Abstract: In at least one embodiment, the present invention takes the form of a panel comprising a substrate, a cover layer, and foam disposed between at least a portion of the substrate and the cover layer. At least one of the cover layer or the substrate being is provided with an integrally formed member for sealing the cover layer to the substrate. The present invention also relates to a method for forming the panel.

Abstract: An overmolded interior vehicle trim panel includes a substrate having a front face and an under face. The under face has a tear seam integrally molded therein to allow an airbag to exit the substrate when the airbag is deployed. The tear seam defines an airbag door. An outer layer is bonded to the front face of the substrate in a mold, thereby forming an overmolded interior vehicle trim panel. The trim panel can include a sheet of hinge material attached to one of the substrate and the outer layer of the overmolded interior trim panel. A portion of the sheet of hinge material defines a hinge member.

Abstract: A vehicular air bag assembly includes at least one rib extending from an air bag opening. The rib guides the air bag during deployment. The rib may also support an air bag door. Fingers extending from a panel into the air bag opening may be used to support the air bag door, either together with or instead of the rib. The rib then separates the fingers from the air bag during air bag deployment.

Abstract: A method of making a multi-layered trim component for attachment to a structure of a vehicle is disclosed herein. The method includes providing a mold having a cavity formed therein which defining first and second surfaces. The mask is magnetically secured to the mold to cover the first surface. A first material is applied in the cavity so as to form a first layer conforming to the second surface. The mask is removed from the cavity of the mold. A second material is then applied in the cavity so as to form a second layer conforming to the first surface, wherein the first and second layers define a multi-layered trim component.

Abstract: A method for producing a trim panel for an airbag support assembly comprising the steps of forming a spray aromatic urethane skin and forming a tear seam in the skin by scoring the skin with an ultrasonic knife.

Abstract: A method of forming an instrument panel for a vehicle includes first providing a first mold structure having a first surface formed therein, a second mold structure having a second surface formed therein, and a third mold structure having a third surface formed therein. The first mold structure is positioned relative to the second mold structure such that the first and second surfaces are in a spaced relationship with one another to define a first cavity. A first material is introduced into the first cavity to form a substrate. The second mold structure is positioned away from the substrate. The third mold structure is positioned relative to the first mold structure such that the third surface and the substrate are in a spaced relationship with one another to define a second cavity. A second material is introduced into the second cavity to form an outer layer overmolded onto the substrate. The first material is different from the second material.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an overmolded trim component includes providing a first mold portion and a movable mold element. The movable mold element includes first and second mold surfaces positioned at a first angle with respect to one another. The movable mold element is then positioned into the first position to define a first cavity. A first material is then introduced into the first cavity, thereby forming a substrate. The substrate includes a first substrate surface is at a second angle with respect to a second substrate surface. The movable mold element is then positioned into the second position to define a second cavity. A second material is then introduced into the second cavity, thereby forming an overmolded trim component. The movable mold element is oriented at a third angle with respect to the first substrate surface and at a fourth angle with respect to the second substrate surface.