Abstract: A vehicle overhead console is provided herein. The vehicle overhead console includes a housing having a locator and a retainer tower extending vertically above the housing. The retainer tower has a rib. A bracket is configured to couple to a vehicle headliner and defines a channel. The channel includes a central channel and a plurality of transverse slots and the tower is disposed within the central channel and the rib is disposed within the transverse channel.

Abstract: A conversation mirror assembly comprises a first housing, a second housing pivotably connected to the first housing via a shaft, a conversation mirror connected to the second housing, a lock device, and a damping device. The conversation mirror is received in a space defined by the first housing and second housing at a stowed position; and is pivotable to a use position with the second housing. The lock device includes a first lock member connected to the first housing and a second lock member connected to the second housing; and is substantially located at a middle portion of the conversation mirror along a lengthwise direction. The damping device is located at the middle portion of the conversation mirror at the lengthwise direction, spaced apart from the lock device along the lengthwise direction and offset from the shaft.

Abstract: A vehicle lighting assembly is provided that includes a window panel provided on a vehicle body and a light reflecting medium provided on a surface of the window panel. The vehicle lighting assembly also includes a plurality of lighting assemblies each comprising a plurality of light sources arranged to direct light onto the reflecting medium for reflection towards different areas in the vehicle interior.

Abstract: A lighting system for a vehicle cabin is discloses and includes a light directing conduit disposed about at least a portion of an opening through a vehicle roof. A pin spot uses light from the light directing conduit for localized lighting within the vehicle interior.

Abstract: A trim component is provided. The trim component may include a trim panel, a backing layer, and at least one light pipe. The trim panel may have tapered side walls that extend from an inner portion of the panel and terminate at an edge to define a moonroof opening. The backing layer may wrap around the edge to define a trim ring. The trim panel may include integrated carriers that may project away from the panel and around the trim ring. The at least one light pipe may be disposed within the integrated carriers.

Abstract: A method for forming a tool for creating a formed component includes providing a forming tool having a core and cavity with respective core and cavity shutoff bands. Core and cavity finished parting planes are determined, wherein the engagement of the core and cavity finished parting planes defines a forming cavity. Rough portions of the core and cavity shutoff bands are removed to define respective rough parting planes. The respective rough parting planes are offset by approximately 130 microns from the respective core and cavity finished parting planes. The core and cavity are semi-finished to relieve stress within the core and cavity. The core and cavity shutoff bands are fine cut so that outer surfaces of the core and cavity shutoff bands are equal to the respective finished parting planes. The engagement between the core and cavity outer surfaces is substantially free of gaps.

Abstract: An illuminated vehicle floor mat retention assembly is provided. The illuminated vehicle floor mat retention assembly includes a fastener configured to fasten a floor mat onto a vehicle floor, a light transmissive window provided in the fastener, and a light source located proximate to the fastener for generating light to be output through the light transmissive window.

Abstract: A vehicle lighting assembly is provided that includes a window panel provided on a vehicle body and a light reflecting medium provided on a surface of the window panel. The vehicle lighting assembly also includes a plurality of lighting assemblies each comprising a plurality of light sources arranged to direct light onto the reflecting medium for reflection towards different areas in the vehicle interior.

Abstract: A method for forming a tool for creating a formed component includes providing a forming tool having a core and cavity with respective core and cavity shutoff bands. Core and cavity finished parting planes are determined, wherein the engagement of the core and cavity finished parting planes defines a forming cavity. Rough portions of the core and cavity shutoff bands are removed to define respective rough parting planes. The respective rough parting planes are offset by approximately 130 microns from the respective core and cavity finished parting planes. The core and cavity are semi-finished to relieve stress within the core and cavity. The core and cavity shutoff bands are fine cut so that outer surfaces of the core and cavity shutoff bands are equal to the respective finished parting planes. The engagement between the core and cavity outer surfaces is substantially free of gaps.

Abstract: A climate status indicator for a vehicle includes a light guide positioned around a vent perimeter. The climate status indicator additionally includes a light device coupled to at least one vent fin. The light guide and/or the light device are configured to provide a visual indicator of a climate status.

Abstract: A trim component is provided. The trim component may include a trim panel, a backing layer, and at least one light pipe. The trim panel may have tapered side walls that extend from an inner portion of the panel and terminate at an edge to define a moonroof opening. The backing layer may wrap around the edge to define a trim ring. The trim panel may include integrated carriers that may project away from the panel and around the trim ring. The at least one light pipe may be disposed within the integrated carriers.

Abstract: A vehicle trim panel retainer is provided. A vehicle door inner includes a bracket for extending into the interior passage, the bracket including an opening. A trim panel includes a house having an interior passage. The house further includes at least one projection for cooperating with the opening in a deployed position to assist in preventing the trim panel from releasing from the door inner. A second projection may also be provided for engaging the bracket in a deployed position.

Abstract: A vehicle overhead console is provided herein. The vehicle overhead console includes a housing and a substrate defining a cavity therebetween. A light source is within the cavity. A reflector has a first end portion that surrounds the light source and a second end portion proximate a first lens. A trim member has a thickness that varies laterally. A second lens is offset from the first lens.

Abstract: A proximity switch assembly is provided having a sensing pad and a proximity sensor extending around the sensing pad for generating an activation field. The proximity sensor comprises at least one electrode that forms a decorative trim component that is visibly exposed. The proximity switch assembly also includes a controller for determining activation of the switch based on a signal generated from the activation field.

Abstract: A capacitive sensor and switch assembly is provided. The assembly includes a first electrode forming a decorative conductive component on a vehicle, and a second electrode dielectrically isolated from the first electrode and electrically coupled therewith to generate an activation field. The assembly also includes a dielectric layer disposed between the first and second electrodes, and a controller for processing a signal generated from the activation field and sensing an object, wherein the controller determines activation of a switch based on the signal generated from the activation field.

Abstract: An attachment system for attaching a first component and a second component includes a dual sided tape assembly having a dual sided tape, a release liner having a pull-down peel tab and a base release liner releasably attached to the dual sided tape, and a retainer for holding the pull-down peel tab to the base. The retainer may be either a sleeve or an adhesive pad. If the retainer is a sleeve, the release liner includes an intermediate portion between the pull-down peel tab and the base. Folded areas exist between the pull-down peel tab, the intermediate area, and the base. A portion of the intermediate portion passes through the sleeve. If retainer is an adhesive pad, the adhesive pad is attached to the base. The pull-down peel tab is temporarily attached to the adhesive pad when initially installed on a substrate.

Abstract: A supplemental load transfer system for a vehicle includes a vehicle kick-up cross-member and a door trim panel configured to attach to a vehicle door member. The door trim panel includes a pusher disposed to transfer an impact load to the kick-up cross-member. The pusher may be configured as a matrix formed by a plurality of columns and substantially orthogonal connecting ribs to define a plurality of receivers. One or more of the receivers may be at least partially filled with a load-transferring substrate. The one or more receivers may be disposed at a bottom portion of the pusher. One or more columns of the plurality of columns may be oriented whereby an impact-receiving end and an impact-transmitting end of the pusher define different surface areas.

Abstract: A door assembly includes a door and a pusher. The door defines a cavity. The pusher is fixed to the door in the cavity, and the pusher contains a non-Newtonian fluid. The door assembly may be installed in a vehicle. Because the pusher contains a non-Newtonian fluid, the pusher distributes force from the impact to an occupant in a manner that depends on a size of the occupant.

Abstract: A supplemental load transfer system for a vehicle includes a vehicle kick-up cross-member and a door trim panel configured to attach to a vehicle door member. The door trim panel includes a pusher disposed to transfer an impact load to the kick-up cross-member. The pusher may be configured as a matrix formed by a plurality of columns and substantially orthogonal connecting ribs to define a plurality of receivers. One or more of the receivers may be at least partially filled with a load-transferring substrate. The one or more receivers may be disposed at a bottom portion of the pusher. One or more columns of the plurality of columns may be oriented whereby an impact-receiving end and an impact-transmitting end of the pusher define different surface areas.

Abstract: A vehicle trim panel retainer is provided. A vehicle door inner includes a bracket for extending into the interior passage, the bracket including an opening. A trim panel includes a house having an interior passage. The house further includes at least one projection for cooperating with the opening in a deployed position to assist in preventing the trim panel from releasing from the door inner. A second projection may also be provided for engaging the bracket in a deployed position.