Compression-molded composite panel including a living hinge having a score line which functions as a style line

摘要

A compression-molded, composite panel for a vehicle interior is provided. A substantially continuous facing material layer has an outwardly-facing surface for display in the interior of the vehicle. The facing material layer is bonded to the outer surface of a first skin of the panel by press molding. The press molding forms a first portion of the panel and a second portion of the panel pivotally connected to the first portion. A living hinge includes a portion of the facing material layer which allows the second portion of the panel to pivot between different use positions relative to the first portion of the panel. A score line formed by the press molding in the outwardly-facing surface of the portion of the facing material layer at least partially defines the living hinge and functions as a style line to mask facing material damage or imperfections at the outwardly-facing surface.

主权项

1. A compression-molded, composite panel for a vehicle interior, the panel comprising:
first and second skins and a core positioned between the skins and having a large number of cavities, the first skin having an outer surface; a substantially continuous facing material layer having an outwardly-facing surface for display in the interior of the vehicle, the skins being bonded to the core and the facing material layer being bonded to the outer surface of the first skin by press molding, the press molding forming a first portion of the panel and a second portion of the panel pivotally connected to the first portion; a living hinge including a portion of the facing material layer which allows the second portion of the panel to pivot between different use positions relative to the first portion of the panel; and a score line formed by the press molding in the outwardly-facing surface of the portion of the facing material layer to at least partially define the living hinge and function as a style line to mask facing material damage or imperfections at the outwardly-facing surface.