Abstract: A vehicle trim element that includes at least one supporting layer having an internal face and an external face, and a skin having an internal face and an external face. The internal face of the skin covers the external face of the supporting layer in at least one detection area. The supporting layer has a through-orifice extending from the internal face to the external face of the supporting layer. At least one detection element is located in the through-orifice. The detection element is in constant contact with the portion of the internal face of the skin covering the through-orifice of the supporting layer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for molding a plastic element having a body with a surface from which at least one rib extends and an insert at least partially arranged against the surface and under the rib. The method carried out by the apparatus includes the steps of: (a) installing the insert against a wall of an injection cavity, the wall having at least one slit extending at least partially opposite at least one part of the insert, the slit being adapted to form the rib of the plastic element; and (b) injecting molding material into the injection cavity to create the body and the rib of the plastic element. A support element is positioned in the slit, against the insert, to support said insert during the injection.

Abstract: A vehicle trim element that includes at least one supporting layer having an internal face and an external face, and a skin having an internal face and an external face. The internal face of the skin covers the external face of the supporting layer in at least one detection area. The supporting layer has a through-orifice extending from the internal face to the external face of the supporting layer. At least one detection element is located in the through-orifice. The detection element is in constant contact with the portion of the internal face of the skin covering the through-orifice of the supporting layer.

Abstract: A vehicle interior trim element has at least one substrate layer covered with a skin having an outer surface containing a plurality of asperities, regularly distributed on the outer surface. The outer surface of the skin defines an outer surface of the trim element that is visible within the vehicle interior. The trim element may be processed by applying a heat source on part of the outer surface forming a decorative area, the application of the heat source being arranged to at least reduce the height of the asperities in the decorative areas such that the decorative area has a different appearance from the rest of the outer surface.

Abstract: A vehicle interior trim element has at least one substrate layer covered with a skin having an outer surface containing a plurality of asperities, regularly distributed on the outer surface. The outer surface of the skin defines an outer surface of the trim element that is visible within the vehicle interior. The trim element may be processed by applying a heat source on part of the outer surface forming a decorative area, the application of the heat source being arranged to at least reduce the height of the asperities in the decorative areas such that the decorative area has a different appearance from the rest of the outer surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for molding a plastic element having a body with a surface from which at least one rib extends and an insert at least partially arranged against the surface and under the rib. The method carried out by the apparatus includes the steps of: (a) installing the insert against a wall of an injection cavity, the wall having at least one slit extending at least partially opposite at least one part of the insert, the slit being adapted to form the rib of the plastic element; and (b) injecting molding material into the injection cavity to create the body and the rib of the plastic element. A support element is positioned in the slit, against the insert, to support said insert during the injection.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for making an interior covering element, and an interior covering element with no central defect. The invention concerns a method which consists in providing a soft skin (14) and a support (10), placing the skin (14) and the support (10) on parts of the mould, closing the parts of the mould for completely delimiting a moulding cavity (16) between the skin and the support, and introducing a fluid material designed to form a foam. The making of the support (10) includes placing a catching member (24) proximate the orifice, and the method includes, prior to closing the mould, causing the catching members (26, 24) of the mould and the support to co-operate, such that the support (10) is not spaced apart from the mould. The invention is applicable to motor vehicle interior covering.