Multi-layer air bag cover with filled reinforced vinyl
AssigneeDavidson Textron Inc.
InventorsMarie J. Hersman, Wayne C. Salsibury
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A reinforced vinyl shell comprises a two layer construction for covering air bag doors that open through the shell when an air bag is deployed. The reinforced vinyl shell includes a first layer of unreinforced vinyl and a second layer is fused to the first layer and is formed of a vinyl material mixed with reinforcing fibers. Such fibers are randomly dispersed in the vinyl and may be comprised of fillers, such as glass, recycled RIM, or recycled vinyl. Other thermoplastic castable materials may be used in place of the vinyl.
Claims11
A method of making a cast thermoplastic reinforced shell, the method including the steps of:
- casting a first layer of unreinforced thermoplastic castable material as an outer decorative layer in a mold,
- casting a second layer of thermoplastic castable material and randomized reinforcing material mixed therein on the first layer,
- heating the mold and first and second layers to fuse the first and second layers to one another, and
- cooling and removing the formed thermoplastic reinforced shell comprising the first and second layers of thermoplastic with reinforcing material interspersed within said second layer.
A multi-layer shell comprising:
- a first layer of material including a thermoplastic castable material molded in a predetermined shape forming an outer decorative layer,
- a second layer of material fused to said first layer of material;
- said second layer of material including first particles of thermoplastic castable material and particles of randomized reinforcing material and said first and second particles fused to said first layer.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.