Multi-layer composite vehicle headliner substrate with HIC provisions

• US 20050242627A1
• Filed: 04/29/2004
• Published: 11/03/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 04/29/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: FCA US LLC (Stellantis NV)
• Original Assignee: Daimler Chrysler Corporation (Mercedes-Benz Group AG)
• Inventors: Heholt, Susan
• Granted Patent: US 7,014,259 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 296/214
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 13/0225 self supporting head liners
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 13/0243 Doors
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2013/0281 made of a plurality of visible parts
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/0428 associated with the side doors or panels, e.g. displaced towards the occupants in case of a side collision

Abstract

A combination of layered materials for producing a vehicle headliner is provided. The layers include a head impact countermeasure (HIC) layer of co-extruded thermoplastic and a rigid foam layer laid adjacent to the HIC layer and made of a thermoplastic. The layers are subsequently molded together to form the headliner.

Claims

1. A combination of layered materials for producing a vehicle headliner, said layers comprising:

a head impact countermeasure (HIC) layer of co-extruded thermoplastic; and

a rigid foam layer laid adjacent to said HIC layer and made of a thermoplastic, wherein said layers are subsequently molded together to form the headliner.

2. The combination of claim 1 wherein said co-extruded thermoplastic comprises a polypropylene composite.

3. The combination of claim 1 further comprising an acoustical scrim layer made of one of polyester and polypropylene.

4. The combination of claim 1 further comprising a foam layer adjacent to a fabric layer with said fabric layer being positioned as an outer layer, wherein said foam layer and said fabric layers are made of one of polyester and polypropylene.

5. The combination of claim 1 further comprising a light blocking layer made of one of polyester and polypropylene.

6. A vehicle headliner for positioning proximate the interior of a vehicle roof having substantially parallel beams at its outer edges, said headliner comprising:

a head impact countermeasure (HIC) layer of co-extruded thermoplastic, said HIC layer being formed to provide a crush space between at least one of the beams and the HIC layer and;

a rigid foam layer fused to said HIC layer.

7. The combination of claim 6 wherein said co-extruded thermoplastic comprises a polypropylene composite.

8. The combination of claim 6 further comprising an acoustical scrim layer made of one of polyester and polypropylene.

9. The combination of claim 6 further comprising a foam layer adjacent to a fabric layer with said fabric layer being positioned as an outer layer, wherein said foam layer and said fabric layers are made of one of polyester and polypropylene.

10. The combination of claim 6 further comprising a light blocking layer made of one of polyester and polypropylene.