초록 ▼

A method for forming a 360 degree integral skin handle in a thermoplastic part for use in automotive trim products includes the steps of forming a mold with a prtial recess closed by a removable plug and thereafter selectively directing heat from a first source through the mold and from a second sou

A method for forming a 360 degree integral skin handle in a thermoplastic part for use in automotive trim products includes the steps of forming a mold with a prtial recess closed by a removable plug and thereafter selectively directing heat from a first source through the mold and from a second source through the plug to form a completely closed, curved, heated tube surface and thereafter casting thermoplastic material against the curved, heated tube surface to fuse and cure a layer of material thereon in the form of a tube skin segment which is releasable from the mold when the plug is removed. Apparatus for practicing the method includes a mold with a recess therein and a plug is supported on the mold for movement into a position for closing the tube surface and into a demolding position for releasing the molded part. The article formed by the method and apparatus includes a shell of thermoplastic material which is fused and cured and which includes a generally planar segment having an integrally formed tubular segment thereon for defining the outer skin surface of a full 360 degree handle.

대표청구항 ▼

An inner side door panel for a vehicle comprising: a generally flat composite panel having a generally flat reinforcing insert member, a backing layer of flexible foam and a generally flat extended area cover of thermoplastic material covering said inner side door panel; said cover including a tube

An inner side door panel for a vehicle comprising: a generally flat composite panel having a generally flat reinforcing insert member, a backing layer of flexible foam and a generally flat extended area cover of thermoplastic material covering said inner side door panel; said cover including a tube shaped integral handle portion therein; an interior reinforcement strip located within said tube shaped integral handle portion having opposite free ends thereon; means for connecting said opposite ends to said reinforcing insert member; a layer of flexible foam surrounding the reinforcement strip; said cover of thermoplastic material forming the interior surface of the interior trim product; said tube shaped integral handle portion formed without interruption 360 degrees around the axis of said reinforcement strip through substantially the full length thereof.