Bose Corporation

Netshape Energy Management, LLC

Wayne C Graves

Darin Evans

James R Smith

Steve Palumbo

A mold is provided. First and second materials are introduced into respective first and second portions of the mold to create a first and second parts of the item. The first and second parts of the item are allowed to solidify. The mold is opened and a heating element is inserted into the mold. A section of each of the first and second parts of the item is heated to above their glass transition temperatures with the heating element. The heating element is removed from the mold. The mold is closed such that the sections of the first and second parts of the item come into contact with each other. The sections of the first and second parts are cooled to below their glass transition temperatures to become joined. The mold is opened such that the item can be removed from the mold.

Method of making an item and item

Standardized bumper testing includes a barrier adapted for testing vehicle bumper impact strength and engagement. The present improvement includes first and/or second thermoformed components attached to the barrier to replicate a profile and crush characteristics of a 'generic' vehicle bumper. The first face component is an energy absorbing component with crush boxes for impact absorption, and replicates an energy absorber. The second component covers the first component and replicates a fascia.

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Royal Oak, MI, United States of America

Wayne C Graves