Vehicle interior trim panel assembly having an integrated soft-touch arm rest and method of manufacturing same
US7005092B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 16, 2003 |
| Grant date | Feb 28, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 21, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T428/24331
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing an interior trim panel assembly having an integrated soft-touch area for improved aesthetic trim component quality. The method of manufacturing a trim panel assembly for the interior of a vehicle having an integrated soft-touch area of the present invention includes placing a molded trim panel including a coverstock having an exposed outer surface and a foam backing disposed opposite the outer surface and a rigid substrate having at least one aperture bonded to the coverstock into a mold cavity. The method of manufacture further includes separating the bonded coverstock and rigid polymer substrate in a localized area to define an internal chamber accessible by the aperture. The method of manufacture also includes injecting soft foam into the internal chamber through the aperture so as to be juxtaposed between the coverstock and the rigid polymer substrate in at least one predetermined location to define an integrated soft-touch area.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.