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:
Feb. 28, 2006
Filed:
May. 16, 2003
David James Dooley, Troy, MI (US);
Mark Fero, Clinton Township, MI (US);
David James Dooley, Troy, MI (US);
Mark Fero, Clinton Township, MI (US);
Lear Corporation, Southfield, MI (US);
Abstract
The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing an interior trim panel assembly having an integrated soft-touch area for improved aesthetic trim component quality. The method of manufacturing a trim panel assembly for the interior of a vehicle having an integrated soft-touch area of the present invention includes placing a molded trim panel including a coverstock having an exposed outer surface and a foam backing disposed opposite the outer surface and a rigid substrate having at least one aperture bonded to the coverstock into a mold cavity. The method of manufacture further includes separating the bonded coverstock and rigid polymer substrate in a localized area to define an internal chamber accessible by the aperture. The method of manufacture also includes injecting soft foam into the internal chamber through the aperture so as to be juxtaposed between the coverstock and the rigid polymer substrate in at least one predetermined location to define an integrated soft-touch area.