Metal-reinforced molded-plastic composite structures
OwnerJ. Lee Plank, Jr., Charles D. Flack, Jr.inventors
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Abstract
A metal-reinforced, molded-plastic composite structure having an end use such as an automobile bumper, the reinforcement being constituted by a sheet of ductile metal having an array of holes punched therein, each bordered by a metal projection. In forming the composite structure, the metal sheet is supported within the cavity of a mold whose shape is appropriate to the end use. Molten plastic injected into the mold is caused to flow through the holes and to envelop the projections therefrom whereby when the plastic solidifies, the metal sheet is then fully integrated with the resultant plastic body and serves to enhance the resistance of the body to impact and other forces which in the absence of the reinforcing sheet would fracture the body.
Claims10
A composite structure comprising:
- A. a molded body formed of synthetic plastic whose shape defines that of a bumper attachable to an automobile subjected to impact forces;
- and
- B. a metal sheet reinforcing the body to enhance its resistance to said impact forces which in the absence of the sheet may fracture the body, said sheet being formed of a ductile metal capable of being deformed without fracture of the sheet, said sheet having punched therein an array of round holes each bordered by a metal projection in the form of a metal collar, each hole being occupied by said plastic which also envelopes the projection both inside and out whereby the sheet is fully integrated with the plastic body and the resultant bumper is highly resistant to said impact forces.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.