Abstract: A method is provided for top-coating a veneered substrate. Heat-activated urethane adhesive layers are placed on opposing sides of a veneered substrate, and Lexan films of equal thickness are placed adjacent the two layers of adhesive. A polyethylene sheet is placed adjacent each Lexan film to act as a release masking. A silicone pad is laid on the lower platen, and a 5 mil polycarbonate sheet is placed on top of the stack for contacting the top platen of the laminating press. The laminating press then applies heat and pressure for a predetermined period of time to produce a hard-coated veneered substrate, and the polyethylene sheets are discarded.

Abstract: A cupholder assembly includes a housing adapted for mounting in a vehicle, and a cupholder unit comprising a cupholder base for supporting the bottoms of a pair of cups, and a pair of cupholder arms pivotally connected with respect to the base and moveable between an extended position for laterally supporting the cups and a stored position. The cupholder unit is pivotally mounted to the housing for movement between a stored position inside the housing, wherein the arms are retracted, and a use position extended at least partially outside the housing, wherein the arms are extended. The cupholder unit is adapted to receive a cover for covering the cupholder unit when in the stored position. The assembly further comprises an ashtray unit with an ashtray cover pivotally coupled to the housing.

Abstract: An armrest assembly is provided for a vehicle. A base is mounted to the vehicle and includes a translational member slidably mounted for vertical movement with respect to the base. An armrest is coupled to the translational member. A loadable actuator having first and second ends is coupled at its first end to the armrest. A first support member having first and second ends is pivotally connected at its first end with respect to the base. A second support member having first and second ends is pivotally connected at its first end to the second end of the first support member, and pivotally connected at its second end with respect to the translational member. The second end of the loadable actuator is pivotally coupled with respect to the first support member intermediate the first and second ends of the first support member, whereby to provide a moment arm to facilitate loading of the actuator as the armrest is lowered. A kinematic structure is also provided for use with an air spring assembly.

Abstract: An extendible tray for a vehicle includes a housing mounted in the vehicle and a carrier movably connected with respect to the housing. The carrier is movable between a stored position inside the housing, a first use position outside the housing to expose a first portion of the carrier, and a second use position outside the housing to expose both the first and second portions of the carrier. The carrier is biased outwardly from the housing, and first and second latches are provided to retain the carrier in the stored position and the first use position. When a user pushes the carrier in the direction of the housing, the spring and latches facilitate movement of the carrier from the stored position to the first use position and from the first use position to the second use position. A method for storing an ashtray and a cupholder in a vehicle housing is also provided. In addition, a method for providing access to an ashtray and a cupholder for rear seat passengers in a vehicle is provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for storing coins in a vehicle includes a housing adapted to be located in a vehicle. A carrier is movably connected with respect to the housing and includes a coinholder. The carrier is movable between a stored position inside the housing to conceal the coinholder and a use position outside the housing to expose the coinholder to a user. A spring and latch are provided to facilitate movement between the stored and the use positions. Responsive to a push from a user, a carrier travels from the stored position to the use position. The carrier may be returned from the use position to the stored position by a further push from the user. A method for providing coin storage in a vehicle is also contemplated.