Abstract: An interior trim component includes a substrate having a first rib positioned adjacent to an axial end of the interior trim component. The interior trim component also includes multiple second ribs each oriented substantially parallel to the first rib. The first rib and each second rib are configured to engage a track to facilitate movement of the interior trim component along the track. The interior trim component further includes a cushion coupled to the second ribs and to the substrate. The cushion extends along a first surface of the substrate, wraps around the first rib, and engages a second surface of the substrate, opposite the first surface, to form the axial end of the interior trim component.

Abstract: An airbag deployment system is provided that includes a support structure, and a fabric material configured to form a show surface of a vehicle interior panel. A first portion of the fabric material is coupled to the support structure by a rigid connection, a second portion of the fabric material is coupled to the support structure by a detachable connection, and the detachable connection is configured to release the second portion of the fabric material from the support structure upon contact between an airbag and the fabric material.

Abstract: A cup holder assembly includes a liner configured to support a beverage container. The cup holder assembly also includes a light transmissive element formed within the liner. The light transmissive element is configured to receive light from a light source positioned outwardly from an outer surface of the liner, and to illuminate an inner surface of the liner.

Abstract: A system for a motor vehicle with a first assembly having a first substrate and a rail extending outwardly from the first substrate. The system also includes a second assembly having a second substrate and a clamp extending outwardly from the second substrate. The clamp is slidably coupled to the rail and configured to apply a lateral force to the rail to dampen longitudinal motion of the second assembly relative to the first assembly.

Abstract: A vehicle armrest is designed to allow for sliding movement between retracted and extended positions as desired by the vehicle occupant. A tambour door is disposed over at least part of the armrest, and may be moved fore and aft to allow access to storage volumes within the armrest or a support structure. The armrest is supported by sliding structures, such as engaged rails, and the tambour door is supported by tracks, one of which is fixed or stationary, and the other of which moves with the armrest. In this manner, the tambour door may be fully supported as it moves fore and aft, whether the armrest is in the retracted or extended position.

Abstract: An airbag deployment system is provided that includes a support structure, and a fabric material configured to form a show surface of a vehicle interior panel. A first portion of the fabric material is coupled to the support structure by a rigid connection, a second portion of the fabric material is coupled to the support structure by a detachable connection, and the detachable connection is configured to release the second portion of the fabric material from the support structure upon contact between an airbag and the fabric material.

Abstract: A method of forming a component (14) includes providing a compressible member (22), compressing the compressible member to a compressed state, coupling a skin (20) to a substrate (18) wherein the compressible member is disposed between the skin and the substrate, and expanding the compressible material (26) to an expanded state.

Abstract: An airbag deployment system is provided that includes a support structure, and a fabric material configured to form a show surface of a vehicle interior panel. A first portion of the fabric material is coupled to the support structure by a rigid connection, a second portion of the fabric material is coupled to the support structure by a detachable connection, and the detachable connection is configured to release the second portion of the fabric material from the support structure upon contact between an airbag and the fabric material.

Abstract: A vehicle trim panel is illuminated from behind to create an illuminated design (e.g., logo and/or lettering) includes a transparent layer and an opaque layer with an opening(s) in the shape of the design. An opaque or partially opaque design piece may be placed over the opening(s) in the opaque layer and be lit around its edges. The vehicle trim panel may be formed by forming a panel with a transparent layer and an opaque layer. An opening in the opaque layer may be formed by removing opaque material (e.g., by machining or laser etching) or by masking (the mask is placed between the opaque layer and transparent layer and removed taking a portion of the opaque layer with it). A design piece may be placed over the location of the opening in the opaque layer.

Abstract: A lighting system is provided that includes an interior trim component having a light transmissive element. The interior trim component is configured to move between a first position and a second position. The vehicle lighting system also includes a light source optically coupled to the light transmissive element at least while the interior trim component is located in the first position. The light source is configured to illuminate a region of a vehicle interior.

Abstract: A method of forming a component (14) includes providing a compressible member (22), compressing the compressible member to a compressed state, coupling a skin (20) to a substrate (18) wherein the compressible member is disposed between the skin and the substrate, and expanding the compressible material (26) to an expanded state.

Abstract: A lighting system is provided that includes an interior trim component having a light transmissive element. The interior trim component is configured to move between a first position and a second position. The vehicle lighting system also includes a light source optically coupled to the light transmissive element at least while the interior trim component is located in the first position. The light source is configured to illuminate a region of a vehicle interior.

Abstract: A molded air bag cover (10) for placement within a vehicle to cover an air bag. The air bag cover (10) comprises a first portion (19) providing a substantial portion of the air bag cover (10) and a second portion (20) defining a tear seam (16, 18). The first portion (19) has a first wall thickness; the second portion (20) has a second wall thickness greater than the first wall thickness. The air bag cover (10) opens to allow the air bag to pass through the air bag cover by surface fracture upon application of force by the air bag as the air bag is inflated. The wall thickness of the second portion (20) is configured to inhibit undesired fracture of the air bag cover.

Abstract: A vehicle trim panel for use in a vehicle having an interior portion includes a first substrate panel. A first cover is coupled to the first substrate panel. A second substrate panel is coupled to the first substrate panel. A second cover is coupled to the second substrate panel, wherein the first and second substrate panels are aligned in the vehicle with the first and second covers exposed to the interior portion of the vehicle.

Abstract: A multi-material or multi-color molded article and a method of making the same is provided. The molded article comprises an integrated molded member having at least a first portion made of a first resin and a second portion made of a second resin. The integrated molded member may have additional portions as well. The method comprises providing a mold having a first mold section (24), a second mold section (22), and a retractor member (26), injecting a first resin (18) into a first cavity defined by the first mold section (24), the second mold section (22), and the retractor member (26), moving the retractor member (26) to define a second cavity (23) wherein the second cavity (23) is defined by the first mold section (24), the second mold section (22), the retractor member (26), and the first resin (18), and injecting a second resin (20) into the second cavity (23).