Abstract: An automotive trim assembly adapted to have an airbag deploy through the trim assembly includes a substrate with a deployment door integrally molded with the substrate and having a front surface adapted to face the interior of the automobile and a back surface opposite the front surface. The airbag is adapted to be stored behind the deployment door, which is adapted to open when the airbag is deployed. A cover is molded onto at least a portion of the substrate and deployment door and includes an inner and outer layer of a polymer material having a substantially non-cellular structure and an inner core having a cellular structure positioned between the inner and outer layers. The cover is adapted to keep the door attached to the trim assembly when the airbag is deployed.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an improved armrest with a soft feel for use in a trim assembly, and to a continuous two-shot molding operation that may be continuously performed utilizing a single mold assembly. In an exemplary embodiment, a trim assembly includes an integrated armrest formed by injecting a first material into a first shot mold cavity in a first shot of a molding operation. An armrest cover is molded to at least a portion of the armrest by injecting into a mold chamber a second foamed material in a second shot of the molding operation to provide the armrest with a soft feel. The second foamed material includes a foamed material that produces a soft, outer skin and a light, cellular inner core such that when a force is applied to the cover, the skin will deform and compress the inner core, providing a soft-touch feel to the armrest.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly having a seat back and a load floor panel associated with the seat assembly. The seat back has a back surface that includes a first retaining feature. The load floor panel has a first attachment feature. The first retaining feature engages the first attachment feature when the load floor panel is in a stored position. The load floor panel is detached from the seat assembly when the load floor panel is in a cover position.

Abstract: A console assembly configured for use in a passenger seating of a vehicle includes a lower console module extending generally horizontally adjacent a floor of the passenger seating area and an upper console module disposed adjacent and operatively connected to the lower console module. The upper console module is adjustable between at least a first position adjacent a top surface of the lower console module and a second position adjacent a rear surface of the lower console module.

Abstract: A guiding pillar trim (14) for a side-curtain airbag system (12) of a vehicle (10) is provided. The guiding pillar trim (14) includes a panel (44) for covering a vehicle body structure (10). This panel (44) has a guide member (54) coupled thereto that is movable between a trim configuration and a ramp configuration. In the ramp configuration, the guide member (54) directs the deployment of a side-curtain airbag (34) in a predetermined direction.

Abstract: A console for a vehicle includes a console housing defining a storage compartment. The console housing also defines an indented area in an outer surface thereof. A bin is sized to fit within the indented area such that an entire internal surface area of the bin is contiguous with the indented area when the bin is closed.

Abstract: A method for measuring a first angular specific sound absorption spectrum of a first sound absorbing sample. The first sound absorbing sample has a predetermined random incidence sound absorption spectrum. The angular specific sound absorption spectrum is determined from a sound wave incident on a surface of the first sound absorbing sample with a predetermined angle of incidence that is greater than zero degrees from a plane parallel to the surface of the first surface. A first weighting factor that provides a fit of the angle specific sound absorption spectrum of the first sound absorbing sample to the predetermined random sound absorption spectrum is then determined. Next, a second angular specific sound absorption spectrum of a second sound absorbing sample at the predetermined angle of incidence is determined. The weighting factor is then used to determine the random specific sound absorption spectrum from the angle absorption spectrum of the second sound absorbing sample.

Abstract: A console assembly for use in a passenger seating area of a vehicle includes a console housing having a storage area defined therein. An armrest is pivotally connected to the console housing and is movable between a first position extending at least partially over a top surface of the console housing and at least one second position. The armrest includes a closeout section, a receiving portion operatively connected to the closeout section and a console lid slidably connected to the receiving portion. A console accessory tray is adjustably positioned adjacent the console housing between a stored position and a deployed position extending rearward of the console housing. The console accessory tray includes a display surface accessible to occupants in a rear portion of the passenger seating area.

Abstract: An interior trim panel for a vehicle door is provided according to alternative methods. The interior trim panel includes a bolster to which a polyurethane skin is molded by a spraying operation. Expanded polyurethane foam is sprayed over the polyurethane skin and a backing panel is either integrally formed or assembled to the polyurethane foam layer.

Abstract: A floor covering for the dispersion of a liquid. The floor covering includes an upper layer that is permeable to liquid, a base layer that is substantially impermeable to liquid, and a wicking layer disposed between the upper and base layers. The wicking layer is configured to disperse and promote evaporation of the liquid.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, the present invention relates an airbag assembly for use with a trim panel having a tear seam forming at least one airbag door, and a door chute assembly comprising a laterally extending flange connected to the panel proximate the airbag door. The door chute assembly includes a chute depending from the flange away from the panel and the chute has at least one opening. The airbag assembly further comprises a door panel assembly including at least one door panel disposed within the chute and connected to the airbag door. The door panel has a downwardly depending flange having at least one projection extending laterally through the at least one opening of the chute.

Abstract: An article holding assembly for a vehicle that is attachable to a mounting member may include a housing and a first latching member including a locking member. The article holding assembly may also include a second latching member that is moveable with respect to the housing between first and second positions and a handle pivotably attached to the housing and including a striking member and a slotted member.

Abstract: A floor mat having a first surface, a second surface disposed opposite the first surface; and a V-shaped retention feature. The V-shaped retention feature extends from the second surface and has first and second ramp surfaces disposed at an angle relative to the second surface.

Abstract: A floor mat having a first layer and a second layer. The second layer has a hinge that at least partially separates the second layer into a body section and a flap section. The hinge allows the flap section to be folded relative to the body section.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an improved hardware carrier for use in a trim panel assembly, and a method of making the same. To this end, the hardware carrier includes a body having a front and back surface and a seal molded to the front surface of the body for contacting the doorframe structure of a motor vehicle to seal the carrier thereto. A two-shot molding process utilizing a single mold assembly is used to form the carrier, with the body being formed in the first shot and the seal being formed in the second shot so that the seal is bonded thereto. The molded seal advantageously is provided with a non-linear configuration, such as a substantially repeating v-shaped configuration, and includes a planar top surface. The non-linear configuration of the seal, in conjunction with the top planar surface, advantageously provides a substantial surface area for contacting the doorframe to prevent water leakage within the vehicle.

Abstract: A trim part for use with a vehicle includes a substrate and a trim cover overlaying the substrate. The trim cover has first and second portions that are folded together to form a flexible edge seal that is engageable with the vehicle. A method of making such a trim part is also disclosed.

Abstract: A trim system configured to be received by a vehicle door substrate is provided. Some embodiments of the trim system include a locator and a feature. The feature is moveable relative to the locator after the locator is assembled with the substrate. Some embodiments of the trim system include a first and second feature. The second feature is moveable relative to the first feature after the first feature is assembled with the substrate.

Abstract: A holder for receiving and supporting an article includes a sidewall defining a cavity for receiving the article. At least one resiliently deformable support member is attached to the sidewall. The support member has a surface inwardly extending into said cavity. The surface is operable to support the article. The support member includes an upper portion and a lower portion. The lower portion defines a convex surface and the upper surface defines one of a concave surface and a convex surface having a larger radius of curvature than the lower portion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a two-shot injection molded polymeric component having first and second shots made from polymeric materials. The first shot is made from a relatively hard polymeric material, while the second shot is made from a polymeric material which may differ from the first shot by way of color or polymer type. In this way, the second shot provides texture and aesthetic value to the component. Integrally molded with the second shot is an attachment feature that allows an accessory to be attached proximate the back side of the component without the use of a separate fastener or other separate attachment feature.

Abstract: An automobile interior component includes a substrate component having a seam-mating section. The seam-mating section has a welt protrusion-mating channel that is useful for accurately position a welt strip. The automobile interior component further includes a trim cover having at least one join seam. A welt strip having a welt protrusion section is attached to the trim cover. The welt strip allows positioning of the trim cover over the substrate in that the welt protrusion section is positioned in the welt protrusion-mating channel. A method for manufacturing the automobile interior component is also provided.