Abstract: A cup holder assembly includes a liner configured to support a beverage container and a resilient element with a light transmissive element formed within the liner and configured to receive light from a light source to illuminate an inner surface of the liner.

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: A vehicle interior assembly includes an interior trim component at least partially enclosing a storage volume and having a recessed compartment. The interior trim component is configured to transition between a first position, a second position, and a third position relative to a support structure. The vehicle interior assembly also includes a first light transmissive element coupled to the interior trim component and configured to illuminate an exterior surface of the interior trim component. In addition, the vehicle interior assembly includes a second light transmissive element coupled to the interior trim component and configured to illuminate a first interior of the recessed compartment. The vehicle interior assembly further includes a light source coupled to the support structure.

Abstract: A method for contextually reconfiguring a user interface in a vehicle includes receiving context information for the vehicle, determining a vehicle context including at least one of a location of the vehicle and a condition of the vehicle based on the context information, determining one or more control options based on the vehicle context, and causing the user interface to display one or more selectable icons. The icons are displayed in response to the determined vehicle context and selecting an icon initiates one or more of the context-based control options.

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 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: 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 lithium battery for use in a vehicle includes a container, a plurality of positive terminals extending from a first end of the lithium battery, and a plurality of negative terminals extending from a second end of the lithium battery. The plurality of positive terminals are provided in a first configuration and the plurality of negative terminals are provided in a second configuration, the first configuration differing from the second configuration. A battery system for use in a vehicle may include a plurality of electrically connected lithium cells or batteries.

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: The invention is also directed to a method for forming a component for a vehicle. The method comprises forming a substrate in a mold by injecting a first resin into a first cavity, reconfiguring a portion of the mold to form a second cavity, and injecting a second resin into a second cavity; providing a flexible member adjacent at least a portion of the substrate to form a cavity between the substrate and the flexible member; coupling at least a portion of the flexible member to the substrate; and introducing a material into the cavity after securing at least a portion of the flexible member to the substrate.

Abstract: A method for making a robot pivot arm assembly includes forming from a rigid, machinable material a circular disk, and forming a circular aperture through the center of the disk. An outer bearing track is formed integrally in the inside surface which defines the aperture, and the apertured disk is positioned in a machining device with a fixturing portion that engages the outer bearing track. An integral outer race, an arm and a gear segment with teeth are then machined into the disk to form the outer portion of the pivot arm assembly. An inner race with an inner bearing track is positioned inside the integral outer race, and rolling bearing elements are inserted into the first and second bearing tracks.

Abstract: A molded article with multi-material or color and soft portions and a method of making the same is disclosed. The molded article comprises a multi injection substrate, and a coverstock or skin. The article is formed by a process wherein the coverstock or skin is secured within the mold, a first material is injected into a first cavity, a retractor member is moved to define a second cavity, and a second material is injected into the second cavity. The first and second materials may be different types of plastic, different colors, or combinations thereof. The first cavity is defined by two mold sections (e.g., a cavity and a core) and the retractor member. The second cavity is also defined by the two mold sections, the retractor member, and the (at least partially) hardened first material. The first material may be configured to couple to the second material by a locking interface provided by recesses and/or projections on the mold sections.

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 for making a robot pivot arm assembly includes forming from a rigid, machinable material a circular disk, and forming a circular aperture through the center of the disk. An outer bearing track is formed integrally in the inside surface which defines the aperture, and the apertured disk is positioned in a machining device with a fixturing portion that engages the outer bearing track. An integral outer race, an arm and a gear segment with teeth are then machined into the disk to form the outer portion of the pivot arm assembly. An inner race with an inner bearing track is positioned inside the integral outer race, and rolling bearing elements are inserted into the first and second bearing tracks.

Abstract: A roof system for a vehicle includes a panel assembly having a transparent roof panel (14), a privacy panel (18), and a transparent display panel (16). An image generator (40) is configured to display an image on the display panel (16) and a control system operates the image generator (40) and actuates the privacy panel (18) between a transparent mode and an opaque mode. The system may also includes a perimeter trim member (20) having a perimeter ventilation system surrounding the panels. The transparent display panel (16) may also be provided with a user interface region having instruments, displays and touch-activated switches (52). The system may also include ambient lighting bands (60) adjacent to the perimeter of the panels.

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 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: The invention is also directed to a method for forming a component for a vehicle. The method comprises forming a substrate in a mold by injecting a first resin into a first cavity, reconfiguring a portion of the mold to form a second cavity, and injecting a second resin into a second cavity; providing a flexible member adjacent at least a portion of the substrate to form a cavity between the substrate and the flexible member; coupling at least a portion of the flexible member to the substrate; and introducing a material into the cavity after securing at least a portion of the flexible member to the substrate.

Abstract: A molded article, such as a door trim panel, for a vehicle interior comprises a coverstock configured to provide at least a portion of an A-side of the molded article; a decorative element coupled to the coverstock by an adhesive; and a substrate molded behind the coverstock and configured to provide structural support to the coverstock. The decorative element may be an injection molded plastic material. The adhesive may comprise a pressure sensitive adhesive. The coverstock and substrate may comprise a recess for the decorative element to be located at least partially within.