Abstract: A trim component for a vehicle incorporates a spring-loaded living hinge for connecting a door. Preferably, the door includes a rigid panel having a first portion and a second portion joined by a flexible region comprising a living hinge. A spring biases the first portion away from the second portion. Preferably, a pivot point is located adjacent the flexible region and helps to secure the spring to the first and second portions. The door is secured to the trim component by a latch that holds the first portion relative to the second portion. Release of the latch permits the spring to rotate the first portion away from the second portion. Thus, a door incorporating the present design is capable of rotating the first portion relative to the second portion in an unassisted fashion in opposition to the force of gravity.

Abstract: A seat bottom fame assembly providing a support surface for a vehicular seat includes first and second track assemblies. The first track assembly is fixedly secured to a floor of a passenger compartment. The second track assembly is slidingly connected to the first track assembly. A manually actuated seat adjuster is attached to the first and second track assemblies to permit selective sliding of the second track assembly with respect to the first track assembly. The manually actuated seat adjuster includes a rotatable driveshaft having first and second ends. A drive nut is threadingly engaged with the driveshaft between the first and second ends. A first element is fixedly secured to the first end of the driveshaft. A second element is rotatably mounted on the first end of the driveshaft and selectively engaged with the first element.

Abstract: A vehicle communication system includes a trainable transmitter that is connected with the antenna associated with the AM/FM radio receiver in the vehicle. The trainable transmitter preferably is capable of learning a variety of communication signals and then later, selectively transmitting them to communicate with a variety of external, remotely located devices. A system designed according to this invention allows a single antenna to be used for emitting signals and receiving signals and, moreover facilitates communication with a variety of remotely located devices such as a garage door opener and a home security system.

Abstract: A plurality of wires are encased in a foam sheath which also secures the plurality of wires to a trim panel of a vehicle. The plurality of wires are first routed on a first surface of the trim panel. The plurality of wires are then at least partially enclosed by a mold having a trough, with the plurality of wires positioned between the mold and the trim panel. A generally liquid polymer is then introduced into the trough. When the polymer cures, it forms a protective sheath around the plurality of wires and secures the wires to the first surface of the trim panel.

Abstract: The preferred embodiment of a multi-functional apparatus employs a single electromagnetic device for selectively actuating at least two seat support movement mechanisms. In another aspect of the present invention, a single electric motor selectively actuates three movement mechanisms for a seat through three otherwise independent power transmission devices. Yet another aspect of the present invention employs an electronic control unit to automatically cause coupling of the electromagnetic device with the desired movement mechanism.

Abstract: A vehicle security system includes a transmitter that is alternatively permanently mounted in or selectively removable from the vehicle. The transmitter communicates with a security system controller associated with the vehicle so that the transmitter is only useable under selected, authorized conditions. The transmitter enables a vehicle owner to access and operate a plurality of remotely located systems or devices such as a garage door opener, a home security system or a pager system, for example.

Abstract: A plurality of vehicle headliners are disclosed formed of a number of different layers. Each headliner includes at least a layer formed of a mixture of binder and non-binder polyester fibers. Each of the headliners also include a cover stock layer. Several of the disclosed embodiments include natural fiber layers which provide additional strength. The inventive headliners are more recyclable than the prior art, and are less irritating to the skin due the elimination of fiberglass.

Abstract: A visual display screen is partitioned into a plurality of screen portions. Power drivers associated with the screen portions are grouped selectively according to the number of screen portions. The power supplied to each group of drivers is selectively controlled to select which screen portions receive power at any given time. In the event that a screen portion is not active for a current display after a preselected minimum amount of time, that screen portion is disabled because the power to that screen portion is selectively turned off.

Abstract: A power drive system for driving the sliding rear windows in a pick-up truck includes a rack and pinion drive. In one embodiment, there are two sliding window portions, each associated with individual racks. Preferably, the single pinion drives both racks. In a second embodiment a single central window is utilized. Again, a rack and pinion preferably drives the window.

Abstract: A headliner assembly includes a molded structural headliner frame. The headliner frame can include at least one accessory integrally molded to the headliner frame. The headliner frame imparts structural integrity to the headliner assembly. The use of a molded headliner frame incorporating at least one integrally molded accessory reduces the overall weight and cost of the headliner assembly. Also, the use of integrally molded accessories eliminates cost in the manufacture of the headliner assembly, which is an improvement over the prior art.

Abstract: A wire harness generally comprises a plurality of wires encased by a continuous, molded sheath. The wire harness generally includes a main trunk from which a plurality of branches extend. The sheath is formed continuously over the main trunk and branches. In one embodiment, the wire harness has an undeformed shape which substantially matches a surface of a component to which the wire harness is mounted.

Abstract: A multi-functional apparatus employs an electromagnetic device. The electromagnetic device selectively causes movement of an intermittent motion mechanism thereby moving a mechanical device coupled thereto. In another aspect of the present invention, a single electric motor selectively actuates three intermittent motion mechanisms thereby causing three mechanical devices coupled thereto to operate. In a further aspect of the present invention, a clutch mechanism selectively drives a window wiper. A method for operating the multi-functional apparatus of the present invention is also provided.

Abstract: A transparent EL display screen has a frame or rim member along only one edge of the screen. The screen is mounted within a vehicle interior so that it can be put in a position above the instrument panel and within the normal line of sight of a driver. Since the display screen is transparent and does not include a frame or rim around its entire parameter, the display screen makes information available without obstructing the driver's view of the road. The single frame or rim member supports all of the row and column drivers that are used to selectively illuminate the pixels on the display screen.

Abstract: A vehicular seat assembly includes a flexible sensor apparatus mounted to a seat cushion. The flexible sensor apparatus includes a plurality of variable resistant flexible sensors attached to nonconductive flexible ribbons. Each flexible sensor generates a signal dependent on the degree of bending exhibited by a given flexible sensor for controlling the deployment of an air bag. An installation mat for installing the flexible sensor apparatus includes a carrier means attached to the flexible sensor apparatus. The carrier means includes locating means for locating the flexible sensor apparatus to the seat cushion. An installation device for installing the flexible sensor apparatus includes a lid having a mounting means for detachably attaching the installation mat to the lid. The installation device also includes a locating means for locating the flexible sensor apparatus to the seat cushion.

Abstract: A multi-function actuation apparatus includes an electromagnetic device and a rotatable member which rotates in response to activation of the electromagnetic device. The rotatable member provides a first actuation force to actuate a first function and activation of the electromagnetic device provides a second actuation force operable to actuate a second function. The multi-functional apparatus is preferably for use in a vehicle, such that the present invention provides the motive force to activate a plurality of powered vehicle functions including a first function such as a power window or window wiper while further actuating additional functions.

Abstract: A vehicle trim panel of electrically non-conductive material is mounted to the interior of a vehicle door assembly. An exterior surface of the panel includes a decorative trim and an interior surface includes at least a first electrical connector and a second electrical connector. The interior surface also includes grooves interconnecting the first and second electrical connectors. A fluent polymer and an electrically conductive metallic powder are integrally deposited and adhered to the grooves of the trim panel to define electrical circuit for electrically connecting the first electrical connector to the second electrical connector. The electrical circuit preferably includes a number of spaced apart circuit traces which feed electrical current between the electrical connectors to a number of electrical components.

Abstract: An improved method for forming a vehicle trim panel, such as a headliner, utilizes a zig zag path to deposit fibrous pieces onto a fibrous layer to form part of the trim panel. In one method, the fibrous pieces are laid down in a zig zag pattern that does not extend across the entire lateral width of the layer. In this way, the designer can easily achieve selected areas having a greater amount of fibrous pieces. This allows the designer to achieve selected high density or thicker portions in the layer without requiring the entire layer to have the same amount of fibrous pieces. This results in greater control over the design of the layer, and also reduces the amount of fiber which must be utilized to form the layer.

Abstract: A wake up detector system is provided having a device with a sleep mode of operation to conserve energy and an awake mode operation, and an input digital data stream having a frequency. The system includes an analog filter for removing noise, and for passing the input digital data stream such that the passed input digital data stream includes a transient response consisting of an oscillating signal of increasing peak-to-peak amplitude. The system further includes a switch for comparing the transient response of the passed input digital data stream with a threshold voltage, and for switching the device from the sleep mode of operation to the awake mode of operation when the transient response of the passed input digital data stream reaches the threshold voltage.

Abstract: An inventive rear lamp module for a vehicle incorporates a trailer tow connector to provide electrical signals to a trailer that is to be pulled by the vehicle. Preferably, two separate connectors are formed on a rear face of an electric lamp module. A first connector receives input signals from the vehicle and a second connector is an optional connector to be connected to a trailer connector when the trailer is connected to a vehicle. The present invention eliminates the need of a separate wire harness for the trailer connector, and thus reduces cost. In addition, by positioning the trailer tow connector within a plastic part mounted in a secure position in the vehicle, the trailer tow connector is easily maintained.

Abstract: A vehicle security system includes a local area pager and additional anti-drive away protection. The remote transmitter of the system preferably includes a housing that is separated into two portions. A first portion is retained by the vehicle owner while a second portion is provided to a parking attendant with the vehicle. The vehicle owner can use the first portion to generate a signal that is received by the second portion and provides an indication to the parking attendant that the vehicle owner desires the attendant to retrieve the vehicle. Additionally, the system allows the vehicle owner to place the vehicle into a limited operation mode when the vehicle is left with the parking attendant.