Abstract: A vehicle interior component including a decorative covering includes a seam formed therein. The seam is formed in a single sheet of covering material while having the appearance of being formed by sewing two separate pieces of covering material together. The seam includes lines of functional stitching and decorative stitching and can simulate the appearance of a French seam. Sewing the decorative stitching into the single sheet of covering material can allow symmetric thread patterns to be more readily formed as part of the finished seam, and a seam can be located anywhere along the surface of a sheet of covering material to achieve a cut-and-sew appearance.

Abstract: A vehicle interior component including a decorative covering includes a seam formed therein. The seam is formed in a single sheet of covering material while having the appearance of being formed by sewing two separate pieces of covering material together. The seam includes lines of functional stitching and decorative stitching and can simulate the appearance of a French seam. Sewing the decorative stitching into the single sheet of covering material can allow symmetric thread patterns to be more readily formed as part of the finished seam, and a seam can be located anywhere along the surface of a sheet of covering material to achieve a cut-and-sew appearance.

Abstract: A trim panel including a substrate layer having a first portion, a second portion, and a frangible pre-weakened segment between the first portion and the second portion; a bridge covering at least a portion of the pre-weakened segment frangibly connecting the first portion and second portion; and a skin layer covering at least a portion of the substrate layer and the bridge. A method of manufacturing a component of a trim panel is also disclosed.

Abstract: An automobile instrument panel with a flexible steering column closeout and a method for assembling the same. The instrument panel is comprised of a structural backing member with a cavity formed therethrough for receiving a steering column. A flexible backing member is disposed over the cavity and attached to the structural backing. A layer of foam is then used to cover both the structural backing and the flexible backing. The foam layer retains the flexible backing against the structural backing, while creating a more aesthetic look for the instrument panel. An opening to accommodate the steering column is cut through both the foam layer and the flexible backing in an area located over the cavity portion of the structural backing, thereby forming a flexible closeout. The flexible closeout closes the gap between the steering column and instrument panel while still allowing for unimpeded displacement of the column relative to the instrument panel.