Abstract: A trim panel adapted for mounting in an interior compartment of a motor vehicle behind a seat thereof, the seat having a seat back movable between a generally upright in-use position and a generally horizontal non-use position. The panel includes a generally planar body having opposing sides and opposing ends which is mounted to the interior compartment of the vehicle. This mounting permits movement of the panel between a generally upright position and a generally horizontal position where the panel contacts a rear surface of the seat back. At least one storage compartment is integrally formed with the body and positioned to be located between the body and the seat back.

Abstract: A magnetic switch assembly for an electrical circuit includes a switch housing with a cavity formed therein and at least one magnetically attractable electrical contact member exposed within the cavity. One or more electrically-conductive magnetic pole members are movably disposed within the cavity, with a magnet being secured to the pole members for movement therewith. The pole member or members and the magnet are movable in the cavity between a first position in electrical contact with the contact member in order to complete electrical continuity of the electrical circuit, and a second position spaced away from the contact member in order to break electrical continuity of the electrical circuit. A movable and magnetically attractable striker member is disposed for movement toward and away from the switch housing cavity, such as on a pivotal or hinged accessory cover.

Abstract: A spring-loaded hinge assembly is adapted for use in pivotally interconnected components, such as hinged or pivotal components in accessory assemblies in vehicle applications. The hinge assembly provides for at least a pair of predetermined relative rotational orientations, or detented positions, of the pivotally interconnected components. Each of these detented positions is independently controlled by separate and distinct spring-and-cam arrangements, such that the rotational efforts, and consequently the detent holding forces, can be different from one another, if desired in a given application. The hinge assembly is especially advantageous in covered vanity assemblies on automotive sunvisors, for example.

Abstract: An air bag occupant protection device for use in motor vehicles having an air bag made from a single piece of flat foldable fabric material. The air bag according to this invention is formed by gathering the free edge of a flat piece of sheet stock to define radial pleats at a small opening provided for inflation gases to enter the inside of the bag. Various approaches for gathering the free edge of the material are disclosed including the use of a retaining ring having posts which engage apertures in the free edge of the material, a cord for gathering the free edge, and various other means of gathering the edge and sewing it in place. The invention avoids the cost of fabricating an air bag from multiple pieces of cut fabric and further avoids the failure modes of a fabricated air bag caused by the presence of seams which can constitute a local weakness in the air bag assembly.

Abstract: A glide apparatus for an assembly, such as a vehicle interior accessory, includes a first member disposed for slidable relative movement with respect to a second member. The first member has a longitudinally-extending, generally channel-shaped portion defined a base and a pair of spaced-apart legs protruding laterally outwardly from the base. A glide member preferably includes a number of serially-arranged arcuate slide portions at least partially fixed relative to a backing plate and curving laterally outwardly from the backing plate for relative slidable engagement with at least one, or both, of the legs on the channel-shaped portion of the first member. Preferably, a number of second arcuate slide portions are at least partially fixed relative to the backing plate and curve laterally outwardly from the backing plate for relative slidable engagement with the base of the channel-shaped portion of the first member.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly is disclosed, comprising a vehicle seat; a mirror disposed on the rear side of the seat; and preferably a cover for the mirror with a means for mounting the cover to the assembly. A second embodiment is disclosed wherein a light is disposed on the rear side of the seat. Preferably, the mirror or light are covered when the cover is in a closed position. A third embodiment is disclosed wherein the mirror is movable. Preferably the mirror, or mirror and light, assembly is mounted to an apparatus provided for supportingly interconnecting a head restraint with the vehicle seat, either in a fixed position or in a vertically movable arrangement.