Abstract: The present invention relates to an interior automotive trim member comprising a backing substrate, a layer of elastomeric material bonded to and overlying the backing substrate, and a soft skin formed of polyolefinic material. The soft skin is bonded to and overlies the layer of elastomeric material. The soft skin is cured by electron beam curing. The present invention also relates to a method of making a soft skin for use with an interior automotive trim member comprising a backing substrate, a layer of elastomeric material bonded to and overlying the backing substrate, and the soft skin bonded to and overlying the layer of elastomeric material. The method comprises providing a polyolefinic material, and exposing the polyolefinic material to electron beam radiation to cure the polyolefinic material.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
August 16, 1999
Date of Patent:
December 24, 2002
Assignee:
Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
Inventors:
Edmund Joseph Blais, Joseph C. Cassatta, Jeffrey Hampton Helms, Mo-Fung Cheung
Abstract: An oriented thermoplastic film, comprising at least one layer comprising a thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO). Films of the present invention exhibit improved memory properties compared with conventional PVC and shrink films. The films are preferably heat shrinkable, and can comprise two or more layers in a multilayer construction.