Abstract: A unique headliner includes a pair of spaced polyester fiber mat layers. The polyester fiber layers are preferably felt layers which are needled and consist of a mixture of low and high melt polyester fiber pieces. The low melt fiber pieces are provided with an adhesive sheathing that melts at a low temperature to bond the fiber pieces together. The polyester layers are spaced on opposed side of a polyurethane foam central layer. The combined headliner construction has good strength and acoustic characteristics.

Abstract: An improved headliner utilizes burlap layers to provide strength to the headliner sandwich. The burlap layers are placed on both sides of a central foam core to create an I-beam construction.

Abstract: An improved material for forming vehicle trim panels includes natural fibers formed reinforcing mats. The natural fibers replaced the prior known use of glass fibers. Prior art glass fibers may sometimes cause skin irritation, and the natural fiber eliminates this problem. The fibrous mats are preferably placed on both sides of the central foam layer, and a decorative layer is placed outwardly of one of the fibrous mats. Various naturally occurring fibrous materials such as hemp may be utilized.

Abstract: A unique material is disclosed for use in trim panels, such as headliners. The unique material includes a central polyester honeycomb core, and outer polyester layers providing an I-beam construction. In a most preferred embodiment of this invention, the layers are all formed of polyester such that portions trimmed away from the panel are easily recycled. In addition, since the honeycomb core is formed of a thermoplastic, it is easily molded to desired shapes. The honeycomb core provide good strength to weight characteristics and also good acoustic characteristics.

Abstract: An improved material for forming vehicle trim panels includes natural fibers formed reinforcing mats. The natural fibers replaced the prior known use of glass fibers. Prior art glass fibers may sometimes cause skin irritation, and the natural fiber eliminates this problem. The fibrous mats are preferably placed on both sides of the central foam layer, and a decorative layer is placed outwardly of one of the fibrous mats. Various naturally occurring fibrous materials such as hemp may be utilized.

Abstract: A method of manufacture of a foam core board is described as well as vehicle trim panels made from such board. A foam board having a cell structure including a structure with large cells in a center portion is initially formed. This board is skived into two separate panels, each having one surface with relatively large cell structure and wherein said cells have been opened by the skiving process. This surface acts to promote enhanced sound absorption from the foam core board. This board may be laminated with appropriate decorative material and molded to make contoured resilient vehicle trim panels.

Abstract: A method of manufacture of a foam core board is described as well as vehicle trim panels made from such board. A foam board having a cell structure including a structure with large cells in a center portion is initially formed. This board is skived into two separate panels, each having one surface with relatively large cell structure and wherein said cells have been opened by the skiving process. This surface acts to promote enhanced sound absorption from the foam core board. This board may be laminated with appropriate decorative material and molded to make contoured resilient vehicle trim panels.

Abstract: A process for making a smooth perforated contoured resilient panel of a type suitable for use as a decorative headliner in the passenger compartment of vehicles or the like. A thermoplastic composite laminar sheet comprising a pair of films tenaciously bonded to the opposed faces of an intervening thermoplastic foam core having closed cells containing air and residual blowing agent is perforated in flat sheet form whereafter it is heated to an elevated temperature to effect heat softening and expansion of the foam core resulting in localized dimpled recesses in the faces adjacent to the apertures or perforations. The heated expanded sheet is thereafter thermoformed between appropriately contoured mold surfaces to effect a contouring and compaction of the sheet to a thickness substantially equal to or less than the thickness of the dimpled or recessed sections forming a contoured sheet having substantially smooth exterior surfaces.