Abstract: A vehicle occupant sensing system including at least one transmitter operable to create a transmitted magnetic field and at least one receiver operatively fixed relative to the transmitter. Additionally, the vehicle occupant sensing system includes at least one conductive object operable to create a resultant magnetic field due to interaction with the transmitted magnetic field. The receiver is operable to detect changes in relative distance between the conductive object and the receiver, in response to a load, as a function of the strength of the resultant magnetic field experienced by the receiver. Furthermore, the vehicle occupant sensing system may be employed in a vehicle seat assembly for detecting a condition of the same. A method of operating the vehicle occupant sensing system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A close out retainer for a side air bag chute comprising at least two retainer pieces, a bar code wherein a portion of the bar code is printed on said at least two retainer pieces, and a strap connecting that retainer to the side air bag. This close out retainer increases the safety of side air bags by utilizing a retainer that ensures correct installation. Correct installation is only obtained when the bar code printed on each of at least two retainer pieces is aligned and complete.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly including a lower seat cushion supported by the vehicle and a seat back supported for movement between an upright position and a stowed position. The seat assembly also has a headrest supported for movement relative to the seat back. A locking mechanism engages the headrest to retain the headrest in a raised position when the seat back is in the upright position. The locking mechanism also disengages the headrest for allowing movement of the headrest away from the raised position when the seat back is moved toward the stowed position. The seat assembly also has a biasing mechanism that biases the headrest toward the raised position.

Abstract: An FFC-connection assembly includes an electrical component for a motor vehicle having an electrical tracing, at least one access window, a molded flange, and at least one hook. An FFC lies over the electrical tracing, mates the electrical tracing through the access window, and has a skived end at point of contact through the access window. The hook holds the FFC in place. The molded flange folds over onto the electrical component, is held down by a snap, and includes at least one depression rib so as to apply pressure against the FFC and the electrical tracing.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly including a rail pair defining a mounting rail and a triggering rail. One of the rails is supported on a floor pan of the vehicle and the other is adapted to support a seat cushion. The rails are moveably supported relative to each other. Also, included is a field effect sensor operatively supported by the mounting rail such that the field effect sensor can be positioned in a first range of positions as well as second range of positions relative to the triggering rail. The sensor is adapted to emit an electric field and to detect disruption of the field when the field effect sensor is positioned in the first range of positions.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly that includes a seat cushion having at least one recess disposed thereon. The vehicle seat assembly also has a plurality of sensor assemblies, each including a base and an upper slide member. The upper slide member is supported for movement toward and away from the base in response to a condition of the seat cushion. Additionally, the vehicle seat assembly includes at least one seat cushion insert disposed within the recess of the seat cushion.

Abstract: A control panel assembly including at least one moveable button defining an outer surface. The control panel assembly also includes an electroluminescent film operatively supported on the outer surface of the button such that the electroluminescent film is adapted for selectively emitting light from the outer surface of the button. A method for making the control panel assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: An anti-pinch and electric motor protection device includes a positive temperature coefficient circuit protector having a predetermined temperature threshold and is adapted to be in electrical series with a DC circuit to allow current flow in a first direction and in a second opposite direction when the positive temperature coefficient circuit protector is below the threshold and to block current flow in either direction when the positive temperature coefficient circuit protector is above the threshold. A diode electrically in parallel with the positive temperature coefficient circuit protector is adapted to block current flow in one of the directions.

Abstract: A head restraint assembly for a vehicle seat assembly including a post to operatively engage a vehicle seat and provide vertical movement relative thereto. The post includes a control leg, a slave leg and a contoured cross member disposed therebetween. Each of the legs has a terminal end and an offset disposed between the terminal end and the contoured cross member. The head restraint assembly further includes a bun attached to the post. The offsets advance a portion of the post and the contoured cross member toward a seat occupant to facilitate placement of a predetermined portion of the bun relative thereto and substantially reduce head displacement during a rear end vehicular collision.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a two-shot, non-shut-off method of manufacturing a 100% grained trim component for a vehicle. The method includes actuating a tool insert between a mold cavity and a secondary void to form a molded trim component having a groove. A first shot of material is injected to form a first trim element having a grained class-A side. During the first shot, flash enters the secondary void to provide a non-shut-off condition. The tool insert is retracted to define a ditch in the first trim element. A second shot of material is injected to form a second trim element having a grained class-A side, during which time a portion of the second shot enters the ditch to provide a non-shut-off condition. The trim elements are then bonded where a portion the second trim element bonded to the first trim element within the groove.

Abstract: An in-mold degating device that includes a base having mounting ears for removable attachment to a mold system. The base is removably attached to the die half such that the uppermost surface of the base is flush with the surface of the die half. The insert further includes a body fixed to the base including a pair of opposed surfaces that define predetermined relief angles relative to the base. The body further includes a gate flow passage having an inlet within one of the opposed surfaces and an outlet within the other of the opposed surfaces. The gate flow passage tapers inwardly from the inlet to the outlet. The outlet includes an edge surface that forms an acute angle relative to the gate flow passage. The edge surface defines a shearing edge point that separates the finished molded part from cooled excess material.

Abstract: A trunk space storage platform for motor vehicles comprises and right support with at least one slot, a left support with at least on slot, a base, and at least one support stud. This trunk space storage platform allows users who cannot easily bend over to pick up or place objects into deep trunk spaces, such as the elderly or those with physical impairments, to raise or lower the base to a level more easily accessible for them depending on the articles stored in the trunk space of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly including a lower seat cushion with an upper surface and a lower surface. The vehicle seat assembly also has a plurality of sensor assemblies positioned adjacent the lower surface of the lower seat cushion. The sensor assemblies are responsive to a condition of the lower seat cushion. The vehicle seat assembly also has at least one reinforcing insert disposed between at least one of the sensor assemblies and the lower surface of the lower seat cushion. The reinforcing insert protects the lower seat cushion by more evenly distributing pressure from the sensor assemblies onto the lower seat cushion to prevent premature wear and maintain comfort over the course of its operating lifetime.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly including a seatback frame and a lumbar support system operatively mounted to the seatback frame. The lumbar support system includes a lower suspension mechanism that is generally aligned with the pelvic and lumbar regions of the occupant of the seat assembly. The lower suspension mechanism includes a pair of bands of flexible material that are stretched about a pair of upstanding support members so as to have a predetermined tension for providing support for the occupant of the seat assembly at the pelvic and lumbar regions.

Abstract: A low mount seat guide loop for a seat in a motor vehicle comprising a strap and a seatbelt restraint system. The low mount seat guide loop allows for easy re-attachment and access to a rear passenger compartment. It also provides the user with an improved ergonomic position for the seatbelt restraint system.

Abstract: A vehicle occupant sensing system for a vehicle seat assembly that includes at least one emitter and at least one sensor operable to detect relative distance between the sensor and the emitter to thereby detect a condition of the vehicle seat assembly. The vehicle occupant sensing system also includes a biasing pad adapted so as to be disposed below a seat cushion of the vehicle seat assembly so as to deflect in response to deflection of the seat cushion. The biasing pad supports at least one of the emitter and the sensor such that the emitter and the sensor are biased away from each other and such that one of the emitter and the sensor are supported for movement toward and away from the other.

Abstract: An articulating speaker assembly for the interior of a motor vehicle, which includes sidewall trim defining a pocket in the trim, includes a housing and at least one speaker operatively supported within the housing. The assembly includes at least one pivot arm having first and second ends. The first end is operatively connected to the housing and defines a rotational axis, and the second end is attached to the vehicle and defines a pivotal axis. The at least one pivot arm is adapted to pivot about the pivotal axis to selectively move and position the housing at each point along a path between a retracted position wherein said housing is operatively supported within the pocket and aligned substantially flush with the sidewall trim such that the sidewall trim and the housing are substantially co-planar in the retracted position of the housing, and an extended position outside the pocket.

Abstract: A vehicle occupant sensing system including a controller and at least one sensor assembly. The sensor assembly has a housing with a base and an upper slide member supported for movement toward and away from the base. At least one sensor is operatively mounted relative to the upper slide member and base. The sensor is operable to detect movement of the upper slide member toward and away from the base and is operable to generate an electrical signal correlative of the movement of the upper slide member toward and away from the base. Additionally, the system includes at least one discrete wire electrically connecting the sensor and controller. The discrete wire is operable to communicate the electric signal from the sensor to the controller. The vehicle occupant sensing system may be employed in a seat assembly.

Abstract: An infinitely adjustable head restraint assembly that includes a head restraint adapted for movement between a first position and a second position relative to a seatback of a vehicle seat assembly. The head restraint assembly also includes at least one biasing member that biases the head restraint away from the first position toward the second position. Furthermore, the head restraint assembly includes a retainer mechanism operable to retain the head restraint in any position between the first position and the second position and operable to release the head restraint for movement between the first position and the second position. The head restraint assembly can be incorporated in a vehicle seat assembly.

Abstract: A method of installing trim rings to headliner trims systems in motor vehicles comprising a trim ring, a headliner, and a sonic horn and stack. The sonic horn vibrates to bond/weld headliner to trim ring. Energy directors can be added to facilitate bonding/welding process. Fasteners can also be added for attachment to the vehicle body. This bonding/welding of the headliner to trim ring creates a smooth, molded look for the trim ring and does so without gapping to or sliding within the headliner.