Abstract: A panel member assembly forming a pocket, and a method for fabricating the panel member assembly is provided. The panel member assembly including a panel including a non-linear slot which may be a generally U-shaped slot, an insert which is inserted into the slot to form the pocket, and a retainer attachable to the panel to retain the insert in the slot. The panel includes one or more attaching features and the retainer includes one or more attaching features to attach the panel and the retainer to each other, thereby retaining the insert in the slot. In a preferred embodiment, the retainer may be heat staked to the panel. The insert may include one or more additional features, such as cording, loops or rickrack to attach the pocket to the panel or the retainer.

Abstract: An adjustable seat assembly for a vehicle includes a frame and a covering. The covering has a first portion and a second portion. A flexure region, having an arched shape, is disposed between the first portion and the second portion. The covering at least partially extends over the frame to the first portion. An adjustment mechanism is operatively connected to the covering, at the first portion. The first portion and the second portion define a linear distance therebetween. The adjustment mechanism is configured to move the first portion relative to the second portion such that the flexure region moves to change the linear distance between the first portion and the second portion.

Abstract: A panel member assembly forming a pocket, and a method for fabricating the panel member assembly is provided. The panel member assembly including a panel including a non-linear slot which may be a generally U-shaped slot, an insert which is inserted into the slot to form the pocket, and a retainer attachable to the panel to retain the insert in the slot. The panel includes one or more attaching features and the retainer includes one or more attaching features to attach the panel and the retainer to each other, thereby retaining the insert in the slot. In a preferred embodiment, the retainer may be heat staked to the panel. The insert may include one or more additional features, such as cording, loops or rickrack to attach the pocket to the panel or the retainer.

Abstract: Apparatus for stabilizing the deployment of an airbag includes an airbag housing in which a folded up airbag is housed. The housing has an open side through which the airbag is deployed and a door is pivoted to the housing and is pivoted open by the deploying airbag. An extension panel is mounted on the door by a track mechanism so that the extension panel is movable between a normal retracted position along side the door and an extended position in which the extension panel extends beyond the door. An extension mechanism for causes the extension panel to be moved to the extended position when the airbag is deploying so that the door and the extension panel direct and stabilize the deploying airbag.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a foam cushion, a flexible cover at least partially defining the outer surface of the vehicle seat, and a spacer fabric. The spacer fabric includes a first fabric panel operatively connected to the flexible cover, a second fabric panel operatively connected to the foam cushion, and an interconnecting layer. The interconnecting layer resiliently interconnects the first and second fabric panels.

Abstract: A screen apparatus includes a screen assembly and structure. The structure defines a cavity having an opening to a vehicle passenger compartment. The screen assembly includes a frame and a video screen mounted with respect to the frame. The screen assembly is selectively movable between a retracted position in which the screen is inside the cavity and concealed from view, and a deployed position in which the screen is outside the cavity and visible from the passenger compartment. The screen apparatus is configured such that the movement of the screen assembly between the retracted and deployed positions is restricted to substantially linear translation.

Abstract: Apparatus for stabilizing the deployment of an airbag includes an airbag housing in which a folded up airbag is housed. The housing has an open side through which the airbag is deployed and a door is pivoted to the housing and is pivoted open by the deploying airbag. An extension panel is mounted on the door by a track mechanism so that the extension panel is movable between a normal retracted position along side the door and an extended position in which the extension panel extends beyond the door. An extension mechanism for causes the extension panel to be moved to the extended position when the airbag is deploying so that the door and the extension panel direct and stabilize the deploying airbag.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a frame, a flexible cover, and a material that is sufficiently mounted with respect to the flexible cover such that the material resists displacement of at least part of the flexible cover with respect to the frame. The material is characterized by a first state in which the material is characterized by a first rigidity, and a second state in which the material is characterized by a second rigidity that is greater than the first rigidity. Thus, the firmness of the seat is selectively variable by causing the material to change between the first and second states. A corresponding method is also provided.

Abstract: An adjustable seat assembly for a vehicle includes a frame and a covering. The covering has a first portion and a second portion. A flexure region, having an arched shape, is disposed between the first portion and the second portion. The covering at least partially extends over the frame to the first portion. An adjustment mechanism is operatively connected to the covering, at the first portion. The first portion and the second portion define a linear distance therebetween. The adjustment mechanism is configured to move the first portion relative to the second portion such that the flexure region moves to change the linear distance between the first portion and the second portion.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided having a cargo area, a passenger compartment, and a detachable dual-use platform which is connectable to the cargo area to form a ramp, and to the underside of the vehicle to form a running board. The platform is supported by brackets at either end when used as a running board, and includes an internal locking mechanism. A platform apparatus is also provided for accessing the vehicle, including a first locator portion that is adjacent to the cargo area, and a dual-use platform portion having a step surface on one side and a second locator portion on an opposite side. The locator portions are mutually engageable to secure the platform to the cargo area. A method is also provided for accessing the vehicle, including configuring a platform for alternate attachment adjacently to the passenger compartment as a running board and adjacently to the cargo area as a ramp.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly is configured for mating engagement with a selectively interchangeable first trim cover portion having a first attachment member. The seat assembly includes a foam cushion, a second trim cover portion having a second attachment member, and a clip defining first and second recesses operatively connected to the foam cushion. The clip is configured such that the first attachment member is insertable into the first recess for snap-fit engagement with the clip to retain the first trim cover portion with respect to the cushion. The second attachment member is in snap-fit engagement with the clip in the second recess to retain the second trim cover portion with respect to the cushion.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a foam cushion, a flexible cover at least partially defining the outer surface of the vehicle seat, and a spacer fabric. The spacer fabric includes a first fabric panel operatively connected to the flexible cover, a second fabric panel operatively connected to the foam cushion, and an interconnecting layer. The interconnecting layer resiliently interconnects the first and second fabric panels.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a frame, a flexible cover, and a material that is sufficiently mounted with respect to the flexible cover such that the material resists displacement of at least part of the flexible cover with respect to the frame. The material is characterized by a first state in which the material is characterized by a first rigidity, and a second state in which the material is characterized by a second rigidity that is greater than the first rigidity. Thus, the firmness of the seat is selectively variable by causing the material to change between the first and second states. A corresponding method is also provided.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly is configured for mating engagement with a selectively interchangeable first trim cover portion having a first attachment member. The seat assembly includes a foam cushion, a second trim cover portion having a second attachment member, and a clip defining first and second recesses operatively connected to the foam cushion. The clip is configured such that the first attachment member is insertable into the first recess for snap-fit engagement with the clip to retain the first trim cover portion with respect to the cushion. The second attachment member is in snap-fit engagement with the clip in the second recess to retain the second trim cover portion with respect to the cushion.

Abstract: A vehicle step includes an appearance surface; a pair of step surfaces; a lock for securing the step within a bumper; and a pivoting mechanism for rotating the step. The appearance face forms an external bumper surface when the step is stowed. The pivoting mechanism alternately deploys and stows the step manually or using a motor. A vehicle access method includes configuring a bumper with an affixable portion and connecting thereto a rotatable portion having an appearance surface and two step surfaces. The rotatable portion has a step surface formed on opposite surfaces of a first member, and an appearance surface formed on a surface of an intersecting second member. One step surface and the appearance surface are exposed when the rotatable portion rotates to one position, and the other step surface is exposed when the rotatable portion rotates to another position.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided having a cargo area, a passenger compartment, and a detachable dual-use platform which is connectable to the cargo area to form a ramp, and to the underside of the vehicle to form a running board. The platform is supported by brackets at either end when used as a running board, and includes an internal locking mechanism. A platform apparatus is also provided for accessing the vehicle, including a first locator portion that is adjacent to the cargo area, and a dual-use platform portion having a step surface on one side and a second locator portion on an opposite side. The locator portions are mutually engageable to secure the platform to the cargo area. A method is also provided for accessing the vehicle, including configuring a platform for alternate attachment adjacently to the passenger compartment as a running board and adjacently to the cargo area as a ramp.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for adjusting the height of a vehicle head restraint includes a top cover, latch assembly, and bottom cover. The top cover is connected to the head restraint. A latch assembly is moveable in a lateral direction relative to a latch post, and a bottom cover connects to the top cover, sandwiching the latch assembly between the top and bottom covers. When the button portion of the latch assembly is actuated, the latch assembly unlatches from the latch post, allowing the height of the head restraint to be adjusted. By directly connecting to the underside of the head restraint, the apparatus is further operative to close out the bottom closeout opening on the underside of the head restraint and provide an aesthetically pleasing finish.

Abstract: A flexible seating system (10) for a vehicle (20) which includes a side wall track (24) mounted to the vehicle side wall (22) and extending longitudinally of the vehicle. A cross track (30) extends laterally across the vehicle. A seat back (40) of the vehicle seat (18) is coupled to the side wall track and cross track by slidable bearing (58) devices so that the seat back can be moved from a laterally extending forward facing position to a stowed position alongside the vehicle side wall. The seat bottom (42) is rotatably coupled to the seat back by a hinge (44) mechanism and can extend generally horizontally from the seat back to be rotated to an upright stowed position overlying the seat back. A support extends from the seat bottom to the vehicle floor (57) to support the seat bottom in a spaced relationship above the floor.

Abstract: A table is contained within the seat bottom of the vehicle seat assembly which includes storage for a portable personal computer on a movable platform. The platform is movable from a stowed position within the horizontal seat bottom to a raised generally horizontal use position for use of the personal computer by an occupant of an adjacent seat assembly within the motor vehicle. When the computer is not in use, the top surface of the computer can be used as a writing surface or alternatively, the platform carrying the personal computer can have a movable lid which can be used as a writing surface. In addition to storing the computer, the seat assembly has spaced shelves for storage of files and other papers.

Abstract: A seat back mounted fold down auto office having a bin portion mounted to the seat back of a vehicle seat assembly on the rear side thereof including a recessed storage area therein. A cover is provided for the recessed storage area and is rotatable upon a hinge to move the cover from a closed position to an open position to access the recessed storage area. Additional features include a fold out support panel that can rotate out from the storage bin toward a user after which the storage bin can be closed while the support panel extends from the storage bin. The support panel can be used to attach a notepad or and/or cellular telephone. In addition, the cover can be equipped with a light to illuminate the storage area in the bin.