Abstract: A storage console configured to slide within a track. The storage console suitable for use in any number of environments, such as but not limited to automotive vehicles. The track being suitable to permit movement of the console from one end to the other, such as but not limited to facilitate movement of the console between multiple rows of vehicle seats.

Abstract: A center stack for an instrument panel of a motor vehicle. The center stack includes a front plate having an exposed surface with a first surface finish and a back plate having a visible portion uncovered by the front plate. The front plate has at least one opening extending through the exposed surface for accessing at least one operational feature of the motor vehicle. The visible portion of the back plate has a second surface finish that differs from the first surface finish of the front plate. The back plate may include a flex joint that permits the visible portion of the back plate to move relative to an adjacent non-visible portion covered by the front plate.

Abstract: A removable storage module assembly configured for securement to the headliner in a passenger compartment of a vehicle. The headliner includes a storage module receiving area formed therein having a securement portion disposed proximate the receiving area. A storage module having a housing, a fastener associated with the housing configured to engage the securement portion and a storage area defined in the housing is removably positioned in the storage module receiving area.

Abstract: As aspect of the invention provides an article holding assembly that is attachable to a mounting member. An aspect of the invention provides a console assembly that is attachable to a mounting member in a vehicle.

Abstract: A trim panel for a motor vehicle and a method of manufacture. The trim panel includes a first layer and a second layer. The first layer includes a first surface and a second surface having an indentation. The second layer includes a third surface and a fourth surface. The third surface is disposed adjacent to the second surface and includes a protrusion disposed adjacent to the indentation and an aperture disposed proximate the protrusion. The protrusion concentrates force against the indentation to sever the first layer when sufficient force is applied to the fourth surface.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention include interior vehicle trim panel having a sprayed expanded polyurethane layer and method of making same. In at least one embodiment, the method of making the vehicle interior trim panel comprises providing a skin layer on a spray tool, spraying expandable polyurethane reactive components onto the skin layer to form a resilient layer, and securing a rigid substrate on the resilient layer, such that the resilient layer extends between and connects the skin layer with the substrate to form the vehicle interior trim panel.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a vehicle trim panel having a storage compartment includes providing a first mold assembly comprising a first mold section and a second mold section, wherein the first mold assembly defines a first cavity. A second mold assembly is provided and comprises a third mold section and a fourth mold section. The second mold assembly defines a second cavity. A first material is introduced into the first cavity, thereby producing a substrate. A second material is introduced into the second cavity, such that the second material forms a movable wall. The substrate and the movable wall define a vehicle trim panel, wherein the movable wall includes a fold formed therein for permitting movement of the movable wall to expand the storage compartment.

Abstract: A console assembly and a light assembly for a motor vehicle. The light assembly includes a light pipe and a light module. The light pipe has opposing first and second surfaces and opposing interior and exterior surfaces. The light module disposed adjacent to the interior surface. The second surface has a groove disposed between the interior and exterior surfaces that is configured to receive a console unit.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a vehicle trim panel having a storage compartment includes providing a first mold assembly comprising a first mold section and a second mold section, wherein the first mold assembly defines a first cavity. A second mold assembly is provided and comprises a third mold section and a fourth mold section. The second mold assembly defines a second cavity. A first material is introduced into the first cavity, thereby producing a substrate. A second material is introduced into the second cavity, such that the second material defines a cover member. The substrate and the cover member define a vehicle trim panel, such that the cover member defines an expandable portion of the storage compartment.

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: An energy absorbing countermeasure for motor vehicle doors comprises a body having at least a first zone and a second zone. Each zone has at least one surface with recesses in the surface and portions between recesses. The portions are broken upon impact and enter into the recess to exhibit energy absorbing efficiency. The recesses in the first zone are arranged or configured to absorb a first desired peak load during impact and the recesses in the second zone are arranged or configured to absorb a second desired peak load during impact. The first desired peak load is different from the second desired peak load.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention include interior vehicle trim panel having a sprayed expanded polyurethane layer and method of making same. In at least one embodiment, the method of making the vehicle interior trim panel comprises providing a skin layer on a spray tool, spraying expandable polyurethane reactive components onto the skin layer to form a resilient layer, and securing a rigid substrate on the resilient layer, such that the resilient layer extends between and connects the skin layer with the substrate to form the vehicle interior trim panel.

Abstract: A glove box is provided comprising an instrument panel substrate and a door panel rotatably mounted thereto. A push button assembly includes a latch element movable between a door panel engagement position and a door panel release position. The assembly farther includes a push button element including a button activation surface having a button height and a button width. The push button is in communication with the latch element to move it into the door panel release position. A rigid button housing is included having a rigid perimeter surrounding the button activation surface. The button height is insufficient to allow knee intrusion activation.

Abstract: A fastener for retaining a trim panel to a vehicle frame member includes a shank having a first end and a second end. The first end is adapted to be connected to the trim panel and the second end is adapted to be inserted into an opening provided in the frame member. A primary locking element is attached to the shank and operable to cooperate with the opening in the frame member for retaining the trim panel in a normal position. The primary locking element is configured to release from the opening when a sufficient outward force is applied to the trim panel. A secondary locking element is attached to the shank for retaining the second end of the shank in the opening in the frame member and supporting the trim panel in an extended position spaced apart from the frame member after the primary locking element has been released.

Abstract: A living hinge comprising a spring portion having a first end and a second end and a first arm portion and a second arm portion coextruded with the spring portion is disclosed. The first arm portion extends from the first end and the second arm portion extends from the second end. A component having the living hinge is also disclosed. Methods of making the component having the living hinge are also discloses.

Abstract: Floor mats that can be removably secured to loop pile carpeting within a vehicle include a surface layer having an aesthetic appearance, a backing layer in face-to-face contacting relationship with the surface layer, and a layer of scrim material integrally disposed within the backing layer, wherein the layer of scrim material comprises a plurality of hooks extending outwardly therefrom and through the backing layer in one or more locations. The hooks are configured to engage loops in floor carpeting within a vehicle when the floor mat is placed on the carpeting. Moreover, the size and density of the hooks are configured such that damage to the carpeting when the floor mat is removed from the carpeting is reduced.

Abstract: A method and system for forming an injection molded plastic part. After the injection of plastic material has started, a volume of gas from a fixed volume reservoir is introduced into the plastic material at a low pressure forming a hollow cavity. The gas is introduced into the mold by a gas pin having a temperature sensing device, such as a thermocouple, positioned on it. The introduction of this volume of gas is initiated when the temperature of the plastic material in the mold has reached a predetermined value. After the mold is filled and packed with plastic, pressurized gas is introduced into the hollow cavity forming the completed plastic part.

Abstract: A center stack for an instrument panel of a motor vehicle. The center stack includes a front plate having an exposed surface with a first surface finish and a back plate having a visible portion uncovered by the front plate. The front plate has at least one opening extending through the exposed surface for accessing at least one operational feature of the motor vehicle. The visible portion of the back plate has a second surface finish that differs from the first surface finish of the front plate. The back plate may include a flex joint that permits the visible portion of the back plate to move relative to an adjacent non-visible portion covered by the front plate.

Abstract: A LED swivel reading lamp having an easily user adjustable sized light beam for use in vehicles such as automobiles, aircraft, and the like.

Abstract: A vehicle headliner assembly (152) includes a headliner structural layer. A foam beam (174) is joined to the headliner structural layer. An NVH pad (156) is partially embedded within the foam beam (174). A method of forming a headliner structure is provided. The method includes forming a headliner main body (170). The headliner main body (170) is positioned in a mold (220) that has a recess (224). The mold (220) is closed. Foam is introduced into the recess (224) to form a foam beam (174) and to join the foam beam (174) to the headliner main body (170). A portion of an NVH pad (156) is embedded in the foam.