Abstract: A vehicle interior trim system such as an instrument panel or a door panel includes a panel substrate defining a deployment aperture. An inflatable device such as an air bag is adapted to deploy through the aperture during a crash. A natural, tanned leather skin covers the substrate, wherein the skin has a tear seam corresponding to the aperture on a hidden surface of the skin. An aperture door may be fitted within the deployment aperture which is adapted to open against the skin in response to deployment of the inflatable device. The tear seam is comprised of a region on the hidden surface of the skin having a disrupted fiber matrix from exposure to an alkaline solution such as ammonia, bleach, sodium tetraborate, sodium hydroxide, sodium bicarbonate, trisodium phosphate, potassium hydroxide, and potassium carbonate.

Abstract: An instrument panel trim apparatus mounts in a vehicle to frame an instrument cluster above a collapsible steering column. An integrally molded plastic panel has an upper collar section, a lower bridge section, and a shroud section, wherein the upper collar section and lower bridge section are configured to form a frame around the instrument cluster. The upper collar section and lower bridge section converge along a pair of tear seams. The shroud section extends downward from the lower bridge section and has an arched shape to receive the steering column. A plurality of risers are disposed between the shroud section and the lower bridge section for concentrating stress at the tear seams when the shroud section is impinged by the steering column when collapsing, so that the tear seams separate and the lower bridge section and the shroud section can deflect upward.