Abstract: Provided is a composite sandwich panel. The composite sandwich panel includes a core, a first thermoplastic layer applied to a first side of the core, and a second thermoplastic layer applied to a second side of the core. The core is provided in the form of a wave board formed from natural fiber. Also provided is a process for manufacturing a composite sandwich panel. The process comprises extruding a first and second thermoplastic layer into respective flat sheets, forming a consolidated natural fibrous mat, and molding the consolidated natural fibrous mat into a consolidated core having a predetermined geometry. The first and second thermoplastic layers, as well as the consolidated core are heated to a predetermined molding temperature. The heated consolidated core is placed between the heated first and second thermoplastic layers, and the assembly is molded in a molding press into a desired shape determined by product design intent.

Abstract: A thermoformed article is disclosed that includes a self-supporting structural base layer, a covering applied to a first side of the base layer, and one or more secondary features co-injected upon a second side of the base layer. The covering and the secondary features of the thermoformed article are applied to the base layer during the same molding operation. Also disclosed is a process for forming a thermoformed article that includes placing a covering in a mold tool as a first layer, placing a self-supporting structural base layer in the mold tooling as a second layer, closing the mold tooling with the covering and base layer, and co-injecting upon a side of the base layer opposite to the covering one or more secondary features.

Abstract: A thermoformed article is disclosed that includes a self-supporting structural base layer, a covering applied to a first side of the base layer, and one or more secondary features co-injected upon a second side of the base layer. The covering and the secondary features of the thermoformed article are applied to the base layer during the same molding operation. Also disclosed is a process for forming a thermoformed article that includes placing a covering in a mold tool as a first layer, placing a self-supporting structural base layer in the mold tooling as a second layer, closing the mold tooling with the covering and base layer, and co-injecting upon a side of the base layer opposite to the covering one or more secondary features.

Abstract: Provided is a composite sandwich panel. The composite sandwich panel includes a core, a first thermoplastic layer applied to a first side of the core, and a second thermoplastic layer applied to a second side of the core. The core is provided in the form of a wave board formed from natural fiber. Also provided is a process for manufacturing a composite sandwich panel. The process comprises extruding a first and second thermoplastic layer into respective flat sheets, forming a consolidated natural fibrous mat, and molding the consolidated natural fibrous mat into a consolidated core having a predetermined geometry. The first and second thermoplastic layers, as well as the consolidated core are heated to a predetermined molding temperature. The heated consolidated core is placed between the heated first and second thermoplastic layers, and the assembly is molded in a molding press into a desired shape determined by product design intent.

Abstract: A thermoformed article is disclosed that includes a self-supporting structural base layer, a covering applied to a first side of the base layer, and one or more secondary features co-injected upon a second side of the base layer. The covering and the secondary features of the thermoformed article are applied to the base layer during the same molding operation. Also disclosed is a process for forming a thermoformed article that includes placing a covering in a mold tool as a first layer, placing a self-supporting structural base layer in the mold tooling as a second layer, closing the mold tooling with the covering and base layer, and co-injecting upon a side of the base layer opposite to the covering one or more secondary features.

Abstract: A removable flipper panel system for a vehicle includes a rod housing mounted on a seat support member which is movable with respect to a load floor of the vehicle. A load bearing blow-molded hard panel hides the gap which is formed between seat and load floor when the seat moves. The system includes a rod and spring assembly mechanism having a configuration to sustain the panel in adjustable positions between a generally planar position and an upright position. The flipper panel attaches to the seat to provide movement for the panel in the planar position to hide the gap and space between the seat and the load floor and to maximize the cargo area. The attachment of the flipper panel to the seat has a locking feature permitting the flipper panel to be removed easily.

Abstract: A removable flipper panel system for a vehicle includes a rod housing mounted on a seat support member which is movable with respect to a load floor of the vehicle. A load bearing blow-molded hard panel hides the gap which is formed between seat and load floor when the seat moves. The system includes a rod and spring assembly mechanism having a configuration to sustain the panel in adjustable positions between a generally planar position and an upright position. The flipper panel attaches to the seat to provide movement for the panel in the planar position to hide the gap and space between the seat and the load floor and to maximize the cargo area. The attachment of the flipper panel to the seat has a locking feature permitting the flipper panel to be removed easily.