Composite molded article and process using self-positioning laminated stiffener
US4572856A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 5, 1984 |
| Grant date | Feb 25, 1986 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 5, 2004 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T428/249981
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A stiffener insert is incorporated into a molded composite article such as an automobile dashboard by inserting the stiffener insert between a pre-formed plastisol skin forming opposed mold walls for receiving an intermediate polyurethane foam layer therebetween and partially compressing a porous, resilient layer such as an open celled reticulated foam layer on opposite sides of the stiffener insert to an extent sufficient to exert a spring-like holding force to self-center the insert between the mold walls and yet insufficient to cause readout of the partially compressed porous insert layer through the outer plastisol skin on the final molded article. The partially compressed, porous, resilient layer on the stiffener insert permits flow of polyurethane foam therethrough to fill the mold cavity and is impregnated with the polyurethane foam to securely bond the stiffener insert in the composite article. The spring-like bias exerted by the partially compressed porous, resilient layers on the stiffener insert maintains its position in the mold cavity during flow of polyurethane foam therethrough.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.