Automotive interior trim assembly and pad insertion

Abstract

A trim assembly comprises a substrate member including a moveable panel integrally formed in the substrate and moveable between an open and closed position. A flexible skin overlies at least a portion of the substrate member and is integrally coupled to the substrate. The substrate and flexible skin are configured to define a cavity having an opening. The cavity opening is accessible when the moveable panel is in the open position. A resilient foam pad is positioned within the cavity to provide a soft feel to the trim assembly. The foam pad is inserted into the cavity using a tool that pulls a vacuum and compresses the foam pad. The foam pad is inserted into the cavity and the vacuum is released thereby expanding the foam pad to fill the cavity. The tool is removed and the moveable panel is moved to and secured in the closed position.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.