WO2000020186A1 - A molded automotive structural member and process for making same - Google Patents

A molded automotive structural member and process for making same Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2000020186A1
WO2000020186A1 PCT/US1999/023368 US9923368W WO0020186A1 WO 2000020186 A1 WO2000020186 A1 WO 2000020186A1 US 9923368 W US9923368 W US 9923368W WO 0020186 A1 WO0020186 A1 WO 0020186A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
layer
structural member
further characterized
automotive structural
core layer
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US1999/023368
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Gregory Horton
Original Assignee
Cambridge Industries, Inc.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Cambridge Industries, Inc. filed Critical Cambridge Industries, Inc.
Priority to AU14432/00A priority Critical patent/AU1443200A/en
Publication of WO2000020186A1 publication Critical patent/WO2000020186A1/en

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B37/00—Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding
    • B32B37/14—Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding characterised by the properties of the layers
    • B32B37/146—Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding characterised by the properties of the layers whereby one or more of the layers is a honeycomb structure
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • 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
    • B29C43/00—Compression moulding, i.e. applying external pressure to flow the moulding material; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C43/02—Compression moulding, i.e. applying external pressure to flow the moulding material; Apparatus therefor of articles of definite length, i.e. discrete articles
    • B29C43/18—Compression moulding, i.e. applying external pressure to flow the moulding material; Apparatus therefor of articles of definite length, i.e. discrete articles incorporating preformed parts or layers, e.g. compression moulding around inserts or for coating articles
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • 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
    • B29C43/00—Compression moulding, i.e. applying external pressure to flow the moulding material; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C43/02—Compression moulding, i.e. applying external pressure to flow the moulding material; Apparatus therefor of articles of definite length, i.e. discrete articles
    • B29C43/20—Making multilayered or multicoloured articles
    • B29C43/203—Making multilayered articles
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • 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
    • B29C51/00—Shaping by thermoforming, i.e. shaping sheets or sheet like preforms after heating, e.g. shaping sheets in matched moulds or by deep-drawing; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C51/14—Shaping by thermoforming, i.e. shaping sheets or sheet like preforms after heating, e.g. shaping sheets in matched moulds or by deep-drawing; Apparatus therefor using multilayered preforms or sheets
    • B29C51/145—Shaping by thermoforming, i.e. shaping sheets or sheet like preforms after heating, e.g. shaping sheets in matched moulds or by deep-drawing; Apparatus therefor using multilayered preforms or sheets having at least one layer of textile or fibrous material combined with at least one plastics layer
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • 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
    • B29C70/00—Shaping composites, i.e. plastics material comprising reinforcements, fillers or preformed parts, e.g. inserts
    • B29C70/04—Shaping composites, i.e. plastics material comprising reinforcements, fillers or preformed parts, e.g. inserts comprising reinforcements only, e.g. self-reinforcing plastics
    • B29C70/06—Fibrous reinforcements only
    • B29C70/08—Fibrous reinforcements only comprising combinations of different forms of fibrous reinforcements incorporated in matrix material, forming one or more layers, and with or without non-reinforced layers
    • B29C70/086—Fibrous reinforcements only comprising combinations of different forms of fibrous reinforcements incorporated in matrix material, forming one or more layers, and with or without non-reinforced layers and with one or more layers of pure plastics material, e.g. foam layers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • 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
    • B29C70/00—Shaping composites, i.e. plastics material comprising reinforcements, fillers or preformed parts, e.g. inserts
    • B29C70/04—Shaping composites, i.e. plastics material comprising reinforcements, fillers or preformed parts, e.g. inserts comprising reinforcements only, e.g. self-reinforcing plastics
    • B29C70/28—Shaping operations therefor
    • B29C70/30—Shaping by lay-up, i.e. applying fibres, tape or broadsheet on a mould, former or core; Shaping by spray-up, i.e. spraying of fibres on a mould, former or core
    • B29C70/34—Shaping by lay-up, i.e. applying fibres, tape or broadsheet on a mould, former or core; Shaping by spray-up, i.e. spraying of fibres on a mould, former or core and shaping or impregnating by compression, i.e. combined with compressing after the lay-up operation
    • B29C70/345—Shaping by lay-up, i.e. applying fibres, tape or broadsheet on a mould, former or core; Shaping by spray-up, i.e. spraying of fibres on a mould, former or core and shaping or impregnating by compression, i.e. combined with compressing after the lay-up operation using matched moulds
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • 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
    • B29C51/00—Shaping by thermoforming, i.e. shaping sheets or sheet like preforms after heating, e.g. shaping sheets in matched moulds or by deep-drawing; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C51/08—Deep drawing or matched-mould forming, i.e. using mechanical means only
    • B29C51/082—Deep drawing or matched-mould forming, i.e. using mechanical means only by shaping between complementary mould parts
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29L—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS B29C, RELATING TO PARTICULAR ARTICLES
    • B29L2009/00—Layered products
    • B29L2009/001—Layered products the layers being loose
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29L—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS B29C, RELATING TO PARTICULAR ARTICLES
    • B29L2031/00—Other particular articles
    • B29L2031/30—Vehicles, e.g. ships or aircraft, or body parts thereof
    • B29L2031/3005—Body finishings
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29L—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS B29C, RELATING TO PARTICULAR ARTICLES
    • B29L2031/00—Other particular articles
    • B29L2031/60—Multitubular or multicompartmented articles, e.g. honeycomb
    • B29L2031/608—Honeycomb structures
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2323/00—Polyalkenes
    • B32B2323/10—Polypropylene
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B38/00—Ancillary operations in connection with laminating processes
    • B32B38/12—Deep-drawing

Definitions

  • the field of this invention relates to a molded automotive structural member for use with automotive interiors and exteriors and a molding process for making such an automotive structural member .
  • Automotive interiors and exteriors have many panels and members that form the door panels, floor panels, bumper fascias and rear deck storage panels. Many of these panels and structural members need to be structurally sound and light weight and expeditiously made from readily accessible materials. Furthermore these products need to be made from environmentally friendly materials. Any plastics need to be recyclable.
  • the structurally sound panels also need to have certain predetermined thickness . While many panels are 25 millimeters in thickness, solid plastic would create excessive weight. However, structural strength or rigidity needs to be incorporated in any lighter structure and be able to withstand and distribute any applied stress.
  • Composite sandwiched members have been manufactured by laminating a top layer to a bottom layer with adhesive material. This process is time consuming and labor intensive.
  • a process for forming an automotive structural member includes providing a bottom layer of a heated flexible mat material having a substantial content of thermoplastic material, a core layer of structurally rigid thermoplastic material constructed with many pockets of space in the form of a foam or lattice, and an upper layer of heated flexible mat material having a substantial content of thermoplastic material .
  • the heated bottom layer, core layer and heated upper layer are placed into an open mold in their sandwiched layered positions. The mold is closed and the bottom layer, core layer and upper layer are molded under pressure between two closed mold dies until cooled when the thermoplastic material in the bottom layer, core layer and upper layer is resolidified to bond the bottom and upper layers to the core layer.
  • the core layer is in the form of a lattice and most desirably in the form of a honeycomb shaped lattice with walls extending from the bottom layer to the upper layer. It is also preferred that at least one of the bottom and upper layers includes reinforcing glass fibers. It is desirable that the glass fibers are in the form of a woven mat. It is also preferred that the thermoplastic material in each layer is polypropylene.
  • an automotive structural member in accordance with another aspect of the invention, includes bottom and upper layers made from a mat material having a substantial content of thermoplastic material and a core layer made from a structurally rigid thermoplastic material constructed with many pockets of space in the form of a foam or lattice.
  • the thermoplastic in the bottom , core, and upper layers is polypropylene.
  • the bottom layer, core layer, and upper layer are molded together in an integrated form by molding under pressure between two closed mold dies to bond the bottom and upper layers to the core layer.
  • the core layer is a honeycomb lattice with walls extending from the bottom layer to the upper layer. It is also preferred that at least one of the bottom and top layers includes reinforcing glass fibers where it is preferred that the fibers are in the form of woven glass .
  • the upper layer is topped with a layer decorative material such as of thermoplastic backed carpet with said decorative layer being molded with and forming part of the automotive structural member.
  • Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of layers for a composite molded panel article
  • Figure 2 is a schematic side elevation view of an open mold with the layers shown in figure 1;
  • Figure 3 is a view similar to figure 2 illustrating the mold dies moved to a closed position
  • Figure 4 is a fragmentary segmented view of the molded article removed from the mold shown in figure 3 ;
  • Figure 5 is a view similar to figure 4 illustrating an alternate embodiment in accordance with the invention.
  • a core layer 10 is shown that is made from polypropylene and having a honeycomb lattice structure with spaces 11 incorporated therein surrounded by vertically oriented walls 13.
  • the core layer 10 is interposed between two layers 12 and 14 of a balance weave of a blend of glass fibers and polypropylene.
  • the glass content may vary from 50% to 75% content in the layers 12 and 14.
  • a carpet layer 16 with a polypropylene backing 18 is adjacent upper layer 14.
  • the layers 12 and 14 are heated to a surface temperature of 400° degrees F such that the polypropylene is in a molten moldable state throughout its thickness.
  • the core layer 10 and carpet 16 may also be heated for increased moldability in certain applications.
  • the layers 12, 10, 14, and carpet 16 are then transferred to an unheated mold assembly 20.
  • the mold assembly 20 has a lower mold die 22 and complementary upper die member 24.
  • the layers are placed in order with the bottom layer 12, core layer 10, upper layer 14 and carpet 16.
  • the mold assembly is then closed as shown in figure 3 immediately after the layers 10, 12, 14, and 16 are correctly positioned therein.
  • the heat from the layers 12 and 14 undergoing low pressure from the mold assembly bonds the layers 12 and 14 to the honeycomb lattice core layer 10 and the polypropylene backing 18 of the carpet layer 16 to upper layer 14.
  • the walls 13 of honeycomb lattice core layer 10 extend from the bottom layer 12 to the upper layer 14.
  • the mold dies are at ambient temperature and not heated by any source other than what heat the layers 12, 10, and 14 transfers to the mold dies.
  • a conventional cooling mechanism (not shown) dissipates excess heat from the mold assembly.
  • a minimal low pressure of 5 bars provides sufficient compressive force to achieve part configuration and bonding of the layers within the mold assembly.
  • the mold assembly remains under pressure until the polypropylene resolidifies which can, depending on the application and thickness of the materials, range between 30 and 140 seconds.
  • the mold is then opened and a finished structural member 26 is formed as shown in figure 4.
  • An alternate embodiment is shown in figure 5.
  • the core layer 32 is a polypropylene foam material with many irregularly positioned spaces 33 such as a foam or sponge has. This replaces the regularly positioned spaces in previously illustrated honeycomb lattice. Furthermore, this member 30 has no carpet layer. The member 30 only has core layer 32, bottom layer 10 and upper layer 14. The molding process outside of eliminating the carpet layer is identical to that previously described. In this fashion, an expeditious process forms an automotive structural member such as an interior trim panel or exterior bumper. The member is structurally self-supportive that can withstand stress and weight. Furthermore, the member may be recycled or otherwise made from recycled thermal plastic material . Furthermore, the structural member may have a cosmetic carpeted surface or other decorative material molded onto the member.

Abstract

An automotive structural member (26) is made from a heated bottom layer (12) and upper layer (14) of a balanced weave of woven glass and polypropylene bonded to a core layer (10) of a honeycomb lattice made from polypropylene. The upper and lower layers are heated to provide a molten state to the polypropylene and the lower and upper layers are laid in a mold with the core layer. The mold is closed and a low pressure is applied to bond the lower and upper layers to the core layer. After cooling, the mold is then opened and the molded structural member (26) is then removed.

Description

A MOLDED AUTOMOTIVE STRUCTURAL MEMBER AND PROCESS FOR MAKING SAME
TECHNICAL FIELD The field of this invention relates to a molded automotive structural member for use with automotive interiors and exteriors and a molding process for making such an automotive structural member .
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE Automotive interiors and exteriors have many panels and members that form the door panels, floor panels, bumper fascias and rear deck storage panels. Many of these panels and structural members need to be structurally sound and light weight and expeditiously made from readily accessible materials. Furthermore these products need to be made from environmentally friendly materials. Any plastics need to be recyclable.
The structurally sound panels also need to have certain predetermined thickness . While many panels are 25 millimeters in thickness, solid plastic would create excessive weight. However, structural strength or rigidity needs to be incorporated in any lighter structure and be able to withstand and distribute any applied stress.
Composite sandwiched members have been manufactured by laminating a top layer to a bottom layer with adhesive material. This process is time consuming and labor intensive.
What is needed is a composite layered structure that has a light weight structural core molded to outer solid reinforced plastic layers.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a process for forming an automotive structural member includes providing a bottom layer of a heated flexible mat material having a substantial content of thermoplastic material, a core layer of structurally rigid thermoplastic material constructed with many pockets of space in the form of a foam or lattice, and an upper layer of heated flexible mat material having a substantial content of thermoplastic material . The heated bottom layer, core layer and heated upper layer are placed into an open mold in their sandwiched layered positions. The mold is closed and the bottom layer, core layer and upper layer are molded under pressure between two closed mold dies until cooled when the thermoplastic material in the bottom layer, core layer and upper layer is resolidified to bond the bottom and upper layers to the core layer. The mold dies are then opened and the molded structural member is then removed from the mold die . Preferably, the core layer is in the form of a lattice and most desirably in the form of a honeycomb shaped lattice with walls extending from the bottom layer to the upper layer. It is also preferred that at least one of the bottom and upper layers includes reinforcing glass fibers. It is desirable that the glass fibers are in the form of a woven mat. It is also preferred that the thermoplastic material in each layer is polypropylene. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, an automotive structural member includes bottom and upper layers made from a mat material having a substantial content of thermoplastic material and a core layer made from a structurally rigid thermoplastic material constructed with many pockets of space in the form of a foam or lattice. Preferably the thermoplastic in the bottom , core, and upper layers is polypropylene. The bottom layer, core layer, and upper layer are molded together in an integrated form by molding under pressure between two closed mold dies to bond the bottom and upper layers to the core layer.
It is preferable that the core layer is a honeycomb lattice with walls extending from the bottom layer to the upper layer. It is also preferred that at least one of the bottom and top layers includes reinforcing glass fibers where it is preferred that the fibers are in the form of woven glass . In one embodiment, the upper layer is topped with a layer decorative material such as of thermoplastic backed carpet with said decorative layer being molded with and forming part of the automotive structural member.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Reference now is made to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of layers for a composite molded panel article;
Figure 2 is a schematic side elevation view of an open mold with the layers shown in figure 1;
Figure 3 is a view similar to figure 2 illustrating the mold dies moved to a closed position;
Figure 4 is a fragmentary segmented view of the molded article removed from the mold shown in figure 3 ; and
Figure 5 is a view similar to figure 4 illustrating an alternate embodiment in accordance with the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring now to figure 1, a core layer 10 is shown that is made from polypropylene and having a honeycomb lattice structure with spaces 11 incorporated therein surrounded by vertically oriented walls 13. The core layer 10 is interposed between two layers 12 and 14 of a balance weave of a blend of glass fibers and polypropylene. Depending on the application, the glass content may vary from 50% to 75% content in the layers 12 and 14. A carpet layer 16 with a polypropylene backing 18 is adjacent upper layer 14.
The layers 12 and 14 are heated to a surface temperature of 400° degrees F such that the polypropylene is in a molten moldable state throughout its thickness. Optionally, the core layer 10 and carpet 16 may also be heated for increased moldability in certain applications. The layers 12, 10, 14, and carpet 16 are then transferred to an unheated mold assembly 20. The mold assembly 20 has a lower mold die 22 and complementary upper die member 24.
The layers are placed in order with the bottom layer 12, core layer 10, upper layer 14 and carpet 16. The mold assembly is then closed as shown in figure 3 immediately after the layers 10, 12, 14, and 16 are correctly positioned therein. The heat from the layers 12 and 14 undergoing low pressure from the mold assembly bonds the layers 12 and 14 to the honeycomb lattice core layer 10 and the polypropylene backing 18 of the carpet layer 16 to upper layer 14. The walls 13 of honeycomb lattice core layer 10 extend from the bottom layer 12 to the upper layer 14. The mold dies are at ambient temperature and not heated by any source other than what heat the layers 12, 10, and 14 transfers to the mold dies. A conventional cooling mechanism (not shown) dissipates excess heat from the mold assembly. A minimal low pressure of 5 bars provides sufficient compressive force to achieve part configuration and bonding of the layers within the mold assembly.
The mold assembly remains under pressure until the polypropylene resolidifies which can, depending on the application and thickness of the materials, range between 30 and 140 seconds. The mold is then opened and a finished structural member 26 is formed as shown in figure 4. An alternate embodiment is shown in figure 5.
In this structural member 30, the core layer 32 is a polypropylene foam material with many irregularly positioned spaces 33 such as a foam or sponge has. This replaces the regularly positioned spaces in previously illustrated honeycomb lattice. Furthermore, this member 30 has no carpet layer. The member 30 only has core layer 32, bottom layer 10 and upper layer 14. The molding process outside of eliminating the carpet layer is identical to that previously described. In this fashion, an expeditious process forms an automotive structural member such as an interior trim panel or exterior bumper. The member is structurally self-supportive that can withstand stress and weight. Furthermore, the member may be recycled or otherwise made from recycled thermal plastic material . Furthermore, the structural member may have a cosmetic carpeted surface or other decorative material molded onto the member.
Other variations and modifications are possible without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMSThe embodiments in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows :
1. A process for forming an automotive structural member characterized by the steps of:
providing a bottom layer of a heated flexible mat material having a content of thermoplastic material ; providing a heated core layer of structurally supportive thermoplastic material constructed with many pockets of space in the form of one of a foam or lattice; providing an upper layer of heated flexible mat material having a content of thermoplastic material ; placing the heated bottom layer, core layer and upper layer into an open mold; closing the mold and molding said bottom layer, said core layer, and said upper layer under pressure between two closed mold dies until cooled and said thermoplastic material in said bottom, core layer and upper layers is resolidified to bond said bottom and upper layers to said core layer; opening said mold dies and removing the molded formed structural member.
2. A process as defined in claim 1 further characterized by: said core layer being lattice in the form of a honeycomb shape with walls extending from the bottom layer to the upper layer.
3. A process as defined in claim 1 further characterized by: at least one of said bottom and upper layers including reinforcing glass fibers.
4. A process as defined in claim 3 further characterized by: said fibers being in the form of woven glass.
5. A process as defined in claim 4 further characterized by: said thermoplastic in said lattice, bottom, and upper layers being polypropylene.
6. A process as defined in claim 4 further characterized by: said upper layer being topped with a layer of thermoplastic backed carpet with said carpet being molded with and forming part of said automotive structural member.
7 A molded automotive structural member characterized by: a bottom layer made from a mat material having a substantial content of thermoplastic material; a core layer made from a structurally rigid thermoplastic material constructed with many pockets of space in the form of one of a foam or lattice; an upper layer made from a mat material having a substantial content of thermoplastic material; said core layer, bottom layer and upper layer being adhered in an integrated form by molding under pressure between two closed mold dies to bond said bottom and upper layers to said core layer;
8. An automotive structural member as defined in claim 7 further characterized by: said core layer being a lattice having a honeycomb shape with walls extending from the bottom layer to the upper layer.
9. An automotive structural member as defined in claim 7 further characterized by: at least one of said bottom and top layers including reinforcing glass fibers.
10. An automotive structural member as defined in claim 8 further characterized by: said fibers being in the form of woven glass .
11. An automotive structural member as defined in claim 9 further characterized by: said thermoplastic in said lattice, bottom, and upper layers being polypropylene.
12. An automotive structural member as defined in claim 10 further characterized by: said upper layer being topped with a layer of thermoplastic backed carpet with said carpet being molded with and forming part of said automotive structural member.
13. An automotive structural member as defined in claim 10 further characterized by: said upper layer being topped with a layer of decorative material with said decorative material being molded with and forming part of said automotive structural member.
PCT/US1999/023368 1998-10-07 1999-10-07 A molded automotive structural member and process for making same WO2000020186A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU14432/00A AU1443200A (en) 1998-10-07 1999-10-07 A molded automotive structural member and process for making same

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US16768398A 1998-10-07 1998-10-07
US09/167,683 1998-10-07

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
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Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2003011622A1 (en) * 2001-07-27 2003-02-13 Brose Fahrzeugteile Gmbh & Co. Kg, Coburg Door module
EP2243611A3 (en) * 2003-03-20 2014-01-29 Webasto AG Method for manufacturing a vehicle body part
CN106414052A (en) * 2013-12-06 2017-02-15 康廷南拓结构塑料有限公司 Open area core with chopped fiber reinforced skin

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4013810A (en) * 1975-08-22 1977-03-22 The Babcock & Wilcox Company Sandwich panel construction
US4315050A (en) * 1980-01-25 1982-02-09 Norfield Corporation Laminates structure of an expanded core panel and a flat sheet of material which does not easily bond and a process for making the same
US4937125A (en) * 1987-06-19 1990-06-26 Etat Francais Lightweight sandwich designed for making multilayer structures resistant to impact and thermal aggressions
US5043127A (en) * 1986-10-22 1991-08-27 Schreiner Luchtvaart Groep B.V. Method of making a shaped article from a sandwich construction
US5087500A (en) * 1989-03-28 1992-02-11 Basf Aktiengesellschaft Multilayer panel
US5238725A (en) * 1990-12-21 1993-08-24 E. I. Du Pont De Nemours And Company Method for forming a structural panel with decorative facing and product thereof

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4013810A (en) * 1975-08-22 1977-03-22 The Babcock & Wilcox Company Sandwich panel construction
US4315050A (en) * 1980-01-25 1982-02-09 Norfield Corporation Laminates structure of an expanded core panel and a flat sheet of material which does not easily bond and a process for making the same
US5043127A (en) * 1986-10-22 1991-08-27 Schreiner Luchtvaart Groep B.V. Method of making a shaped article from a sandwich construction
US4937125A (en) * 1987-06-19 1990-06-26 Etat Francais Lightweight sandwich designed for making multilayer structures resistant to impact and thermal aggressions
US5087500A (en) * 1989-03-28 1992-02-11 Basf Aktiengesellschaft Multilayer panel
US5238725A (en) * 1990-12-21 1993-08-24 E. I. Du Pont De Nemours And Company Method for forming a structural panel with decorative facing and product thereof

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2003011622A1 (en) * 2001-07-27 2003-02-13 Brose Fahrzeugteile Gmbh & Co. Kg, Coburg Door module
EP2243611A3 (en) * 2003-03-20 2014-01-29 Webasto AG Method for manufacturing a vehicle body part
CN106414052A (en) * 2013-12-06 2017-02-15 康廷南拓结构塑料有限公司 Open area core with chopped fiber reinforced skin
EP3077195A4 (en) * 2013-12-06 2017-07-26 Continental Structural Plastics, Inc. Open area core with chopped fiber reinforced skin
CN107253354A (en) * 2013-12-06 2017-10-17 赛史品威奥（唐山）结构复合材料有限公司 Hollow structure core with short fiber reinforced surface

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