Donald E Ray

US Patent:

43083072, Dec 29, 1981

Filed:

Feb 1, 1980

Appl. No.:

6/117714

Inventors:

Gerald A. Heath - Canton Township, Plymouth County MI
Donald J. Ray - Plymouth MI
Kenneth H. Woodrich - Rochester MI

Assignee:

Ford Motor Company - Dearborn MI

International Classification:

B32B 300

US Classification:

428167

Abstract:

A panel suitable for use as an engine compartment closure panel provides improved function and surface finish and buckles forward of its rearward edge across its width upon impact at its forward edge. The panel has a smooth outer surface and an inner surface bearing integrally formed reinforcing members. The inner surface and reinforcing members have definition comprising A. opposing first and second rib patterns comprising ribs diagonally extending sufficiently across the inner surface so as to intersect one another between the forward and rearward edges and provide torsional rigidity to the panel; B. a medial rib pattern comprising a rib that extends across the width of the inner surface; C. a rearward rib pattern comprising a rib that extends from the medial rib pattern to the rearward edge; and D. a panel weakening pattern that enables buckling of the panel along a line adjacent to the medial rib pattern and comprising: 1.

US Patent:

43538576, Oct 12, 1982

Filed:

Feb 1, 1980

Appl. No.:

6/117728

Inventors:

Donald J. Ray - Plymouth MI
Kenneth H. Woodrich - Rochester MI

Assignee:

Ford Motor Company - Dearborn MI

International Classification:

B29D 302
B29G 100

US Classification:

264258

Abstract:

A method is provided for producing a compression molded, fiber reinforced, plastic panel comprising a plate having an outer surface and an inner surface bearing integrally molded reinforcing members, which method comprises A. Providing a mold with heated first and second mold members that close to form a configuration for the panel, one of the mold members having a surface interrupted by rib-forming chambers having a width about equal to or less than the thickness of the plate and a depth at least equal to the thickness; B. Introducing molding compounds between the mold members in layers positioned one atop another a first part of the layers comprising thermo setting resin and relatively short chopped fibers and the other part comprising thermo setting resin and relatively long chopped fibers; C. Closing the mold members upon the molding compound at a relatively high pressure to cause flow of the molding compound whereby the relatively short fibers flow into the rib-forming chambers; D. Reducing the pressure and permitting the molding compound to at least substantially cure at such reduced pressure; E.