Abstract: A locking seam alignment guide may be utilized for attaching a fabric cover to a substrate to form an interior trim component in a vehicle passenger compartment. An elongate ribbon-like member has a longitudinal stitching flange and a longitudinal locking key depending from the stitching flange along a midline thereof. The longitudinal locking key has one of a cylindrical shape, and a triangular shape. The longitudinal stitching flange is one of a flange extending along one side of the midline, and a flange extending along both sides of the midline. The locking seam alignment guide can be stitched to a fabric cover and seated in a complementary keyway to hold the fabric cover to the substrate.

Abstract: A method for making a cover for a component of a vehicle passenger compartment comprising the steps of molding the cover for the component from a polymeric material, and forming an integrally-formed aesthetic feature in an uninterrupted portion of the cover which simulates a seam between regions of the cover.

Abstract: A component of a motor vehicle passenger compartment comprises an internal frame in which is mounted collapsible frame that is displaced in response to the application of an abrupt force. The collapsible frame can be attached to the internal frame by shear pins that are sheared off during relative movement of the collapsible frame and the internal frame under a force of a predetermined magnitude, preferably less than the force causing injury to an occupant. Alternatively, the collapsible frame can be coupled with the inner frame by means of one or more retaining ridges. The collapsible frame can slide over the ridges when under a force of a predetermined magnitude, also preferably less than the force causing injury to an occupant.

Abstract: An armrest adapted to be mounted to a vehicle door comprises a primary substrate adapted to be mounted to a vehicle door panel with a secondary substrate mounted to the primary substrate and defining a recess. A foam layer is mounted to the secondary substrate within the recess, and a flexible outer casing intergrally molded to the primary substrate forming a recess with the primary substrate which receives the secondary substrate and the foam layer. A method of fabricating the armrest for the vehicle door is also provided.

Abstract: An armrest adapted to be mounted to a vehicle door comprises a primary substrate adapted to be mounted to a vehicle door panel with a secondary substrate mounted to the primary substrate and defining a recess. A foam layer is mounted to the secondary substrate within the recess, and a flexible outer casing intergrally molded to the primary substrate forming a recess with the primary substrate which receives the secondary substrate and the foam layer. A method of fabricating the armrest for the vehicle door is also provided.

Abstract: An improved quick release glove box latch mechanism (10) includes a button (76) having at least one undercut (90) which can be disposed in register with one or more fingers (146) of a lever (120) to interlock the lever (120) to the button (76). The button (76) can be integrally molded to form the undercuts (90). An outer collar (270) can be integrally molded to a housing (70) of the latch mechanism (10) and can extend rearwardly from the housing (70). A locking collar (78) is mounted within the outer collar (270). The lever (120) pivots about a pivot pin (122) and is biased to a rest position by a torsion spring (124). A first end (128) of the torsion spring (124) is received in a small bore or slot (160) in the lever (120). A second end (130) of the torsion spring (124) is disposed in a small bore or slot (284) in the housing (70) in such a manner that the pivot pin (122) retains the second end (130) of the torsion spring (124) in the housing (70).