Cargo management system including a vehicle load floor having a cellulose-based core and made by a composite, compression molding process and having a wood grain finish
US9511690B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 23, 2015 |
| Grant date | Dec 6, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 16, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60N2002/363
- WIPO fieldSurface technology, coating
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A cargo management system including a vehicle load floor having a cellulose-based core to compartmentalize a cargo area of the vehicle into an upper compartment and a covered lower compartment is provided. The floor has a wood grain finish. The load floor includes a compression-molded composite panel that includes first and second outer layers of fiber-reinforced thermoplastic material, first and second sheets of thermoplastic adhesive and a core of cellulose-based material and positioned between the outer layers. The core has a large number of cavities. The outer layers are bonded to the core by the first and second sheets and by press molding. The first outer layer having a top surface on which a multi-layer sheet is bonded by the press molding. The multi-layer sheet has a substantially planar upper support surface to support cargo in the upper compartment and to provide the load floor with the wood grain finish.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.