Jerome J Kuhr

US Patent:

60370386, Mar 14, 2000

Filed:

Mar 30, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/050698

Inventors:

Jerome J. Kuhr - Ida MI

Assignee:

Textron Automotive Company Inc. - Troy MI

International Classification:

B32B 320
B60J 500
D01D 524

US Classification:

428188

Abstract:

A vehicle interior trim member comprises trim panel configured to mount on a vehicle interior frame structure. The two ends of a hollow U-shaped handle integrally extend from an outer surface of the trim panel. A tubular interior cavity is disposed within and extends along the length of the handle. Cavity end walls are disposed across respective cavity ends adjacent the handle ends to Strengthen the handle. The handle and trim panel are integrally formed together as a single piece unitary member in a single operation from a single molten material. The cavity end walls may be configured to close off and seal the cavity. A panel aperture may be disposed in the trim panel between the handle ends and a panel plug disposed across the panel aperture, connected to a back surface of the panel by well known means. The cavity is formed in the handle by injecting a fluid such as nitrogen through gas injection nozzles into the molten handle material.