Patent · US Expired

Headliner having integrated energy absorbing foam

US7261933B2 · kind B2 · utility

1Cited by
27References
10Claims
0Family size

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateOct 2, 2002
Grant dateAug 28, 2007
Priority date
Expiry dateSep 17, 2023

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10T428/249986
  • WIPO fieldTransport
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A method of manufacturing a headliner assembly for use in the interior compartment of an automotive vehicle comprising the steps of: placing a mold release film onto a concave mold surface of a lower mold assembly for providing a barrier against the mold surface; placing a fiber mat on the mold release film; applying a foamable material directly onto the fiber mat; expanding the foamable material around the fiber mat to embed the fiber mat therein; placing an adhesive film onto a convex mold surface of an upper mold assembly; positioning the lower mold assembly directly beneath the upper mold assembly; moving the upper mold assembly in mating engagement with the lower mold assembly to define a mold cavity between the convex mold surface and concave mold surface; curing the foamable material within the mold cavity; and bonding the mold release film and adhesive film to the foamable material with the fiber mat embedded therebetween. A layer of scrim is then adhered to the mold release film and a layer of fabric is adhered to the adhesive film for providing a decorative cover to the headliner assembly.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.