Abstract: The present invention involves a molded seamless vehicle interior panel having a seamless airbag door for concealing an airbag. The panel includes a retainer portion and a door portion circumscribed by the retainer portion. The retainer portion is disposed adjacent the airbag of the vehicle and has an opening to define a void over the airbag. The retainer portion has an appearance finish of an aesthetic look. The door portion disposed within the void integrally circumscribed by the retainer portion to define the seamless airbag door through which the airbag may deploy. The door portion has an appearance finish compatible to the appearance of the retainer portion such that no seam is visible. The door portion is molded together with the retainer portion and formed of a material different than the material of the retainer portion.

Abstract: A combined immobilizing and steering column control system for a vehicle includes a device, a steering wheel, and a vehicle immobilizing system. The device has a transponder for transmitting an identification signal. The steering wheel includes controls and a first inductor. The first inductor transmits a control signal for controlling a vehicle function in response to a corresponding steering wheel control being actuated. The immobilizing system has a second inductor and a controller. The second inductor is operable to sense the identification signal transmitted by the transponder and to sense a control signal transmitted by the first inductor. The controller performs a vehicle immobilizing function in response to the second inductor sensing an identification signal transmitted by the transponder. The controller enables the vehicle function corresponding to an actuated steering wheel control in response to the second inductor sensing the corresponding control signal transmitted by the first inductor.

Abstract: A head restraint positioning device is provided for a head restraint of a vehicle seat. The head restraint positioning device includes an impact device movably connected to the head restraint and arranged on a seat back of the vehicle seat in the area of a pelvis of a passenger sitting on the vehicle seat. The impact device includes at least one structural unit that varies in length in response to the application of pressure and that causes a corresponding change in length of the impact device to change the position of the head restraint.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring vehicle tire pressure. A tire monitor for each tire includes a pressure sensor for sensing tire pressure and a transmitter for transmitting a signal representative of the sensed tire pressure. A receiver for mounting on the vehicle receives the tire pressure signals. The transmitters and the receiver utilize code division multiple access (CDMA) for the tire pressure signals so that tire pressure signals transmitted simultaneously by the transmitters can be received by the receiver. A controller for mounting on the vehicle communicates with the receiver and collects and processes the tire pressure signals, and generates control signals for use in conveying tire pressure information to a vehicle occupant.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a foamed plastic article includes disposing a release film on a mold surface of a mold cavity. At least a portion of a bushing is inserted through the release film to form an aperture in the release film. The bushing defines an inlet for foamable material. The mold cavity is then sealed. The foamable material is then injected into the mold cavity through the inlet, wherein the foamable material is conformed to the shape of the mold cavity.

Abstract: A vehicle storage compartment includes a door with an interior face and exterior face. The exterior face of the door faces the interior of a vehicle. The vehicle storage compartment also includes a panel connected to the door, wherein the panel and the interior face of the door define a bin for the storage of goods. The panel is integrally formed with the door in a molding operation to form a single component. The vehicle storage compartment door and bin wherein are integrally formed by a counter-pressure molding process such that cell structures are formed in an interior of walls forming the door and the panel.

Abstract: A seat assembly having a pivot mechanism connected to a seat back and a seat bottom. The pivot mechanism has a first axis of rotation and a second axis of rotation. The pivot mechanism includes a latch rotatable about the first axis of rotation between a latched position and an unlatched position. The seat back can pivot about the first axis of rotation between an upright position and a reclined position when the latch is in the latched position. The seat back can pivot about the second axis of rotation between the upright position and a folded position when the latch is in the unlatched position.

Abstract: A fabric-less part and a method of making same are disclosed. The fabric-less part may include a flexible polyurethane foam body, a high-density polyurethane foam backing layer bonded to the foam body, and a polyurethane elastomer skin bonded to the backing layer. Alternatively, the backing layer may be eliminated and the polyurethane elastomer skin is directly bonded to the flexible polyurethane foam body. The fabric-less part may be an automotive interior part such as a pillar trim, headrest, trim panel, instrument panel, door panel, armrest, or part of an automotive seat such as a seat cushion.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a two piece pivoting sun visor rod upon which sun visors are rotationally mounted, wherein the pivoting sun visor rod comprises a two piece sun visor rod having a pivot joint incorporated therein. Further, the present invention relates to a two piece sun visor rod having both a pivot joint and a means of electrically connecting a vanity light.

Abstract: A door assembly includes a carrier panel attachable to a vehicle door outer structure such that the carrier panel substantially covers an opening of the door outer structure. The carrier panel is configured to function as a water shield between the door outer structure and a vehicle occupant compartment. The carrier panel also includes an upper portion and a lower portion, and the lower portion defines a lower appearance surface. The assembly further includes a hardware component mounted to and supported by the carrier panel, and an upper trim panel arrangement that is attachable to the carrier panel after the carrier panel has been attached to the door outer structure. The upper trim panel arrangement is configured to substantially cover the upper portion of the carrier panel and defines an upper appearance surface.

Abstract: A vehicle seat frame assembly that includes inboard and outboard generally vertical side members that define outer surfaces. The assembly also has a separate first spacer bracket attached to the outboard side member and has a first contact surface spaced apart from the outer surface of the outboard side member. A separate second spacer bracket is attached to the inboard side member and has a first contact surface spaced apart from the outer surface of the inboard side member. A vehicle seat assembly that includes a center console frame member and a vehicle seat. The seat has a seat frame with a pair of vertical side members and a first and second spacer bracket attached to each of the vertical side members. The first spacer bracket is positioned on an inboard side of the seat frame, with the inboard spacer bracket extending towards the center console frame member.

Abstract: A seat position sensing device for use in a deployable passenger restraint system for an automotive vehicle has a Hall Effect sensor and a magnetic actuator sensor target facing each other and mounted in corresponding rails used to mount the vehicle seat to the vehicle said rails in moveable relationship to each other. Said seat position sensing device not requiring special hardware to be mounted in external to said seat rails.

Abstract: In a vehicle having a door, the door having a closed position, a partially open position, and a fully open position, a system for proximity opening of the door includes a remote transmitter, a controller, an actuator, and a switch. The remote transmitter may be for transmitting a wireless first vehicle access signal. The controller may be for receiving the wireless first vehicle access signal and generating a control signal in response thereto. The actuator may be in communication with the controller, the actuator operative to move the door from the closed position to the partially open position in response to the control signal. The switch may be on the door, the switch exposed by movement of the door from the closed position to the partially open position and configured to present a second vehicle access signal when manually activated, the second vehicle access signal for use in moving the door from the partially open position to the fully open position.

Abstract: A motor vehicle storage apparatus includes a base and at least one storage panel for storing a variety of articles thereon. The base has at least one slot capable of engaging a portion of the storage panel and retaining the storage panel in a vertical position. The storage panel may be removable mounted within the motor vehicle storage apparatus or stored outside the storage apparatus. The storage panel has at least one attachment location for attaching articles thereon.

Abstract: An air bag assembly, for mounting on a panel having a recess, includes an air bag adapted to be positioned in the recess, and an inflator associated with the air bag for inflating the air bag. The inflator is further adapted to be positioned in the recess and mounted to the panel. The assembly also includes a cover configured to cover the air bag and to release the air bag when the air bag is inflated. The cover has a side wall with an enlarged end, and the enlarged end is configured to be trapped between the inflator and the panel when the inflator is mounted to the panel, so as to secure the cover to the panel.

Abstract: An automotive keyless entry device 10 is provided, including a first cover element 12 including a tongue element 30 including a plurality of outwardly projecting locking tabs 32 positioned along a first cover intermediary perimeter 34. A second cover element 14 includes a groove element 62 and a plurality of inwardly projecting locking tabs 64 positioned along a second cover outer perimeter 66. The plurality of inwardly projecting locking tabs 64 engage the plurality of outwardly projecting locking tabs 32 during assembly. The second cover element 14 includes an inner seal wall 70 positioned internally of the groove element 62 and the plurality of inwardly projecting locking tabs 64. An elastomer seal element 26 includes an alternating plurality of fold-over portions 46 and plurality of lock-seal portions 48.

Abstract: Disclosed is a rear jump seat head restraint mounting sleeve providing an easy and economic manner of mounting a rear jump seat head restraint by its top edge to a truck roof header.

Abstract: A method of attaching a head rest guide tube to a seat back frame having an aperture extending therethrough includes inserting the guide tube into the aperture, and swaging the guide tube to form a swaged portion engaged with the seat back frame to thereby secure the guide tube to the seat back frame.

Abstract: A system for remote monitoring of vehicle tire pressure includes monitors mounted in the tires, each including a tire pressure sensor, a transmitter for transmitting a tire pressure signal, a battery for the transmitter, and a receiver for receiving an initiation signal. Initiators are mounted on-board the vehicle, each initiator associated with one of the tire monitors. Each initiator is for use in generating a low frequency initiation signal for receipt by a tire receiver to cause the transmitter to transmit a tire pressure signal. A vehicle mounted controller activates the initiators in order to generate the low frequency initiation signals, and processes the tire pressure signals to convey tire pressure information to a user. The controller further activates the initiators in order to generate a low frequency electromagnetic field for use in recharging the batteries in the tire monitors.

Abstract: A method of forming a headliner includes overlaying a cover material onto a multi-layer substrate and at least partially separating the cover material from the substrate during the overlaying. The cover material is clamped separately from the substrate. The overlayed cover material and substrate are then transported into a mold. The substrate is unclamped while the cover material remains clamped, and the cover material and substrate are molded together to form the headliner.