Abstract: A member is provided for reinforcing, sealing or baffling structures of articles of manufacture such as automotive vehicles. The member typically includes a carrier member that is typically at least partially formed of a metal. The member also typically includes an expandable material disposed on the carrier member.

Abstract: An energy management system and device for use in an automotive frame, rail, or other structural component of an automotive vehicle. The frame or rail having a cavity or exposed surface capable of supporting at least one member. The member having an interior portion and an exterior portion with the interior portion being defined by at least one trigger or step change to the geometry of the inner portion to target and direct axial bending of the system. A reinforcing material, such as a polymer-based expandable material, is disposed along the exterior portion of a member prior to final assembly of the vehicle by the vehicle manufacturer. The system is activated as the vehicle undergoes the final vehicle assembly process and paint operation which activates and transforms the reinforcing material to expand, bond and structurally adhere the frame rail to mange, direct, and/or absorb energy in the event of an impact to the vehicle from an applied load or an external force.

Abstract: There is disclosed a baffle having a medium that allows a fluid such as air to flow therethrough.

Abstract: There is disclosed a reinforcement member with a carrier member and a reinforcement material disposed on the carrier member.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an expandable pre-formed plug that is suitable for sealing and/or structurally reinforcing a structure having surfaces defining a space therebetween. The plug is comprised of at least an expandable inner core having an outer surface and a transportable outer skin that preferably substantially encapsulates the core. In a preferred embodiment, the shape of the unexpanded plug is designed to mate with the surfaces that define a space therebetween upon expansion. The adhesive skin is generally dry to the touch at room temperature, however, upon initiation of expansion, the inner core expands and the surrounding skin is displaced in a coordinated manner. After some period of expansion, the outer skin preferably durably adheres or bonds to the walls of the surfaces defining a space therebetween and the outer surface of the core. A method for using such a plug is also disclosed.

Abstract: There is disclosed a baffle. Preferably the baffle is employed for sealing or baffling within a pillar or other structure of an automotive vehicle, although not required.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved attachment system and a method of forming the same. The attachment system typically includes a first member having a first attachment surface and a second member having a second attachment surface. A structural adhesive material is adhered to the first attachment surface and the second attachment surface. Moreover, a sealing material typically seals a gap between the first member and the second member.

Abstract: A member is provided for reinforcing, sealing or baffling structures of articles of manufacture such as automotive vehicles. The member typically includes a carrier member at least partially formed of a metal material and having a cellular structure. The member also typically includes an expandable material disposed on the carrier member.

Abstract: A system for sealing a plurality of panels including a multiplayer seal having a barrier portion and an adhesion portion.

Abstract: There is disclosed a protection system for a heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) system. The protection system includes one or more of a base, a shield and a deflector. The protection system is generally designed for preventing water and debris from flowing into the HVAC system.

Abstract: There is disclosed a sealant material for providing sealing to a substrate and preferably an interface. The sealant material may also include a material, shape, ingredient or otherwise for inhibiting the flow of bubbles throught the material.

Abstract: Parts are provided which combine structural reinforcement of hollow profiles and light weight means of attachment. Optionally, the part may also provide an acoustic baffle. The parts consists of a core coated with expandable structural reinforcing foam on at least part of its surface the core being provided with means for receipt of a nut and means to prevent rotation of the nut. Optionally, a piece of a second expandable material is provided on at least one extremity which can expand to fill the entire cross section of the hollow profile. In a preferred embodiment, the hollow profile is the A, B or C pillar of a vehicle and the nut is used for attaching doors.

Abstract: In the overmoulding of an article channels are provided in the surface of the article to guide the flow of the overmoulding material, in addition holes may be provided across the article to enable flow of the overmoulding material to the side of the carrier remote from the point of injection. The techniques are particular useful in the overmoulding of articles having a lattice or honeycomb structure particularly when produced by injection moulding. When the overmoulding material is foamable the overmoulded articles may be used as acoustic baffles or structural reinforcement for automobiles.

Abstract: A panel structure and a method of forming the panel structure are disclosed. The panel structure typically includes at least one panel associated with a material. The panel structure has been found particularly advantageous for use as an interior panel of an airplane.

Abstract: Laminar mouldings including a foamable material adhering to a moulded substrate are produced by providing a piece of foamable material within a mould and moulding the substrate within the mould at a temperature above the normal foaming temperature of the foamable material so that it adheres to the foamable material but does not cause it to foam. The moulding process may be injection moulding or blow moulding and the mouldings are useful as acoustic baffles or structural reinforcement for automobiles.

Abstract: A structural reinforcement for a hollow member comprising a rigid reinforcing member having a shape that substantially conforms to the cross section of the hollow member to be reinforced with an expandable adhesive material over at least a portion of the surface of the structural reinforcement having one or more extensions on its external surface which control and direct the direction in which the adhesive material expands to bond the reinforcing member to the internal surface of the hollow member, some of the extensions also provide improved reinforcement.

Abstract: There is disclosed a member for sealing, baffling and/or reinforcing components of an automotive vehicle. The assembly generally includes a carrier, an expandable material and at least one fastener.

Abstract: The present invention involves a sealant suitable for sealing substrates of articles of manufacture. In one embodiment, the sealant seals an interface between a first member and a second member. The interface is typically at least partially defined by a gap between the first member and the second member. The sealant is typically activated (e.g., upon exposure to an elevated temperature, to flow and seal the interface. In one preferred embodiment, a plurality of openings are defined in the sealant. Alternatively or additionally, an attachment may be integrated with the sealant such that the attachment can assist in attaching a component of the article of manufacture (e.g., a trim piece of an automotive vehicle) to the sealant.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and assembly for fastening and reinforcing a structural member (e.g., an automotive vehicle pillar, such as an automotive “B” pillar). The assembly preferably includes a structural member having a first and a second portion defining a cavity therebetween. An expandable reinforcement material, such as an epoxy-based reinforcement material, and a spacer are typically disposed within the cavity. The assembly also typically includes a fastener or fastening assembly. In operation, the spacer preferably assists in supporting the first and second portions of the structural member during changes of state (e.g., softening) of the reinforcement material.

Abstract: A synthetic material and articles incorporating the same are disclosed. The synthetic material includes a mass of expandable material and layer or film disposed upon a surface of the expandable material. Preferably, upon expansion of the expandable material, the layer or film contracts for assisting in guiding the expansion of the expandable material.