Patent ID: 6649109
Filing Date: 2003-11-18
Classification: B29C,B29K,B29L,B60R,Y10T

Abstract:
A method for molding an impact resistant automotive part adapted to be attached to an automotive vehicle at a pair of attachment locations spaced a predetermined distance apart, the method comprising the steps of:providing a plurality of blanks of material including at least one layer having tows of fibers comingled with thermoplastic resin material; heating the plurality of blanks; stacking the plurality of blanks to form a stack of blanks; stamping the stack of blanks to form an automotive part having a pair of attachment portions spaced the predetermined distance apart wherein the tows of fibers are being wetted by the thermoplastic resin material to form a thermoplastic reinforced fiber structure which at least partially forms a central shock-absorbing portion and the pair of attachment portions, wherein the central shock-absorbing portion continuously extends between the attachment portions; and providing fixation points or holes in the attachment portions, where the fixation points or holes are located within the thermoplastic reinforced fiber structure and two thermoplastic reinforced fiber structures at least partially form the attachment portions.