Davidson Textron Inc.

Textron Automotive Company Inc.

Textron Automotive Interiors, Inc.

Maureen M Lein

Alfred T Poliquin

Gerard L Vachon

Richard W Finch

Mark E Dukeshire

Richard C Eisfeller

John B Clark

Ellen Lord

Robert D Sparling

Stephen P McLaughlin

Scott M Filion

Chinsoo Stephen Lee

Jeffrey Dale Goad

John A Grimes

Marie J Hersman

Adam Murano

Mark Burns

John T Russell

Gary F Pelletier

A metallized article and method for making the article, including a substrate having a polyurethane basecoat disposed thereon, with a layer of electrically discrete metallic islands of a corrosion prone metal disposed on the basecoat. A cross-linked polyurethane topcoat, containing an aminosilane, is further disposed on an encapsulates the discrete metallic islands.

Cross-linking top coat for metallic island coating systems

A process for manufacturing a metallized substrate using the island coating method, includes depositing a coating layer containing a radiation curable non-volatile film former. The coated part is then vacuum metallized to form the metal islands of the present invention. A layer of clear resinous protective dielectric topcoat containing a radiation curable non-volatile film former is then deposited to completely cover the layer of metal islands while maintaining the aesthetic properties of the metallizing island coating system at a reduced cost and with minimal variability among parts.

Radiation cured island coating system

A process for manufacturing a metallized part comprises the following steps. A part is provided made from a substrate material selected from the group consisting of thermoplastic urethane (TPU), TPU alloys, polyester alloys, nylon, thermoplastic olefins (TPO) and aluminum. A single protective layer (combined primer/basecoat) is spray deposited, flashed and cured over the substrate. Over the combined primer/basecoat layer, a layer of corrosion prone metal is vacuum deposited to form a discontinuous film covering the combined primer/basecoat layer. A layer of clear resinous protective dielectric topcoat is spray deposited and cured to completely cover the layer of vacuum deposited corrosion prone metal material and fill channels formed in the discontinuous film layer.

Combined primer/basecoat island coating system

A process for manufacturing a metallized part using the island coating method, including spray depositing a primer layer, basecoat layer, or combined primer/basecoat layer. Each layer contains an increased amount of film forming polymer by using liquid CO.sub.2 as a supplemental carrier along with a reduced amount of organic solvent carrier thereby reducing waste disposal costs and environmental concerns. Further, this modified island coating system can be used to deposit layers of 1.5 to 2.0 mils thick and maintain the aesthetic properties of the metallizing island coating system at a reduced cost and with minimal variability among parts.

Reduced solvent island coating system

The soft interior trim panel (52) includes a substrate (54), a foam layer (56) and a flexible skin (58). An electrical switch (60) is supported by the trim panel (52) adjacent to the flexible skin (58). A contoured area (62) and indicia (64) indicate the location of a switch (60) under the flexible skin (58). A clear coat (65) is applied to protect the flexible skin (58) and the indicia (64). The switch (60) is closed by applying pressure to the flexible skin (58) on the contoured area (62). The contoured area (62) can be a depression or indentation as well as a raised area. The indicia (64) can be provided using luminescent ink.

Armrest electrical switch arrangement with soft interior trim panel

Growing community of inventors

Chester, NH, United States of America

Maureen M Lein