Patent ID: 6926784
Filing Date: 2005-08-09
Classification: B60R

Abstract:
1. A method for reducing noise in an automotive vehicle, comprising: (a) providing an automated system that includes a mini-applicator having an extruder; (b) elevating a temperature of an expandable acoustical material with the automated system thereby softening the expandable material without substantially expanding the expandable material; (c) providing a surface of a member of the automotive vehicle, the member being positioned in a beltline location of the automotive vehicle upon assembly of the vehicle; (d) extruding with the mini-applicator the thermally expandable plastic acoustical material at the elevated temperature onto the surface; (e) bonding the expandable material to the surface wherein the expandable material includes a plurality of nodes, which are substantially spaced apart from each other; (f) activating the expandable material to initiate formation of a cellular foam by exposing the expandable material to temperatures ranging from about 145° C. to about 210° C. in an automobile e-coat operation; and (g) expanding the expandable material such that the cellular foam exhibits a relatively high degree of sound absorption, wherein: