The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Apr. 26, 2005
Filed:
Sep. 27, 2002
Scott Shields, White Lake, MI (US);
Scott Shields, White Lake, MI (US);
Intier Automotive, Inc., Aurora, CA;
Abstract
A conductive liner includes an electrically non-conductive core layer between two electrically conductive layers. At least one of the two electrically conductive layers includes conductive particles. The electrically conductive layers are capable of conducting sufficient electricity to power at least one electrical component in a vehicle. In a preferred embodiment, the conductive particles are fibers, such as carbon fibers, or the like that are preferably homogeneously dispersed within the conductive layer. The conductive fiber layers provide structural reinforcement to the liner, in addition to providing electrical conductivity. The conductive liner can further include a top and bottom scrim/adhesive layer, as well as a decorative, cover material layer. The present invention eliminates the need for a separate wiring and wire harness as in conventional liners. When the conductive layer comprises reinforcing fiber, the present invention also eliminates the need to have non-conductive reinforcing material, such as fiberglass reinforcing layers to sandwich the core layer of the liner. A method of making the electrically conductive liner of the invention is also disclosed.