Abstract: An antimicrobial, injection molded air duct for use in an air distribution system which delivers air to a passenger cabin of a vehicle or into an enclosed space within a residential structure is provided. The air duct includes a hollow, injection molded housing having an air passageway for communicating airflow therethrough. The housing includes a layer of molded material which at least partially defines the passageway and which absorbs airborne liquid droplets containing infectious, disease-causing pathogens moving with the airflow. The molded material includes antimicrobial agents disbursed throughout the layer to reduce the number of pathogens contained within droplets absorbed by the layer.

Abstract: An outlet assembly having a plurality of different operating modes for improving air flow in an air distribution system is provided. The assembly includes a first blocking element supported by a first wall of a housing for movement between blocking and unblocking positions within a cavity of the housing. The first blocking element prevents a first layer of air from flowing immediately adjacent the first wall in its blocking position. A second blocking element is supported by a second wall of the housing for movement between blocking and unblocking positions within the cavity. The second blocking element prevents a second layer of air from flowing immediately adjacent the second wall in its blocking position. An actuator subassembly including a selector member is supported for movement between a plurality of predefined positions which correspond to first and second blocking modes and a nominal unblocking mode.

Abstract: An outlet assembly having a plurality of different operating modes for improving air flow in an air distribution system is provided. The assembly includes a first blocking element supported by a first wall of a housing for movement between blocking and unblocking positions within a cavity of the housing. The first blocking element prevents a first layer of air from flowing immediately adjacent the first wall in its blocking position. A second blocking element is supported by a second wall of the housing for movement between blocking and unblocking positions within the cavity. The second blocking element prevents a second layer of air from flowing immediately adjacent the second wall in its blocking position. An actuator subassembly including a selector member is supported for movement between a plurality of predefined positions which correspond to first and second blocking modes and a nominal unblocking mode.

Abstract: An antimicrobial, injection molded air duct for use in an air distribution system which delivers air to a passenger cabin of a vehicle or into an enclosed space within a residential structure is provided. The air duct includes a hollow, injection molded housing having an air passageway for communicating airflow therethrough. The housing includes a layer of molded material which at least partially defines the passageway and which absorbs airborne liquid droplets containing infectious, disease-causing pathogens moving with the airflow. The molded material includes antimicrobial agents disbursed throughout the layer to reduce the number of pathogens contained within droplets absorbed by the layer.

Abstract: An antimicrobial, injection molded air register for use in an air distribution system to direct airflow from ductwork into a passenger cabin of a vehicle or into an enclosed space within a residential structure is provided. The air register includes a perforated cover configured to cover an outlet end of the ductwork and a plurality of injection molded components supported by the cover to direct air flow into the passenger cabin. Each of the components includes a surface layer in fluid communication with the airflow and is made of a molded material which absorbs airborne liquid droplets containing infectious, disease-causing pathogens moving with the airflow. The molded material includes antimicrobial agents disbursed throughout each of the surface layers to reduce the number of pathogens contained within droplets absorbed by the surface layers.

Abstract: An airbag deployment system for a vehicle is provided. The system can include an airbag positioned between a vehicle frame and a headliner, and a trim member positioned inboard of the frame. The system can also include a deployment ramp coupled to the frame and the trim member. The deployment ramp can have a ramp surface. The ramp surface can be positioned and configured such that when the airbag is deployed a portion of the airbag engages the ramp surface and the trim member to urge the trim member in an outboard direction toward the frame.

Abstract: An attachment clip for coupling an airbag to a motor vehicle is provided. The clip can include a first leg having a first aperture, a second aperture and a protrusion extending from an edge of the second aperture in an outward direction from the first leg. The clip can include a second leg spaced from the first leg and coupled to the first leg. The second leg has a threaded aperture substantially coaxial with the first aperture of the first leg. The space between the first and second legs can slidably receive a mounting member and a portion of the airbag. The protrusion can engage the portion of the airbag, and a fastener can extend through the first aperture of the first leg, through the portion of the airbag and through the mounting member to engage the threaded aperture of the second leg for attaching the airbag to the vehicle.

Abstract: An airbag deployment system for a vehicle is provided. The system can include an airbag positioned between a vehicle frame and a headliner, and a trim member positioned inboard of the frame. The system can also include a deployment ramp coupled to the frame and the trim member. The deployment ramp can have a ramp surface. The ramp surface can be positioned and configured such that when the airbag is deployed a portion of the airbag engages the ramp surface and the trim member to urge the trim member in an outboard direction toward the frame.

Abstract: An overhead trim system for a motor vehicle has a mounting bracket coupled to an overhead area of the motor vehicle and an integrally formed trim member. The integrally formed trim member is configured to extend along a selected length of a perimeter of the overhead area and defines a hinge. The integrally formed trim member is coupled to the mounting bracket to define a cavity configured for receipt of an airbag module. The hinge in a first position is capable of retaining the airbag module within the cavity and in a second position is capable of enabling the airbag module to expand.

Abstract: A reversible lid of a cargo bin also function as a cargo load floor. The cargo load floor is located behind a rear passenger seat and above a spare tire. When the lid is closed, a first flat loading surface is parallel to the ground upon which the vehicle rests while the opposite side of the lid defines the second flat loading surface that is angled with respect to the ground but 180 degrees to the rear surface of a folded forward rear passenger seat to create a smooth continuous loading surface to slide cargo onto the rear surface of the rear seat. A peripheral protruding portion surrounds the first flat loading surface to retain cargo while grooves in the loading surface may accommodate any deposition of water and mud from cargo. The load floor pivots to open while at opposite corners locking tabs secure into holes to lock the load floor closed.

Abstract: A reversible lid of a cargo bin also functions as a cargo load floor. The cargo load floor is located behind a rear passenger seat and above a spare tire. When the lid is closed, a first flat loading surface is parallel to the ground upon which the vehicle rests while the opposite side of the lid defines the second flat loading surface that is angled with respect to the ground but 180 degrees to the rear surface of a folded forward rear passenger seat to create a smooth continuous loading surface to slide cargo onto the rear surface of the rear seat. A peripheral protruding portion surrounds the first flat lading surface to retain cargo while, grooves in the loading surface may accommodate any deposition of water and mud from cargo. The load floor pivots to open while at opposite corners locking tabs secure into holes to lock the load floor closed.

Abstract: A cargo bin comprising a housing having a pair of mounting brackets. A J-shaped slot is formed in each mounting bracket, and a lid that includes a pair of pins slidably mounted in the J-shaped slots is attached to the housing. The lid includes pair of notched portions that are formed in the lid and correspond to the mounting brackets. The lid is actuatable between an open position and a closed position by sliding the pins through the J-shaped slots. To assist in supporting the lid when the lid is open, a surface that defines the notched portion rests on the mounting brackets.

Abstract: An umbrella retaining device may be incorporated into or integrally attached to a vehicle seat from the vehicle factory and may employ a compartment or holder that defines a ventilation and drain hole to drain water from a wet umbrella. An umbrella compartment may further comprise a flap pivoting along a bottom edge of the compartment, a gusset on each side of the flap, and a snap or magnetic closure device proximate to the flap's upper edge. Alternatively, an umbrella retaining compartment may angularly lie within a bottom portion of the seat or seat supporting portion, such as a front seat side shield. The compartment may have a cover, such as a pivoting cover. Alternatively, the umbrella retaining member may be a vertical tubular restraining member with a top, angled opening and a bottom opening. A support loop may lie below the tubular member to provide vertical support.

Abstract: A blow molded (HIC) formation with energy buffers provides absorption of vehicle occupant cranial impacts. A generally plastic, forced air, expanded formation defines a cavity, the formation walls being of varied geometric shapes having calculated wall thicknesses, each shape having an energy absorbing and resiliency characteristic. The formation of geometric shapes is positioned depending upon the vehicle stiffness characteristics and the degree of impact absorption required. Geometric shapes employed may consist of sinusoidal waveforms, a gabled design, or either of the preceding with an internal strengthening rib employed to alter formation impact absorbing characteristics. The formation contains an orifice to ensure that vehicle occupant energy is efficiently absorbed during the concurrent events of formation compaction and air expulsion through the orifice. The blow molded formation may be glued or otherwise suitably fastened to an automobile headliner, door panel, pillar, or other location.

Abstract: An impact energy absorbing arrangement is provided for a vehicle interior having a protuberance designed and configured as part of an interior surface covering a vehicle pillar and butting into a headliner surface. The protuberance is arranged so that if an occupant's head forcibly strikes the roof headliner directly above the pillar, the protuberance on the pillar surface would absorb at least a portion of the impact force as well as minimize potential rotation of the head about the occupant's neck by being positioned so as to contact a portion of the occupant's head at approximately the same time as contact would occur with the headliner.

Abstract: A blow molded (HIC) formation with energy buffers provides absorption of vehicle occupant cranial impacts. A generally plastic, forced air, expanded formation defines a cavity, the formation walls being of varied geometric shapes having calculated wall thicknesses, each shape having an energy absorbing and resiliency characteristic. The formation of geometric shapes is positioned depending upon the vehicle stiffness characteristics and the degree of impact absorption required. Geometric shapes employed may consist of sinusoidal waveforms, a gabled design, or either of the preceding with an internal strengthening rib employed to alter formation impact absorbing characteristics. The formation contains an orifice to ensure that vehicle occupant energy is efficiently absorbed during the concurrent events of formation compaction and air expulsion through the orifice. The blow molded formation may be glued or otherwise suitably fastened to an automobile headliner, door panel, pillar, or other location.

Abstract: An impact energy absorbing arrangement is provided for a vehicle interior having a protuberance designed and configured as part of an interior surface covering a vehicle pillar and butting into a headliner surface. The protuberance is arranged so that if an occupant's head forcibly strikes the roof headliner directly above the pillar, the protuberance on the pillar surface would absorb at least a portion of the impact force as well as minimize potential rotation of the head about the occupant's neck by being positioned so as to contact a portion of the occupant's head at approximately the same time as contact would occur with the headliner.

Abstract: An energy absorption system for vehicle pillars. The energy absorption system includes a cover device attached to a pillar having an outer shell or side visible from the vehicle interior and an inner hidden side supporting a ladder-like structure which includes a spaced walls and spaced ribs integrally attached together. During energy absorption, the side walls absorb energy by bowing outward away from the ribs and occasionally tearing while energy is also absorbed by crushing distortion and tearing of the ribs from their attachment with the walls. Moreover, in an embodiment, at least one flow channel or passage for air is formed within the device laterally to the side of one of the walls. In another embodiment in which a seat belt attachment is utilized, the device forms a track for a slidable retention belt retention member.