Publishing Venue
The IP.com Prior Art Database
Abstract
An armrest and a bolster for use in a vehicle is disclosed. The armrest/bolster
includes a substrate (e.g., plastic) with an in-molded flexible material (e.g., fabric). The inmolded
"hammock" armrest or bolster utilizes the insert molded fabric, which is at least partially unsupported and free to flex as a load is applied to it, to create a cushion and soft feel.
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IN-MOLDED "HAMMOCK" ARMREST & BOLSTER FOR VEHICLE
Abstract
An armrest and a bolster for use in a vehicle is disclosed. The armrest/bolster includes a substrate (e.g., plastic) with an in-molded flexible material (e.g., fabric). The in- molded "hammock" armrest or bolster utilizes the insert molded fabric, which is at least partially unsupported and free to flex as a load is applied to it, to create a cushion and soft feel.
Description
Current door armrests have a molded plastic base around which a soft cover material such as a molded TPO cover is wrapped. The armrest sub-assembly is then attached by snapping or heat staking/sonicing/screwing it to the door substrate. This in-molded "hammock" may be used for any of a variety of vehicle applications such as armrests (e.g., in doors, consoles, etc.), bolsters (e.g., in door panels, etc.).
The armrest described further below and illustrated in the Figures includes a door substrate (preferably made of plastic) with an in-molded substrate (such as a fabric, a composite material such as a fake leather with imbedded lycra, or other similar type materials). The in- molded "hammock" armrest & bolster utilizes an insert molded fabric for an armrest or bolster that is at least partially unsupported.
Referring to the Figures, a door is shown with an integrated bolster and armrest. The integrated bolster and armrest utilizes a die-cut, compressible substrate, such as a closed cell foam that is die-cut and attached (via pressure sensitive adhesives or like processes) to the vac- form sheet. The part is then placed into a tool and plastic is molded around the assembly...
