Abstract: A center console for a motor vehicle, having a base portion and an armrest arranged on the base portion in a backrest position and which has a support face for an arm. In order to provide an adequate storage surface for the driver of a motor vehicle, there is provision for the armrest to have a pivot element which has an upper side which at least partially forms the support face in the backrest position and which can be pivoted forward with respect to the base portion about a front pivot axis which extends in the transverse vehicle direction into a storage position, in which a lower side of the pivot element forms a storage surface.

Abstract: A seat for a vehicle includes a seat back and a seat bottom extending from the seat back along a seat-bottom axis. A track is fixed relative to the seat bottom and is elongated along the seat-bottom axis. A slider is slidably engaged with the track along the seat-bottom axis. A link is pivotally engaged with the slider. An armrest is pivotally engaged with the link. A pyrotechnic actuator connected to the slider. In the event of a sensed vehicle impact, the pyrotechnic actuator pulls the slider to move the armrest to a raised position.

Abstract: An interior component includes a base member and an outer member, which is stacked on the base member. The outer member is provided with projections and protruding portions. The projections project from an opposing surface, which is opposed to the base member. The projections are deformed while bending in a falling manner in specific directions by contacting the base member. The protruding portions protrude from the opposing surface and are provided on the paths along which the projections are deformed.

Abstract: An armrest mounting system includes an armrest having at least one projecting mount, a door inner including an inner margin defining an armrest accommodation feature and at least one resettable armrest bracket carried on the door inner and engaging the at least one projecting mount extending through the armrest accommodation feature. A related method of mitigating an injury in the event of a side impact is also disclosed.

Abstract: An arrangement for opening and closing an opening in a covering surface of an interior trim piece in a vehicle that includes an adjustable cover element in the form of a flat element. The cover element is movably mounted on a frame element that is connected to the interior trim piece. A rotational or pivoting movement of two pivoted levers that are pivotably mounted in bearing cheeks of the frame element is converted into a translational movement of the cover element. The cover element is urged into a defined path by a shaft penetrating bearing blocks of the cover element and by two toothed wheels which are located at the free ends of the shaft and each of which meshes with a first rack located on the bearing cheek.

Abstract: A laminated composite interior component includes a first member that has a predetermined mating surface; and a second member made of an elastically deformable resin material. The second member has a plate-shaped portion that is substantially parallel to the mating surface and that has multiple protrusions which are formed integrally with the plate-shaped portion and which protrude toward the mating surface such that a space is formed between the mating surface and the plate-shaped portion. The second member is arranged so as to be laminated on the first member with the protrusions in contact with the mating surface.

Abstract: An armrest (1) for a motor vehicle has a vehicle-side support (3). An armrest element (5) is arranged on an upper side of the support (3) and is designed to be adjustable relative to the support (3) The armrest (1) has a further functional element arranged on the upper side of the support (3) at a distance from the armrest element (5) and is designed to be adjustable relative to the support (3).

Abstract: A side door trim for a vehicle includes an armrest and a wall component. The armrest includes a top wall for supporting an arm of an occupant of the vehicle. The wall component is for forming a portion of a sidewall of a vehicle compartment. The wall component includes a lower wall portion located below the armrest and a supporting portion for supporting the top wall of the armrest from below. The supporting portion extends from an upper end of the lower wall portion of the wall component adjacent to a lower end of the armrest toward a lower surface of the top wall of the armrest.

Abstract: An interior trim element for a vehicle door trim may comprise an arm rest and a material pad. The arm rest may comprise a plurality of elongated support elements and a plurality of elongated recesses disposed in regions between the elongated support elements. The arm rest may be configured to couple to an inner side of a door trim beam in a direction perpendicular to the beam. The elongated support elements may be oriented substantially parallel to the beam. The pad may cover the support elements.

Abstract: An adjusting apparatus for a comfort element swingable in relation to a support structure, in particular for an armrest of a vehicle, includes a latching device actuatable by adjusting the comfort element and having a latching arm connected to the comfort element and a latching lever interacting with the latching arm. A swing position of the comfort element is locked by providing a locking lever which is swingably articulated to the latching arm and has an engagement portion which locks the swing position by a spring force, when the engagement portion assumes an engagement position with a locking portion of a locking element that is fixed to the support structure, and the swing position of the comfort element is unlocked by an actuator by which the locking lever is disengageable from the engagement position with the locking element.

Abstract: The invention relates to a center arm rest (01) for use in a vehicle with a console part (03), which can be directly or indirectly attached to the vehicle body, and with an arm rest (05), which is mounted on the console part so as to be swivelable about a swivel axis between a lower use position and an upper rest position, the arm rest (05) having a top side (07) for resting an arm thereon, which is padded at least in sections, and a bottom side (08) on the opposite side, which is padded at least in sections and forms part of a back rest, comprising a tray device (11), which is swivelably mounted in the center arm rest (01) and which is in an upper non-use position behind the arm rest (05) when the arm rest (05) is in the rest position, and which is swivelable about a hinge axis (12) between the non-use position and a lower use position having the tray device (11) resting on the top side of the arm rest (05) when the arm rest (05) is in the use position.

Abstract: A control system for a work vehicle includes an armrest having a first support and a control grip having a second support. The first support is configured to permit selectable movement of the armrest. The second support is configured to permit selectable movement of the control grip. The armrest and the control grip are independently movable from each other. The first support and the second support are configured to receive a common fastener to secure the first support and the second support to a surface of the work vehicle.

Abstract: Arm-rest, adjustable in inclination, in particular for vehicles, comprising: —a fixed part 2, intended to be connected to the frame of the vehicle; —a movable part 3, hinged to the fixed part 2 around a rotation axis X by —hinging means 10, 43, 53 to move between a lowered angular position and a raised angular position; and —a system for adjusting the inclination of the movable part 3 between the aforesaid lowered position and the aforesaid raised position. The invention is characterized by the fact that the system for adjusting comprises at least one freewheeling bearing 20, chosen from the rolling-contact or cam type, associated to the hinging means 10, 43, 53 so as to allow the movable part 3 to rotate around the axis X only in the direction of rotation which from the lowered position leads to the raised position.

Abstract: A sliding guide, for instance for an arm support (A), comprising at least a first and an at least second profile, with bearing and friction elements included therebetween for providing a particular frictional resistance between the profiles, wherein the profiles are provided with fastening elements, wherein the first and second profiles on both sides in the longitudinal direction are provided with respective connecting longitudinal edges, which cooperate in order to allow sliding of the second profile relative to the first profile, wherein the bearing and the friction elements are provided between the profiles near the respective connecting longitudinal edges thereof in order to provide an internal space (I) between the at least first and the at least second profile. The invention further relates to an arm support (A) provided with such a sliding guide.

Abstract: A slide mechanism for use with a vehicle armrest includes a sliding plate and a stationary plate in sliding engagement with each other via a coupling that includes an elongated guide and a guide follower. The elongated guide defines a slide direction for the slide mechanism and is retained to one of the plates by guide retention features located at each end of the guide. Each retention feature is constructed to restrict movement of the elongated guide in all directions transverse to the slide direction. A spacer is disposed at one end of the elongated guide to hold the guide in place in the slide direction so that retention is maintained. The spacer can be interposed between a retention feature stop and an end of the elongated guide and/or can extend from a cover attached to the plate that includes the retention features.

Abstract: A vehicle folding armrest assembly having a vehicle door movable within a door frame and having an armrest that is operable between a deployed position and a stowed position. A catch mechanism is movable between an interference position, wherein the catch mechanism supports the armrest in the deployed position against a spring force, and a non-interference position, wherein the catch mechanism is disengaged from the armrest, and the armrest is in the stowed position. An actuator includes a lever that protrudes from the vehicle door. The lever is in abutting contact against the door frame and moves the catch mechanism from the interference position to the non-interference position.

Abstract: A vehicle folding armrest assembly having a vehicle door movable within a door frame and having an armrest that is operable between a deployed position and a stowed position. A catch mechanism is movable between an interference position, wherein the catch mechanism supports the armrest in the deployed position against a spring force, and a non-interference position, wherein the catch mechanism is disengaged from the armrest, and the armrest is in the stowed position. An actuator includes a lever that protrudes from the vehicle door. The lever is in abutting contact against the door frame and moves the catch mechanism from the interference position to the non-interference position.

Abstract: A collision absorption system including a collapsing armrest. The armrest is configured to provide support for vertical loading during use. During a side impact collision, the armrest is configured to deform or collapse in a lateral direction. The collapsing armrest may include multiple layers with at least one layer having grooves and channels, or containing cross-ribs, to allow greater deflection in a lateral direction during a side impact collision.

Abstract: An armrest assembly for pivotable attachment to a vehicle floor console includes a first sliding armrest having a latch, a second sliding armrest having a latch, a console pawl for engagement with a pawl receptacle formed in the console, a first cable connecting the latch of the first sliding armrest to the console pawl, and a second cable connecting the latch of the second sliding armrest to the console pawl. The assembly further includes a first ratchet rack and a first ratchet pawl connected to the latch of the first armrest and a second ratchet rack and a second ratchet pawl connected to the latch of the second armrest. Operation of a latch releases both the console pawl and the associated ratchet pawl simultaneously to allow sliding movement of the armrest or pivoting movement of the armrest assembly with respect to the floor console.

Abstract: In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure a support structure includes a contact surface configured to deform, a base section configured to receive the contact surface, a first set of ribs extending from the contact surface toward the base section and inclined in a first direction, and a second set of ribs extending from the contact surface toward the base section and inclined in a second direction, in which the first set of ribs and the second set of ribs are disposed such that there is no contact with each other in a relaxed position, and in which the first set of ribs and the second set of ribs are configured to deform and contact each other upon application of a force to the contact surface.

Abstract: An armrest for a vehicle is provided that does not increase the number of parts and the assembly process, absorbs the shock of lateral collision of the vehicle by deformation of an armrest core member, and has the armrest core member that is not easily deformed during normal use. The armrest for the vehicle includes an armrest core member and a cushion member attached on an upper surface of the armrest core member. A boss is provided to extend from the armrest core member, and the armrest core member is attached to a door trim of the vehicle by the boss. A rib is provided on a circumferential surface of the boss, and has an extending portion extending in a lateral direction of the vehicle. The extending portion is integrally formed with the upper surface or a lower surface of the armrest core member.

Abstract: An armrest is provided including a flexible skin overlying at least a portion of a substrate member, the skin coupled to substrate member, the flexible skin and the substrate member defining a cavity there between and an opening along one edge, and a foam bun insertable in the cavity to form the armrest, wherein the foam bun comprises a first foam portion which the flexible skin overlies and a second foam carrier portion which closes off the opening. The first foam portion has a hardness that is less than the hardness of said second foam carrier portion, the foam bun further including an integrally formed locking flange to engage with an edge of the substrate and an integrally formed skin lock to engage with an edge of the skin.

Abstract: An armrest hinge unit for a vehicle includes a lower bracket fixed to one side of an armrest container near an opening thereof and including a pivoting-allowable space in the lower bracket, a frictional member disposed in the pivoting-allowable space of the lower bracket and fixed to the lower bracket, and an upper bracket having a hinge portion hingedly coupled to the lower bracket and a receiving groove to elastically receive the frictional member therein, the upper bracket being connected to an armrest cover, wherein at least an inner surface of the receiving groove of the upper bracket is in elastic contact with the frictional member so that a position of the arm rest cover is maintained by frictional force therebetween.

Abstract: An armrest assembly for pivotable attachment to a vehicle floor console includes a pair of armrests having latches to actuate a single console pawl. The assembly includes a first sliding armrest having a latch, a second sliding armrest having a latch, a console pawl for engagement with a pawl receptacle formed in the console, a first cable connecting the latch of the first sliding armrest to the console pawl, and a second cable connecting the latch of the second sliding armrest to the console pawl. The assembly further includes a first ratchet rack and a first ratchet pawl connected to the latch of the first armrest and a second ratchet rack and a second ratchet pawl connected to the latch of the second armrest. According to the disclosed invention, operation of a latch releases both the console pawl and the associated ratchet pawl simultaneously to allow sliding movement of the armrest or pivoting movement of the armrest assembly with respect to the floor console.

Abstract: A sliding guide, for instance for an arm support (A), comprising at least a first (2) and an at least second profile (3), with bearing means (4) and friction means (5) included there between for providing a particular frictional resistance between the profiles (2,3), wherein the profiles (2, 3) are provided with fastening means (6, 7), wherein the first and second profiles (2, 3) on both sides in the longitudinal direction are provided with respective connecting longitudinal edges (8, 9; 10, 11), which cooperate in order to allow sliding of the second profile (3) relative to the first profile, wherein the bearing means (4) and the friction means (5) are provided between the profiles (2, 3) near the respective connecting longitudinal edges (8, 9; 10, 11) thereof in order to provide an internal space (I) between the at least first (2) and the at least second profile (3). The invention further relates to an arm support (A) provided with such a sliding guide (1).

Abstract: Aspects of the invention relate to a panel for a vehicle interior. The panel includes a relatively non-deformable support having at least one shaped portion, and a relatively deformable inlay pad that can be mounted in the shaped portion. The inlay pad may be formed as a foam pad, as an air cushion and/or as a gel cushion. Aspects of the invention also relate to a method for forming a panel for a vehicle interior.

Abstract: This door lining fixing construction is constructed such that: an assist grip provided on a vehicle interior side of a door lining is fixed to a bracket provided on a vehicle exterior side of the door lining; the bracket is extended to an inner handle opening that is formed in the door lining; the bracket is fixed to a door inner panel through the inner handle opening; an inner handle is disposed between the bracket and the door lining; and an operation hole is formed in the inner handle for fixing the bracket to the door inner panel.

Abstract: An armrest for use with a motorized vehicle is provided comprising first and second substantially opposing surfaces elongated longitudinally along the vehicle's interior surface and extending laterally inward therefrom. The armrest also includes a substantially vertical wall portion extending from the inner periphery of the first and second surfaces. The first and second surfaces define a plurality of channels oriented substantially parallel to one another and elongated longitudinally relative to the vehicle, in either a parallel or oblique fashion relative to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle. The plurality of channels is configured to sustain substantial vertical loading and controllably deform under a predetermined threshold lateral crush load. In addition, the plurality of channels preferably includes one or more partitions within each of the channels that are oriented relative to one another to thereby create a load path for lateral loads imparted to the armrest assembly.

Abstract: A collision absorption system including a collapsing armrest is disclosed. The armrest is configured to provide support for vertical loading during use. During a side impact collision, the armrest is configured to deform or collapse in a lateral direction. The collapsing armrest may include multiple layers with at least one layer having grooves and channels, or containing cross-ribs, to allow greater deflection in a lateral direction during a side impact collision.

Abstract: In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure a support structure includes a contact surface configured to deform, a base section configured to receive the contact surface, a first set of ribs extending from the contact surface toward the base section and inclined in a first direction, and a second set of ribs extending from the contact surface toward the base section and inclined in a second direction, in which the first set of ribs and the second set of ribs are disposed such that there is no contact with each other in a relaxed position, and in which the first set of ribs and the second set of ribs are configured to deform and contact each other upon application of a force to the contact surface.

Abstract: A side impact door trim buckle initiator design is provided in a vehicle armrest and grab handle region. The disclosed support structure design induces buckling in the door handle supports while continuing to provide acceptable durability and strength. Two modifications to the door armrest and grab handle structures are made. First, an angled section is added to the material flow strap of the armrest supporting structure to promote buckling. This approach overcomes the difficulty of known material flow straps which tend to be horizontal, thus introducing a strong compressive load path. By adding an angle to the flow straps the vertical motion is forced upon a lateral impact. Second, vertical components of the door handle support structure are removed while a buckle initiator in the door handle support is added.

Abstract: A pull cup in a vehicle door is fitted to a door trim panel substrate and is connected to the door inner sheet metal panel of the vehicle door by way of a bracket or by one of a pair of inner and outer support brackets. The pull cup is provided with a bending initiator feature which is positioned a trigger area formed in the door trim panel substrate. In the event that a horizontal force is applied to the vehicle door, the vehicle inward movement of the door inner sheet metal panel causes the pull cup to be pushed upward. The bending initiator feature pushes on the trigger area causing the door trim panel substrate to buckle, thus substantially preventing vehicle inward movement of the door trim panel substrate during the impact event. The bending initiator feature also reduces the lateral stiffness of the door trim sub-system.

Abstract: A method for monitoring cleaning of a surface includes applying an amount of transparent indicator material to an area of a surface and measuring the amount of transparent indicator material remaining on the surface. The transparent indicator material may be fixed on the surface by drying and, when a fluorescent material, may be measured through exposure to ultraviolet radiation.

Abstract: A method for monitoring cleaning of a surface includes applying an amount of transparent indicator material to an area of a surface and measuring the amount of transparent indicator material remaining on the surface. The transparent indicator material may be fixed on the surface by drying and, when a fluorescent material, may be measured through exposure to ultraviolet radiation.

Abstract: A collision absorption system including a collapsing armrest. The armrest is configured to provide support for vertical loading during use. During a side impact collision, the armrest is configured to deform or collapse in a lateral direction. The collapsing armrest may include multiple layers with at least one layer having grooves and channels, or containing cross-ribs, to allow greater deflection in a lateral direction during a side impact collision.

Abstract: A finishing panel structure for an automobile comprising a trim panel, a deformable panel and a retainer bracket. The trim panel is connectable to the automobile and defines a panel opening. The deformable panel at least partially covers the panel opening, and defines a latch opening and at least one mounting apertures proximate to the latch opening. The retainer bracket defines a retainer bracket opening. At least one projection extends from at least one of the trim panel or the retainer bracket, and extends through the mounting aperture of the deformable panel. At least one engaging structure is formed on the other of the trim panel or the retainer bracket to engage the projection.

Abstract: An armrest arrangement for a motor vehicle door includes an armrest which is adjustable in a direction of adjustment, a guide device, at least one slide movably guided on the guide device in the direction of adjustment, at least one coupling element, via which the armrest is connected to the slide, a locking mechanism, by which the armrest is lockable in a previously set position of adjustment along the guide device, and a door lining, which extends two-dimensionally between the slide and the armrest and which is penetrated by the at least one coupling element. The locking mechanism is unlockable by a movement of the armrest in an unlocking direction. The armrest is mounted such that an unlocking movement of the armrest is coupled in the unlocking direction to a second movement by which the armrest is moved away from the door lining.

Abstract: The invention relates to an armrest subassembly for a motor vehicle which is designed and provided for arrangement on the interior side of a motor vehicle body. The armrest subassembly comprising an armrest, an adjusting device, a locking device and armrest-side locking means of the locking device. According to the invention, the armrest-side locking means are coupled to the armrest in such a manner that the locking means can be brought into engagement with and can be disengaged from the locking mechanism by a movement of the armrest with a component perpendicular to the adjustment path.

Abstract: An armrest hinge unit for a vehicle includes a lower bracket fixed to one side of an armrest container near an opening thereof and including a pivoting-allowable space in the lower bracket, a frictional member disposed in the pivoting-allowable space of the lower bracket and fixed to the lower bracket, and an upper bracket having a hinge portion hingedly coupled to the lower bracket and a receiving groove to elastically receive the frictional member therein, the upper bracket being connected to an armrest cover, wherein at least an inner surface of the receiving groove of the upper bracket is in elastic contact with the frictional member so that a position of the arm rest cover is maintained by frictional force therebetween.

Abstract: A pull cup in a vehicle door is solidly connected to the door inner panel by mechanical fastening. The armrest substrate structure is also solidly connected to the door inner panel by mechanical fastening. The armrest substrate has a pull cup-receiving cavity formed therein as is generally known in the art. The pull cup is not mechanically fastened to the armrest substrate. This arrangement is strong in tension but is weak in compression.

Abstract: A deformable vehicle door pull cup is provided which is both sufficiently strong for use during closing of the door and which also deforms during a side impact collision. A deformable vehicle door pull cup includes a weakening groove and dimple system in preferred embodiments. Dimples are placed within grooves to enhance crack propagation in a side impact collision.

Abstract: An armrest retracting mechanism for host vehicle armrests during side impact vehicle collision events.

Abstract: A center console for a motor vehicle has a basic body between the front seats with an upwardly open storage compartment over which a support part having an armrest which is displaceable with respect thereto is arranged. The armrest is displaceable from a pushed-back position between the front seats in the direction of the dashboard into a front position, wherein the support part is mounted pivotably on the basic body. The locking mechanism is provided with an actuating element via which, by an different actuation, a pivoting movement of the armrest together with the support part and a displacement movement of the armrest relative to the support part can be released. The locking mechanism is configured such that it permits a pivoting movement of the armrest together with the support part exclusively if the armrest is in its completely pushed-back position.

Abstract: Provided is an armrest assembly disposed on an inner door panel of a vehicle. The armrest assembly includes an armrest panel shaped to form the body of the armrest, and a support surface made of flexible skin. The armrest panel is fixed to a predetermined location on the inner door panel, and extends upwardly and away from the inner door panel to a proximal end. The proximal end is spaced apart and opposite the inner door panel to define an cavity. The flexible skin is attached to the proximal end and pulled taut over the cavity and fixed to the inner door panel to form the support surface for receiving the load of a passenger arm. The armrest assembly having the flexible skin for a support surface is able to fold into itself when the vehicle door is subject to a predetermined load, thus presenting no rigid structure posing a threat of being pushed into a passenger under said predetermined load.

Abstract: A collision absorption system including a collapsing armrest is disclosed. The armrest is configured to provide support for vertical loading during use. During a side impact collision, the armrest is configured to deform or collapse in a lateral direction.

Abstract: A roller blind for opening and closing the opening of a compartment, a storage box, a control console or similar enclosure, in particular for use in motor vehicles, is disclosed. At least one support element and at least one elastic layer disposed on the support element are included. Each support element has a curvature in its longitudinal direction with a deflection in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the opening to be closed by the roller blind. A method for the production of a roller blind is also disclosed.

Abstract: A support bracket for an armrest assembly having a pull-handle or pull-cup is provided for use in a motorized vehicle. The support bracket includes a generally horizontal support member configured to extend, at least in part, adjacent to or through an internal cavity of the pull-handle/pull-cup. The support bracket also includes at least two, but preferably three leg members spaced apart from one another and operatively attached at respective first ends to the support member. Each leg member extends downward from the support member in an oblique manner to attach at a respective second end to an inner support panel. The leg members are configured to sustain a predetermined minimum vertical loading condition, and controllably deform under a predetermined threshold lateral loading condition. The leg members create a load path for transferring vertical loads imparted to the armrest assembly to the vehicle interior surface as a substantially vertical force.

Abstract: A dynamically deconstructable armrest for an automotive vehicle includes a number of walls extending from a mounting base so as to define a cavity within which arm contact member is seated. Compressive force directed laterally against at least one of the side walls and having a magnitude in excess for a predetermined threshold value will cause at least a portion of the arm contact member to become expelled from the cavity, so as to lessen the compressive strength of the armrest.

Abstract: A door having an adjustable armrest has a curved inner trim in the region in which the adjustable armrest is arranged. The adjustable armrest follows the curvature of the door trim with its movement so that the gap between the inner trim and the door is always substantially constant to reduce related drawbacks. The adjustable armrest includes manual and automatic adjustment mechanisms and provision for a folding storage box.

Abstract: A height adjustable armrest assembly for use with a vehicle may include a support member adapted for connection to a vehicle body. A linkage may be supported by the support member and an armrest member may be supported by the linkage. The linkage may be configured to move the armrest member between a lowered position and a raised position such that the angular orientation between the support member and the armrest member when the armrest member is in the raised position is substantially the same as when the armrest member is in the lowered position.