Abstract: A component for a vehicle interior configured to deform under a load is disclosed. An armrest for a vehicle interior configured to deform under a load is disclosed. A method for forming the armrest is disclosed. The armrest may comprise a substrate and base formed on the substrate. The base may comprise a core and a surface (or skin). The core may comprise a material configured to deform under a load (e.g. impact). The method for forming the armrest may comprise the steps of: (a) placing the substrate in a mold and (b) forming the base on the substrate. A coating may be provided in the mold. The substrate may be formed from a plastic material such as a thermoplastic material to provide a structure. The base of the armrest may be formed from a plastic material such as a polyurethane foam material to form the core with integral surface/skin.

Abstract: A component for a vehicle interior configured to deform under a load is disclosed. An armrest for a vehicle interior configured to deform under a load is disclosed. A method for forming the armrest is disclosed. The armrest may comprise a substrate and base formed on the substrate. The base may comprise a core and a surface (or skin). The core may comprise a material configured to deform under a load (e.g. impact). The method for forming the armrest may comprise the steps of: (a) placing the substrate in a mold and (b) forming the base on the substrate. A coating may be provided in the mold. The substrate may be formed from a plastic material such as a thermoplastic material to provide a structure. The base of the armrest may be formed from a plastic material such as a polyurethane foam material to form the core with integral surface/skin.

Abstract: An inflatable restraint system (10) having a deployable trim panel (60) and a method of manufacturing the same is provided. The inflatable restraint system (10) includes a deployable trim panel (60) that is coupled to a support structure (12) and conceals an airbag. Upon the deployment of the airbag, the entire trim panel (60) is configured to move. A separate reaction surface (80) is mounted to the trim panel and is configured to receive the force of the inflating airbag. Use of a separate reaction surface may simplify the design of an instrument panel by allowing the instrument panel to be configured as a single substrate layer.

Abstract: A tray assembly is provided for use in a vehicle having a recessed compartment. The tray assembly includes a housing slidably mounted on the recessed compartment for movement between an open position and a closed position in which the housing is substantially concealed within the recessed compartment. The tray assembly includes generally planar tray portions pivotally connected to the housing for movement between a laterally outward deployed position when the housing is in the open position and a laterally inward folded position when the housing is in the closed position. A cupholder portion is disposed on the housing. The cupholder portion is preferably located between tray portions when the tray portions are in the deployed position.

Abstract: An inflatable occupant restraint device for a vehicle passenger includes an air bag and an inflator mounted subjacent an opening in the upper surface of the vehicle instrument panel for air bag deployment rearwardly through the opening. The instrument panel has a supporting substrate, a foam layer, and an outer skin. A closure arrangement for the opening comprises a cover door having a structural substrate, a foam layer, and an outer skin. A groove is formed in the panel foam layer adjacent the opening and engages a flange formed on the cover door foam layer to locate the cover door in the opening. A front tether has one end molded into the cover door between the substrate and the foam layer and the other end attached to the support adjacent the front of the opening. A pair of side tethers each have one end molded into a side edge of the cover door between the substrate and the foam layer and having the other end attached to the support adjacent the side of the opening.