Abstract: A vehicle body assembly includes a body structure, a trim panel connected to the body structure and an air bag located between the body structure and the trim panel. A releasable clip assembly connects the body structure and the trim panel. The releasable clip assembly includes a first mating component connected to the body structure and a second mating component connected to the trim panel. The second mating component has a lock position and a release position relative to the first mating component. In the lock position, the second mating component is engaged with the first mating component. The second mating component moves to the release position relative to the first mating component with movement of the trim panel during deployment of the air bag to release the second mating component from the first mating component.

Abstract: A trim panel for mounting to a support structure of a vehicle by a retention clip includes an inner surface facing an interior and an outer surface facing the support structure and a two-stage retention clip housing extending from the outer surface. The two-stage retention clip housing includes a top surface and at least one sidewall coupling the top surface to the trim panel such that the top surface is spaced apart from the outer surface. The top surface includes a first aperture defining a pre-installation clip position for receiving a head of the retention clip, a second aperture defining an installed clip position for receiving a head of the retention clip, a first channel extending from an edge of the top surface to the first aperture and a second channel extending from the first aperture to the second aperture.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a retention apparatus for a fin subassembly used in connection with a vent assembly of a vehicle including a headliner assembly mounted to an interior vehicle body structure. A curtain side airbag is disposed between the headliner assembly and the vehicle body structure. The headliner is configured to be displaced by the curtain side airbag upon airbag deployment so as to provide a safety feature for passengers of the vehicle. The vent assembly includes a trim cover, a retainer ring and a fin subassembly. The trim cover is mounted to a vehicle headliner and the trim cover having a predetermined inside diameter. The fin subassembly having a plurality of fins configured to direct airflow from an air duct and also having an extended actuator operatively connected to the fins to permit simultaneous and identical movement of the fins.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a retention apparatus for a fin subassembly used in connection with a vent assembly of a vehicle including a headliner assembly mounted to an interior vehicle body structure. A curtain side airbag is disposed between the headliner assembly and the vehicle body structure. The headliner is configured to be displaced by the curtain side airbag upon airbag deployment so as to provide a safety feature for passengers of the vehicle. The vent assembly includes a trim cover, a retainer ring and a fin subassembly. The trim cover is mounted to a vehicle headliner and the trim cover having a predetermined inside diameter. The fin subassembly having a plurality of fins configured to direct airflow from an air duct and also having an extended actuator operatively connected to the fins to permit simultaneous and identical movement of the fins.

Abstract: A trim panel assembly configured to displace so as to allow an airbag to deploy. The trim panel assembly is mounted to the vehicle body structure and the airbag is housed between the vehicle body structure and the trim panel assembly. The trim panel assembly includes a trim panel body, a trim component, and a retainer. The trim panel body includes an aperture and the trim component is seated within the aperture. The trim component may include vehicle accessories such as a map light, or a handle. The retainer is mounted to the hidden surface of the trim panel body and attached to the trim component so as to retain the trim component to the trim panel body during airbag deployment.

Abstract: A headliner for preventing an assist grip located proximate a curtain side airbag (CSA) from detaching from a motor vehicle frame during deployment of the CSA is provided. The headliner can include a substrate layer with an assist grip aperture dimensioned such that an assist grip attachment end can extend through the substrate layer and attach to sheet metal located adjacent to a back side of the headliner. Proximate to the assist grip aperture is a weakened region within the substrate layer that affords for headliner to bend and/or tear around the assist grip during deployment of the CSA. In addition, a fabric layer attached to and extending across the substrate layer is provided wherein the fabric layer covers the weakened region within the substrate layer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a headliner for preventing an assist grip located proximate a curtain side airbag (CSA) from detaching from a motor vehicle frame during deployment of the CSA. The headliner can include a substrate layer with an assist grip aperture dimensioned such that an assist grip attachment end can extend through the substrate layer and attach to sheet metal located adjacent to a back side of the headliner. Proximate to the assist grip aperture is a weakened region within the substrate layer that affords for headliner to bend and/or tear around the assist grip during deployment of the CSA. In addition, a fabric layer attached to and extending across the substrate layer is provided wherein the fabric layer covers the weakened region within the substrate layer. In some instances, the weakened region is a plurality of slits within the substrate layer, each of the slits extending in a generally outward direction from the assist grip aperture.