Abstract: A vehicle storage compartment includes a first vehicle component including a pin, a second vehicle component pivotally hinged to the first vehicle component. The first vehicle component and the second vehicle component define a storage cavity in which a vehicle occupant in a passenger compartment may store objects. The compartment includes a dampener arm that is pivotally rotatable about one of the first pin and the second pin and defining a slot enclosing the other one of the first pin and second pin. The dampener arm slot defines an interference fit with the other one of the first pin and the second pin such that pivoting of the second vehicle component is dampened.

Abstract: A vehicle storage compartment includes a first vehicle component including a pin, a second vehicle component pivotally hinged to the first vehicle component. The first vehicle component and the second vehicle component define a storage cavity in which a vehicle occupant in a passenger compartment may store objects. The compartment includes a dampener arm that is pivotally rotatable about one of the first pin and the second pin and defining a slot enclosing the other one of the first pin and second pin. The dampener arm slot defines an interference fit with the other one of the first pin and the second pin such that pivoting of the second vehicle component is dampened.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for mounting knee and glove box surface configurations on a support structure utilizing a universal energy-absorbing bracket capable of being mounted on cross-car beams of a number of different car lines for supporting the different knee and glove box surface configurations.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for mounting knee and glove box surface configurations on a support structure utilizing a universal energy-absorbing bracket capable of being mounted on cross-car beams of a number of different car lines for supporting the different knee and glove box surface configurations.

Abstract: An air bag apparatus for use in a vehicle instrument panel is provided. The air bag apparatus is located on the passenger's side of the vehicle, and includes a canister integrally molded into the instrument panel. The canister has an opening and is configured to receive an air bag module which attaches to the canister. The canister is covered by a door that is precisely located to cover the opening in the canister. Because the canister is integrally molded into the instrument panel, assembly and installation of a separate canister is eliminated. This reduces production time, reduces the complexity of assembly, and lowers overall vehicle production costs.

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.

Abstract: An unique airbag support assembly for an instrument panel airbag is formed of a unitary design. The airbag support assembly has a door flap which is secured by a flexible hinge member to an outer rim. The outer rim includes a support structure for supporting an airbag module. The outer rim and door flap are secured to an under face of the instrument panel by a welding technique. The instrument panel is formed with a tear seam on its under face, but no tear seam is formed on its front face.