Philip L Guthrie

US Patent:

60488093, Apr 11, 2000

Filed:

Jun 3, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/868312

Inventors:

Mark J. Brow - Allen Park MI
Philip L. Guthrie - Farmington Hills MI

Assignee:

Lear Automotive Dearborn, Inc. - Southfield MI

International Classification:

D04H 100

US Classification:

442364

Abstract:

An improved headliner material is formed of two layers formed from two types of polyester fibers. The polyester layers include both binder and non-binder fibers. The binder fibers are provided by an adhesive sheath that melts to secure the binder and non-binder fibers together. The layers are provided with different percentages of binder fibers. One layer is provided with 20% to 30% of binder fibers, with the remainder being non-binder fibers. This layer is less rigid, and provides loft and sound absorption to the headliner material. The other layer is provided with a greater percentage of binder fibers, and preferably, 40% to 60% binder fibers. This layer provides structure and rigidity to the headliner material.

US Patent:

58538437, Dec 29, 1998

Filed:

Mar 8, 1996

Appl. No.:

8/614827

Inventors:

Tushar M. Patel - Macomb Township MI
Stuart G. Boyd - North Street MI
Mark J. Brow - Allen Park MI
Philip L. Guthrie - Farmington Hills MI

Assignee:

UT Automotive Dearborn, Inc. - Dearborn MI

International Classification:

B32B 312

US Classification:

428116

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.