Abstract: A vehicle door for use on a vehicle includes a pocket having a side wall assembly that defines a space in the pocket. The side wall assembly includes an inner wall member disposed in a transverse inward direction of the vehicle. A hand grip is bendable with respect to the inner wall member by a bendable web. The hand grip has a front tooth including a support that extends through a front hole, and a locking hook that extends from the support and engages with a lower surface of a front wall of the inner wall member. A front support wall is mounted on the inner wall member for keeping the front tooth from being removed out of the front hole.

Abstract: A crash structure is provided as an internal support in an armrest on a door lining of a motor vehicle. The crash structure has cross-shaped recesses. A foam element is above the crash structure and is covered by a decorative layer above the crash structure. The crash structure absorbs loads in the event of a side impact to protect the vehicle occupants against increased force peaks.

Abstract: A vehicular door trim includes a trim body having a mounting portion, an armrest projecting toward a compartment inner side and including an upper wall portion having amounting hole therethrough, the armrest including a fitting recess at an opening edge of the mounting hole, a mounting member fitted to the mounting hole and including a fitting projection on its one end portion and including a fitting portion on its another end portion, the fitting projection fitted to the fitting recess and the fitting portion fitted to the mounting portion, and an armrest surface skin covering at least an upper surface of the upper wall portion and includes an surface skin extended portion covering the opening edge of the mounting hole and a part of the fitting recess, and the part of the fitting recess and the fitting projection hold a part of the surface skin extended portion.

Abstract: Self-supported cushion assembly for an interior vehicle part which comprises a tridimensional fabric, a rigid plate and a main frame. The tridimensional fabric is the element which simultaneously performs a structural function in order to support any effort commonly exerted on the self-supported cushion assembly during its normal use, a cushion function, and decorative function of the self-supported cushion assembly. The frame assembly transmits the efforts to the interior vehicle part and links the self-supported cushion assembly to the interior vehicle part. Depending on the case, the frame assembly can comprise a part of the frame of the interior vehicle part, an additional frame part or both of them.

Abstract: An armrest assembly for a door of a vehicle includes a substrate component configured for attachment to the door and defining a plurality of furrows. The armrest assembly further includes a cover component mated to the substrate component, wherein the cover component is formed from a foam and fills each of the plurality of furrows. A vehicle including the armrest assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: An armrest structure for a vehicle of the present invention comprises a first armrest to support an elbow of one of arms of a passenger seated in a seat and a second armrest to support an elbow of the other arm of the passenger. A horizontal distance W1 between a vertically-extending seat center line of the seat and an elbow's support position at the first armrest is greater than a horizontal distance W2 between the vertically-extending seat center line and an elbow's support position at the second armrest, and a height H1 of the elbow's support position at the first armrest is greater than a height H2 of the elbow's support position at the second armrest. Accordingly, the passenger's elbows can be properly supported at the armrests on both sides, in a seat width direction, of the seat.

Abstract: There is disclosed a door lining for a vehicle. The vehicle door lining includes a lining body having a step portion, a decorative component to be combined with the lining body, the decorative component including a periphery having a tip surface and an outer surface extending from the tip surface, and at least one stepped cut-out portion provided at the periphery, the decorative component being combined with the lining body with the tip surface being abutted against an inner surface of the lining body and with the outer surface being surface-contacted with the step portion of the lining body, the stepped cut-out portion extending from the tip surface to the outer surface, and at least one noise-preventing member for preventing noise from being generated by rubbing between the lining body and the decorative component which occurs due to vibration of a vehicle body during driving of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle trim assembly includes an interior trim panel and a pull cup. The pull cup includes a main body, an attachment portion and a break-away portion connecting the main body to the attachment portion. The attachment portion is fastened to the interior trim panel. The break-away portion is configured and arranged to separate the main body from the attachment portion in response to a prescribed level of force applied to at least one of the interior trim panel and the pull cup.

Abstract: A vehicle having a handle assembly with a lateral wall adapted to be mounted to a vehicle interior door trim is provided. The lateral wall has a top surface and a distal end offset from the top surface. A weakened portion is formed into the lateral wall for reducing the lateral stiffness of the handle assembly. The weakened portion is disposed adjacent the top surface and extends to the door trim to form a generally continuous top appearance surface. Upon a lateral force, the handle deforms along the weakened portion and the lateral wall rotates about the distal end, thereby promoting buckling in order to absorb energy and minimize the risk of passenger injury.

Abstract: A motor vehicle is provided with a sliding door, which has an inner side facing the vehicle interior, on which a protruding armrest is disposed. The sliding door can be displaced from a closed position in which the entry opening is closed by the sliding door, within the scope of an opening process via an intermediate position in which the sliding door is outwardly offset with respect to an adjoining vehicle wall, into an open position in which the inner side of the sliding door is disposed opposite to the outer side of the vehicle wall. Within the scope of the opening process the protruding armrest can be moved automatically from a usage position into a non-usage position in which the protruding armrest is set back with respect to the usage position in the direction of the inner side of the sliding door.

Abstract: A telescopingly collapsible grab handle support assembly incorporated into a collapsible door trim pull handle for a vehicle is disclosed. The telescopingly collapsible grab handle support assembly includes a grab handle support and a grab handle support base. A portion of one of the grab handle support or the grab handle support base is fitted within the other of the grab handle support base or the grab handle support. A door grab handle is attached to the grab handle support. The grab handle support base is either attached to the door panel or is integrally formed with the door panel. A break-away structure is provided between the grab handle support and the grab handle support base. Some or all of the grab handle support assembly may be encased in an outer polymerized material. Upon impact the break-away structure is broken and the grab handle support and the grab handle support base telescope with respect to each other thereby minimizing loads upon a vehicle occupant.

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 having a handle assembly with a lateral wall adapted to be mounted to a vehicle interior door trim is provided. The lateral wall has a top surface and a distal end offset from the top surface. A weakened portion is formed into the lateral wall for reducing the lateral stiffness of the handle assembly. The weakened portion is disposed adjacent the top surface and extends to the door trim to form a generally continuous top appearance surface. Upon a lateral force, the handle deforms along the weakened portion and the lateral wall rotates about the distal end, thereby promoting buckling in order to absorb energy and minimize the risk of passenger injury.

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 mount (22) for an armrest (14, 14a, 14b) in the interior of a motor vehicle is distinguished by the fact that the mount (22) is designed to react differently to forces that act on the mount (22) from different directions (18, 20).

Abstract: A handle for a door trim is provided, which includes a grip handle having a lower end on which a fastening portion is formed to be mounted on an armrest of the door trim and an upper end which is formed in the shape of a grip to project from the upper end. The design of the handle for the door trim is greatly changed to improve the sense of beauty, and the stiffness of the handle is increased by adding a reinforcement material to the grip handle and the door trim to heighten the durability, so that the productivity and stability of the handle can be improved.

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: Mounting structure of a door grip in a door for the vehicle includes a inner panel composing a door body. The mounting structure of a door grip further includes a door trim arranged so as to oppose to the inner side of the inner panel. The door grip is fixed to the inner panel via the door trim and having a pair of connecting parts to be connected to the door trim. Further included are fixing members for fixing the door trim to the inner panel. The fixing members are arranged in both sides of the connecting parts regarding an axis line passing through both the first connecting part and the second connecting part. The fixing members are respectively provided in both sides of the first connecting part while the fixing members are respectively provided in both sides of the second connecting part.

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: A handle for a door trim is provided, which includes a grip handle having a lower end on which a fastening portion is formed to be mounted on an armrest of the door trim and an upper end which is formed in the shape of a grip to project from the upper end. The design of the handle for the door trim is greatly changed to improve the sense of beauty, and the stiffness of the handle is increased by adding a reinforcement material to the grip handle and the door trim to heighten the durability, so that the productivity and stability of the handle can be improved.

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 interior trim component includes a body portion defining an inboard-surface, and an outboard-surface, wherein the body portion is further defined by a groove formed in the inboard-surface, and a passage extending through the body portion from the inboard-surface to the outboard-surface; and a bolster portion including a first end portion, and a second end portion, wherein the first end portion is disposed in the groove formed in the inboard-surface, wherein the second end portion is disposed in the passage. A method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A motor vehicle is provided with a sliding door on which an armrest is provided that protrudes into the vehicle interior. The sliding door can be slid from a closing position, in which an entrance opening in a neighboring vehicle wall is closed, via an intermediate position, in which the sliding door is displaced to the outside relative to the vehicle wall into an opening position, in which the sliding door is arranged in front of an outer side of the vehicle wall and the entrance opening is opened. The armrest is connected with the sliding door in such a manner that the armrest through the sliding of the sliding door from the intermediate position into the opening position is slid in front of an inner side of the vehicle wall.

Abstract: A single-piece switch mount and harness hook that provides routing control of an interior vehicle door harness.

Abstract: Cushions for dynamic impact applications include anisotropic cellular polymers made in an extrusion, expanded bead or reactive foaming process. The anisotropic behavior represented by CE/CT, CV/CT and CH/CT, wherein CE, CV and CH represent the compressive strength of the cellular polymer in each of three orthogonal directions E, V and H, respectively, as measured by compressing a 25-50 mm thick sample of the cellular polymer at a strain rate of 0.08 s?1 to 25% strain, CT represents the sum of CE, CV and CH, and at least one of CE/CT, CV/CT and CH/CT has a value of at least 0.40, up to about 0.80. The cellular polymer also preferably has density of 1.75 to 2.35 pounds/cubic foot and a compressive stress in the direction of maximum compressive strength of 290-600 kPa at 25% strain when used for headliner countermeasure applications. The cushions are useful in automotive applications such as automotive headliners, door panels, knee bolsters, pillars, headrests, seat backs, load floors or instrument panels.

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: A console assembly for a vehicle includes a console body defining an opening communicating with a storage bin. The storage bin has opposing side walls each having a groove formed therein. A sliding member is slidably mounted within the grooves of each of the side walls within the storage bin. A console cover is pivotally mounted to the sliding member and defines a cover assembly. The cover assembly is slidably movable between a closed position wherein the console cover covers the opening of the console body and a partially open position wherein a portion of the opening of the console body is exposed. The console cover is pivotally movable between the partially open position and a fully open position wherein the console opening and the sliding member are exposed. The console cover includes at least one follower extending outwardly therefrom, wherein the follower is slidably mounted within the grooves in the storage bin wall.

Abstract: A single-layer or multi-layer plastic skin is formed into a covering for coated objects, such as trim parts of a motor vehicle. Regions in the plastic skin include switching, sensor, or transmission functionality.

Abstract: The trim (17) comprises a soft outer skin (51). It comprises a plurality of protrusions (53) which are integral with the outer skin (51) and are to rest on a frame (13) for supporting the component (11). Each protrusion (53) extends from an inner face (57) of the skin (51). The protrusions (53) delimit between them spaces (55) for deformation of the trim (17). The ratio of the thickness (ep) of the skin (17), taken orthogonally to the inner face (57), to the thickness (es) of each protrusion (53), taken along the inner face (57), is greater than 2. The ratio of the thickness (ep) of the skin (17) to the minimum distance (dn) separating each pair of facing protrusions (53A, 53E), taken along the inner surface (57), is greater than 0.3.

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: A method of forming a panel is disclosed. The method includes forming a flexible skin (22); coupling a compressible material (24) to the skin (22); positioning the skin (22) and compressible material (24) in a mold; and forming a rigid substrate (20) around the skin (22) and compressible material (24) providing a first soft region (12) wherein the compressible material (24) is disposed between the skin (22) and the substrate (20) so that a first soft region (12) is defined by the compressible material (24).

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 collapsible door support structure includes a pre-defined bend or local stiffening feature. The collapsible structure is either be incorporated into the door handle or is incorporated into a bracket that is either attached to the door handle or to the door pull cup. If in the form of a bracket, at least one end of the bracket is attached to the door inner sheet metal. The other end of the bracket may be attached to the door handle or to the door trim panel. If used as a door pull cup support bracket a portion of the bracket is fixed to the bracket. In the event of an impact upon the vehicle door, the door inner sheet metal panel is pushed horizontally in a direction that is vehicle inward.

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 door trim having rigidity as an armrest while is easily deformed in an event of side impact to a vehicle and thereby reduces impact to a person located in a compartment of the vehicle, can be provided with the present invention. The door trim 1 for use with the vehicle includes a body 10 and an armrest 20 that protrudes from the body 10. The armrest 20 includes resin foam molding. The armrest 20 is thinner than the body 10. The door trim 1 also includes a plurality of ribs 23 disposed on an inner surface of the armrest 20. The armrest 20 is pushed against the person to be deformed in the event of side impact to the vehicle, thereby reducing impact to the person. A position of a break line 21 is set by the plurality of ribs 23 arranged in a front-back direction of the vehicle.

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: The invention is directed to an apparatus and method that includes a bracket that attaches the bottom end of a vehicle interior door handle to a door panel in a rigid manner, the bracket including a first wall and second and third walls that extend, generally perpendicular to the door panel, from the first wall toward the door panel, and first and second flanges extending from the second and third walls respectively that are attached to the door panel. The second and third walls flank control components within the armrest such that the bracket is compact and provides a rigid connection.

Abstract: An interior armrest for a sliding door assembly of a motor vehicle having a hollow housing that is pivotally movable about a pivot axis between a horizontal position for use as an armrest and a vertical position for storage is disclosed. The housing includes an actuator for automatically moving the armrest to the vertical position from the horizontal position as the sliding door moves between the closed and the open position. The armrest is disposed within a recess of the sliding door assembly when in the vertical position.

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: A lid is formed with a domed underside that faces the internal space of a vehicle console. The console includes an operating mechanism disposed within an end face of the console basic body and that lies in a plane perpendicular to the pivot axis underneath the lid. The operating mechanism can be used universally both for individual lids as well as for lid wings. The operating mechanism requires as little usable space as possible to accommodate the operating mechanism.

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: An armrest formed in a door lining of an automotive door lining includes an upper wall fitted with a power window switch, a lower wall provided with an opening permitting access to a lower part of the switch and a detachable lid fitted on the opening. Thus, the opening in the lower wall of the armrest enables a worker to connect a wire harness drawn out of the interior of the door to the lower part of the power window switch. Because the opening is formed in the lower wall of the armrest which is usually concealed from the vehicle occupant, it does not produce an aesthetically negative impact. If desired, the opening may also be formed in other parts of the armrest as long as the opening is favorably concealed or otherwise prevented from impairing the external appearance of the door lining.

Abstract: An energy-absorbing system for vehicle door assemblies is provided, including first and second brackets and a reaction plate. Each bracket attaches to an inner support panel of the door assembly via a mounting portion having leg members extending inward from opposing ends thereof. The reaction plate includes a generally planar portion with a flange portion extending from an upper edge thereof. One side of the reaction plate is attached to an inner surface of a trim panel, whereas the other side is attached to the leg members of the first and second brackets. One section of the flange portion abuts against an underside surface of an armrest assembly, and another section abuts against a b-side surface of a pull-handle. Both brackets are configured to sustain a minimum vertical loading condition (limit vertical deflection), and controllably deform under a threshold lateral loading condition to absorb and attenuate kinetic energy resulting therefrom.

Abstract: A motor vehicle is provided with a sliding door on which an armrest is provided that protrudes into the vehicle interior. The sliding door can be slid from a closing position, in which an entrance opening in a neighboring vehicle wall is closed, via an intermediate position, in which the sliding door is displaced to the outside relative to the vehicle wall into an opening position, in which the sliding door is arranged in front of an outer side of the vehicle wall and the entrance opening is opened. The armrest is connected with the sliding door in such a manner that the armrest through the sliding of the sliding door from the intermediate position into the opening position is slid in front of an inner side of the vehicle wall.

Abstract: A motor vehicle is provided with a sliding door, which has an inner side facing the vehicle interior, on which a protruding armrest is disposed. The sliding door can be displaced from a closed position in which the entry opening is closed by the sliding door, within the scope of an opening process via an intermediate position in which the sliding door is outwardly offset with respect to an adjoining vehicle wall, into an open position in which the inner side of the sliding door is disposed opposite to the outer side of the vehicle wall. Within the scope of the opening process the protruding armrest can be moved automatically from a usage position into a non-usage position in which the protruding armrest is set back with respect to the usage position in the direction of the inner side of the sliding door.

Abstract: A customizable armrest includes a cushioning pad and a rigid, single support unit being configured to couple the cushioning pad. The rigid, single support unit includes an armrest retention protrusion pivotably coupled to the single support unit. Furthermore, the armrest retention protrusion is configured to be mounted in a window orifice of a vehicle.

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.