Sandwich-type, structural, composite component including at least one hingedly-connected portion, cargo management system and automotive vehicle load floor utilizing the component
US8808831B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 30, 2012 |
| Grant date | Aug 19, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 29, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T428/24289
- WIPO fieldSurface technology, coating
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A sandwich-type, structural, composite component including at least one hingedly connected portion which pivots with reduced or eliminated hinge binding and a cargo management system and vehicle load floor utilizing the component are provided. Elongated first and second interior portions of the component are locally crushed by the press molding to form a living hinge having a pivot axis and an elongated depression, respectively. The component includes an elongated cut-out which extends completely through the component at the elongated depression to obtain a clearance between a first portion of the component hingedly connected to a second portion of the component by the living hinge. The living hinge and the clearance allow pivotal movement of the first portion between different use positions relative to the second portion with reduced or eliminated hinge binding during the pivotal movement about the pivot axis.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.