Abstract:
Interior trim assemblies for automobiles that eliminate gaps between the trim assemblies and adjacent components in the interior of the automobile. The trim assemblies comprise rigid substrate members with pliable cover layers disposed on the rigid substrate members. In one embodiment, the substrates include central and lateral sections connected by the pliable cover layers. The lateral substrate sections may be deformed toward the central substrate section to accommodate variations in spacing between components, and to eliminate gaps therebetween. In another embodiment, the cover layers include resilient, non-corrugate free ends that extend outwardly from edge portions of the rigid substrates to define flexible flanges that contact adjacent automotive components to eliminate gaps between the trim assemblies and the adjacent components.
Abstract:
An automotive interior trim assembly has at least one area which provides an enhanced tactile feel that is soft to the touch. The interior trim assembly includes a first substrate member forming at least part of a structural support of a trim assembly and a cover member formed of thermoplastic elastic foam supported on the first substrate member. A second substrate member is connected to the first substrate member. In one embodiment, a portion of the interior trim assembly is formed in a two-shot molding operation wherein a first material is molding during a first shot to form the first substrate member. The cover member is molded onto the first substrate member during a second shot of the molding operation. In one embodiment, the first and second substrate members are connected together through cooperating locking structures formed on each of the first and second substrate members.
Abstract:
An automotive interior trim assembly has at least one area which provides an enhanced tactile feel that is soft to the touch. The interior trim assembly includes a substrate member forming at least part of a structural support of a trim assembly and a cover member formed of thermoplastic elastic foam supported on the substrate member. In one embodiment, the interior trim assembly is formed in a two-shot molding operation wherein a first material is molding during a first shot to form the substrate member. The cover member is molded onto the substrate member during a second shot of the molding operation to form the interior trim assembly.
Abstract:
A method for forming an integrated trim plate in a single processing step. An appliqué section is reversibly securing to the lower section of a mold. A layer of thermoplastic covering is applied onto and over the appliqué section and lower section of the mold. A layer of foam is then injected between the thermoplastic covering and a substrate used to secure the integrated trim plate within a structure such as an automobile frame. The appliqué section may be magnetically secured to the lower section of the mold or may be physically secured within a forming section of the lower section.
Abstract:
In at least one embodiment, the present invention takes the form of a panel comprising a substrate, a cover layer, and foam disposed between at least a portion of the substrate and the cover layer. At least one of the cover layer or the substrate being is provided with an integrally formed member for sealing the cover layer to the substrate. The present invention also relates to a method for forming the panel.
Abstract:
A multi-purpose holder for supporting an article in a vehicle includes a support member for supporting an article. A sensor is adapted to generate a signal that is a function of a desired position of the support member. An actuator is selectively coupled to the support member, the actuator operable to enable the support member to move in response to the signal.
Abstract:
An energy absorber for a vehicle includes an elongate member having lateral and longitudinal axes. The elongate member may include one or more channels which are oriented to have walls which extend in the general direction of the lateral axis. An upper surface of at least one of the channels may have an engagement feature that may be configured to engage a stationary member of a vehicle when an impact force brings the engagement feature into contact with the stationary member. The channels may be configured to deform and collapse to absorb at least some of the impact force.
Abstract:
A method of manufacturing an airbag assembly and a trim component for vehicle including the step of providing a first mold structure having a first surface formed therein, a second mold structure having a second surface formed therein and a third mold structure having a third surface formed therein. The first mold structure and the second mold structure are positioned to define a first cavity. A first material is introduced into the first cavity to form a substrate. The substrate and the third mold structure are positioned to define a second cavity. A second material is introduced into the second cavity to form at least one of a portion of an airbag assembly and an outer layer overmolded onto the substrate. Additionally, a scrim material may be disposed within the second cavity to produce a hinge having an embedded layer of scrim material.
Abstract:
An interior vehicle trim panel includes a panel body having a front face and an under face. The under face has a tear seam to allow an airbag to exit the panel body when the airbag is deployed. The tear seam defines an airbag door. A sheet of hinge material attached to the under face of the airbag door of the panel body. An airbag collar is attached to the under face of the panel body about the airbag door. An airbag housing is attached to the airbag collar, such that a portion of the sheet of hinge material is secured between the airbag collar and the airbag housing, thereby forming an interior vehicle trim panel.
Abstract:
In one advantageous embodiment of the claimed invention, an integral cushioned trim panel (14a-14c) for a vehicle passenger cabin (10) is provided. The integral cushioned trim panel (14a-14c) includes a substrate (22) for attachment to a predetermined portion (12a-12c) of the vehicle. The substrate (22) has a cover member (24) coupled thereto for substantially covering the substrate (22). In addition, the substrate (22) and the cover member (24) have a cushioning member (16) disposed therebetween. The cushioning member (16) is injection molded between the substrate (22) and the cover member (24) for forming an integral construction, minimizing the manufacturing cycle time, and decreasing the costs associated therewith.