# US 7,464,986 B2 · Side sill trim part and method of molding same

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- Number: US 7,464,986 B2
- Document ID: US7464986B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 12/001,902
- Filed: 2007-12-13
- Published: 2008-04-24
- Granted: 2008-12-16
- Earliest claimed: 2002-08-08
- Assignees: Green Tokai Co., Ltd.
- Inventors: Renji Maki
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US7464986B2

## CPC

- B29C 45/0081: {of objects with parts connected by a thin section, e.g. hinge, tear line}
- B29C 45/0055: {Shaping}
- B29C 45/14688: {Coating articles provided with a decoration}
- B60R 13/04: {External} Ornamental or guard strips; Ornamental inscriptive devices {thereon (fastening strips or bars to sheets or plates by means of clips F16B5/12)}
- B29C 45/14778: {the article consisting of a material with particular properties, e.g. porous, brittle}
- B29C 2045/0093: {of articles provided with an attaching element}
- B29C 2045/14901: {Coating a sheet-like insert smaller than the dimensions of the adjacent mould wall}
- B29L 2009/006: {painted}
- B29L 2031/22: Hinges {, pivots}
- B29L 2031/3005: {Body finishings}
- B60R 2013/046: {Foot boards}
- Y10T 428/24198: Channel-shaped edge component [e.g., binding, etc.]
- Y10T 428/24479: including variation in thickness
- B29C: SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING (making preforms B29B11/00; making laminated products by combining previously unconnected layers which become one product whose layers will remain together B32B37/00 - B32B41/00)
- B60R: VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B29L: INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS B29C, RELATING TO PARTICULAR ARTICLES
- Y10T: TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION

## Abstract

Improved side sill or rocker panel trim part and methods of molding same are provided. In the methods, a substantially “C” like cross-sectional shaped mold cavity is provided having a pair of terminal cavity portions therein. A living hinge-forming cavity space is provided between a midpoint of the cavity and one of the terminal end portions. The part comprises a longitudinal axis extending therealong and a pair of leg portions and an intermediate section interconnecting the leg portions. The part includes a substantially “C” shaped cross-section transverse to the longitudinal axis with the intermediate section including a show surface side with the legs extending away from the show surface side. A hinge joint is provided adjacent one of the legs so that the part is bendable at the hinge to form a substantially closed “C” position.

## Claims

### Claim 1

Side sill or rocker panel automotive part for attachment to an automotive frame member, said part including a top leg and an attachment leg with an intermediate section interconnecting said top leg and said attachment leg, said intermediate section having a show surface and an opposed inside surface, said top leg and said attachment leg extending away from said show surface side, a hinged joint provided adjacent said attachment leg, said part being bendable at said hinged joint to permit pivoting of said attachment leg toward said inside surface to form a substantially closed “C” cross sectional shape, said attachment leg adapted for secure attachment to said frame member.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

Automotive part as recited in claim 1, wherein said attachment leg comprises an aperture therein.

### Claim 3 (depends on 2)

Automotive part as recited in claim 2 wherein said part is composed of a thermoplastic polymer.

### Claim 4 (depends on 3)

Automotive part as recited in claim 3 wherein said thermoplastic polymer comprises thermoplastic polyolefin.

### Claim 5 (depends on 1)

Automotive part as recited in claim 1 further comprising a paint film laminate covering said show surface, said part further comprising a longitudinal axis extending therealong with said substantially closed “C” cross sectional shape being oriented transversely to said axis.

### Claim 6 (depends on 5)

Automotive part as recited in claim 5 wherein said show surface comprises a substantially planar surface extending parallel to said longitudinal axis.