Decorative automotive interior trim articles with cast integral light stable covering and process for making the same
US6656596B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 23, 1999 |
| Grant date | Dec 2, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 23, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T428/31935
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An article including a panel-like structure mountable in an automobile vehicle to form a part of the interior thereof, and a process for making the same are disclosed. 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 composition containing a thermoplastic polyurethane and a heat-activated crosslinking agent onto a mold surface and thereafter drying the composition. Next, a composition comprising (i) a poly(vinyl chloride) resin and at least one plasticizer and/or (ii) a thermoplastic polyurethane resin material is gelled onto an inner surface of the outer layer while on the outer layer is retained on the mold surface. The gelled composition is then fused to form an inner layer interfacially chemically bonded to the outer layer. The inner layer with the outer layer chemically bonded thereto is 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 foa…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.