Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of manufacturing a thermoformed, form-retaining article comprising a form-retaining thermoformable substrate and a flexible web coverstock. The method comprises feeding a continuous strip of the flexible web coverstock through a thermoforming line comprising at least a lamination station, a thermoforming station and transport means. Sheets of the substrate are fed into the lamination station and there laminated to said continuous strip of coverstock material. The coverstock is wider than the substrate sheetstock laminated thereto, and thus, it extends laterally beyond the sheetstock, i.e., it has free longitudinal edges. The transport means engages the continuous strip of coverstock material along the free longitudinal edges thereof. The transport means is actuated to advance the continuous strip and, hence, each successive piece of substrate laminated thereto from the lamination station into the thermoforming station.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing a compression molded, fiber reinforced, plastic panel comprising a plate having an outer surface and an inner surface bearing integrally molded reinforcing members, which method comprisesA. Providing a mold with heated first and second mold members that close to form a configuration for the panel, one of the mold members having a surface interrupted by rib-forming chambers having a width about equal to or less than the thickness of the plate and a depth at least equal to the thickness;B. Introducing molding compounds between the mold members in layers positioned one atop another a first part of the layers comprising thermo setting resin and relatively short chopped fibers and the other part comprising thermo setting resin and relatively long chopped fibers;C. Closing the mold members upon the molding compound at a relatively high pressure to cause flow of the molding compound whereby the relatively short fibers flow into the rib-forming chambers;D.

Abstract: A panel suitable for use as an engine compartment closure panel provides improved function and surface finish and buckles forward of its rearward edge across its width upon impact at its forward edge. The panel has a smooth outer surface and an inner surface bearing integrally formed reinforcing members. The inner surface and reinforcing members have definition comprisingA. opposing first and second rib patterns comprising ribs diagonally extending sufficiently across the inner surface so as to intersect one another between the forward and rearward edges and provide torsional rigidity to the panel;B. a medial rib pattern comprising a rib that extends across the width of the inner surface;C. a rearward rib pattern comprising a rib that extends from the medial rib pattern to the rearward edge; andD. a panel weakening pattern that enables buckling of the panel along a line adjacent to the medial rib pattern and comprising:1. reduced thickness of the plate forward of the medial rib pattern; and2.