Abstract: The present invention includes a moldable, flame retardant acoustical fiber system including a nonwoven, moldable layer of a blend of fibers, with a flame retardant coating applied on both top and bottom sides of the moldable layer. The system also includes a spun bond nonwoven black surface adhered to the flame retardant coating on one side of the nonwoven layer. The moldable, flame retardant acoustical fiber system is configured to meet the UL 94 V-0 flame test standard.

Abstract: The present invention includes a layered acoustical system for sound attenuation in a vehicle including an external decorative layer; a moldable fiber backer adhesively adhered to a back side of the decorative layer, the moldable fiber backer further including an engineered fiber blend including one or more types of thermoplastic fibers and having a first density; a moldable lofted sound absorber and vibration decoupling layer including being made from another engineered fiber blend including one or more types of thermoplastic fibers and having a second density that is less than the first density of the moldable backer, a top side of the vibration decoupling layer being adhesively adhered to the second side of the moldable fiber backer; and an intermediate layer embedded in a location within the vibration decoupling layer to achieve a balance point between transmission loss and sound absorption.

Abstract: The present invention includes a layered acoustical system for sound attenuation in a vehicle including an external decorative layer; a moldable fiber backer adhesively adhered to a back side of the decorative layer, the moldable fiber backer further including an engineered fiber blend including one or more types of thermoplastic fibers and having a first density; a moldable lofted sound absorber and vibration decoupling layer including being made from another engineered fiber blend including one or more types of thermoplastic fibers and having a second density that is less than the first density of the moldable backer, a top side of the vibration decoupling layer being adhesively adhered to the second side of the moldable fiber backer; and an intermediate layer embedded in a location within the vibration decoupling layer to achieve a balance point between transmission loss and sound absorption.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composite shoddy for use in a vehicle interior. To this end, the composite shoddy of the present invention includes an organic material having a predetermined density defining a shoddy bottom layer and a scrim material having a predetermined density defining a scrim top layer. The scrim top layer is adapted to operatively engage a surface material and accommodate movement of a surface material in the shear direction. The composite shoddy further includes a bituminous mastic material having a predetermined density defining a mastic middle layer. The mastic middle layer is disposed between the organic bottom layer and the scrim top layer.

Abstract: A method of making an acoustic insulator includes depositing thermoplastic particulate on a first surface of a base layer. The method further includes heating the particulate such that the particulate at least partially melts and penetrates the first surface of the base layer, thereby increasing density and airflow resistance of the base layer proximate the first surface such that the base layer has an areal mass in the range of 0.1 to 1.0 kg/m2 and an airflow resistance in the range of 300 to 5,000 Nsm?3 proximate the first surface.

Abstract: Methods for reducing surface gloss of a vehicle interior trim component, such as non-carpeted floor coverings. Gloss is reduced by treating a surface of the interior trim component with an energy beam, such as a gas plasma, a flame plasma, or a corona discharge, emitted from a treatment device. A positioning device supports the treatment device in a spaced relationship to the surface. The positioning device causes the treatment device and the interior trim component to be moved relative to each other during the course of the gloss reduction treatment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composite shoddy for use in a vehicle interior. To this end, the composite shoddy of the present invention includes an organic material having a predetermined density defining an organic bottom layer and a scrim material having a predetermined density defining a scrim top layer. The scrim top layer is adapted to operatively engage a surface material and accommodate movement of a surface material in the shear direction. The composite shoddy further includes a mastic material having a predetermined density defining a mastic middle layer. The mastic middle layer is disposed between the organic bottom layer and the scrim top layer.

Abstract: A method of making a porous interior trim system for a vehicle includes applying polyethylene particulate to a back side of a porous carpet layer; heating the carpet layer and the particulate; and molding the carpet layer and a porous layer to achieve a desired shape. Moreover, the polyethylene particulate forms a porous coating that is in direct contact with the porous layer.

Abstract: An improved acoustical system for inhibiting noise in a motor vehicle. The system comprises an impermeable layer and an underlayment adjacent to the impermeable layer. The underlayment includes a first fibrous layer and a second fibrous layer. The underlayment has an airflow resistance between about 2000 and about 5000 mks Rayls.

Abstract: An improved acoustical system for inhibiting noise in a motor vehicle. The system comprises an impermeable layer and an underlayment adjacent to the impermeable layer. The underlayment includes a first fibrous layer and a second fibrous layer. The underlayment has an airflow resistance between about 2000 and about 5000 mks Rayls.