Abstract: An inflatable curtain airbag integrated tether and method of manufacture can include forming an inflatable curtain from at least one panel of material defining at least one expandable chamber, forming a tether integrally from a salvage area of the at one panel of material, and attaching the tether at an attachment point to the inflatable curtain at one end and having opposite end attachable to a structural pillar of the vehicle for anchoring the inflatable curtain during inflation. The side curtain airbag can be for installation in a stowed condition proximate a roof rail of a vehicle and adapted to be inflated to a deployed condition extending downward along an inner side surface of a passenger compartment of a vehicle.

Abstract: A seat belt notification system and process for a vehicle can include an occupant detection sensor operable to determine if a vehicle seat is in one of an occupied condition or an unoccupied condition. A seat belt sensor can be operable to determine if a seat belt associated with the vehicle seat is in one of a buckled condition and an unbuckled condition. A feedback device can be operable to provide a physical response to a particular vehicle seat, if the occupant detection sensor determines that the particular vehicle seat is in an occupied condition and the seat belt sensor determines that the seat belt associated with the particular vehicle seat is in an unbuckled condition.

Abstract: An inflatable curtain airbag integrated tether and method of manufacture can include forming an inflatable curtain from at least one panel of material defining at least one expandable chamber, forming a tether integrally from a salvage area of the at one panel of material, and attaching the tether at an attachment point to the inflatable curtain at one end and having opposite end attachable to a structural pillar of the vehicle for anchoring the inflatable curtain during inflation. The side curtain airbag can be for installation in a stowed condition proximate a roof rail of a vehicle and adapted to be inflated to a deployed condition extending downward along an inner side surface of a passenger compartment of a vehicle.

Abstract: At least one guide member extends longitudinally along at least a portion of a stowed side curtain airbag. At least one guide ramp directs deployment of the side curtain airbag toward the openable passage defined at least in part by one or more trim pieces. The guide member surrounds the side curtain airbag on three sides to define an airbag deployment opening facing a rear surface of the one or more trim pieces adjacent the openable passage. The interior trim structure covers the stowed side curtain airbag and allows deployment of the side curtain airbag through an interface joint to a position along a sidewall of a passenger compartment adjacent a rear seat location of a two-door coupe style vehicle. The interface joint defines an openable passage along the first and second abutting edges allowing deployment of a side curtain airbag through the interface joint.

Abstract: At least one guide member extends longitudinally along at least a portion of a stowed side curtain airbag. At least one guide ramp directs deployment of the side curtain airbag toward the openable passage defined at least in part by one or more trim pieces. The guide member surrounds the side curtain airbag on three sides to define an airbag deployment opening facing a rear surface of the one or more trim pieces adjacent the openable passage. The interior trim structure covers the stowed side curtain airbag and allows deployment of the side curtain airbag through an interface joint to a position along a sidewall of a passenger compartment adjacent a rear seat location of a two-door coupe style vehicle. The interface joint defines an openable passage along the first and second abutting edges allowing deployment of a side curtain airbag through the interface joint.

Abstract: A vehicular interior trim piece with a tether for use with a side curtain airbag. The tether is attached to an integral first panel portion and a second panel portion which rotates about a hinge out of the path of the airbag. The tether prevents complete detachment of the second panel from the first panel.

Abstract: An inflatable passenger protection system for a vehicle having a structural front pillar frame member to be covered by a separate interior trim component, and a side curtain airbag to be positioned in a stowed condition between the front pillar frame member and the interior trim component the interior trim component having at least a portion movable between a covered position enclosing the side curtain airbag in the stowed condition and an opened position in response to inflation of the side curtain airbag to the deployed condition, includes an extruded support bracket extending between the front pillar frame member and the interior trim component. The bracket has a primary attachment point and a secondary attachment point for supporting the interior trim component.

Abstract: A method for electronically processing payments made to a plurality of merchants in a plurality of payment modes includes: (a) receiving information on the payments into a server; (h) processing the information into an automated clearinghouse file; (c) validating the automated clearinghouse file; and (d) sending the automated clearinghouse file from the server to an automated clearinghouse. Fraud is reduced, and rules are simplified and standardized.

Abstract: A storage apparatus for a motor vehicle includes a stationary platform connectible to a floor of the motor vehicle. A lid connects to the platform and moves between opened and closed positions. The lid engages with the platform when in the lowered position and includes an upper surface defining a reinforced ramp extending between two second row seats of the motor vehicle toward an elevated rear floor area. The platform includes an upwardly extending wall defining a reinforced support for the lid. The lid and the support being of sufficient strength to support foot traffic of vehicle occupants moving to and from the rear area of the motor vehicle. A reciprocal tray connects to the platform for movement between a raised position, and a lower stowed position. An articulated drive connects between the tray and the platform for moving the tray between raised and lowered positions.

Abstract: A pillar trim component can include a main body member and a separately formed airbag support member having an integrally formed inflatable curtain deployment trajectory ramp surface, and complementary interconnecting shaped portions formed on the main body member and the airbag support member for interlocking assembly of a subassembly of the airbag support member to the main body member prior to installation in a motor vehicle. The complementary interconnecting shaped portions, when assembled, prevent unintended disassembly of the subassembly. An airbag positioning portion can be defined by at least a portion of an upwardly extending wall of the airbag support member angled inboard toward the main body member. A headliner retaining portion can be defined by a recess formed between the deployment surface and the main body member.

Abstract: Systems and devices which allow smaller passengers, such as children, in vehicles to direct a seatbelt along a more comfortable path are disclosed. A rear seat shoulder belt guide system for routing of a shoulder belt for a passenger in a vehicle seat includes a guide adapted to engage a seatbelt therein, a base plate secured to a seat back of the vehicle seat, and a tether connecting the guide to the base plate. The base plate may be secured to a headrest sleeve on the seat back of the vehicle seat, and the guide may be adapted to slidingly or frictionally engage the seatbelt. The guide may be stowed in contact with the base plate when the guide is not in use.

Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment, an articulated component is described having a body selectively movable between a stowed position and an extended position. A cover is in mechanical communication with the body, the cover being selectively movable between an open position and a closed position whereby selectively moving the cover into the open position biases the body into the extended position. Further, an exemplary method of articulating the component includes providing a housing having a cavity, securing at least one gear mechanism to the housing proximate the cavity, placing a body in mechanical communication with the at least one gear mechanism, and pivotally securing a cover to the housing proximate the cavity. The cover is selectively movable between an open position and a closed position and selectively moving the cover into the open position causes the body to be biased into the extended position. The body is at least partially disposed in the cavity in the stowed position.

Abstract: A seat belt notification system and process for a vehicle can include an occupant detection sensor operable to determine if a vehicle seat is in one of an occupied condition or an unoccupied condition. A seat belt sensor can be operable to determine if a seat belt associated with the vehicle seat is in one of a buckled condition and an unbuckled condition. A feedback device can be operable to provide a physical response to a particular vehicle seat, if the occupant detection sensor determines that the particular vehicle seat is in an occupied condition and the seat belt sensor determines that the seat belt associated with the particular vehicle seat is in an unbuckled condition.

Abstract: A pillar trim component can include a main body portion and an airbag support portion extending from the main body portion. An attachment portion can include an outwardly extending portion connected to the airbag support portion, an angled portion connected to an outer end of the outwardly extending portion, and an inboard stabilizing web extending between the outwardly extending portion and the angled portion. An airbag positioning portion can be defined by at least a portion of an upwardly extending wall of the airbag support portion angled inboard toward the main body portion. An airbag guide portion can be defined by a deployment surface located above the main body portion and extending between the main body position and the airbag support portion. A headliner retaining portion can be defined by a recess formed between the deployment surface and the main body portion.

Abstract: A vehicle structure is provided with a vehicle seatbelt restraining apparatus. The vehicle structure includes a lower vehicle portion and an upper vehicle portion. The vehicle seatbelt restraining apparatus includes a lower seatbelt anchor, an upper seatbelt anchor, a seatbelt webbing and a biasing element. The lower seatbelt anchor is pivotally coupled to the lower vehicle portion to move between a passenger securing orientation and a retracted non-use orientation. The upper seatbelt anchor is configured and arranged to be mounted to the upper vehicle portion. The seatbelt webbing has a first end coupled to the lower seatbelt anchor and a second end coupled to the upper seatbelt anchor. The biasing element is operatively coupled to the lower seatbelt anchor to urge the lower seatbelt anchor into the retracted non-use orientation.

Abstract: A guide mechanism for a safety seat tether includes a guide and at least one seat back attachment for securing the guide to a seat back. The guide is configured and positioned so as to prevent substantial contact of the tether with a top end of the back seat. The guide may also prevent pressure contact of the tether with upper portions of the front and back surfaces of the seat back. The seat back attachment cooperates with head sleeves on the top end of the seat back to secure the guide to the top end of the seat back.

Abstract: A guide mechanism for a safety seat tether includes a guide and at least one seat back attachment for securing the guide to a seat back. The guide is configured and positioned so as to prevent substantial contact of the tether with a top end of the back seat. The guide may also prevent pressure contact of the tether with upper portions of the front and back surfaces of the seat back. The seat back attachment cooperates with head sleeves on the top end of the seat back to secure the guide to the top end of the seat back.

Abstract: Systems and devices which allow smaller passengers, such as children, in vehicles to direct a seatbelt along a more comfortable path are disclosed. A rear seat shoulder belt guide system for routing of a shoulder belt for a passenger in a vehicle seat includes a guide adapted to engage a seatbelt therein, a base plate secured to a seat back of the vehicle seat, and a tether connecting the guide to the base plate. The base plate may be secured to a headrest sleeve on the seat back of the vehicle seat, and the guide may be adapted to slidingly or frictionally engage the seatbelt. The guide may be stowed in contact with the base plate when the guide is not in use.