Abstract: Panel construction for forming upholstery panels for use in automotive vehicles and the like, where a plastic substrate which has been formed to a desired configuration, is placed over a grounded metal horn, a layer of adhesive fabric is placed over the substrate, a layer of heat bondable foam is placed over the adhesive fabric, a cover layer is placed over the foam, heat seal punches connected to the positive output of a source of electrical energy are selectively brought in horizontally on all sides of the panel perimeter to successively compress the cover and foam against the sides of the substrate. Electrical energy is applied to the heat seal punches when in selective engaged position to melt the adhesive and the foam, and fasten the cover to the substrate. The punches are withdrawn and the completed panel is removed from the horn.

Abstract: An improved automotive door panel construction which includes a backing layer of vacuum formed plastic, with a padding layer of polyester fiber thereon, a layer of dry heat activated adhesive, and a covering layer with the layers joined around the perimeter of the panel in a formed trough between die members, to which radio frequency energy is applied to cause the adhesive and plastic to melt, and the layers to join together in a three dimensional dielectric seal. The outer covering is stretched during joining to remove wrinkles and provide an improved finished product.

Abstract: A vent cover for automotive type dashboards which includes a length of expanded plastic mesh which is sandwiched between a strip of vinyl and a strip of vinyl reinforced fabric which go around the perimeter of the mesh, and are engaged by a plurality of rivets which are around the perimeter of the vent opening on the underside of the dashboard, extend through holes in the strips, and which rivets are staked by a heated die.

Abstract: A handle which includes a ribbon like metal strip, which has a center portion and at each end has a flat end plate. A covering is provided around the strip, which has integral end blocks to engage the strip end plates. The end plates have openings with grommets therein which extend above the end plates. A retainer pin extends through each end plate and into contact with a part of the vehicle or item, the pins nesting in recesses in the end blocks of the covering.