Soft composite trim panel for a vehicle interior

US7798548B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC · US

Inventors

• James T. Embach · Rochester Hills, US
• Wade W. Bryant · Grosse Pointe Farms, US
• Simon Cox · Winchester, GB
• Benjamin Walsh · Knoxville, US
• Pierre Webster · Coventry, GB
• Therese A. Tant · Royal Oak, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 7, 2007
• Grant date: Sep 21, 2010
• Expiry date: Oct 8, 2028

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T428/233
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A flexible trim panel attaches to a surface of a vehicle interior and includes a compression-molded thermoplastic foam layer and a textile fabric or synthetic leather layer, such as expanded polyurethane or PVC material. The panel has a compression-molded surface feature in an inner and outer layer, and may have a pocket and a zipper closure. An LED, EL ribbon, or other lighting device is connected to a transparent zipper closure. A composite trim panel is also provided having a compression-molded EVA foam layer and an outer layer. The layers form a composite piece that is attachable to a seat, an instrument panel, or a door. A vehicle interior includes a seat, an instrument panel, a door, and at least one composite trim panel. A transparent closure device connects to the composite trim panel, and a lighting device having a variable property is positioned adjacently to the transparent closure device.