Integrated co-injection molded vehicle components and methods of making the same
US7632445B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 31, 2005 |
| Grant date | Dec 15, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 29, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T428/249992
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A vehicle bumper (20) integrates rigid and flexible components into a single co-injection molded structure. In a preferred embodiment, a flexible fascia (58) is provided with integrated rigid fastener brackets (62, 66, 70, 71), energy absorption structure and head lamp brackets and housings (62). A method for manufacturing such a bumper provides for the injection of two different plastic materials during the same molding process. The flexible plastic material first injected into the mold. Then, the rigid plastic material is injected at gates located where the rigid material is desired. In one embodiment, the rigid material is completely contained within the flexible material. The rigid material may be either a higher stiffness plastic or a fiber reinforced plastic.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.