International Automotive Components Group North America, Inc.

Collins & Aikman Products & Co.

Ernie Wilson

Timothy J Allison

Carroll Owenby

Ronnie Lash

Sean Bracken Simmons

Mitchell Whitesell

The present invention relates to surfacing material which may emit radiation in response to exposure to a given light source. Such surfacing material may be polymeric based, and e.g., fiber based, and may be used in relatively low-light areas, including low-light areas as applied to vehicular applications. The fiber-based or molded materials may emit radiation in response to exposure to a selected light source and may be used in relatively dimly lit areas. The materials may also provide a visible contrast to other objects located adjacent their surface which do not emit radiation. Optical brighteners and luminous particles may be included in the materials to make them luminous.

Luminous interior trim material

Sound absorbing/sound blocking products, including trim products formed from a porous fibrous layer backed by a sound absorbing layer and a sound blocking layer for use within vehicles, and methods of making same, are provided. A porous fibrous layer structure including a fibrous layer backing is heated to achieve a fluid or semi-fluid state and then subjected to vacuum to draw air through the fibrous layer backing to create a porous structure. A layer of sound absorbing and a layer of sound blocking material may be applied to the porous fibrous layer backing to provide improved acoustic properties. An underlayment may further be included to provide selected areas of increased thickness and provide tailoring of sound attenuation.

Sound absorbing/sound blocking automotive trim products

Light weight acoustic carpet including porous carpeting backed by a primary sound reducing layer and localized secondary insulators for use within vehicles, and methods of making same, are provided. A porous carpet structure including a carpet backing is heated to achieve a fluid or semi-fluid state and then subjected to intense vacuum to draw air through the carpet backing to create a porous structure. A layer of sound absorbing or insulating material may be applied to the porous carpet structure to provide improved acoustic properties. Secondary sound reducing absorbers/insulators may further be included as part of the molding process to provide selected areas of increased thickness and provide tailoring of sound attenuation.

Growing community of inventors

Albemarle, NC, United States of America

Ernie Wilson