Abstract: An illuminable vehicle component and a method for illuminating a vehicle component includes a vehicle component including an A-surface, a photoluminescent or electroluminescent light source covering the A-surface, a pigmented layer coving the photoluminescent or electroluminescent light source, and an optional optically clear top coat covering the pigmented layer. When the photoluminescent or electroluminescent light source is not activated and is not emitting light, the pigmented layer has an opaque appearance. When the photoluminescent or electroluminescent light source is activated to emit light, light emitted from the photoluminescent or electroluminescent light source is transmitted through the pigmented layer and the optional optically clear top coat such that the illuminable vehicle component has an illuminated appearance and the component is illuminated.

Abstract: An electroluminescent assembly for a vehicle storage compartment and a method for installing the same on a vehicle storage compartment includes a transparent panel and a door, each at least partially defining the storage compartment. Light emitted by the electroluminescent assembly illuminates the interior of the storage compartment, and is also transmitted through the transparent panel to thereby illuminate a portion of the vehicle that is at an exterior of the storage compartment.

Abstract: An electroluminescent assembly on a vehicle A-pillar and a method for installing the same on a vehicle A-pillar includes a panel positioned over an interior surface of the A-pillar, the panel including a plurality of facets extending along a length of the panel. The electroluminescent assembly covers the three facets. The portion of the electroluminescent assembly that covers a middle facet provides real-time visual indicators to an occupant of the vehicle based on signals derived from a vehicle electronic system. The portion of the electroluminescent assembly that covers the other two facets provide illumination to an interior and exterior of the vehicle.

Abstract: An adaptive tensile control system includes a covering couple to a motorized retractor operable to release and retract the covering in response to control signals. An adaptive seat suspension includes a flexible suspension mat coupled to a motorized retractor operable to release and retract the flexible suspension mat in response to control signals. A method includes adapting the size of a support in a seat and adapting a covering overlying the support. A device includes an inflatable bolster within a seat having a covering. An apparatus includes a seat back and a seat that includes foam having a variable surface and a seamless covering.

Abstract: An illuminable vehicle component and a method for illuminating a vehicle component includes a vehicle component including an A-surface, a photoluminescent or electroluminescent light source covering the A-surface, a pigmented layer coving the photoluminescent or electroluminescent light source, and an optional optically clear top coat covering the pigmented layer. When the photoluminescent or electroluminescent light source is not activated and is not emitting light, the pigmented layer has an opaque appearance. When the photoluminescent or electroluminescent light source is activated to emit light, light emitted from the photoluminescent or electroluminescent light source is transmitted through the pigmented layer and the optional optically clear top coat such that the illuminable vehicle component has an illuminated appearance and the component is illuminated.

Abstract: An electroluminescent assembly for a vehicle storage compartment and a method for installing the same on a vehicle storage compartment includes a transparent panel and a door, each at least partially defining the storage compartment. Light emitted by the electroluminescent assembly illuminates the interior of the storage compartment, and is also transmitted through the transparent panel to thereby illuminate a portion of the vehicle that is at an exterior of the storage compartment.

Abstract: An electroluminescent vehicle emblem and a method for illuminating a vehicle emblem includes a base layer, a cover layer, and an electroluminescent light source, which can be one or two electroluminescent assemblies. When the electroluminescent light source is not activated, the cover layer has an opaque appearance. When the electroluminescent light source is activated, light emitted from the electroluminescent light source is transmitted through the cover layer and emitted from a front of the vehicle emblem. Light is also emitted from a back of the vehicle emblem that is opposite from the front of the vehicle emblem to provide back lighting to the vehicle emblem.

Abstract: An electroluminescent assembly for a vehicle storage compartment and a method for installing the same on a vehicle storage compartment includes a transparent panel and a door, each at least partially defining the storage compartment. Light emitted by the electroluminescent assembly illuminates the interior of the storage compartment, and is also transmitted through the transparent panel to thereby illuminate a portion of the vehicle that is at an exterior of the storage compartment.

Abstract: A luminescent feature on a vehicle and a method for installing the same on a vehicle includes a transparent window panel positioned on the vehicle, a conductive material extending along at least a portion of a perimeter of the window panel and at least one electroluminescent pigment strip. The window panel has an interior surface and an exterior surface. Each at least one electroluminescent pigment strip has a first end portion in electrical contact with the conductive material at a first location along the perimeter of the window panel and a second end portion in electrical contact with the conductive material at a second location on the perimeter of the window panel that is spaced apart from the first location.

Abstract: An electroluminescent vehicle emblem and a method for illuminating a vehicle emblem includes a base layer, a cover layer, and an electroluminescent light source, which can be one or two electroluminescent assemblies. When the electroluminescent light source is not activated, the cover layer has an opaque appearance. When the electroluminescent light source is activated, light emitted from the electroluminescent light source is transmitted through the cover layer and emitted from a front of the vehicle emblem. Light is also emitted from a back of the vehicle emblem that is opposite from the front of the vehicle emblem to provide back lighting to the vehicle emblem.

Abstract: An electroluminescent assembly on a vehicle A-pillar and a method for installing the same on a vehicle A-pillar includes a panel positioned over an interior surface of the A-pillar, the panel including a plurality of facets extending along a length of the panel. The electroluminescent assembly covers the three facets. The portion of the electroluminescent assembly that covers a middle facet provides real-time visual indicators to an occupant of the vehicle based on signals derived from a vehicle electronic system. The portion of the electroluminescent assembly that covers the other two facets provide illumination to an interior and exterior of the vehicle.

Abstract: An electroluminescent assembly for a vehicle storage compartment and a method for installing the same on a vehicle storage compartment includes a transparent panel and a door, each at least partially defining the storage compartment. Light emitted by the electroluminescent assembly illuminates the interior of the storage compartment, and is also transmitted through the transparent panel to thereby illuminate a portion of the vehicle that is at an exterior of the storage compartment.

Abstract: A luminescent feature on a vehicle and a method for installing the same on a vehicle includes a transparent window panel positioned on the vehicle, a conductive material extending along at least a portion of a perimeter of the window panel and at least one electroluminescent pigment strip. The window panel has an interior surface and an exterior surface. Each at least one electroluminescent pigment strip has a first end portion in electrical contact with the conductive material at a first location along the perimeter of the window panel and a second end portion in electrical contact with the conductive material at a second location on the perimeter of the window panel that is spaced apart from the first location.