Extruded multi-layer molded running board
AssigneeFord Global Technologies, LLC
InventorsPaul Kenneth Dellock, Stuart C. Salter, Michael Musleh, Talat Karmo, David Brian Glickman, Harry Lobo, Joseph Myszka
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Abstract
A vehicle running board includes opposing vertical walls extending along a length of a tubular structure and including a carbon-fiber component. Opposing horizontal walls extend between the opposing vertical walls and include a glass component. The opposing vertical and opposing horizontal walls form the tubular structure having a generally rectilinear cross section. A polymer outer covering extends over the opposing vertical and opposing horizontal walls.
Claims20
A method for forming a vehicle running board, the method comprising steps of:
- simultaneously injection molding a carbon-fiber based material and a glass based material from respective first and second accumulators into one of a bi-extrusion form and a tri-extrusion form to create a tubular parison;
- and
- injection molding a polymer based material from a third accumulator around the tubular parison to form a tubular running board structure.
A method for forming a tubular parison for use in a vehicle running board, the method comprising steps of:
- bi-extruding a vertically-oriented carbon-fiber reinforcing material with a laterally-oriented glass reinforcing material to form a tubular extrusion;
- and
- co-extruding a polymer outer covering with the tubular extrusion to form a tubular structure.
A method for forming a vehicle running board, the method comprising steps of:
- tri-extruding a vertically-oriented carbon-fiber reinforcing material with a laterally-oriented glass reinforcing material and a polymer outer covering to form a base tube;
- and
- molding the base tube to form a tubular running board structure.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.