Abstract: An armrest (54) for a vehicle (52) includes a substrate (70), an armrest casing (62), and an insert (56). The armrest casing (62) has an upper portion (81) with an arm-resting surface (83). The insert (56) includes a non-foam material and resides between the substrate (70) and the upper portion (81). The armrest casing (62) covers a portion of the substrate (70) and the insert (56).

Abstract: A thematic vehicle interior (10) is provided. The thematic vehicle interior (10) is comprised of a passenger cabin, a cosmetic trim (14) for attachment to the vehicle (12) within the passenger cabin, and a feedback system (16) for playing one or more audio programs. The audio programs are utilized in combination with the cosmetic trim (14) for creating a predetermined theme. Additionally, the audio programs are also utilized for indicating one or more predetermined vehicle conditions. The vehicle conditions include one or more of the following: an open-door condition, a low-fuel condition, a maintenance-required condition, a low-tire-pressure condition, a headlights-on condition, a key-in-the-ignition condition, an unfastened-seatbelt condition, an engine-start condition, and an engine-shut-off condition. Also, the thematic vehicle interior (10) includes a sensor (18) for detecting a vehicle condition and actuating the feedback system (16) to play the audio program.

Abstract: The push-push latch of the present invention is attached to a storage compartment and allows the door of the compartment to move between an open position and a closed position. The latch will remain closed and in a locked position when the door is subjected to a force greater than a predetermined force. The latch includes a track member and a guide member. The track member is molded of a polymer and generally defines a heart shaped track having an integrated retaining section and a channel connecting the heart shaped track and the retaining section. The guide member moves within the heart shaped track to facilitate opening and closing of the compartment door. In the event that the compartment door is subjected to a force greater than a predetermined value while in the closed position, the guide member will be forced through the channel and locked into the retaining section, thereby retaining the door in its closed position.

Abstract: An automotive video display console assembly 18 for installation in a vehicle 10 is provided. The automotive video display console assembly 18 includes a console housing 20. The automotive video display console assembly 18 further includes a horizontal support element 34 including a first end 36 engaging the console housing 20 and a second end 38. The second end 38 is movable between a support stowage position 42 and a horizontally extended position 44 horizontally distanced from the support stowage position 42. A video display element 26 is pivotably mounted to the second end 38 such that the video display 26 can be moved between a display stowage position 28 and a display active position 30 when the second end 38 is in the support stowage position 42. The video display 26 can be further moved to a display extended position 32 when the second end 38 is positioned in the horizontally extended position 44.

Abstract: An automotive seat assembly with improved side impact rigidity is provided including a seat frame. The seat frame includes a frame track, a frame base slidably engaged to the frame track, and a frame back rotatably engaged to the frame base. A rear lateral support assembly includes a support frame attached to a rear portion of the frame base such that the support frame is movable in concert with the frame base. The support frame defines a pocket portion. A tubular member is positioned within the pocket portion. A rocker panel end cap assembly secures a first end of the tubular member within the pocket portion. The rocker panel end cap positioned to engage a rocker panel during side impact. A tunnel console end cap assembly secures a second end of the tubular member within the pocket portion. The tunnel console end cap assembly is positioned to engage a tunnel console such that the tubular member generates a rigid support between the rocker panel and the tunnel console.

Abstract: A positive engagement latching mechanism (22) for a seat assembly (10) of a vehicle includes a track member (28) having a multiple apertures (30), each of which having nonuniform width. Multiple engageable devices (42), each having a tapered engagement portion (52), positively engage in the apertures (30). A latching mechanism engagement-maintaining system (24) for a seat track assembly (12) of the seat assembly (10) includes an engageable device housing (40) having a tapered sides (46) that corresponds with a contour of an adjacent track member edge (48). A shear load resistive device (88) is coupled to the housing (40) and a track member (26) and resists vertical travel of the track member (26) in relation to the housing (40). A load guide (90) is coupled to the housing (40) and to the track member (26) and guides direction of travel of the track member (26) under loading conditions.

Abstract: A tuned vibration absorbing system (12) for a seat system (10) includes a flexible extension member (32) that is coupled to the seat system (10). A suspended element (34) is coupled to the flexible extension member (32). The flexible extension member (32) and the suspended element (34) are configured to absorb vibration within the seat system (10). A method of designing and manufacturing a seat system (10) includes designing the tuned vibration absorbing system (12) with the flexible extension member (32) and the suspended element (34) to absorb vibration within the seat system (10), which is then manufactured and coupled to the seat system (10).

Abstract: A method and system for relearning a previously programmed, authenticated key. The system includes an electronic control module (ECM) and a key. The method begins when the ECM fails to match an identification code (ID) of the key with all active or disabled IDs that are stored within the ECM. Thereafter, the ECM sends a signal to the key by encryption with a default secret code. If the key does not respond to this signal, then the ECM sends a signal to the key by encryption with one of a series of unique secret codes. The key receives this signal and then transmits an encrypted valid response signal to the ECM. The ECM extracts a key password from the encrypted valid response signal and compares this key password to a module password. Thereafter, the ECM determines that the passwords are identical and the ECM stores the key ID.

Abstract: A sleeve insert (14) has a one piece construction with a cylindrical portion (26) disposed within a hole (24) of a bearing member (12) for the visor assembly (10). The cylindrical portion (26) has an inner surface (32) with a substantially low coefficient of friction for rotating and sliding an arm member (16) of the visor assembly (10) through the sleeve insert (14).

Abstract: A thermal control system (11) for a light source (46) of a vision system (10) includes a cooling assembly (61) that has a cooling device (62) and is thermally coupled to the light source (46). A thermal sensor (60) is thermally coupled to the light source (46) and generates a light source temperature signal. A control circuit (50) is coupled to the cooling assembly (61) and to the thermal sensor (60) and operates the cooling device (62) when the light source temperature signal is above a minimum temperature limit.