Abstract: An interior component for a motor vehicle comprises a substrate having a surface and flexible elements on the surface, and a cover covering at least a portion of the substrate and the flexible elements.

Abstract: An automotive visor includes a core member and an integrally molded cover layer. The core member may be formed as a single component, or may comprise two sections that are joined together in confronting relationship. The cover layer can be molded to completely encapsulate the core member, or it may be applied to selected areas of the core member. The cover layer is formed from a material having a hardness that is relatively lower than that of the core member, to provide an aesthetically pleasing feel to the finished visor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a door trim panel assembly having an integrated soft-touch area including actuating a core within a mold cavity so as to partition at least one area of the mold cavity, to prevent a first molten thermoplastic material from completely filling the mold cavity. A first molten thermoplastic material having a predetermined density is then injected into a mold cavity so as to fill the mold cavity thereby forming a structural element. The core is then retracted within the mold cavity to provide at least one secondary void within the mold cavity. A second molten thermoplastic material having a density less than the predetermined density of the first molten thermoplastic material is then injected into said secondary void of the mold cavity to form at least one soft-touch area bonded to and adjacent at least a portion of the structural element.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a center console assembly having an integrated soft-touch area including actuating a core within a mold cavity so as to partition at least one area of the mold cavity, to prevent a first molten thermoplastic material from completely filling the mold cavity. A first molten thermoplastic material having a predetermined density is then injected into a mold cavity so as to fill the mold cavity thereby forming a structural element. The core is then retracted within the mold cavity to provide at least one secondary void within the mold cavity. A second molten thermoplastic material having a density less than the predetermined density of the first molten thermoplastic material is then injected into said secondary void of the mold cavity to form at least one soft-touch area bonded to and adjacent at least a portion of the structural element.

Abstract: An integrated headliner and passive occupant restraint system and a method of manufacturing the integrated headliner and passive occupant restraint system and headliner is provided. The system includes a headliner, an inflatable restraint air curtain and a gas generator. The headliner is mounted inside a vehicle and across the interior roof of the vehicle. The headliner may include a plurality of layers comprised of PET Batt material or the like. The headliner insulates the vehicle from outside sound and outside temperature. The inflatable restraint curtain is disposed within the plurality of headliner layers, the inflatable restraint curtain operative to cushion a vehicle occupant's head and torso during a side impact collision. Furthermore, a gas generator is in fluid communication with the inflatable restraint curtain. The gas generator generates gas in response to the signal generated by the plurality of sensors.

Abstract: A vehicle overhead console assembly includes a console body with a door pivotally attached to the console body. The door is pivotally movable between open and closed positions. A navigation display unit is connected to the door such that the navigation display unit is exposed for viewing by a vehicle occupant when the door is in the open position, and hidden from view when the door is in the closed position.