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Fabrication of multiple color, gauge, and texture interior auto components

  • US 5,705,005 A
  • Filed: 05/01/1996
  • Issued: 01/06/1998
  • Est. Priority Date: 05/01/1996
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A method of making a finishing panel by bonding first and second automotive trim coverstock segments having elongated edges to respective first and second rigid substrate components each having a mating flange defining one end thereof to form first and second coverstock substrate subassemblies and subsequently joining the respective coverstock-substrate subassemblies together along their respective mating flanges such that a finishing panel is formed with the coverstock segments meeting along a finished joint line, said method comprising the steps of:

  • mating and joining said elongated edges of the coverstock segments together to form a rough seam;

    supporting the first and second rigid substrate components on respective first and second movable mold components each having a clamping surface with the substrate mating flanges engaging respective clamping surfaces of the mold components;

    locating the moveable mold components in a spaced-apart open position;

    bonding the joined coverstock segments to upper surfaces of the substrate components with a portion of the joined coverstock segments spanning the space between the open mold components and the rigid substrate component supported thereon with the rough seam lying along the space approximately midway between the mold component clamping surfaces;

    applying pressure along the rough seam to fold the spanning coverstock portion and the rough seam inwardly between the spaced-apart mold component clamping surfaces; and

    moving the mold components to a clamped position with the clamping surfaces causing the substrate mating flanges to sandwich the folded coverstock portion therebetween to thereby form a finished joint line between the coverstock segments and hiding the rough seam, andconnecting the substrate mating flanges and the sandwiched infolded coverstock portion together to complete the panel.

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