Abstract: A vehicle armrest including a fabric member tensioned across a gap defined between inner and outer armrest substrates that are formed around a portion of the fabric member. At least one buckling member extends across the gap between the inner and outer armrest substrates and a cover member extends over and vertically supported by the fabric member.

Abstract: A trim panel retention assembly for a vehicle includes a retention bracket mounted to an inner door panel and a trim panel bracket mounted to a door trim panel. The trim panel bracket is proximate and spaced from the retention bracket such that the retention bracket deters the trim panel bracket and door trim panel from detaching from the inner door panel during a side impact collision.

Abstract: A storage compartment such as a map pocket is provided over a recess in the door panel of a transportation vehicle. A frame includes a U-shaped member and a flexible spring piece coupled between the ends of the U-shaped member. The flexible spring piece has a length greater than the distance between the ends so that it tends to assume either a closed position proximate the recess or an open position away from the recess. A pocket cover has a front portion concealing the frame and has a folding side portion disposed between side and bottom edges of the frame and the door panel along corresponding edges of the recess. A tether is coupled to the frame for urging the frame toward the door panel while permitting the frame to be moved away from the door panel.

Abstract: A trim panel retention assembly for a vehicle includes a retention bracket mounted to an inner door panel and a trim panel bracket mounted to a door trim panel. The trim panel bracket is proximate and spaced from the retention bracket such that the retention bracket deters the trim panel bracket and door trim panel from detaching from the inner door panel during a side impact collision.

Abstract: A storage compartment such as a map pocket is provided over a recess in the door panel of a transportation vehicle. A frame includes a U-shaped member and a flexible spring piece coupled between the ends of the U-shaped member. The flexible spring piece has a length greater than the distance between the ends so that it tends to assume either a closed position proximate the recess or an open position away from the recess. A pocket cover has a front portion concealing the frame and has a folding side portion disposed between side and bottom edges of the frame and the door panel along corresponding edges of the recess. A tether is coupled to the frame for urging the frame toward the door panel while permitting the frame to be moved away from the door panel.

Abstract: A sliding door panel for covering an opening in a trim panel of a sliding door includes a bracket having a first guiding member. The sliding door panel includes is a sliding appliqué having a second guiding member capable of associating with the first guiding member, and wherein the sliding appliqué includes a first end having a protruding configuration extending away from the trim panel.

Abstract: A plastic-molded automotive interior trim component has a curvilinear finished surface with a relatively flat portion and a relatively curved portion. A decorative film subcomponent has an outer surface and an inner surface, wherein at least the outer surface is pigmented with a desired color of the finished surface. Prior to incorporation into the plastic molded component, the decorative film subcomponent has a shape generally conforming to the curvilinear finished surface and is substantially smooth. A structural backing member is in-mold laminated with the decorative film subcomponent, wherein the structural backing member is formed by injection molding a backing material against the inner surface of the decorative film subcomponent in a mold having a film-receiving surface with a three-dimensional texture that receives the decorative film subcomponent.

Abstract: A sliding door panel for covering an opening in a trim panel of a sliding door includes a bracket having a first guiding member. The sliding door panel includes is a sliding appliqué having a second guiding member capable of associating with the first guiding member, and wherein the sliding appliqué includes a first end having a protruding configuration extending away from the trim panel.

Abstract: A head impact countermeasure system for an automotive vehicle includes a headliner fastened to the vehicle's roof and extending over a passenger compartment of the vehicle. At least one buffer extends rearwardly from the headliner into a cargo compartment of the vehicle along a roof siderail. The buffer is preferably formed from plastic foam and has an inner surface contoured to the siderail and an outer surface contoured to match the contour, grain, and color pattern of the headliner.