Decorative automotive interior trim articles with integral light stable polyurethane elastomer covering and process for making the same
US5885662A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 31, 1997 |
| Grant date | Mar 23, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 31, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T428/31554
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An article including a panel-like structure constructed to be mounted in an automobile vehicle to form a part of the interior thereof, and a process for making the same. According to this process, an outer layer defining at least a portion of the exposed exterior surface of the structure is prepared by applying a water-dispersed thermoplastic polyurethane composition and a heat-activated reactive crosslinking monomer onto a mold surface and thereafter drying the composition. Next, a rapidly reacting composition is sprayed onto an inner surface of the outer layer while the outer layer is retained on the mold surface to form a polyurethane elastomer inner layer that is interfacially chemical bonded to the outer layer. The inner layer with the outer layer interfacially chemically bonded thereto is then united with the rigid substrate so that the rigid substrate serves to reinforce the outer layer. The exposed exterior surface of the panel-like structure simulates the appearance and feel of authentic leather, while the inner layer and an optional semi-rigid polyurethane cellular foam intermediate layer provide a compressing feel to the exposed portion of the outer layer.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.