molded such that preferably opposite outer surfaces of the metal plate are covered with plastic in the blow molding process.

[0010] According to the invention, a vehicle seat part is provided comprising a blow molded plastic body comprising plastic material having a vehicle part shaped surface provided by a molding tool, during blow molding. An insert molded metal plate is at least partially within the plastic body and at last partially covered by the plastic material.

[0011] The insert molded plate may form a part of a vehicle part pivot structure comprising an opening. The opening may define a pivot bearing pivot bearing for receiving a pivot pin of a vehicle seat.

[0012] An insert molded pivot pin may extend through the opening. The pivot pin is, in such case, at least partially within the plastic body and at last partially covered by the plastic material.

[0013] The vehicle seat part may also include a cup holder insert. The blow molded plastic body in this case includes at least one of a recess or a through opening which receives the cup holder insert to form a cup holder supported by the vehicle part.

[0014] The vehicle seat part may further comprise a lid with a pivot structure. The blow molded plastic body may include a recess defining a storage space. At least one of the blow molded plastic body, the insert molded metal plate and another insert molded metal plate may define a lid counter pivot structure cooperating with the pivot structure of the lid to pivotably mount the lid to the plastic body. The insert molded plate may include features defining the lid counter structure.

[0015] The metal plate may comprise at least one additional opening defining a securing plastic material opening. In this case the plastic material extends through the at least one additional opening to provide plastic material at an outer surface of the metal plate, plastic material within the at least one additional opening of the metal plate and plastic material at an inner surface of the metal plate. Plastic material in the opening and on each side of the metal plate, in a region adjacent to the opening, provides a positive material joining of the plastic material and the metal plate.

[0016] According to another aspect of the invention, a method of forming a vehicle part is provided. The method comprises forming a metal insert (metal part) and positioning the metal part within a mold tool and fixing the metal part in the position. Gas is blown into the mold tool to push melted plastic material into the mold tool to match the shape of an inner surface of the mold tool, with the metal part fixed therein. The plastic material is cooled and the plastic material, with the shape of the inner surface of the mold tool is removed, with the metal part insert molded into the cool plastic material, from the mold tool. The insert molding places at least a portion of the metal part - such as the metal plate - within the solid plastic material. [0017] Although the vehicle seat structures of the preferred embodiments are armrests, the vehicle seat structure may be some other part of a vehicle seat. The vehicle seat structure may be a ski pass trough, which may be folded down to provide a passageway from a trunk, through a rear seat to a passenger area. The vehicle seat structure may also be a portion of a backrest, a seat cushion (seat base), a headrest or portions of these.

[0018] The metal insert or metal part is not restricted to mechanical and/or structural components. For example, the insert may provide electrical functions such as a contactless charging feature or a plug contact feature. In this case, an electrical/electronic metal insert extends, at least at some locations, out of the blow molded body for connection to a vehicle power system. The metal insert may include plates, sheets and strips. The insert may be electrically conductive and may have two or more contact locations. Some or all of the electrical/electronic metal insert may be covered or sheathed with a plastic material, such as a different plastic material from the blow mold plastic and may be attached to plugs or other features.

[0019] It is apparent that the above-described features, which will also be explained below, can be used not only in the particular combination described, but also in other combinations or alone, without going beyond the scope of the present invention.

[0020] Preferred exemplary embodiments of the present invention are shown in the drawings and will be explained in more detail in the following description, where identical reference numbers designate identical or similar or functionally identical components. The various features of novelty which characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and specific objects attained by its uses, reference is made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] In the drawings:

[0022] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a blow molded plastic seat structure according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0023] Figure 2 is a top view of the seat structure of Figure 1 ; [0024] Figure 3 is a sectional view taken along line ΙΠ - III of Figure 2;

[0025] Figure 4 is a sectional view taken along line IV - IV of Figure 2;

[0026] Figure 5 is a left side view of the seat structure of Figure 1;

[0027] Figure 6 is a right side view of the seat structure of Figure 1;

[0028] Figure 7 is a detailed view of the region VII of Figure 5

[0029] Figure 8 is a detailed view of the region VIII of Figure 5;

[0030] Figure 9 is a sectional view taken along line IX - IX of Figure 7;

[0031] Figure 10 is a sectional view taken along line X - X of Figure 7, also corresponding to a sectional view taken along line X - X of Figure 8;

[0032] Figure 11 is a sectional view taken along line XI - XI of Figure 8;

[0033] Figure 12 is a perspective view of a blow molded plastic seat structure according to another embodiment of the invention;

[0034] Figure 13 is a top view of the seat structure of Figure.12;

[0035] Figure 14 is a sectional view taken along line XIV - XIV of Figure 13;

[0036] Figure 15 is a perspective view of the blow molded plastic seat structure according to Figure 12, with a cup holder insert snapped into the blow molded plastic seat structure;

[0037] Figure 16 is a perspective exploded view of a blow molded plastic seat structure according to another embodiment of the invention with a lid structure;

[0038] Figure 17 is a schematic view of a mold tool with two fixing devices for fixing a position of the metal plates which are to be insert molded into the blow molded plastic seat structure; [0039] Figure 18 is a perspective view of the blow molded plastic sheet structure mounted to a vehicle seat;

[0040] Figure 19 is a schematic sectional view of a blow molded plastic seat structure according to another embodiment of the invention;

100411 Figure 20 is a schematic top view of the seat structure of Figure.19; and [0042] Figure 21 is a schematic rear view of the seat structure of Figure.19.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0043] Referring to the drawings , Figures 1 through 11 show a seat structure in the form of an armrest generally designated 10 according to a first embodiment. The armrest 10 comprises a blow molded plastic body that has a generally rectangular cylindrical shape with an armrest front surface 12, an armrest rear surface 13, an armrest top surface 14, an armrest bottom surface 15, an armrest left side surface 18 and an armrest right side surface 19. The armrest 10 is comprised of a plastic material wall 16 that is formed by blow molding. The blow molding provides the plastic material wall 16 as an outer wall with the outer surfaces 12, 13, 14, 15, 18 and 19 and with inner surfaces surrounding a hollow interior. The thickness of the plastic material wall 16 ma be in the range of about 3mm to 6mm. The blow molding method can be used to form the plastic material wall 16 of HDPE (High Density Polyethylene), PET (polyethylene terephthalate), PP (Polypropylene) and other plastics (e.g., plastic resins with or without fillers). The blow molding method leaves an interruption or blow mold opening 40 (blow mold gas/melted plastic feed opening), which may be left as is, which may be filled or which maybe covered. In the embodiments shown, the blow mold opening 40

(through which compressed gas and plastic material are fed) advantageously passes through the rear surface 13 of the blow molded plastic body. As the armrest 10 is covered with trim cover (leather, fabric or the like), the blow mold opening 40 may be positioned at other locations.

[0044] The armrest 10 is a blow molded plastic body with metal insert. The armrest 10 includes one or more metal inserts in the form of pivot structures generally designated 20, 30, with one of the pivot structures 20, 30 at each of the left side surface 18 and the right side surface 19 (Figure 3). The pivot structures 20, 30 provide for a pivot connection of the armrest 10 with a backrest 4 or other portion of a vehicle seat 2 or part of an associated vehicle. In the embodiments shown, one of the pivot structures 20 includes a bearing opening 24 and the other of the pivot structures 30 includes a pivot pin 36. Although two different pivot structures 20, 30 are shown and described, the armrest 10 may have two of the same type of pivot structures, namely two pivot structures 20, each with a bearing opening 24, that each cooperate with a pivot pin or similar structures of the backrest 4 or of the vehicle seat 2 or of the associated vehicle. In a similar manner, the armrest 10 may have two of the same type of pivot structures 30, each with a pivot pin 36, that each cooperate with a pivot bearing or similar structure of the backrest 4 or the vehicle seat 2 or the associated vehicle.

[0045] The pivot structure 20 (with pivot bearing opening) comprises a stamped sheet metal plate 22 with the pivot bearing opening 24 (Figure 9). Sheet steel or other sheet metal is subjected to a stamping process, to impart a shape and provide one or more openings such as bearing opening 24. Laser cutting and punching operations may also be employed. The stamped sheet metal plate 22 is insert molded, namely plate 22 is inserted into the plastic mold tool 100 and is held in place by a fixing device (fixing means) 120, such as by a magnetic arrangement, a portion of the mold tool 100 or another fixing structure. Plastic material is blow molded around the plate 22. This provides plastic material 42 on the outer side of the plate 22 and provides plastic material 44 on an interior side of the plate 22. This provides a positive material fixing of the plate 22 within the plastic material 16. To provide a further fixing of the plate 22, the plate 22 includes an additional opening in the form of a securing plastic material opening 26. The mold tool is shaped or provided such that plastic material 16 is blown into plastic material opening 26 and is provided on an interior side of the plate 22, extends through plastic material opening 26 and forms a retaining structure or plastic material button 25. The plastic material button 25 has a flange for engaging and holding an exterior side of the plate 22. The plastic material 42, 44 and the plastic material button 25 hold the plate 22 at an outer side and cooperates with plastic material holding the plate 22 at an inner side. Based on the plastic material being present within the plastic material opening 26 the plate 22 is further held and prevented from moving relative to the blow molded plastic body. The blow molding method with the blow molding tool 100 disposes plastic material at and extending around each of the outer edges 43 of the plate 22.

[0046] The pivot structure 30 (with a pivot pin 36) comprises a stamped sheet metal plate 32 with a pivot pin opening 34 (Figure 11) and with a through plastic material opening 26. Sheet steel or other sheet metal is subjected to a stamping process to impart a shape and provide one or more openings such as bearing opening 34. The stamped sheet metal plate 32 may be a stamped sheet metal plate which is identical to plate 22. However, the plates may be formed differently and in particular the pivot bearing opening 24 and surrounding structure may be different from the pivot pin opening 34 and surrounding structure. Other aspects of the plates 22 and 32 may also be different. The portion of the plate 32 with plastic material opening 26 is essentially the same as the portion of the plate 22 with plastic material opening 26. The blow molding method with the blow molding tool 100 disposes plastic material at and extending around each of the outer edges 43 of the plate 32. The plastic material 42, 44 and the plastic material button 25 holds the plate 32 at an outer side and cooperates with plastic material holding the plate 22 at an inner side. The plastic material present within the plastic material opening 26 of the plate 32 further holds the plate 32 relative to the remainder of the blow molded plastic body.

[0047] Although different variants of pivot structures are disclosed as the insert molded metal plates of the vehicle part, other metal plates, metal strips, metal sheets, combinations of sheet strips and plates, or other metal parts, maybe insert molded with the blow molded plastic body. The insert molded metal part may have a mechanical/structural function such as with the disclosed embodiments, or the middle part may have electrical connection or power distribution or other function The insert molding of other insert molded plates is essentially the same for the various embodiments, such that the description with reference to the embodiment of Figure 1 may be applicable for other insert molded plates. [0048] Figures 12 through 15 show features of a seat structure generally designated 50 according to another embodiment of the invention. The seat structure 50 is a molded plastic body with a metal insert. The seat structure 50 is also an armrest and also includes a cup holder through opening 80. Other aspects of the seat structure 50 are identical to the seat structure 10. Pivot structures 20, 30 are again insert molded with the blow molded plastic body. One of the pivot structures 20, 30 is provided at each of the left side surface 18 and the right side surface 19 in the manner shown in Figure 3. However, as noted with reference to the seat structure 10, both of the pivot structures may include a pivot pin 36 or both pivot structures may provide a bearing opening 24, that cooperates with a pivot pin or similar structure of the backrest 4 or of the vehicle seat 2 or of the associated vehicle. The seat structure 50 includes a plastic material wall 16, as shown in Figure 4 or as also shown in Figure 14. This provides an armrest front surface 52, an armrest rear surface 53, an armrest top surface 54, an armrest bottom surface 55, an armrest left side surface 58 an armrest right side surface 59. [0049] The blow mold tool for the seat structure - the armrest 50 with cup holder through opening generally designated 80 - includes a mold tool surface to form a snap area 82. The snap area 82 is at a bottom peripheral region that extends from an inner wall surface 88 (Figure 14). The through opening 80 has an inner wall surface 88 with a corner 86 with the top surface 54. The snap area 82 has a corner 84 with bottom surface 55. A cup holder insert 60 (Figure 15) is inserted into the cup holder through opening 80. The insert 60 is snapped into position. The snapping in includes an interaction of the insert 60 with the snap area 82. In the snapped in position, the insert 60 forms two cup holders.

[0050] Figure 16 shows features of a seat structure generally designated 70 according to another embodiment of the invention. The seat structure 70 has a blow molded plastic body with a metal insert. The seat structure 70 is also an armrest and includes a cup holder through opening 80 in the same manner as the seat structure 50. Additionally, the blow molded plastic body of the seat structure 70 has a recess with recessed surface 72 and a front side wall 74, a left side wall 75, a rear side wall 76 and a right side wall 77. This defines a storage space that is closed by a lid generally designated 90. The lid 90 is a plastic injection molded part or other similar structure. The lid 90 has inwardly formed pivot flanges 92 that includes a pivot structure 94. The pivot structure 94 may include a bearing opening, to receive a pivot pin from a further pivot of the pivot structures 20 or 30 or the pivot structure 94 may be a pivot pin that is inserted in a bearing opening of the further pivot of the pivot structures 20 or 30.

Additionally, the further pivot may be formed by a further metal plate in the blow molded plastic body of the seat structure 70. Other aspects of the seat structure 70 are identical to the seat structure 50.

[0051] Figure 17 schematically shows the features provided for the method of forming the seat structures (10, 50, 70) according to the invention. A plastic mold tool arrangement (mold tool) 100 is schematically represented and may include several (particularly two) mold tool parts. Metal inserts such as plate 22 and plate 32 with pivot pin 36 are inserted into the mold tool 100 and are held in place by one or more fixing device 120. The fixing devices 120 may be comprised of a magnetic arrangement to hold the sheet metal plates 22 and 32. The fixing devices 120 may also be a portion of the mold tool 100, such as a portion of the mold tool which extends into the opening 24 of the plate 22 (Figure 9). Fixing devices 120 may also be a combination of a magnetic arrangements and portions of the mold tool 100 or another fixing structure. With the assistance of the fixing devices 120 the metal plates 22 and 32 are positioned within a mold tool 100 and the metal plates 22 and 32 are fixed in position relative to the mold tool 100. The method proceeds with a blowing of gas into the mold tool 100 to push melted plastic material into the mold tool 100 to match the shape of an inner surface of the mold tool 100, with the metal plates 32 and 22 fixed therein. A single passage 110 is represented in Figure 17, but this may be a passage for both gas and plastic or other configurations may be provided. As mentioned above, the blow molding results in an opening 40 in the blow molded plastic body. Plastic material is molded around the plates 22, 32. Based on the shape and arrangement of the mold tool 100, this provides plastic material 42 on the outer side of the plate 22/32 and provides plastic material 44 on an interior side of the plate 22/32. This provides a material fixing of the plate 22/32 within the plastic material 16. To provide a further fixing of the plate 22/32, each plate 22/32 includes the securing plastic material opening 26 as described above. The mold tool 100 is shaped or provided such that plastic material 16 is blown into plastic material opening 26 and is provided on an interior side of the plate 22/32, extends through plastic material opening 26 and forms a retaining structure or plastic material button 25, that has a flange for engaging and holding an exterior side of the plate 22/32. The plastic material, including the plastic material button 25, holds the plate 22/32 at an outer side and at an inner side and based on the plastic material being present within the plastic material opening 26. The blow molding method using the blow molding tool 100 preferably provides plastic material 16 at and extending around each of the outer edges 43, 47 of the plate 22/32. In the region of the pin 36, the pin 36 is inserted into the opening 34 prior to molding and is held with the flange 38 abutting an inner surface of the plate 32 (Figure 11). The holding of the pin 36 with a flange 38 ma be by the same or similar fixing means 120 that holds the plate 32. The method proceeds with a cooling of the plastic material and a removing of the blow molded plastic body from the mold tool 100. The blow molded plastic body then has the shape of the inner surface of the mold tool and or other mold tool parts, and with the metal plates 22 and 32 insert molded into the cooled plastic material 16 of the blow molded plastic body. After molding, a rigid structure is provided with pivot structures 20, 30 disposed in a fixed position at least partially within the blow molded plastic body. Trim may then be applied to the vehicle seat structure 10, 50, 70. The pivot structures are then used to mount the vehicle seat structure 10, 50, 70 with a counter feature (bearing/ pivot pin) of the backrest 4 or some other portion of the vehicle seat 2 (Figure 18) to or the associated vehicle.

[0052] Figures 19 - 20 show features of a seat structure generally designated 130 according to another embodiment of the invention. The seat structure 130 has a blow molded plastic body with a metal insert 140. The seat structure 130 is also an armrest and may have any of the features of the armrest 10, 50, and 70 as described above. However, in addition to the plastic material which forms part of the plastic body, the seat structure 130 has the metal insert 140, which is electrically conductive. The metal insert generally designated 140 comprises a conductive line 142 and, advantageously, has a first electrical contact 146 and a second electrical contact 144. The conductive line 142 may be comprised of a conductive wire or wires. The first electrical contact 146 may be one or plurality of electrical contacts such as USB jacks (or other male or female electrical connectors). The second electrical contact 144 may also be a similar USB jack or other contact interface, such as a contact interface for connection to a vehicle electrical system or to a vehicle sound or data system. Any and all of the conductive line 142, the first electrical contact 146 and the second electrical contact 144 may be fully or partially covered by a plastic protective sheathing or the like or may cooperate with plastic parts which are applied or are connected to the metal insert 140 prior to blow molding. Further, other components such as metal or plastic parts maybe connected to the metal insert 140 after blow molding.

[0053] While specific embodiments of the invention have been shown and described detail to illustrate the application of the principles of the invention, it will be understood that the invention may be embodied otherwise without departing from such principles.

List of Reference Characters:

10 seat structure - armrest

12 armrest front surface

14 armrest top surface

15 armrest bottom surface

16 plastic material wall

18 armrest left side surface

19 armrest right side surface

20 pivot structure (with pivot opening)

22 stamped sheet metal plate

24 pivot bearing opening

25 plastic material button

26 securing plastic material opening

30 pivot structure (with pivot pin)

32 stamped sheet metal plate

34 pivot pin passage opening

36 pivot pin

38 pivot pin flange

40 blow mold gas/melted plastic feed opening

42 outer side plastic material

43 plate side outer edge

44 inner side plastic material

47 plate end edge

50 seat structure - armrest with cup holder opening

52 armrest front surface

53 armrest bottom surface

54 armrest top surface 58 armrest left side surface

59 armrest right side surface

60 cup holder insert 70 armrest with cup holder opening and storage recess

72 recessed surface

74 front storage space wall

75 left storage space wall

76 rear storage space wall

77 right storage space wall

80 cup holder through opening

82 cup holder insert snap area

84 insert snap area edge

86 through opening edge

88 through opening sidewall

90 lid

92 pivot flange

94 pivot structure

100 mold tool arrangement

110 gas/melted plastic feed

120 fixing device 130 seat structure

140 metal insert

142 conductive line

144 second electrical contact

146 first electrical contact

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A vehicle part comprising:

a blow molded plastic body comprising plastic material having a vehicle part shaped surface provided by a molding tool, during blow molding; and

an insert molded metal part, the metal part being at least partially within the plastic body and at least partially covered by the plastic material with the blow molding of the plastic body.

2. A vehicle part according to claim 1 , wherein the insert molded part is an insert molded metal plate forming a part of a vehicle part pivot structure comprising an opening.

3. A vehicle part according to claim 2, wherein the opening defines a pivot bearing for receiving a pivot pin of a vehicle seat.

4. A vehicle part according to claim 2, further comprising an insert molded pivot pin extending through the opening, the pivot pin being at least partially within the plastic body and at last partially covered by the plastic material.

5. A vehicle part according to claim 2, wherein the insert molded metal plate is a first insert molded metal plate and further comprising a second insert molded metal plate, the second insert molded metal plate being at least partially within the plastic body and at least partially covered by the plastic material, wherein:

the blow molded plastic body includes a first side wall and an opposite second side wall;

the first insert molded metal plate is at least partially within the first side wall and at least partially covered by the plastic material of the first side wall;

the second insert molded plate forms a part of a vehicle part pivot structure comprising an opening; and

the second insert molded metal plate is at least partially within the second side wall and at least partially covered by the plastic material of the second side wall.

6. A vehicle part according to claim 1 , further comprising a cup holder insert, wherein the blow molded plastic body includes at least one of a recess or a through opening which receives the cup holder insert to form a cup holder supported by the vehicle part.

7. A vehicle part according to claim 2, further comprising a lid with a pivot structure, wherein:

the blow molded plastic body includes a recess defining a storage space; and at least one of plastic material of the blow molded plastic body, the insert molded metal plate and another insert molded metal plate defines a lid counter pivot structure cooperating with the pivot structure of the lid to pivotably mount the lid to the plastic body.

8. A vehicle part according to claim 1 , wherein the metal part has at least one opening defining a securing plastic material opening, wherein plastic material extends through the securing plastic material opening to provide the blow molded plastic body with plastic material at an outer surface of the metal part, plastic material within the at least one opening of the metal part and plastic material at an inner surface of the metal part.

9. A vehicle part according to claim 1 , wherein the insert molded part is electrically conductive and extends from a first contact to a second contact.

10. A method of forming a vehicle part, the method comprising the steps of:

forming a metal part;

positioning the metal part at least partially within a mold tool and fixing the metal part in the position;

blow molding a plastic body with the metal part being at least partially within the plastic body by blowing gas into the mold tool and pushing melted plastic material into the mold tool with the blowing gas to match a shape of an inner surface of the mold tool, with the metal part fixed at least partially therein; and

cooling the plastic material and removing the plastic material from the mold tool as a plastic body with the shape of the inner surface of the mold tool, and with the metal part insert molded into the plastic material of the plastic body.

1 1. A method of forming a vehicle part according to claim 10, wherein the metal part is a metal plate formed from a metal sheet and is stamped to impart a shape with the at least one opening.

12. A method of forming a vehicle part according to claim 11, wherein plastic material is passed into the at least one opening during the blow molding wherein plastic material extends through the at least one opening to provide the blow molded plastic body with plastic material at an outer surface of the metal plate, plastic material within the at least one opening of the metal plate and plastic material at an inner surface of the metal plate.

13. A method of forming a vehicle part according to claim 11, wherein a pivot bearing for receiving a pivot pin of a vehicle seat is formed at the at least one opening.

14. A method of forming a vehicle part according to claim 11, further comprising an insert molded pivot pin extending through the at least one opening, the pivot pin being at least partially within the plastic body and at last partially covered by the plastic material.

15. A method of forming a vehicle part according to claim 11, wherein the insert molded metal plate is a first insert molded metal plate and further comprising:

forming a second insert molded metal plate; and

positioning the second metal plate within the mold tool and fixing the second metal plate in the position, wherein:

the blow molding takes place with the second metal plate within the mold such that the second metal plate is fixed in the plastic material of the plastic body and the second insert molded metal plate is at least partially within the plastic body and at least partially covered by the plastic material;

the plastic body includes a first side wall and an opposite second side wall;

the first insert molded metal plate is at least partially within the first side wall and at least partially covered by the plastic material of the first side wall;

the second insert molded plate forms a part of a vehicle part pivot structure comprising an opening;

the second insert molded metal plate is at least partially within the second side wall and at least partially covered by the plastic material of the second side wall.

16. A method of forming a vehicle part according to claim 10, further comprising: blow molding the plastic body to include at least one of a recess or a through opening; providing a cup holder insert;

positioning the cup holder insert in the recess or a through opening to form a cup holder supported by the vehicle part.

17. A method of forming a vehicle part according to claim 11, further comprising: blow molding the plastic body to include a recess defining a storage space;

providing a lid with a pivot structure;

forming a lid counter pivot structure cooperating with the pivot structure of the lid, the lid counter pivot structure being formed at the at the plastic body at least at one of the plastic material of the plastic body, the insert molded metal plate and another insert molded metal plate; and

pivotably mounting the lid to the lid counter pivot structure at the plastic body.

18. A vehicle part according to claim 1, wherein the insert molded part is electrically conductive and is positioned to extend from a first contact location to a second contact location.

19. A vehicle part formed by a method comprising the steps of:

forming a metal part;

positioning the metal part at least partially within a mold tool and fixing the metal part in the position;

blow molding a plastic body with the metal part being at least partially within the plastic body by blowing gas into the mold tool and pushing melted plastic material into the mold tool with the blowing gas to mold the plastic body to match a shape of an inner surface of the mold tool, with the metal part fixed relative to the mold tool; and

cooling the plastic material and removing the plastic material from the mold tool as a plastic body with the shape of the inner surface of the mold tool, and with the metal part insert molded into the plastic material of the plastic body.