Method for blow-molding an automotive instrument panel having an integral airbag door
US6174470A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 4, 1998 |
| Grant date | Jan 16, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 4, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29L2031/724
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method for forming an automotive instrument panel having a concealed door comprising a series of steps. A plastic parison is extruded to form the substrate layer of the instrument panel. The parison has first and second walls. The parison is placed within a mold and the first wall is contacted with the second wall to form a hinge. The area of contact forms a bond between the first and second walls. A different portion of the first and second walls are contacted to form an opening path. The opening path intersects the hinge. The opening path usually has a thickness much less than the thickness of the first and second walls to form an easily fracturable area. The door swings on the hinge to open. A elongated section of material on the second wall, enables the second wall to wrap along the hinge when the door is opened.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.