Abstract: A vehicle is provided with on-demand seating to allow maximum cargo space in the passenger compartment when the seats are not needed. The seating is lightweight and compact, maximizing available cargo space and minimizing mass and fuel economy impact. The flexible seat may be stowed within body structure defining the passenger compartment, such as side trim panels or a vehicle floor. The body structure supports the flexible seat in a deployed position in which the flexible seat extends from the body structure into the passenger compartment. Roller mechanisms mounted within the body structure allow the seat to extend and retract from the passenger compartment. The seats may be inflatable, and may include pneumatic foam.

Abstract: A conformal grasp handle that molds itself to an applied load of an object, e.g., an end user's hands as they grip the conformal grasp handles. The conformal grasp handle retains the shape of the local deformation caused by the applied load until the handle is intentionally reshaped or the applied force of the object onto the handle is removed. As such, the grasp handles can advantageously be used to adapt to the individual user's anthropometric measurements, posture, hand position, and the like, among others. Suitable automotive applications include, but are not intended to be limited to, steering wheels, shift knobs, and the like.

Abstract: A flexible trim panel attaches to a surface of a vehicle interior and includes a compression-molded thermoplastic foam layer and a textile fabric or synthetic leather layer, such as expanded polyurethane or PVC material. The panel has a compression-molded surface feature in an inner and outer layer, and may have a pocket and a zipper closure. An LED, EL ribbon, or other lighting device is connected to a transparent zipper closure. A composite trim panel is also provided having a compression-molded EVA foam layer and an outer layer. The layers form a composite piece that is attachable to a seat, an instrument panel, or a door. A vehicle interior includes a seat, an instrument panel, a door, and at least one composite trim panel. A transparent closure device connects to the composite trim panel, and a lighting device having a variable property is positioned adjacently to the transparent closure device.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided with on-demand seating to allow maximum cargo space in the passenger compartment when the seats are not needed. The seating is lightweight and compact, maximizing available cargo space and minimizing mass and fuel economy impact. The flexible seat may be stowed within body structure defining the passenger compartment, such as side trim panels or a vehicle floor. The body structure supports the flexible seat in a deployed position in which the flexible seat extends from the body structure into the passenger compartment. Roller mechanisms mounted within the body structure allow the seat to extend and retract from the passenger compartment. The seats may be inflatable, and may include pneumatic foam.

Abstract: The present invention includes a foot-operated accessory pedal located on the floor area of a vehicle interior. The accessory pedal is depressible to activate one of a plurality of vehicle functions. Further included with the present invention is a hand-operated input device operative to assign which of the plurality of vehicle functions the accessory pedal will influence upon selective depressions. Moreover, a display unit is included operative to indicate which of the plurality of vehicle functions the accessory pedal is operative to influence.

Abstract: A driver control input device includes a support post and a steering ring rotatably supported with respect to the support post. A steering transducer is operatively connected between the steering ring and support post to convert mechanical rotation of the steering ring into non-mechanical steering control signals to be sent to a steer-by-wire system. A braking ring and acceleration ring may also be provided for generating non-mechanical braking and acceleration control signals.

Abstract: An instrument panel for a vehicle defines a cavity. A storage console is selectively movable within the cavity to provide enhanced accessibility of stored items within the storage console. In an exemplary embodiment, the storage console is a drawer that is selectively movable from a stowed position inside the cavity to an extended position outside the cavity for access by a vehicle user in a passenger compartment. In another exemplary embodiment, the console is movable between an elevated position in which the console occupies space inaccessible to a vehicle user, and a lowered position in which the console is accessible through an opening in the instrument panel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pneumatic foam cushion for use within a vehicle seat comprising a foam member with a contoured outer surface surrounded by an impermeable layer coextensive therewith. The impermeable layer, which may be a thermoplastic material, permits selective pressurization and depressurization of the foam member, and comprises a first impermeable member having a first contoured shape, and a second impermeable member having either the same shape as the first contoured shape, or a second contoured shape. The first and second impermeable members are matable around the foam member to form the impermeable layer. Preferably, the first and second impermeable members are heat sealed following placement around the foam member. A method of manufacturing a pneumatic foam cushion is also provided.

Abstract: A flexible trim panel attaches to a surface of a vehicle interior and includes a compression-molded thermoplastic foam layer and a textile fabric or synthetic leather layer, such as expanded polyurethane or PVC material. The panel has a compression-molded surface feature in an inner and outer layer, and may have a pocket and a zipper closure. An LED, EL ribbon, or other lighting device is connected to a transparent zipper closure. A composite trim panel is also provided having a compression-molded EVA foam layer and an outer layer. The layers form a composite piece that is attachable to a seat, an instrument panel, or a door. A vehicle interior includes a seat, an instrument panel, a door, and at least one composite trim panel. A transparent closure device connects to the composite trim panel, and a lighting device having a variable property is positioned adjacently to the transparent closure device.

Abstract: An apparatus for displaying information within a vehicle interior includes a surface having a coating for emitting visible light when excited by an ultraviolet (UV) light beam, and a laser projection device (LPD) for generating and directing the UV light beam onto the coating to display information on the surface. The LPD generates one or more UV laser beams, and the coating has one or more light-emitting layers each excitable by a different UV wavelength. Each layer emits a different color of light when excited. The surface is a transparent windshield or lens, or an opaque surface. A method for displaying information within a vehicle interior includes applying a light-emitting coating to a surface in at least one layer, and generating and projecting a UV light beam onto the coating to present information in at least as many colors as there are layers.

Abstract: A multi-functional fob provides at least one of the features selected from a programmable lock/unlock button; a voice activated button; an ice-scraper; a credit card strip; and a rechargeable interface. One or a combination of the features may be integrated into a single fob. A fob-retaining device may be provided. Each fob function may be integrated into an electronic device such as a PDA, a cellular phone, a two-way radio, a wristwatch, a voice recorder, an audio player, a video player, or a multi-communication signal fob repeater. Optionally, the fob may have a compass and a timer. Additionally, a multi-functional fob communication system is provided to provide remote communications between a receiver in a fob-activated device and a remote electronic fob device.

Abstract: Headphone storage concepts provided include (i) a headrest forming a compartment configured for storage of an item within the compartment; (ii) a headrest cooperatively configured for receiving headphones such that the headphones are removably secured to the headrest; (iii) a headrest having earphones pivotably attached thereto; (iv) a seat forming a compartment (in wing bolsters or in an underseat, rearward-opening drawer) for storage of an item; and (v) headphones with rotatable earphones to provide a slimmer profile for storage.

Abstract: The apparatus includes at least one net member having opposed surfaces and the mounting surface includes one of a plurality of hook members and a plurality of loop members. One of the surfaces of the at least one net member includes the other of the plurality of hook members and the plurality of loop members. The at least one net member is operable to be alternately removed from and attached to the mounting surface and retain objects to the mounting surface. The net member is operable to be mounted to the mounting surface in a stowed position to provide a smooth appearance on the mounting surface when not retaining an object.

Abstract: A modular occupant restraint system includes a container for the inflatable cushion and cover over the container, with the cover and container having split lines which separate their upper walls into outwardly and oppositely opening upper and lower pairs of flaps to permit deployment of the inflatable cushion. A switch assembly located between either or both pairs of flaps includes one or more membrane switches located between the flaps and respective keypads projecting outwardly of the cover flap for closing respective pairs of printed circuits on the upper and lower flexible members of the membrane switch to each other. The membrane switches are each connected across a mechanism to be operated and a source of power by flat conductors which extend outwardly of the module between the cover and container, preferably across the connected sides of the flaps.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing tactile feedback in response to the touch input command of a user to the touchscreen of a cathode ray tube in a CRT command and display system. An actuator is provided for imparting motion to the CRT when the actuator is energized. Energization occurs in response to a touch input command of the user to the touchscreen of the CRT. When energized, the actuator provides tactile feedback to the user by imparting motion to the CRT.

Abstract: A combined viewer and projector for display of holographic films prerecorded in cylindrical configuration at prespecified nominal radius of curvature. The projector and the viewer sections of the apparatus each include mirrors positionable by an operator for defining film-illumination light path having a length corresponding to the path length needed to illuminate the film at the prespecified radius. The film preferably is packaged in a cassette which includes a pair of laterally spaced spools which may be driven in either direction by the apparatus and a frame which guides the film through an arcuate path of prespecified radius of curvature.

Abstract: A knock-down portable toilet facility that has components made of thermoplastic material and which can be shipped in a disassembled state, and which can be erected at a site of intended use by interconnecting the components.

Abstract: A portable toilet of the type having two vertically stacked sections, the lower section (12) being a holding tank, and the upper section (14) including a toilet bowl (22), a water tank (26) for storage of water for flush purposes, and a pump (30) for flushing the toilet bowl. To provide a source of chemicals for inserting into the holding tank, a storage chamber (66) is formed in the top wall (38) of the holding tank so as to be confined within the walls (18) of the upper section. To provide a source of toilet tissue paper, a storage chamber (76) is provided between the upper and lower sections (12) and (14) and a toilet tissue paper holder (78) is mounted therein.

Abstract: A portable sanitation unit is disclosed of the type having two vertically stacked sections, the lower section being a holding tank and the upper section including a toilet bowl, a water tank for storage of water for flush purposes, and an improved pump apparatus for flushing the toilet bowl, said apparatus comprising an electrically operated pump that can be energized from any suitable electrical source, such as a portable battery, an electrical receptacle in a motor vehicle, a cottage, a marine vessel, or the like.