Rigid thermoformable foam for headliner application
US6368702B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 29, 1999 |
| Grant date | Apr 9, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 29, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T428/24995
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A thermoformable laminate including a rigid thermoplastic foam sheet and a fiber reinforcing layer adhered to each of two opposite faces of the rigid thermoplastic foam sheet is heated to the thermoforming softening temperature of the rigid thermoplastic foam sheet, and shaped and compressed to form a headliner having varying thicknesses, including a major portion of the headliner which is relatively thin and highly compressed, and at least one relatively thick, lightly compressed or non-compressed impact absorption area. The thermoformable laminate and method make it possible to form a headliner with integral impact absorption areas from a laminate of uniform thickness and density, using a single thermoforming operation.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.