Abstract: A trim panel retention system for a vehicle interior includes serviceable trim clips holding trim panel to a base panel in an operating condition. A secondary retaining member extends from the trim panel and passes through a secondary retention opening in the base panel, overlapping the base panel adjacent to the secondary retention opening and spaced from the base panel. If the trim clips become disengaged due a collision and the trim panel separates from the base panel, the secondary retaining member engages the base panel to limit movement of the trim panel.

Abstract: A trim system configured to be received by a vehicle door substrate is provided. Some embodiments of the trim system include a locator and a feature. The feature is moveable relative to the locator after the locator is assembled with the substrate. Some embodiments of the trim system include a first and second feature. The second feature is moveable relative to the first feature after the first feature is assembled with the substrate.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a vehicle trim panel having a storage compartment includes providing a first mold assembly comprising a first mold section and a second mold section, wherein the first mold assembly defines a first cavity. A second mold assembly is provided and comprises a third mold section and a fourth mold section. The second mold assembly defines a second cavity. A first material is introduced into the first cavity, thereby producing a substrate. A second material is introduced into the second cavity, such that the second material defines a cover member. The substrate and the cover member define a vehicle trim panel, such that the cover member defines an expandable portion of the storage compartment.

Abstract: A trim system configured to be received by a vehicle door substrate is provided. Some embodiments of the trim system include a locator and a feature. The feature is moveable relative to the locator after the locator is assembled with the substrate. Some embodiments of the trim system include a first and second feature. The second feature is moveable relative to the first feature after the first feature is assembled with the substrate.

Abstract: A door trim speaker grille with an electroluminescent lamp for use with an audio speaker of a vehicle. The electroluminescent lamp is positioned for emitting visible light through sound passages in the speaker grille. In certain embodiments of the invention, the electroluminescent lamp may be integrally molded with the speaker grille. One method of forming the door trim speaker grille is by an injection molding process that places the electroluminescent lamp as an insert in the mold cavity.

Abstract: An automotive storage compartment includes a compartment body defining a cavity and having an opening for accessing the cavity. The compartment body includes a first connecting member integrally formed therein. The storage compartment further includes a cover having a second connecting member integrally formed therein, the first connecting member cooperating with the second connecting member to moveably couple the cover to the compartment body. An electroluminescent lamp is molded to the compartment body to illuminate the cavity. A two-shot molding process may be used to form the storage compartment, with the compartment body and the first connecting member being formed in the first shot. The electroluminescent lamp is molded to the compartment body in the first shot. The cover and the second connecting member are then formed in the second shot so that the cover is pivotally coupled to the compartment body.

Abstract: An assembly for supporting an article in a vehicle includes a vehicle component. A support housing is pivotably connected to the component for movement between an adjacent position and an extended position. The assembly further includes a support member for laterally supporting an article. The support member is moveable relative to the support housing.

Abstract: This dual use injection molding tool comprises injection molding tool with techniques for both low pressure and high pressure injection molding for injection of material into a bolster and a lifter. In the retracted, non-functional position, this tool is capable of low pressure injection molding techniques. In the extended, functional position, this tool is capable of high pressure injection molding techniques.

Abstract: A plastic product for particular use as grab handles, door closure handles, and other trim and component products. A foam core, either structural or non-structural, is over-molded with a hard or soft plastic shell or skin. Structural members for heat staking, mechanical fastenings, and the like, are integrally formed on the ends of the handles in order to affix the handles to a door pillar, door panel, or the like.

Abstract: A console for a vehicle includes a body defining a compartment and an opening therein. The console further includes a lid configured to cover the opening. The lid includes an armrest portion. A separate armrest extension is movably mounted relative to the body and the lid, wherein the armrest extension is movable between a storage position and a deployed position.

Abstract: An automotive interior trim assembly having a map pocket with an electroluminescent lamp. The trim assembly comprises a trim panel and a housing that forms at least a portion of the map pocket. The housing is coupled to the trim panel to define a cavity having an opening for accessing the cavity. An electroluminescent lamp is integrally molded to the housing to illuminate the cavity. An injection molding process may be used to form the housing with the electroluminescent lamp as an insert in the mold cavity. The housing is then coupled to the trim panel to form a map pocket in the trim assembly. The housing may be configured as a map pocket closeout or a map pocket insert.

Abstract: A console for a vehicle is disclosed. The console includes a body defining an opening and also includes a lid that is configured to cover the opening and a panel that is movably mounted relative to the body. The panel is movable between a retracted position within the opening and an extended position away from the opening. The panel also has at least one receptacle formed therein. The receptacle is configured to receive an object therein.

Abstract: A mold assembly for forming a multi-shot molded part includes a mold system defining a mold cavity, and a retracting member disposed in the mold system selectively movable between extended and retracted positions in the mold cavity. A first molding material is injected in the mold cavity when the mold system is in a configuration with the retracting member in the extended position, forming a first portion of a molded part including a thin wall portion. A second molding material is injected in the mold cavity when the mold system is in another configuration with the retracting member in the retracted position, forming a second portion of the molded part and providing open cavity portions adjacent both surfaces of the thin wall portion. The second material penetrates the thin wall portion, filling the open cavity portions and forming a connection between the first and second portions of the molded part.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a laminated vehicle trim panel includes initially positioning a flexible first material within a mold cavity of a first mold portion. A second mold portion for closing the cavity of the first mold portion is then provided. A second material is introduced into the mold cavity to form a substrate, such that the substrate and the first material form a laminated vehicle trim panel. A portion of the substrate between the outer peripheral edge of the substrate and a second portion of the substrate defines a brim. The brim has a mounting feature for attaching the laminated vehicle trim panel to a second panel.

Abstract: A vehicle cupholder comprises a generally planar support member that is pivotable about a horizontal axis between a horizontal open position and a vertical stowed position. The support member includes a first curved wall and a first retaining arm retaining a container when in a horizontal open position. A first retaining arm is pivotally mounted to the support member in a plane parallel to the plane of the support member. A first mounting bracket includes a cam-shaped outer perimeter surface in constant contact with first retaining arm. The retaining arm is slideable along the outer perimeter surface between the extended position and the retracted position. The outer perimeter surface exerts a biasing force on the first retaining arm as the support member is pivoted from the horizontal open position to the vertical stowed position so as to pivot the first retaining arm from the extended position to the retracted position.

Abstract: An automotive ashtray comprises a compartment body defining a cavity and having an opening for accessing the cavity. The compartment body includes a first connecting member integrally formed therein. The ashtray further includes a cover having a second connecting member integrally formed therein, the first connecting member cooperating with the second connecting member to moveably couple the cover to the compartment body. An electroluminescent lamp is molded to the compartment body to illuminate the cavity. A two-shot molding process may be used to form the ashtray, with the compartment body and the first connecting member being formed in the first shot. The electroluminescent lamp is molded to the compartment body in the first shot. The cover and the second connecting member are then formed in the second shot so that the cover is pivotally coupled to the compartment body.

Abstract: An automotive door assembly comprises a door frame, an interior trim panel removably secured to the door frame by a plurality of connecting members, and one or more door accessories disposed between the door frame and the interior trim panel and connected to the door frame and interior trim panel by the connecting members. The connecting members include first engagement portions that fixedly attach the door accessories to the door frame, and second engagement portions that releasably attach the door frame and door accessories to the trim panel. The door accessories are initially supported on the interior trim panel for assembly onto the door frame when the trim panel is installed on the door frame. Thereafter, the door accessories remain fixed to the door frame when the trim panel is removed.

Abstract: An automotive door panel assembly is provided, comprising a door trim panel. The door trim panel is comprised of an outer trim panel surface; an inner trim panel surface; and at least one tubular stake. The tubular stake includes outer tubular walls protruding from the inner trim panel surface. The tubular stake including a seal sleeve flow channel connecting the outer trim panel surface to the inner trim panel surface. The panel assembly includes an overmold material applied to the outer trim panel surface. The overmold material fills the seal sleeve flow channel and generates an overmold seal sleeve skin on the outer tubular walls. A door main panel assembly is included having at least one clip hole. The tubular stake is positioned within the at least one clip hole. The overmold seal sleeve skin removably engages the at least one clip hole to form a primary seal between the door trim panel and the door main panel assembly.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a vehicle trim component assembly includes providing a first mold assembly comprising a first mold section and a second mold section. The first mold assembly defines a first cavity. A third mold section is then provided. The third mold section and the first mold section combine to define a second mold assembly. The second mold assembly defines a second cavity. A pin is provided and extends from a first mold surface of the first mold section into the first cavity and into a portion of the second cavity. A first material is introduced into the first cavity, thereby producing a first trim component portion. The pin defines a first void portion in the first trim component portion. The second mold section is then replaced with the third mold section to define the second cavity of the second mold assembly. A second material is then introduced into the second cavity, thereby producing a second trim component portion.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a vehicle trim component assembly includes providing a first mold assembly comprising a first mold section and a second mold section. The first mold assembly defines a first cavity. A third mold section is then provided. The third mold section and the first mold section combine to define a second mold assembly. The second mold assembly defines a second cavity. A pin is provided and extends from a first mold surface of the first mold section into the first cavity and into a portion of the second cavity. A first material is introduced into the first cavity, thereby producing a first trim component portion. The pin defines a first void portion in the first trim component portion. The second mold section is then replaced with the third mold section to define the second cavity of the second mold assembly. A second material is then introduced into the second cavity, thereby producing a second trim component portion.