Abstract: A vehicle interior panel includes a fabric layer with a sculpted feature in the visible decorative surface. The sculpted feature is formed in a cold-forming process, which can produce sharp features in the fabric layer similar to sharp features formed in polymer films by thermoforming. The cold-forming process includes pressing a flat sheet of decorative material that includes the fabric layer onto a curable adhesive before the adhesive cures. After curing, the adhesive holds the decorative sheet of material in a new three-dimensional shape, which can have features that are not attainable by traditional wrapping methods.

Abstract: A vehicle interior panel includes a fabric layer with a sculpted feature in the visible decorative surface. The sculpted feature is formed in a cold-forming process, which can produce sharp features in the fabric layer similar to sharp features formed in polymer films by thermoforming. The cold-forming process includes pressing a flat sheet of decorative material that includes the fabric layer onto a curable adhesive before the adhesive cures. After curing, the adhesive holds the decorative sheet of material in a new three-dimensional shape, which can have features that are not attainable by traditional wrapping methods.

Abstract: A horn or other electrical sccessory is actuated by a flexible, pressure sensitive electric signal generating means such as a piezoelectric element, provided in the soft, flexible cover of a vehicle driver's side supplemental restraint system.

Abstract: Electrical connections between a motor vehicle wire harness (32) and an air bag module (65) are made by a unitary switching module (55) provided with accessory switches (57) therein and electrical connectors (112) which receive mating connectors from the wire harness and electrical accessory controls (35 and 40) disposed on the steering wheel.

Abstract: The multifunction steering wheel controls the operation of vehicle functions or devices such as headlights, windshield wipers, cruise control, and so forth, using a transmitter receiver pair to convey information relative to the operation of the devices between the rotatable steering wheel and stationary steering column. In particular, the transmitter receiver pair may take the form of an optoelectronic infrared transmitter disposed on the steering wheel member and a matching infrared receiver positioned on the steering column within the field of elimination of the transmitter.

Abstract: The multifunction steering wheel controls the operation of vehicle functions or devices such as headlights, windshield wipers, cruise control, and so forth, using a transmitter/receiver pair to convey information relative to the operation of the devices between the rotatable steering wheel and stationary steering column or between an anti-rotating control pad and the steering column. In particular, the transmitter/receiver pair may take the form of an optoelectronic infrared transmitter disposed on the steering wheel member and a matching infrared receiver positioned on the steering column within the field of elimination of the transmitter. If desired, a second transmitter/receiver pair conveys information in the opposite direction to confirm that the function or device is properly responding to control.

Abstract: A conductor assembly for conveying signals between steering wheel and column to permit control of multiple functions (headlights, wipers, cruise control, etc.) from the steering wheel. Electrical connection is established through a multiple conductor ribbon-like cable which is wound about a central hub within the conductor assembly enclosure. When the wheel is turned from lock to lock, the cable doubles back upon itself so that a minimum cable length is required. To facilitate installation, the enclosure includes a self locking mechanism to insure that the cable cannot be wound or unwound until the assembly is installed on the vehicle.