US 2003/0211311 A1 · Integrated co-injection molded vehicle components and methods of making the same

Abstract

A vehicle bumper (20) integrates rigid and flexible components into a single co-injection molded structure. In a preferred embodiment, a flexible fascia (58) is provided with integrated rigid fastener brackets (62, 66, 70, 71), energy absorption structure and head lamp brackets and housings (62). A method for manufacturing such a bumper provides for the injection of two different plastic materials during the same molding process. The flexible plastic material first injected into the mold. Then, the rigid plastic material is injected at gates located where the rigid material is desired. In one embodiment, the rigid material is completely contained within the flexible material. The rigid material may be either a higher stiffness plastic or a fiber reinforced plastic.

Claims11

Dependent claims

A vehicle component comprising a co-injection integrated flexible portion and an integrated rigid portion.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application

10/204,734Filed 10 Dec 2002

Published

13 Nov 2003

Term ends

Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification23 codes

B29C 45/1642
Making multilayered or multicoloured articles: having a "sandwich" structure
B29C 45/1676
Making multilayered or multicoloured articles: using a soft material and a rigid material, e.g. making articles with a sealing part
B60R 19/18
Bumpers, i.e. impact receiving or absorbing members for protecting vehicles or fending off blows from other vehicles or objects: characterised by…
B60R 19/50
Combined with, or convertible into, other devices or objects, e.g. bumpers combined with road brushes, bumpers convertible into beds: with lights…

Integrated co-injection molded vehicle components and methods of making the same

Life of this patent

Integrated co-injection molded vehicle components and methods of making the same

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims11