Abstract: A case comprises a back wall, a side wall integral with the back wall, and a lip extending from the side wall. The lip defines an opening that is adapted to receive a mirror element. A biasing element is adapted to act upon the mirror element when the mirror element is encapsulated in the case to apply a force against the mirror element in a first direction. The biasing element is coupled to the side wall of the case to pull the side wall in a second direction so as to pull the lip against the mirror element.

Abstract: A vehicle seat cover is designed to facilitate acoustic energy absorption by forming in the cover an optimal size and arrangement of perforations based on at target noise frequency range, the perforations allowing the noise to pass through the cover into the interior structure of the seat where the acoustic energy is dissipated in the form of heat.

Abstract: A combined vehicle remote access, tire monitoring and vehicle immobilization system and method including a tire monitor for monitoring a tire parameter, the monitor including a transmitter for transmitting a radio frequency tire data signal, a vehicle access transmitter for transmitting a radio frequency vehicle access signal, and a vehicle activation transponder for receiving an interrogation signal and transmitting a vehicle activation signal for use in vehicle immobilization. The system and method further include a control module having a receiver and a controller for receiving and processing the tire data, vehicle access, and vehicle activation signals, and generating a display signal to display the information represented by the tire data signal, a vehicle access control signal to perform the vehicle access function, and a vehicle immobilization control signal to immobilize the vehicle if the controller fails to authenticate the vehicle activation signal.

Abstract: A system and method for remote monitoring of vehicle tire pressure include monitors in each tire to transmit signals representative of tire pressure and receive control signals for use in regulating transmission of the tire pressure signals. A vehicle receiver receives the tire pressure signals and passive entry signals transmitted by a remote passive entry device. A vehicle transmitter transmits the control signals for use in regulating transmission of the tire pressure signals. A controller on-board the vehicle in communication with the receiver and transmitter conveys tire pressure information to a vehicle occupant based on the tire pressure signals, determines whether the vehicle is occupied based on the passive entry signal, and generates a control signal operative to halt transmission of the tire pressure signals when the vehicle is unoccupied.

Abstract: A selective drive mechanism comprises a driven drive shaft (2), a drive nut (4), locking means (6) and an operable control arm (10). The drive nut (4) is disposed about the drive shaft (2) and is adapted to be selectively driven by the drive shaft (2). The locking means (6) is associated with the drive nut (4) and drive shaft (2) and comprises a helical coil spring mounted about said drive shaft (2). The operable control arm (10) is arranged to selectively engage with and operate the locking means (6). The mechanism (3) is arranged such that with the control arm (10) in a first position the locking means (6) is arranged to lock the drive nut (4) to the drive shaft (2) so that the relative positions of the drive nut (4) and drive shaft (2) are fixed. With the control arm (10) however in a second position the locking means (6), drive nut (4) and drive shaft (2) are arranged so that the drive nut (4) can move relative to the drive shaft (2).

Abstract: A vehicle seat lumbar support adjustment device includes an actuator operatively connected to a cable which extends across the seatback. A compressible plastic support structure is positioned between the cable and a cushion layer, and movable toward the cushion layer by actuation of the cable in order to adjust lumbar support for a seat occupant. Preferably, the compressible plastic support structure includes an integrally molded spring component positioned between opposing walls of the support structure.

Abstract: An installation device for installing a flexible sensor apparatus on a seating surface of a seat cushion includes an installation fixture having a saddle. The saddle includes a first face having a seating portion recess formed therein which generally conforms to the shape of the seating surface of the seat cushion. The first face further has at least one locating recess formed in the seating portion recess. The locating recess generally conforms to the shape of a portion of the flexible sensor apparatus. The saddle further has ports extending from the locating recess to a vacuum source, wherein a vacuum from the vacuum source retains the flexible sensor apparatus in the locating recess.

Abstract: A method of forming an electrical circuit on a surface of a substrate includes providing a substrate having a surface with at least one groove formed therein, the groove having a bottom textured surface, and applying an electrically conductive material onto the bottom textured surface of the groove.

Abstract: A thin edge radius sun visor comprising a frame assembly consisting of a pair of mating frame members connected by a pair of hinges and having attached thereto a cover assembly consisting of a stiffener board and a cover fabric is disclosed. The sun visor frame assembly locked together by male/female snap locks.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly includes a seat frame for supporting a cushion of a seat. A bracket is attached to the seat frame. The bracket includes mounting locations for fastening the bracket to a floor portion of a vehicle. At least one pair of anchor wires are attached to the bracket. Each of the anchor wires includes first and second legs which are attached to the bracket, and a latch receiving portion interconnecting the first and second legs. The latch receiving portion is adapted to be releasably engageable with a corresponding latch mechanism on a child safety seat.

Abstract: The present invention involves a vehicle seat and headrest arrangement for use with a seat having a seatback in a vehicle. The vehicle seat and headrest arrangement comprises a headrest arrangement including a headrest, at least one impact target, and at least one of a guide member and a follower. The seatback has at least one of the other of a guide member and follower. The guide member has a guideway and the follower engages the guideway of the guide member such that upon impact to the vehicle a rearward load by the occupant upon the impact target will cause the follower to engage the guideway in such a manner as to cause the headrest to be moved in a first manner and a second manner so as to support the head of an occupant.

Abstract: The present invention involves a method of providing head support with a movable headrest of a vehicle seat to a vehicle occupant head during impact of the vehicle. The method includes moving the headrest toward the head of the occupant in a first manner upon impact of the vehicle and moving the headrest toward the head of the occupant in a second manner different from the first manner. The first and second manners may include first and second velocities and first and second trajectories of the headrest.

Abstract: A method for determining usability of a cover material as a cover of a vehicle seat component includes determining a fabric stretch requirement for the vehicle seat component; determining actual fabric stretch of the cover material; and comparing the actual fabric stretch with the fabric stretch requirement to determine whether the cover material is satisfactory for use with the vehicle seat component as the cover.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a headrest support rod includes bending a cylindrical steel rod into a desired shape including first and second legs. The bent steel rod is then placed into an injection mold, and first and second plastic sleeves are injection molded over the first and second legs, respectively, to complete the headrest support rod. Accordingly, weight of the headrest support rod is minimized. Preferably, the first and second plastic sleeves include lock slots formed therein.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly includes a motor coupled to an output shaft. At least two driven shafts are each operable between three operating modes. The three operating modes are a stationary mode, a first rotational direction, and a second rotational direction. A transmission assembly connects the driven shafts to the output shaft. The transmission assembly is operable to control each of the driven shafts in any one of the three operating modes when the output shaft rotates in the first rotational direction.

Abstract: A multifunction stalk switch combines a pivoting lever and an internal rod which can be independently rotated and slid in an axial direction to control multiple functions, including separate control of wiper on/off/intermittent settings, an intermittent delay setting, and a washer spray function. A robust design is achieved by avoiding the need for any wiring or circuit boards within the lever arm itself and locating all electrically conductive components in the base. Relief notches in the lever prevent sliding contacts from moving away from the circuit board when the lever arm is pushed in a direction perpendicular to the desired pivot plane.

Abstract: An integrated overhead console system for a vehicle provides storage compartments and electronic devices such as map lights and infotainment systems. The vehicle headliner forms a console body portion of the console, and defines a space that has an opening. A retainer is located between the headliner and a vehicle roof panel. The storage compartments are covered by console doors, which attach directly to the retainer. The electronic devices also attach directly to the retainer, which eliminates the need for a large bezel. This reduces material costs and the weight of the vehicle.

Abstract: A modular sun visor includes upper and lower visor bezels configured to be attached to different sized visor blades. The upper and lower visor bezels are snapped together and capture one of the visor blades between them. The visor blade is then heat staked to the bezels. An elbow arm is pivotally connected to at least one of the visor bezels, and is also pivotally connected to a vehicle. The sun visor is further selectively attachable to the vehicle at a center support. When a sun visor is required for a different make or model of vehicle, only the visor blade is changed; thus, production and inventory costs are reduced.

Abstract: A method of testing a switch looks at the second derivative of the resistance force to movement. The second derivative is most indicative of the feel the operator will experience when utilizing the switch. It is desirable to keep the second derivative to a minimum for the switch at locations other than end of travel or detent positions. By investigating the second derivative, one is provided with feedback of areas on the switch that might require further investigation or re-evaluation.

Abstract: A method for selecting a cover material for use with a vehicle seat component includes establishing a material processability standard for cover materials selected from the group consisting of standards for marking resistance, fabric pattern, pile bind, rippling resistance, laminate wrinkle resistance, raveling resistance, seam puckering, stretch, and elongation; conducting testing of a cover material for compliance with the material processability standard to determine whether the cover material meets requirements of the material processability standard; and considering test results of the cover material before proceeding to utilize the cover material in manufacturing of the vehicle seat component.