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:
Jan. 01, 2013
Filed:
Jan. 03, 2008
Tony M. Pokorzynski, Holland, MI (US);
Heather Rae Springer, West Olive, MI (US);
Nels R. Smith, Zeeland, MI (US);
Bart W. Fox, Zeeland, MI (US);
John C. Hinken, Hudsonville, MI (US);
Jeffery T. Stout, Grand Rapids, MI (US);
Jason M. Hipshier, Hudsonville, MI (US);
Tony M. Pokorzynski, Holland, MI (US);
Heather Rae Springer, West Olive, MI (US);
Nels R. Smith, Zeeland, MI (US);
Bart W. Fox, Zeeland, MI (US);
John C. Hinken, Hudsonville, MI (US);
Jeffery T. Stout, Grand Rapids, MI (US);
Jason M. Hipshier, Hudsonville, MI (US);
Johnson Controls Technology Company, Holland, MI (US);
Abstract
An apparatus and method for making a trim panel. The method includes providing a preform laminate including a compressible material sandwiched between a flexible skin and a back skin. Positioning the preform laminate in the mold. Placing an insert with the preform laminate in the mold to created a step to establish a seam location and define a secondary area on the preform laminate. Compressing the compressible material by introducing a molten polymeric material to the mold forming a substrate and bonding the substrate to the preform laminate forming the trim component. The preform laminate folds onto itself and creates a crease along the step to simulate the seam and provide a contour change with the appearance of cushioning in the secondary area, and removing the trim panel component from the mold.