Patent ID: 6149853
Filing Date: 2000-11-21
Classification: B29C,B29L,B60R

Abstract:
A method of manufacturing an automotive interior door panel having a decorative covering displayed to the interior compartment of a vehicle and a rigid substrate having a backing surface, the backing surface having a plurality of energy absorbers integrally molded onto said backing surface, said method comprising the following steps:providing a low pressure injection mold operable between open and closed positions, said mold having a covering receiving surface and an energy absorber producing surface, said energy absorber producing surface producing said energy absorbers;positioning a covering juxtaposed said covering receiving surface while said mold is in the open position;closing said mold and creating a space between said covering and said energy absorber producing surface, said space forming said substrate, said substrate having a nominal cross-sectional thickness between said energy absorbers, said energy absorber producing surface having a plurality of recesses having a width 75% or more of the nominal thickness;injecting a molten plastic material between said covering and said energy absorber producing surface, said molten plastic material filing said space and said recesses; andallowing said molten plastic material to cool and shrink, whereby said substrate produces sink marks at the intersection of said substrate and said energy absorbers that are concealed beneath said covering.