Donald W Boehlke

US Patent:

56501153, Jul 22, 1997

Filed:

Oct 16, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/543496

Inventors:

Gary K. Proos - Grand Rapids MI
Donald W. Boehlke - Grand Rapids MI
Theodore Melvin Sarver - Grandville MI

Assignee:

Plastic Mold Technology Incorporated - Grand Rapids MI

International Classification:

B29C 4514
B29C 6102
B29C 5902

US Classification:

264400

Abstract:

A method for making air bag covers includes enclosing leather or other covering material in a mold, advancing a projection on a mold portion against a covering material to form a tear seam, and injecting moldable material behind the covering material to form a backing layer bonded to the material while forming an aligned groove in the backing layer. Embossing a desired pattern in the leather or covering material with a design in the mold cavity is also disclosed. A method for molding leather covered, resinous articles using a preformed, preshrunk leather piece, which articles optionally have designs, indicia or enhanced leather graining embossed during molding, is also disclosed.

US Patent:

53359356, Aug 9, 1994

Filed:

Aug 31, 1992

Appl. No.:

7/940206

Inventors:

Gary K. Proos - Grand Rapids MI
Theodore M. Sarver - Grandville MI
Donald W. Boehlke - Grand Rapids MI

Assignee:

Plastic Mold Technology Incorporated - Grand Rapids MI

International Classification:

B60R 2116

US Classification:

280728B

Abstract:

A molded air bag cover for vehicle supplemental occupant restraint systems includes a resinous plastic top wall having a leather or other covering layer bonded thereto and a securing member for attaching the cover to the vehicle. A frangible tear pattern in the covered top wall allows separation for air bag deployment. The tear pattern has a reduced thickness provided by an indented tear seam in the leather or other covering inner surface and an aligned groove in the resinous top wall. A method for making air bag covers includes enclosing leather or other covering material in a mold, advancing a projection on a mold portion against the covering material to form a tear seam, and injecting moldable material behind the covering material to form a backing layer bonded to the material while forming an aligned groove. Embossing a desired pattern in the leather or covering material with a design in the mold cavity is also disclosed. An article and method for molding leather covered, resinous articles having designs, indicia or enhanced leather graining embossed during molding are also disclosed.