Patent application number | Description | Published |
20130257170 | ASSEMBLY HAVING A SUPPORT SURFACE CAPABLE OF SIMULTANEOUSLY SUPPORTING AND WIRELESSLY SUPPLYING ELECTRICAL POWER TO A PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE SUPPORTED ON THE SUPPORT SURFACE - An assembly having a support surface capable of simultaneously supporting and wirelessly supplying electrical power to a portable electronic device supported on the support surface is provided. The assembly includes first and second members each of which is formed as a unitary molded part from at least one plastic formulated with an electrically conductive filler in a molding process. The members are assembled together so that a first set of surface portions of the first member are spaced apart and electrically isolated from a second set of surface portions of the second member to at least partially define the support surface and to allow the first and second sets of surface portions to be biased at first and second different voltage levels, respectively, at the same time to allow the wireless power transfer. | 10-03-2013 |
20130260610 | AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLE INTERIOR PLASTIC PART HAVING A SUPPORT SURFACE CAPABLE OF WIRELESSLY SUPPLYING ELECTRICAL POWER - An automotive vehicle interior plastic part having a vibration and shock damping support surface capable of wirelessly supplying electrical power to a supported electronic device during vehicle motion is provided. A part of the surface includes first and second sets of conductive, anti-vibration and anti-shock thermoplastic pads. Another part of the surface includes a non-conductive or insulating, unitary, anti-vibration and anti-shock plastic substrate bonded to the different sets of pads. The substrate electrically insulates the first set of pads from the second set of pads. A power source coupling includes first and second conductive power traces. The first trace is electrically coupled to each of the first set of pads and the second trace is electrically coupled to each of the second set of pads. The first and second traces form separate conductive pathways and are operable for biasing the different sets of pads at different voltage levels. | 10-03-2013 |
20130278002 | CARGO MANAGEMENT SYSTEM INCLUDING A VEHICLE LOAD FLOOR TO COMPARTMENTALIZE A CARGO AREA - Cargo management system including a vehicle load floor to compartmentalize a cargo area into an upper compartment and a covered lower compartment is provided. The system includes a composite plastic first outer layer having a substantially planar upper support surface to support cargo in the upper compartment. A composite plastic second outer layer has at least one cavity defined by lower surfaces of the second outer layer. Each cavity has a size and shape which corresponds in size and shape to a vehicle component to restrain movement of the vehicle component and to prevent sudden transfer of vehicle component weight during vehicle acceleration and deceleration. A core including adjacent core portions has different thicknesses. At least one of the core portions has a large number of cavities and each of the core portions is positioned between and bonded to the outer layers by press molding to form corresponding panel portions. | 10-24-2013 |
20130278003 | SANDWICH-TYPE, STRUCTURAL, COMPOSITE COMPONENT INCLUDING AT LEAST ONE HINGEDLY-CONNECTED PORTION, CARGO MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLE LOAD FLOOR UTILIZING THE COMPONENT - 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. | 10-24-2013 |
20130278007 | CARPETED AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLE LOAD FLOOR HAVING A LIVING HINGE - A carpeted automotive vehicle load floor including a composite panel having first and second reinforced thermoplastic skins and a thermoplastic cellular core disposed between and bonded to the skins is provided. The first skin as a top surface. A cover having top and bottom surfaces is spaced apart from the composite panel. A substantially continuous top covering layer is bonded to the top surface of the panel and the top surface of the cover to at least partially form a carpeted load floor having a carpeted cover. An intermediate portion of the top covering layer between the cover and the panel is not bonded to either the panel or the cover to form a living hinge which allows the carpeted cover to pivot between different use positions relative to the rest of the load floor. | 10-24-2013 |
20130278008 | CARPETED, AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLE, LOAD FLOOR INCLUDING A PIVOTABLE COVER HAVING A DECORATIVE, BACKSIDE, NOISE-MANAGEMENT, COVERING - A carpeted, automotive vehicle, load floor including a compression-molded composite panel is provided. A cover of the load floor covers a storage area of the vehicle and is pivotally connected to the composite panel. A substantially continuous carpet layer is bonded to the top surface of the panel and the top surface of the cover to at least partially form the carpeted load floor having a carpeted cover. A living hinge allows the carpeted cover to pivot between different use positions including open and closed positions. A decorative, noise-management covering layer is bonded to the bottom surface of the cover to reduce the level of undesirable noise in a passenger compartment of the vehicle in the closed position and to provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance to the bottom of the cover in the open position. | 10-24-2013 |
20130278009 | CARPETED, VEHICLE LOAD FLOOR INCLUDING A PIVOTABLE COVER SEGMENTED INTO ARTICULATED, SECTIONAL MEMBERS - A carpeted, vehicle load floor including a pivotable, carpeted cover segmented into articulated sectional members is provided. The load floor includes a compression-molded composite panel and the segmented cover to removably cover a storage area in the interior of the vehicle. The cover is segmented into articulated, planar sectional members to allow desired cover positioning over the storage area. The members are pivotally connected to one another for folding one over the other. The load floor also includes a substantially continuous carpet layer bonded to a top support surface of the panel and top support surfaces of each of the members. A first living hinge allows the carpeted cover to pivot between different use positions and a second living hinge allows the members to easily pivot and fold one over the other in a compact, folded, open position of the cover. | 10-24-2013 |
20130278015 | COMPRESSION-MOLDED COMPOSITE PANEL INCLUDING A LIVING HINGE HAVING A SCORE LINE WHICH FUNCTIONS AS A STYLE LINE - A compression-molded, composite panel for a vehicle interior is provided. A substantially continuous facing material layer has an outwardly-facing surface for display in the interior of the vehicle. The facing material layer is bonded to the outer surface of a first skin of the panel by press molding. The press molding forms a first portion of the panel and a second portion of the panel pivotally connected to the first portion. A living hinge includes a portion of the facing material layer which allows the second portion of the panel to pivot between different use positions relative to the first portion of the panel. A score line formed by the press molding in the outwardly-facing surface of the portion of the facing material layer at least partially defines the living hinge and functions as a style line to mask facing material damage or imperfections at the outwardly-facing surface. | 10-24-2013 |
20130278018 | ASSEMBLY INCLUDING A COMPRESSION-MOLDED, COMPOSITE PANEL WITH A HINGED MOUNTING FLANGE - An assembly including a compression-molded, composite panel with a hinged mounting flange is provided. The panel includes first and second outer layers and a core having first and second portions positioned between the outer layers. The first portion has a large number of cavities and the second portion is substantially free of cavities. The second outer layer is bonded to the core by press molding. The first outer layer includes a first portion bonded to the first portion of the core by press molding and a second portion bonded to the second portion of the core to form the mounting flange pivotally connected to the first portion of the first outer layer. A component is mounted to the flange to pivot with the flange. A living hinge allows the flange and the mounted component to pivot between different use positions relative to the first portion of the first outer layer. | 10-24-2013 |
20130278019 | ASSEMBLY INCLUDING A COMPRESSION-MOLDED, COMPOSITE PANEL LOCALLY REINFORCED ADJACENT A LIVING HINGE OF THE ASSEMBLY - A panel assembly including a compression-molded, composite panel is provided. The panel has first and second outer layers and a core positioned between the outer layers. The core has a large number of cavities. The outer layers are bonded to the core by press molding. The assembly also includes a component pivotally connected to the panel and a living hinge which allows the component to pivot about a pivot axis between different use positions relative to the panel. The assembly further includes a stiffening support having a support axis substantially parallel to the pivot axis. The support is bonded or joined to the panel to locally reinforce the panel adjacent the living hinge. The stiffening support eliminates the need for a metal hinge and provides for a light weight assembly with improved aesthetics and function. | 10-24-2013 |
20130278020 | SANDWICH-TYPE, GENERALLY PLANAR, STRUCTURAL MEMBER HAVING AN ATTACHMENT FEATURE AND ASSEMBLY UTILIZING SAME - A sandwich-type, generally planar, structural member having an attachment feature and an assembly utilizing same are provided. The member includes a first outer layer having an outer surface, a second outer layer and a core positioned between the outer layers and having a large number of cavities. The outer layers are bonded to the core by press molding. A portion of the member is locally crushed by the press molding to form a depression. The depression has bottom and side surfaces formed by the first outer layer. The member further includes a connector fixedly secured to the bottom surface of the depression to attach a second generally planar member to the first outer layer of the structural member. | 10-24-2013 |
20130280469 | SANDWICH-TYPE, COMPOSITE COMPONENT SUCH AS MOTOR VEHICLE COMPONENT AND UNITARY STRUCTURAL ASSEMBLY UTILIZING SAME - A sandwich-type, composite component such as a motor vehicle component and unitary structural assembly utilizing same are provided. The component has a sealed, moisture-resistant, A-surface edge. The component includes a first outer layer having an A-surface, a second outer layer having a B-surface and a core positioned between the outer layers. The core has a large number of cavities. The outer layers are bonded to the core by press molding. An edge portion of the component is locally crushed by the press molding so that the layers are bonded together to form the sealed, moisture-resistant, A-surface edge. | 10-24-2013 |
20130280472 | METHOD OF MAKING A SANDWICH-TYPE COMPOSITE PANEL HAVING A LIVING HINGE AND PANEL OBTAINED BY PERFORMING THE METHOD - A method of making a sandwich-type composite panel having a living hinge from a stack of material is provided. The stack includes first and second reinforced thermoplastic skins heated to a softening temperature and a thermoplastic cellular core disposed between the skins. The first skin is stretchable when heated to the softening temperature. A pressure is applied to the stack after the step of heating to form the composite panel. A portion of the composite panel is crushed at a predetermined location simultaneously with the step of applying to locally compact and separate the cellular core at the predetermined location to form two side portions of the panel and a crushed portion of the panel between the two side portions. The first skin stretches during the step of crushing while remaining intact between the two side portions. The skins bond together at the predetermined location to form the living hinge. | 10-24-2013 |
20130280473 | SANDWICH-TYPE, STRUCTURAL, COMPOSITE COMPONENT HAVING A CUT-OUT FEATURE WITH A SUBSTANTIALLY HIDDEN CORE, ASSEMBLY UTILIZING SAME AND PANEL FOR USE IN A VEHICLE LOAD FLOOR ASSEMBLY - A sandwich-type, structural, composite component having a cut-out feature with a substantially hidden core, assembly utilizing same and panel for use in a vehicle load floor assembly are disclosed. The component includes a first outer layer, a second outer layer and a core positioned between the outer layers and having a large number of cavities. The outer layers are bonded to the core by press molding. An interior portion of the component enclosed by the rest of the component is locally crushed by the press molding to form at least one depression. A cut-out extends completely through the component at the interior portion of the component. Side surfaces of the at least one depression substantially hide the core at the cut-out without compromising the structural integrity of the component. | 10-24-2013 |
20130312652 | DEEP-DRAWN MARINE HULL HAVING A SANDWICH STRUCTURE AND WATERCRAFT UTILIZING SAME - A deep-drawn, marine hull having a sandwich structure and watercraft utilizing same are provided. The hull includes an outer skin having a waterproof outer surface, an inner skin having a compartment-defining outer surface and a shock absorbing, cellular core positioned between the skins. The skins are bonded to the core by press molding. The cellular core has a 2-D array of cells, each of the cells having an axis substantially perpendicular to the outer surfaces. Thickness of side walls of the hull is substantially uniform to maximize stiffness of the hull. The cells absorb energy of an impact at the outer surface of the outer skin by deformably crushing. Air trapped within cells which are not completely crushed or punctured by the impact provide the hull with buoyancy to allow the hull to float at the surface of a body of water. | 11-28-2013 |
20130316123 | ASSEMBLY INCLUDING A COMPRESSION-MOLDED COMPOSITE COMPONENT HAVING A SANDWICH STRUCTURE AND AT LEAST ONE FASTENER COMPONENT - An assembly including a compression-molded composite component having a sandwich structure and at least one fastener component is provided. The composite component has a first outer layer, a second outer layer, and a core positioned between the outer layers. The core has a large number of cavities. The outer layers are bonded to the core by press molding. Each fastener component has a fastener part having a length and width and a mounting part mounting the fastener part to the first outer layer. The mounting part has a pair of holding faces that oppose each other and define a space therebetween. A portion of the first outer layer is positioned in the space in engagement with the faces to prevent the fastener part from moving along its length relative to the first outer layer. | 11-28-2013 |
20130333837 | METHOD OF BONDING A THERMOPLASTIC COMPONENT TO A CARPETED COMPONENT - A method of bonding a thermoplastic component to a carpeted component is provided. The method includes providing a base component, a thermoplastic component and a fibrous carpet or mat between the components. The carpet has a large number of cavities. The carpet is made of a thermoplastic material adapted to bond to the thermoplastic component in response to heat at the interface between the thermoplastic component and the carpet. The method also includes heating the thermoplastic component and the carpet at the interface between the thermoplastic component and the carpet for a period of time to soften the carpet. The method finally includes pressing the components and the softened carpet together under a pressure to cause the softened carpet to flow and at least partially fill the cavities. The carpet at the interface is transformed into a solid bonding layer to bond the components together to create a finished structure. | 12-19-2013 |
20140035523 | PLASTIC PART SUCH AS AN AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLE INTERIOR PLASTIC PART HAVING A DAMPENING SUPPORT SURFACE CAPABLE OF WIRELESSLY AND CONDUCTIVELY ALLOWING ELECTRICAL SIGNALS TO TRAVEL BETWEEN THE PART AND AN ELECTRICAL DEVICE ARBITRARILY POSITIONED AND SUPPORTED ON THE SURFACE - A plastic part such as an automotive vehicle interior plastic part having a dampening support surface is provided. The surface is capable of wirelessly and conductively allowing electrical signals including power signals to travel between the part and an electrical device such as a cell phone arbitrarily positioned and supported on the surface during vehicle motion. | 02-06-2014 |
20140070458 | METHOD OF MOLDING COMPOSITE PLASTIC SHEET MATERIAL TO FORM A COMPRESSION MOLDED, DEEP-DRAWN ARTICLE - A method of molding composite plastic sheet material to form a compression molded, deep-drawn article is provided. The method includes placing a heated blank of moldable, composite plastic sheet material over a female die having an article-defining cavity defined by inner surfaces of the die so that the heated blank has a predetermined position and orientation over the cavity. Then an inner portion of the heated blank is forced into the cavity along a substantially vertical axis and against the inner surfaces of the die to obtain deep-drawn material. Outer peripheral portions of the heated blank adjacent the cavity are controllably held with corresponding predetermined holding forces based on the size and shape of the article to resist movement of the outer peripheral portions towards the cavity during the step of forcing wherein the deep-drawn material controllably stretches during the step of forcing without wrinkling, tearing or ripping. | 03-13-2014 |
20140077518 | CARGO MANAGEMENT SYSTEM INCLUDING AN AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLE SEAT HAVING A CARGO TRIM PANEL MADE BY A COMPOSITE, COMPRESSION MOLDING PROCESS AND HAVING A WOOD GRAIN FINISH - A cargo management system including an automotive vehicle seat having a backrest which separates the vehicle interior into a passenger area at the front of the vehicle and a cargo area at the rear of the vehicle is provided. The system includes a vehicle load floor to compartmentalize the cargo area into an upper compartment and a covered lower compartment. The load floor has a wood grain finish. A compression-molded, composite cargo trim panel is secured to the backrest and faces the upper compartment of the cargo area above the load floor in an upright sitting position of the backrest. The panel includes a base layer and a coverstock sheet bonded to the base layer by press molding. The coverstock sheet provides the trim panel with a wood grain finish in the upper compartment of the cargo area. | 03-20-2014 |
20140077530 | CARGO MANAGEMENT SYSTEM INCLUDING A VEHICLE LOAD FLOOR MADE BY A COMPOSITE, COMPRESSION MOLDING PROCESS AND HAVING A WOOD GRAIN FINISH - A cargo management system including a vehicle load floor 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 and a core positioned between the outer layers. The core has a large number of cavities. The outer layers are bonded to the core by press molding. The first outer layer having a top surface on which a multi-layer sheet is bonded by the press molding. The 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. | 03-20-2014 |
20140077531 | CARGO MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE AND INCLUDING A PAIR OF OPPOSING CARGO TRIM PANELS, EACH OF WHICH IS MADE BY A COMPOSITE, COMPRESSION MOLDING PROCESS AND HAS A WOOD GRAIN FINISH - A cargo management system including a vehicle load floor and a pair of opposing cargo trim panels supported above the load floor at opposite sides of the load floor within the interior of the vehicle is provided. The vehicle load floor compartmentalizes a cargo area into an upper compartment and a covered lower compartment. The load floor has a wood grain finish. The trim panels are compression-molded, composite cargo trim panels supported above the vehicle load floor at opposite sides of the load floor within the interior of the vehicle to at least partially define the upper compartment of the cargo area. Each panel includes a base layer and a coverstock sheet bonded to the base layer by press molding. Each coverstock sheet provides its respective trim panel with a wood grain finish in the upper compartment of the cargo area. | 03-20-2014 |
20140145465 | CARGO MANAGEMENT SYSTEM INCLUDING A VEHICLE LOAD FLOOR HAVING A VEHICLE COMPONENT RESTRAINING FEATURE - A cargo management system including a vehicle load floor having a vehicle component receiving feature is provided. The load floor compartmentalizes a cargo area into an upper compartment and a covered lower compartment. The system includes a first generally planar member having a first depression of a first predetermined depth and a compression-molded, composite, second generally planar member having a second depression of a second predetermined depth. A portion of the second member is locally crushed by press molding to form the second depression. Opposed surfaces of the first and second depressions cooperate to restrain movement of a vehicle component positioned in a cavity defined by the first and second depressions between the first and second members and prevent sudden transfer of vehicle component weight during vehicle acceleration and deceleration. | 05-29-2014 |
20140145470 | SYSTEM INCLUDING A PANEL ASSEMBLY HAVING A CONTAINER AND A COMPRESSION-MOLDED, COMPOSITE COVER FOR COVERING THE CONTAINER - A system including a panel assembly having a container and a compression-molded, composite cover for covering the container is provided. The system may be a flooring system such as a vehicle flooring system and the assembly may be a floor panel assembly. The assembly includes at least one load-bearing component positioned between a lower outer layer of the cover and a bottom wall of the container in a closed position of the cover. Each component is bonded or joined to the outer layer and is in abutting engagement with the bottom wall in the closed position of the cover to transfer a load appearing at an outer surface of an upper outer layer of the cover to the bottom wall of the container. The system also includes a structure such as floor having a cavity for receiving the panel assembly. | 05-29-2014 |
20140147617 | ASSEMBLY INCLUDING A COMPRESSION-MOLDED COMPOSITE COMPONENT HAVING A SANDWICH STRUCTURE AND A UNITARILY CONNECTED SECOND COMPONENT - A unitary structural assembly including a first component having a plateau-receiving aperture and a compression-molded, composite second component having a sandwich structure is provided. The second component includes a first outer layer, a second outer layer, and a core positioned between the outer layers and having a large number of cavities. The outer layers are bonded to the core by a press molding. A portion of the second component including the first layer and the core defines a raised plateau having upper and side surfaces. The plateau has a size and shape corresponding to the size and shape of the plateau-receiving aperture. A height of the plateau corresponds to the depth of the plateau-receiving aperture. The plateau is inserted into the plateau-receiving aperture so that corresponding surfaces of the plateau and the plateau-receiving aperture are in abutting engagement to unitarily connect the components and form the assembly. | 05-29-2014 |
20140147622 | SANDWICH-TYPE, STRUCTURAL, COMPOSITE PANEL HAVING A PATTERN OF DEPRESSIONS FORMED AT A LOWER OUTER SURFACE THEREOF AND STIFFENING SUPPORTS RECEIVED AND RETAINED THEREIN - A sandwich-type, structural, composite panel having a pattern of depressions formed at a lower outer surface thereof and stiffening supports received and retained therein is provided. The panel includes a first outer layer having a first outer surface, a second outer layer having a second outer surface and a core positioned between the outer layers and having a large number of cavities. The outer layers are bonded to the core by press molding. Crushed portions of the panel having a reduced thickness form the pattern of depressions at the second outer surface of the second outer layer. The stiffening supports are bonded or joined to the second outer layer within the pattern of depressions. The stiffening supports are sized, shaped and arranged within the pattern of depressions to provide the panel with strength to resist deflection from a load at various positions and orientations at the first outer surface. | 05-29-2014 |
20140154460 | COMPRESSION-MOLDED COMPOSITE COMPONENT HAVING A SANDWICH STRUCTURE AND HAVING INTEGRALLY FORMED STRENGTHENING STRUCTURES - A compression-molded, composite component having a sandwich structure and having integrally formed strengthening structures is disclosed. The component includes a first outer layer having an outer surface, a second outer layer, and a core positioned between the outer layers and having a large number of cavities. The outer layers are bonded to the core by press molding. Portions of at least one of the outer layers are sized, shaped and arranged laterally adjacent to each other in a pattern to provide the component with strength to resist deflection from a load at various positions and orientations at the outer surface. | 06-05-2014 |
20140154461 | SANDWICH-TYPE COMPOSITE COMPONENT HAVING IMPRINTED 3-D STRUCTURES WHICH PROVIDE AT LEAST ONE PATTERN AT AN OUTER SURFACE OF THE COMPONENT - A sandwich-type composite component having imprinted 3-D structures which provide at least one pattern at an outer surface of the component is provided. The component includes a first outer layer having an outer surface, a second outer layer and a core positioned between the outer layers and having a large number of cavities. The outer layers are bonded to the core by press molding. The first outer layer comprises an integral, unitary structure including 3-D structures imprinted by the press molding. The 3-D structures are sized, shaped and arranged in one or more patterns at the outer surface. The one or more patterns may form a textural surface finish, a logo or indicia such as instructions at the outer surface. The component may be a vehicle interior component such as a vehicle load floor component. | 06-05-2014 |
20140335303 | METHOD OF MAKING A SANDWICH-TYPE COMPOSITE PANEL HAVING A LIVING HINGE AND PANEL OBTAINED BY PERFORMING THE METHOD - A method of making a sandwich-type composite panel having a living hinge from a stack of material is provided. The stack includes first and second reinforced thermoplastic skins heated to a softening temperature and a thermoplastic cellular core disposed between the skins The first skin is stretchable when heated to the softening temperature. A pressure is applied to the stack after the step of heating to form the composite panel. A portion of the composite panel is crushed at a predetermined location simultaneously with the step of applying to locally compact and separate the cellular core at the predetermined location to form two side portions of the panel and a crushed portion of the panel between the two side portions. The first skin stretches during the step of crushing while remaining intact between the two side portions. The skins bond together at the predetermined location to form the living hinge. | 11-13-2014 |
20150130105 | METHOD OF MAKING A SANDWICH-TYPE, COMPRESSION-MOLDED, COMPOSITE COMPONENT HAVING A CELLULOSE-BASED CORE AND IMPROVED SURFACE APPEARANCE - A method of making a sandwich-type, compression-molded, composite component having improved surface appearance is provided. Reinforced thermoplastic skins, first and second sheets of thermoplastic adhesive and a cellulose-based core of a blank or stack of sandwich materials are heated to a softening temperature of the thermoplastics. The heated blank or stack is allowed to cool in the mold cavity until inner surfaces of the skins are bonded to top and bottom surfaces of the core by the sheets to seal core cavities. Air in the sealed cavities urges softened portions of the sheets and portions of the core inwardly towards the cavities of the core as the air in the cavities cools to inhibit debossing and improve surface appearance of a first outer surface of the blank or stack. | 05-14-2015 |
20150130220 | 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 - 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. | 05-14-2015 |
20150130221 | CARGO MANAGEMENT SYSTEM INCLUDING AN AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLE SEAT HAVING A CARGO TRIM PANEL MADE BY A COMPOSITE, COMPRESSION MOLDING PROCESS AND HAVING A WOOD GRAIN FINISH - A cargo management system including an automotive vehicle seat having a backrest which separates the vehicle interior into a passenger area at the front of the vehicle and a cargo area at the rear of the vehicle is provided. The system includes a vehicle load floor which includes first and second outer layers and a core of cellulose-based material positioned between the outer layers and having a large number of cavities. The outer layers of the load floor are bonded to the core by press molding. The load floor has a wood grain finish. A compression-molded, composite cargo trim panel is secured to the backrest and includes a base layer and a coverstock sheet bonded to the base layer by press molding. The coverstock sheet provides the trim panel with a wood grain finish in an upper compartment of the cargo area. | 05-14-2015 |
20150130222 | CARGO MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE AND INCLUDING A PAIR OF OPPOSING CARGO TRIM PANELS, EACH OF WHICH IS MADE BY A COMPOSITE, COMPRESSION MOLDING PROCESS AND HAS A WOOD GRAIN FINISH - A cargo management system including a vehicle load floor and a pair of opposing cargo trim panels supported above the load floor at opposite sides of the load floor within the interior of the vehicle is provided. The load floor has a wood grain finish. The load floor includes a first outer layer, a second outer layer and a core of cellulose-based material positioned between the outer layers and having a large number of cavities. The outer layers are bonded to the core by press molding. The trim panels are compression-molded, composite cargo trim panels supported above the vehicle load floor at opposite sides of the load floor. Each panel includes a base layer and a coverstock sheet bonded to the base layer by press molding. Each coverstock sheet provides its respective trim panel with a wood grain finish. | 05-14-2015 |
20150132532 | METHOD OF MAKING A SANDWICH-TYPE COMPOSITE PANEL HAVING A CELLULOSE-BASED CORE AND A LIVING HINGE AND PANEL OBTAINED BY PERFORMING THE METHOD - A method of making a sandwich-type composite panel having a cellulose-based core and a living hinge from a stack of material is provided. The stack includes first and second reinforced thermoplastic skins, first and second sheets of thermoplastic adhesive and a cellulose-based cellular core disposed between the sheets and the skins. A pressure is applied to the stack after heating the stack wherein the skins are bonded to the core by the sheets to form the composite panel. A portion of the composite panel is crushed at a predetermined location simultaneously with applying the pressure to locally compact and separate the cellular core at the predetermined location to form two side portions of the panel. The heated first skin stretches during the step of crushing while remaining intact between the two side portions. The skins bond together at the predetermined location to form the living hinge. | 05-14-2015 |
20150136013 | DEEP-DRAWN MARINE HULL HAVING A SANDWICH STRUCTURE WITH A CELLULOSE-BASED CORE AND WATERCRAFT UTILIZING SAME - A deep-drawn, marine hull having a sandwich structure with a cellulose-based core and watercraft utilizing same are provided. The hull includes an outer skin of a fiber-based thermoplastic and having a waterproof outer surface, a first sheet of thermoplastic adhesive, an inner skin of a fiber-reinforced thermoplastic material and having a compartment-defining outer surface, a second sheet of thermoplastic adhesive and a shock absorbing, cellular core of a cellulose-based material and positioned between the skins The skins are bonded to the core by the first and second sheets and by press molding. Cells of the cellular core absorb energy of an impact at the outer surface of the outer skin by deformably crushing. Air trapped within cells which are not completely crushed or punctured by the impact provide the hull with buoyancy to allow the hull to float at the surface of a body of water. | 05-21-2015 |
20150136321 | METHOD OF BONDING A THERMOPLASTIC COMPONENT TO A CARPETED COMPONENT AND THE CARPETED COMPONENT TO A CELLULOSE-BASED CORE IN A SINGLE PRESSING STEP - A method of bonding a thermoplastic component to a carpeted component and the carpeted component to cellulose-based core in a single pressing step is provided. The method includes providing a base component of a reinforced thermoplastic material, the thermoplastic component, a fibrous thermoplastic carpet or mat between the components, a sheet of thermoplastic adhesive and a core of cellulose-based material. The method also includes heating the thermoplastic component and the carpet at the interface between the thermoplastic component and the carpet for a period of time to soften the carpet. The method finally includes pressing the components, the sheet, the core and the softened carpet together under a pressure to cause the softened carpet to flow. The carpet at the interface is transformed into a solid bonding layer to bond the components together and the sheet bonds the base component and the core together to create a finished structure. | 05-21-2015 |
20150137560 | ASSEMBLY INCLUDING A COMPRESSION-MOLDED COMPOSITE COMPONENT HAVING A SANDWICH STRUCTURE WITH A CELLULOSE-BASED CORE AND AT LEAST ONE FASTENER COMPONENT - An assembly including a compression-molded composite component having a sandwich structure with a cellulose-based core and at least one fastener component is provided. The composite component has a first outer layer of fiber-reinforced thermoplastic material, a first sheet of thermoplastic adhesive, a second outer layer of fiber-reinforced thermoplastic material, a second sheet of thermoplastic adhesive, and a core of cellulose-based material and positioned between the outer layers. The outer layers are bonded to the core by the first and second sheets by press molding. Each fastener component has a fastener part having a length and width and a mounting part mounting the fastener part to the first outer layer. | 05-21-2015 |