Method for forming an outer skin for a cover assembly
US5466412A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 2, 1993 |
| Grant date | Nov 14, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 2, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T428/24983
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A cover for an air bag unit having a patterned tear seam therein defined by an integrally bonded, thermoplastic filler strip as the cover material and including a material having properties different than that of the cover material. Apparatus for forming the cover includes a thin shell mold having an inner surface that is heated to melt thermoplastic material cast thereon. A powder box adapted to contain thermoplastic material therein for distribution onto the thin shell mold carries a gasket having a shape corresponding to the tear seam shape. The powder box and gasket are adapted to be connected to the thin shell mold for forming a sealed footprint on the inner surface during distribution of the cast material against heated surface portions of the thin shell mold to form a thermoplastic cover with an opening therein that has the tear seam pattern. The opening is later filled with the lesser strength thermoplastic material to form an integrally bonded thermoplastic filler strip.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.