Harold J Wolf

US Patent:

61105805, Aug 29, 2000

Filed:

Aug 6, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/130173

Inventors:

Girma Gebreselassie - Southfield MI
Harold G. Wolf - Gibraltar MI
Kurt C. Frisch - Grosse Ile MI
Daniel Klempner - West Bloomfield MI
Vahid Sendijarevic - Troy MI

Assignee:

Lear Corporation - Dearborn MI
University of Detroit Mercy - Detroit MI

International Classification:

B32B 516
B29C 4302

US Classification:

428327

Abstract:

The invention relates to a method for the recycling of trim components of vehicles. The method comprises the steps of shredding manufacturing scrap and post-consumer scrap from vehicle headliners into small particles to produce fluff. This fluff is then combined with water and a binder reagent composed of either polyisocyanates, or polyisocyanates combined with various polyols. The solution of fluff, binder reagent and water are mixed, and then placed in a mold where the mixture is formed into a pre-preg sheet. Subsequently, the pre-preg sheet is subjected to compression molding at elevated temperatures to produce a finished composite trim panel. As part of the final compression molding step, a decorative coverstock can be included to produce a finished trim panel having a decorative cover.

US Patent:

58741364, Feb 23, 1999

Filed:

Oct 17, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/953153

Inventors:

Roger Michna - St. Clara Shores MI
Girma Gebreselassie - Southfield MI
Harold G. Wolf - Gibraltar MI

Assignee:

UT Automotive Dearborn, Inc. - Dearborn MI

International Classification:

B60R 1304

US Classification:

428 31

Abstract:

Several headliner embodiments include a felt layer connected to a cover layer. In the preferred embodiments a pair of felt layers are positioned on both sides of a central mat layer. The mat layer provides loft, while the felt layers in combination with the mat layers provide other desired characteristics for the headliner.

US Patent:

58075135, Sep 15, 1998

Filed:

Jul 8, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/889260

Inventors:

Girma Gebreselassie - Southfield MI
Harold G. Wolf - Gibraltar MI
Kurt C. Frisch - Grosse Ile MI
Daniel Klempner - West Bloomfield MI
Vahid Sendijarevic - Troy MI

Assignee:

UT Automotive Dearborn, Inc. - Dearborn MI

International Classification:

B29C 4302
B29C 4318

US Classification:

264 373

Abstract:

The invention relates to a method for the recycling of trim components of vehicles. The method comprises the steps of shredding manufacturing scrap and post-consumer scrap from vehicle headliners into small particles to produce fluff. This fluff is then combined with water and a binder reagent composed of either polyisocyanates, or polyisocyanates combined with various polyols. The solution of fluff, binder reagent and water are mixed, and then placed in a mold where the mixture is formed into a pre-preg sheet. Subsequently, the pre-preg sheet is subjected to compression molding at elevated temperatures to produce a finished composite trim panel. As part of the final compression molding step, a decorative coverstock can be included to produce a finished trim panel having a decorative cover.

US Patent:

61242225, Sep 26, 2000

Filed:

Jul 8, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/889537

Inventors:

Girma M. Gebreselassie - Southfield MI
Roger B. Michna - St. Clair Shores MI
Harold G. Wolf - Gibraltar MI

Assignee:

Lear Automotive Dearborn, Inc. - Southfield MI

International Classification:

B60J 700
B32B 300

US Classification:

442389

Abstract:

A plurality of vehicle headliners are disclosed formed of a number of different layers. Each headliner includes at least a layer formed of a mixture of binder and non-binder polyester fibers. Each of the headliners also include a cover stock layer. Several of the disclosed embodiments include natural fiber layers which provide additional strength. The inventive headliners are more recyclable than the prior art, and are less irritating to the skin due the elimination of fiberglass.