Abstract: A contour connect system for applying a vehicle trim includes a fabric loop and a low-profile hook component. The fabric loop component includes a spacer layer, Class A surface layer, and a loop-containing layer, the Class A surface layer being adhered to one side of spacer layer while the loop-containing layer is adhered to the opposite side of spacer layer.

Abstract: A trim cover assembly securable over a cushion is provided. The trim cover assembly includes a leather trim material. A trim fastener is attached to the leather trim material for retaining the trim cover to the cushion. Therein the trim fastener elastically deformable so that the fastener that elongates between an extended position and a retracted position to allow the leather trim material to expand while minimizing deformation.

Abstract: A contour connect system for applying a vehicle trim includes a fabric loop and a low-profile hook component. The fabric loop component includes a spacer layer, Class A surface layer, and a loop-containing layer, the Class A surface layer being adhered to one side of spacer layer while the loop-containing layer is adhered to the opposite side of spacer layer.

Abstract: An airbag panel for a vehicle airbag system having an inflatable airbag and an inflator operable to inflate the airbag includes a first edge configured to be attached to a trim material in a vehicle interior along a first length to form a seam. A second edge may be configured to be attached to the first edge and the trim material along a second length, and at least one force-concentrating feature associated with at least one of the first edge or the second edge may be configured to effect application of a first force to a first portion of the seam and a second force less than the first force to a second portion of the seam when an inflating airbag contacts the seam.

Abstract: A trim cover assembly securable over a cushion is provided. The trim cover assembly includes a leather trim material. A trim fastener is attached to the leather trim material for retaining the trim cover to the cushion. Therein the trim fastener elastically deformable so that the fastener that elongates between an extended position and a retracted position to allow the leather trim material to expand while minimizing deformation.

Abstract: The present invention relates a vehicle seat assembly comprising a frame, a cushion supported on the frame, and a trim cover assembly secured over the cushion, the trim cover assembly comprising a leather trim material and a reinforcing layer secured to the leather trim material, the reinforcing layer being less flexible than the leather trim material, the trim cover assembly having a percent reduction in stretch relative to a similar trim cover assembly not having the reinforcing layer of 40% to 95% as measured according to SAE J855.

Abstract: A method of processing a leather material. The method may include providing a tanned and dried leather material and pre-stretching the leather material after the leather material is dried.

Abstract: A method of processing a leather material. The method may include providing a tanned and dried leather material and pre-stretching the leather material after the leather material is dried.

Abstract: The present invention relates a vehicle seat assembly comprising a frame, a cushion supported on the frame, and a trim cover assembly secured over the cushion, the trim cover assembly comprising a leather trim material and a reinforcing layer secured to the leather trim material, the reinforcing layer being less flexible than the leather trim material, the trim cover assembly having a percent reduction in stretch relative to a similar trim cover assembly not having the reinforcing layer of 40% to 95% as measured according to SAE J855.

Abstract: An interior component having an illuminated portion comprises a trim cover positioned over a substrate. At least one light conductive element is in communication with an illumination source. A carrier engages the trim cover. The carrier further secures the light conductive element to the trim cover. The carrier has a plurality of windows formed therethrough such that the light conductive element is visible through the plurality of windows. The illuminated portion may further include an emblem in communication with the light source. The illuminated interior component may be formed by a method that includes the steps of forming a light conductive element that includes extruding an optical guide and a carrier having a mounting tab thereon.

Abstract: A deformable structure for automotive interior components includes a substrate and a cushion element. The cushion element is disposed over the substrate. The cushion element includes a fiber section which has cellulosic fibers. The deformable structure also includes a cover disposed over the cushion element. A vehicle seat and trim laminate incorporating the deformable structure is also provided.

Abstract: An interior component having an illuminated portion comprises a trim cover positioned over a substrate. At least one light conductive element is in communication with an illumination source. A carrier engages the trim cover. The carrier further secures the light conductive element to the trim cover. The carrier has a plurality of windows formed therethrough such that the light conductive element is visible through the plurality of windows. The illuminated portion may further include an emblem in communication with the light source. The illuminated interior component may be formed by a method that includes the steps of forming a light conductive element that includes extruding an optical guide and a carrier having a mounting tab thereon.

Abstract: At least one embodiment of the present invention relates to a method of manufacturing an acoustically tuned vehicle seat assembly comprising providing a cushion supported on a frame, and securing a non-cloth trim material over the cushion, the non-cloth trim material having at least one slitted region having a plurality of scored slits.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an acoustically tuned vehicle seat assembly comprising a frame, a cushion supported on the frame, and a non-cloth trim material secured over the cushion, the non-cloth trim material having at least one slitted region having a plurality of scored slits.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an acoustically tuned vehicle seat assembly comprising a frame, a cushion supported on the frame, and a non-cloth trim material secured over the cushion, the non-cloth trim material having at least one slitted region having a plurality of scored slits.

Abstract: A method for determining usability of a cover material as a cover of a vehicle seat component includes determining a fabric stretch requirement for the vehicle seat component; determining actual fabric stretch of the cover material; and comparing the actual fabric stretch with the fabric stretch requirement to determine whether the cover material is satisfactory for use with the vehicle seat component as the cover.

Abstract: A method for selecting a cover material for use with a vehicle seat component includes establishing a material processability standard for cover materials selected from the group consisting of standards for marking resistance, fabric pattern, pile bind, rippling resistance, laminate wrinkle resistance, raveling resistance, seam puckering, stretch, and elongation; conducting testing of a cover material for compliance with the material processability standard to determine whether the cover material meets requirements of the material processability standard; and considering test results of the cover material before proceeding to utilize the cover material in manufacturing of the vehicle seat component.

Abstract: A method for selecting a cover material for use with a vehicle seat component includes establishing a material processability standard for cover materials selected from the group consisting of standards for marking resistance, fabric pattern, pile bind, rippling resistance, laminate wrinkle resistance, raveling resistance, seam puckering, stretch, and elongation; conducting testing of a cover material for compliance with the material processability standard to determine whether the cover material meets requirements of the material processability standard; and considering test results of the cover material before proceeding to utilize the cover material in manufacturing of the vehicle seat component.

Abstract: A method for determining usability of a cover material as a cover of a vehicle seat component includes determining a fabric stretch requirement for the vehicle seat component; determining actual fabric stretch of the cover material; and comparing the actual fabric stretch with the fabric stretch requirement to determine whether the cover material is satisfactory for use with the vehicle seat component as the cover.