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 climate control system for a passenger compartment of a vehicle is provided that includes a ventilation fan for facilitating movement of air out of the passenger compartment of the vehicle. The fan is selectively controlled by an electronic control unit, which receives a signal from a temperature sensor indicating that operation of the fan is needed. A plurality of thermoelectric devices are used to control the temperature of the ambient air in the passenger compartment. In addition, the vehicle seats are each equipped with at least one thermoelectric device to heat and cool each seat individually. A retractable window cover may optionally be provided to reduce transmission of infrared light into the vehicle interior. The combination of the ventilation fan, the thermoelectric devices for each seat and for the ambient air, and the optional retractable window cover allows for the elimination of the vehicle's central air conditioning system.

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: 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: 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 unique flexible hinge member for an instrument panel airbag is formed of a flexible plastic. The flexible hinge member is secured to the under surface of the instrument panel by a welding technique. The instrument panel is formed with a tear seam on its under surface, but no tear seam on its under surface. In one embodiment, the tear seam is h-shaped and two flexible hinge portions are utilized. In another embodiment, the tear seam is u-shaped and a single flexible hinge member is utilized.